From Tavua to Medicine: The Inspiring Journey of Dr. David Ashok Makanji
Behind every achievement lies a story of perseverance, and for Dr. David Ashok Makanji, that story begins in Tavua, Fiji. Once the Dux of Tavua College and now a medical doctor, Dr. Makanji is also celebrated as one of the first graduates of the Junior Diplomacy Training Programme at UNA Fiji, a milestone that paved the way for many others.
“I was drawn to UNA Fiji because of its deep commitment to youth leadership and global citizenship,” Dr. Makanji says.
His involvement with UNA Fiji shaped more than his worldview; it influenced his career path.
“The exposure to humanitarian principles and policy discussions inspired me to look beyond clinical practice and consider how I could also be an advocate for equitable healthcare,” Dr. Makanji says.
A person that Dr. Makanji looks up to is Mr Akmal Ali, the Founder and President of UNA Fiji, who guided him throughout medical school and UNA Fiji. From Mr. Akmal Ali, Dr. Makanji learnt that leadership is not just about position, but about consistency, compassion, and courage to take action even when no one is watching
But the road was not without challenges. As a first-generation university student, navigating medical school meant balancing high expectations with the pull of his rural roots.
“Adapting to the academic demands required resilience,” he admits. “I reminded myself why I started: to give back to the community that raised me.”
Today, Dr. Makanji is passionate about public health equity, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment. His goals include specializing in public health or internal medicine, contributing to rural outreach, and mentoring young leaders, and continuing the cycle of guidance that once shaped him.
“UNA Fiji taught me the value of diverse perspectives and the power of youth,” he emphasizes. “As a doctor, I want to not only treat patients but also advocate for systems that are fair and inclusive especially for underserved communities.”
Dr. David Ashok Makanji’s journey is a reminder that even from the smallest towns, voices can rise to make a global impact.
