For nearly four decades, 61-year-old Vijay Chand has made a significant impact on the lives of many as a warm-hearted bus driver. Known affectionately as “mama,” a term for uncle in Hindi, he is the third youngest of 12 siblings from Vunimoli, Labasa, and takes great pride in his northern roots.
Recently, his humble service gained public recognition through a viral social media post by Nirmal Cheema. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Vijay recounted his journey to becoming the friendly figure behind the wheel.
Vijay faced adversity early in life, losing his mother at a young age, but his father’s career as a bus driver inspired his own path. While his father worked, Vijay and his siblings would help out at home, with one of his favorite tasks being cleaning his dad’s bus. “I would help wash and clean the bus,” he shared, explaining how that experience fueled his interest in bus driving.
He first worked for Dwarka Buses Ltd, primarily serving his local area. “I worked there for a few months, doing short trips from Suva to Nausori and back,” he recalled, mentioning how the roads were not yet paved, making the driving experience quite different than today.
Over the years, Vijay faced various challenges, including rough weather and overnight trips on the bus. He later joined Vishnu Holdings Ltd, where he took on longer routes, including trips from Savusavu to Labasa. “We were among the first drivers on that road, staying with villagers during those trips,” he said.
Eventually, he transitioned to Waiqele Buses and continued driving to Labasa and Savusavu. After relocating to Suva, Vijay worked for Pacific Transport and Patterson Brothers’ Fiji Searoad Service.
Describing bus driving as a highly public job, Vijay has balanced his responsibilities as both a driver and community worker. He often aided those in need, particularly farmers who struggled to pay their fares. “I wouldn’t stop them from catching my bus,” he noted, emphasizing the fulfillment he found in helping rural people through simple acts of kindness.
His reputation grew as passengers sometimes compensated him with vegetables and root crops in exchange for rides, leading to his popularity across various districts. “Sometimes they would ask if I could buy items from town, and I would gladly help,” he explained.
Throughout his career, Vijay has formed special bonds with local community members and recalls fond memories with village elders. “In Dogotuki, a landowner treated me like family,” he said, recounting how he was welcomed into the village.
Vijay also shared humorous incidents from his time on the road. One notable experience occurred during a night trip when a boar entered the bus while he was sleeping. “I was scared at first but managed to chase it away with my blanket,” he laughed.
Another memorable moment happened in the 1990s during a wedding trip when passengers mistakenly arrived a week early for the celebration. “The bride was busy catching prawns in the river while everyone else was confused,” he recalled.
Even after moving to Suva in 2006 and working at Inter Cities Company Ltd, Vijay’s adventures continued. He recounted a dramatic moment on a trip to Lautoka when a passenger went into labor. With the help of a retired nurse, he quickly transported her to the hospital, driving over the speed limit while ensuring the mother’s safety.
Vijay’s experiences have deepened his passion for driving and helping others. “I enjoy driving, meeting, and helping people. It has made my job rewarding,” he said. His family, including his wife Aruna and daughter Priya, are proud supporters of his kind-hearted nature.
Outside of work, Vijay enjoys gardening at his home in Suva. With a wealth of experience, he advises all road users to adhere to traffic rules and, above all, “to always be kind.”
His story serves as a reminder that acts of kindness can make a lasting impact, illustrating that good deeds do not go unnoticed and that we ultimately reap what we sow.