CDU contractor sets stage for wife's graduation ceremony

The graduation of a Charles Darwin University (CDU) postgraduate student was made that much more special recently, with her husband quite literally setting the stage for the ceremony. 

Taking time out from putting the finishing touches on the new Danala | Education and Community Precinct before its official opening earlier this month, Nirmal Jatana – a Raikot Logistics contractor at CDU – was part of the team that prepared the Casuarina Campus graduation ceremony hall for a cohort that included his wife, Rajveer Jatana. 

“I was so proud to be able to do that for Rajveer, it made me very happy,” Nirmal said. 

Soon to enter her second term teaching Years 4 – 5 at Millner Primary School, Rajveer successfully graduated from CDU with a Master of Teaching, strengthening her professional accreditation as part of her learning journey. 

“I taught back in India and have always been passionate about working with children,” Rajveer said. 

“I started at Millner Primary in after school care and became a supervisor and then moved to teaching – the school has wholeheartedly embraced me and I’m very grateful."

Moving to Darwin from Punjab in 2019, the couple’s young daughter – who also attends Millner Primary School – was there to see her mum graduate.  

“Education is important, especially for girls and women, and I’m proud to be able to support some of our youngest students and their families as part of my work,” Rajveer said. 

More than 1,900 students – including 25 PhD students - graduated from CDU in September and October across fields including teaching, health and STEM.