Former Minister for Sports, Rajesh Singh, has recounted his personal journey of survival and resilience during Fiji’s tumultuous period marked by the 1987 coup. Addressing the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Singh reflected on the deep impact this event had on his family, which lost everything overnight, including his father’s construction business. Despite the overwhelming loss, Singh emphasized that the most significant blessing was the survival of his father.
Singh narrated how, during the coup, his father was working in Namosi and received generous support from local landowners, who risked their safety to ensure his safe return to Suva. This act of kindness, transcending racial and political lines, became a powerful reminder of humanity amid chaos.
Rebuilding life after the coup proved to be a considerable challenge for Singh and his family. He shared his experiences of pawning his gold chain for food and selling roti parcels on the streets to make ends meet. Despite the hardship, Singh expressed a sense of pride in his efforts: “We had nothing. I sold food just to survive. People laughed, but I wasn’t ashamed; I was working hard to feed my family,” he stated.
Through these struggles, Singh learned valuable lessons about dignity in hard work, the importance of forgiveness, and the unifying strength of the Fijian community. He noted that while the coup initially divided people, it also highlighted that Fiji’s true strength lies in its compassionate citizens rather than in political divisions or ethnic differences.
Years later, Singh hopes to pass on his story to inspire younger generations of Fijians by demonstrating that the country’s future hinges on compassion and understanding rather than division. His narrative, along with other testimonies from individuals affected by the coup, underscores an enduring message of resilience and the capacity for renewal in the face of adversity.
As Fiji reflects on its past and endeavors to create a more unified future, Singh’s story stands as a testament to the potential for healing and collaboration among all Fijians.
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