Today is a day to commemorate the life of a scholar and statesman, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, whose death is remembered on the 30th of May every year.

Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna is one of the heroes who will be remembered not only as the father of modern Fiji but also for his contribution to education.

These are the words of the Education Minister who has reminded all the teachers and students that Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna remains an exemplary role model for all, as he was a man of discipline and persevered to achieve his goals.

Filipe Bole said that the legacy that Ratu Sukuna left behind remains a challenge not only for the students but also for today's leaders.

Bole said no other chief in the country held a university degree other than Ratu Sukuna who achieved a lot by hard work, who had advocated formal education for chiefs, promoted the learning of traditional skills in handicraft, fishing, farming so people did not estrange themselves from their own identity and as a result earned the respect of his people.

He said that travelling from village to village, Ratu Sukuna listened to the common people and took their concerns back to the colonial authorities.

Ratu Sukuna was also instrumental in setting up the Native Land Trust Board.

He was also awarded a knighthood in 1939 for his services to Fiji and as a statesman was instrumental during Fiji's pre-independence period.

Ratu Sukuna was also a war hero that fought for the French Foreign Legion and received their highest medal of honour.

Also, while Fiji has a public holiday to remember statesman Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, the school named after him have had week long celebrations which started on Monday.

School chairperson of the Ratu Sukuna Week Celebrations committee Losalini Tugia said the celebrations are a yearly tradition which is held mainly to instill in the students the teachings of Ratu Sukuna.

Celebrations included poetry, quizzes and singing competitions.