Coping with the deaths of loved ones while maintaining focus on academics is no small feat but for Vinesh Ramnarine, it was a reality he faced and conquered.
The Naparima College student placed seventh regionally in Applied Mathematics and earned an Open Scholarship, a dream shared with his elder brother Varun, who achieved the same milestone three years ago.
Speaking to Guardian Media on Wednesday, Vinesh said the loss of his grandfather, Ramnarine “Tole” Moonilal, in January 2023, and his uncle Rennie Ramnarine, three months later, tested his resilience.
“My grandfather passed away just a few months before Unit 1 exams. It was a tough time. Then my uncle died on the first day of school, and I was out of it mentally,” he said. He still had not healed from the death of his maternal grandmother Lilawatee Pitiman.
Vinesh explained that his family grieved deeply for their losses, especially his father, Raymond Ramnarine, the lead vocalist, songwriter and arranger of the famous crossover chutney soca band Dil-E-Nadan.
“Seeing the grief in my father’s eyes was difficult,” Vinesh recalled.
He revealed how he leaned on his faith during difficult moments, chanting bhajans his grandfather had taught him during long study sessions.
Vinesh credited his success to his family, friends, and teachers from both Happy Hill Hindu School and Naparima College.
“Huge thanks to God for giving me strength, to my parents for their immense work since I was a child, and to my teachers for their lessons. My friends at Naps also played a big part. On tough days, they were always there for me,” he said.
He added that balancing academics with extracurricular activities like music, basketball and video games helped him stay focused.
“Music is embedded in me. I sing bhajans and Bollywood songs, and I play the drums and piano. Music has always been my stress reliever,” he shared.
Vinesh’s elder brother, Varun, played a pivotal role as a mentor.
“I couldn’t ask for a better brother. Varun always gave me advice and prioritised helping me, even when he was busy. He was my guide,” Vinesh said.
Vinesh also stressed the importance of extracurricular activities. At Naparima College, he served as president of the Indian Cultural Club, captain of the school’s Rhythm Section, house captain for Flemington, and a school prefect. He was also a director of the Naparima College Interact Club and a member of the Naps Combined Steel Orchestra, competing in the 2024 Schools Panorama.
Looking ahead, Vinesh aspires to become an aerospace engineer.
“I’ve always loved Physics and Mathematics. I’m currently applying to universities abroad but I hope I get to attend the University of Central Florida,” he said.
For students preparing for exams, Vinesh offered advice: “Stay connected to God. Don’t stress yourself. If you’re prepared, you’ll do well.”
Meanwhile, Vinesh’s father, Raymond, described the grief the family experienced as overwhelming.
“Losing my father and then my brother within months was the biggest heartbreak of my life,” he said.
Despite his busy schedule as a musician, Raymond said he prioritised supporting his children.
“We learned to adapt to my travel schedule, and it made Vinesh a more responsible person,” he said.
Vinesh’s mother, Niala Pitiman-Ramnarine, a former Guardian Media employee, emphasised the importance of being present for her children. Wiping away tears, she said life was tough, especially when Raymond was abroad.
“Parenting is about being there 24/7. Most of the time, they come to me first, and Raymond would joke about that. But it’s about listening to your kids and being their foundation,” she said.
She shared her pride in Vinesh’s accomplishment.
“As a mother, you wish the best for your kids. Seeing him perform exceptionally well and earn this scholarship is a sense of satisfaction. The sacrifices we made were worth it,” she said.
Naparima College students earned nine scholarships this year.
