Aspiring doctor looking to promote unity, equality in Guyana

Following the arrival of Independence Day, Guyana has made much progress in certain areas. However, what is sad is that we remain a divided and unreconciled nation with citizens who are not at peace with each other. We still struggle with, among other things, racism, hatred, and inequality.

Chandradatt Jagdeo

But it was Abraham Lincoln, who gracefully said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” As a result, everyone has a role to play in promoting a good life for all in our country. 

One person who has been playing his role by advocating for people to be treated equally despite gender identity or sexual orientation is Chandradatt Jagdeo. The young man noted that his ultimate goal is to make the world a better place. 

Jagdeo was born at home by a midwife on Saturday, the 14th of July 2001, to parents Zabidda Wilfred and Ramesh Jagdeo. He grew up with his younger sister in Adelphi Settlement, East Canje Berbice.

Life for Jagdeo was not an easy one, as the young man recalled that he was “different” from the other males. He disclosed that he was bullied just after completing Nursery School, and it continues onto this very day. 

In 2013, Chandradatt graduated as the 1st runner up at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) for the Rose Hall Estate Primary School. He was also the top student for Social Studies and Science. 

As a result, he was awarded a spot at the St. Roses High School, but due to the distance he would have had to travel to attend school, his parents decided to transfer him to the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary. 

Growing up was semi-normal in the sense that I made friends, but I was often seen as the black sheep since I am ‘different’ from the other boys. The only difference is that I smile more, and I cry less. High school was the Mount Everest of bullying, but it was also that period where I grew some thorns but also blossomed into the person I am today.

In 2018, Chandradatt graduated from the New Amsterdam Secondary School with (11) eleven subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He was also the top performer in Human & Social Biology (HSB). 

Right after CSEC, the young man ventured off to the University of Guyana, where he is presently reading for his Associate Degree in Biology. 

He explained that at a tender age, he was always intrigued by Science and the manner in which it describes and solves the many problems of the world and even beyond to the mysteries of the universe. 

He added that by seeing how Science solves the problems we face on a daily basis, has sparked his passion for becoming a doctor. 

“One specific field that caught my heart is the field of medicine. Just the fact that I can get to meet and help so many different people from all walks of life brings me joy. The stories I have heard, the evidence I have seen with the friendships and bonds formed through the field of medicine makes it all worth the struggles one has to endure. Meeting people, listening to them, learning from them, and exchanging information can make you a better person because you can be able to empathize, relate and connect with them on so many levels, which tends to take you off this bubble and understand what the majority of the world feels other than yourself and you can make their lives better.”

He continued, “The funny thing is that you don’t know if you are helping someone who could one day become the future President of a country, but if that happens, one can feel a sense of pride yet remain humble in realizing you helped someone of that nature. It’s a thrilling and exciting adventure, and I am all about adventures.” 

The 19-year-old revealed that he is passionate about making the world a better place for all and to ensure that we are treated equally, specifically, advocating for Human Rights. 

I am pro-choice and pro LGBTQ. I believe that everyone has a right to choose who or what is best for them, and they should have the right to do what makes them happy. I often use my social media platforms to stand up for what I believe in while simultaneously condemning negative stances such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and bullying. One of the great things we can have is the ability to make a choice. No one should be deprived of that, and I will continue to advocate for those who do not have a voice, especially those in the LGBTQ community.

Despite the number of roadblocks he had to overcome, the 19-year-old attributed his success to the Almighty God, family, and close friends. 

Accrediting my success would be to God firstly, but there are also many other people I have encountered so far in life that have helped me in so many ways. The list is quite a long one from my parents to my dear and closest friends to inspirational celebrities like Taylor Swift.

In his free time, he would typically binge-watch series or WWE. If he is not doing that, he is usually engaged in writing poems, crafting, drawing, and painting as he noted that it helps to distract him from the chaotic world at times.

Jagdeo would like every reading his story to know; 

Bhagavad Gita says, “Action thy duty, reward not thy concern.” No matter how wrong a person may be, or how challenging a situation is, never stop doing good and never give up on life. Don’t let the reward be the motif; instead, let it be love. Truthfully, the rewards we receive as we are alive are nothing compared to the reward the creator has for us, ultimately depending on what we do during this life. Always be a kind and good person, and when that time comes, the creator will reciprocate. There is always away, and you should never give up on your dreams. Be good, do good, and you will live right.

In the future, Jagdeo intends to start a foundation that can help those in need. He noted that the system in which we help the less fortunate is quite biased and corrupt, and he wants to change that. He also sees himself married with kids, a dog, and a comfy little home.