The remarkable career of Professor Brij Vilash Lal highlights that academic excellence can flourish beyond the borders of Fiji. As a Fiji-born scholar, Professor Lal faced numerous challenges throughout his journey—ranging from academic hurdles to political and social obstacles—many of which remained unseen by his peers and the general public, including those at the University of the South Pacific (USP), who may view the lives of academics at the Australian National University (ANU) as idyllic. It was far from easy.
Having interacted with him as a family member and through my time as a Fiji parliamentarian during his involvement with the Sir Paul Reeves Constitution Review Commission, I witnessed various aspects of his character that perhaps differ from public perception, including occasional disagreements.
This tribute is divided into two parts. The first part will delve into Professor Lal’s significant academic contributions. The second part will explore his broader involvement in Fiji’s constitutional development, the disagreements we had, and the personal and academic challenges he navigated to achieve his remarkable career.
Part I: Brij Lal – The Academic
Professor Lal’s distinguished career sets a benchmark for Fijian scholars to aspire to in academia, community education, and political activism. His journey bears resemblance to that of many of us who dedicated our careers to USP despite the allure of opportunities at leading metropolitan universities, including lucrative positions at organizations like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
After graduating from USP in 1974, Professor Lal and his wife, Padma Narsey Lal, briefly taught at the university before seeking to further their academic qualifications overseas—first at the University of British Columbia in Canada, followed by the University of Hawaii. Eventually, they settled in Australia, a decision influenced by Padma’s struggles to find employment in Fiji despite her qualifications. Nevertheless, Professor Lal’s commitment to Fiji remained unwavering until his passing, reflected in his passionate writings.
In addition to his academic achievements, Professor Lal made influential contributions to Fiji’s constitutional progress following the 1987 coup, notably through his active role in the Sir Paul Reeves Constitution Review Commission. His collaboration with figures like Tom Vakatora and Sir Paul Reeves culminated in the enactment of the 1997 Constitution, Fiji’s last lawful constitution, which passed unanimously in Parliament.
Professor Lal’s career can be evaluated through the vast scope and depth of his academic output, the accolades he received, his personal narrative as an academic, the admiration from peers, and the heartfelt respect expressed by his students and family. His journey was not without hardships, both for him and for Padma.
Brij Lal’s Literary Works: A Glimpse
This is a brief selection of Professor Lal’s books, which showcase the breadth of topics he addressed throughout his career. Not included here are the over a dozen volumes he edited or co-edited with collaborators.
– 1983: Girmitiyas: The Origins of the Fiji Indians (Canberra: Journal of Pacific History Monograph)
– 1986: Politics in Fiji: Studies in Contemporary History
– 1988: Power and Prejudice: The Making of the Fiji Crisis
– 1992: Broken Waves: A History of the Fiji Islands in the 20th Century
– 1997: A Vision for Change: AD Patel and the Politics of Fiji
– 1998: Another Way: The Politics of Constitutional Reform in Post-Coup Fiji
– 2001: Mr Tulsi’s Store: A Fijian Journey
– 2006: Islands of Turmoil: Elections and Politics in Fiji
– 2010: In the Eye of the Storm: Jai Ram Reddy and the Politics of Postcolonial Fiji
– 2014: Resistance and Indian Indenture Experience: Comparative Perspectives
Journal Publications
Professor Lal authored numerous articles in academic journals, thus reaching a wide audience and leaving a lasting historical impact. His research appeared in many prestigious journals multiple times.
Academic Achievements
Professor Lal’s high-quality academic work earned him numerous accolades over the years, including:
– 2002: Kiriyama Prize
– 2005: Distinguished Pacific Scholar Medal, International Council for the Study of Pacific Islands
– 2010: Top Supervisor Award, The Australian National University
– 2014: Distinguished Achievement Award by the International Association for the Study of Indenture and Migration
National Recognitions
Professor Lal stands out as an Australasian academic whose efforts in education and political development in Fiji were acknowledged by both Fijian and Australian governments. In 1995, he received the 25th Anniversary of Fiji Independence Medal for “distinguished contribution to education in Fiji.” In 1998, he became an Officer of the Order of Fiji for his significant contributions to public life. In 2003, he was honored with The Centenary Medal of the Government of Australia for his contributions to the humanities, and in 2015, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to education through the preservation and teaching of Pacific history.”
Professor Lal also penned a captivating account of his academic journey titled “Road from Tabia,” featured in the forthcoming book “Serendipity,” a collaborative project with historian Doug Munro.
His educational background, including inspiring encounters with exceptional teachers, played a pivotal role in shaping his future. Despite challenging beginnings, he succeeded in transcending his environment, fueled by an unyielding passion for Indo-Fijian history and politics.
Part II will address Professor Lal’s broader contributions and engagements, providing a more comprehensive view of his legacy as a true son of Fiji.