For nearly four decades, 61-year-old Vijay Chand has made a positive impact on the lives of many as a compassionate bus driver. Known affectionately as “mama,” which means uncle in Hindi, he is the third youngest of 12 siblings and comes from Vunimoli, Labasa, proudly representing his northern roots.
A recent viral social media post by Nirmal Cheema brought public attention to Vijay’s humble commitment to his job. In an interview, Vijay recounted his journey to becoming the friendly face behind the wheel. He lost his mother at a young age, but his father’s daily work as a bus driver inspired him greatly.
As a child, while his father worked, Vijay and his siblings helped out around the house. One of his favorite activities was cleaning his father’s bus. “I would help wash and clean the bus,” he recalled, which sparked his interest in bus driving.
Vijay began his career with Dwarka Buses Ltd, servicing routes close to home. Initially, he did short trips between Suva and Nausori. “At that time, traffic was minimal, and the roads were all gravel back in 1985,” he laughed while reflecting on how buses were operated back then.
He faced various challenges, from inclement weather to spending nights on his bus during certain trips, but these obstacles only strengthened his resolve. After a few months, Vijay transitioned to Vishnu Holdings Ltd, where he took on longer routes, including the journey from Savusavu to Labasa. He was one of the first drivers on those paths and often spent nights with villagers during his travels.
Later, he joined Waiqele Buses, continuing his routes to Labasa and Savusavu. He eventually made his way to Suva, where he drove for Pacific Transport and Patterson Brothers’ Fiji Searoad Service.
Vijay described bus driving as a public role that involved connecting with the community. He often found himself balancing his responsibilities as a driver and a community supporter. “During hard times, I’d help farmers who couldn’t afford fares,” he mentioned, noting that some passengers would later repay him with produce from their gardens.
The barter system he engaged in helped him build a reputation in various districts and provinces. He was known for going the extra mile, whether it was picking up items for villagers or sharing food with his family from grateful passengers.
Vijay has formed lasting bonds with communities throughout his time on the road. He fondly recalled a landowner who treated him like family and welcomed him to hunt pigeons on his land.
His experiences on the road have been both humorous and heartwarming. One memorable incident occurred during an overnight trip in 1988 when a boar entered the bus while he was asleep. To his surprise, he managed to chase it away with his blanket.
In another noteworthy event, during a trip from Savusavu to Bua for a wedding, passengers realized that the wedding had been scheduled for the following week instead of that day, causing much laughter.
Even after moving to Suva and working with Inter Cities Company Ltd, Vijay’s adventures continued. He shared a recent episode where he had to rush a woman in labor to the hospital. Thanks to a retired nurse on board, he safely delivered her to Rakiraki Hospital, continuing to drive even beyond the speed limit to ensure her timely care.
Vijay takes great joy in driving and meeting people. His dedication extends beyond his profession, as he enjoys gardening and spending quality time with his wife, Aruna, and their daughter, Priya, who are proud of his compassionate nature.
With years of experience, he advises others to obey road rules and, importantly, to always be kind. His story serves as a reminder that acts of kindness and compassion are invaluable, proving that good deeds, no matter how small, truly make an impact.