For nearly forty years, 61-year-old Vijay Chand has made a positive impact on many lives as a compassionate bus driver. Known affectionately as “mama,” which means uncle in Hindi, he is the third youngest of twelve siblings and comes from Vunimoli, Labasa, proudly representing his northern roots.
His notable dedication recently gained widespread attention through a viral social media post by Nirmal Cheema. In an interview, Vijay recounted his life journey and the path that led him to become the friendly figure behind the wheel.
Vijay’s inspiration came from his father, who worked as a bus driver after they lost their mother when he was young. While his father was away working, Vijay and his siblings helped around the household, with Vijay particularly enjoying the task of cleaning the bus. “I would help wash and clean the bus,” he said, explaining that this involvement sparked his interest in bus driving.
Starting his career with Dwarka Buses Ltd, where he undertook short trips, Vijay reminisced about the early days of bus transportation, characterized by little traffic and unpaved roads back in 1985. “I was short and slimmer then, and changing gears was challenging,” he shared, highlighting his determination to face such obstacles.
After working at Dwarka for a few months, he joined Vishnu Holdings Ltd, where he drove longer routes for about a decade. He remembered being among the first drivers on new roads, often spending nights in local villages during his travels. After his tenure at Vishnu, he moved to Waiqele Buses, handling the Labasa and Savusavu trips.
In Suva, he continued his driving career with Pacific Transport and Patterson Brothers’ Fiji Searoad Service. Vijay noted that bus driving not only connected him with the public, but also allowed him to help those in need. “Times were hard; I would assist people, especially farmers unable to pay their fares,” he explained, often allowing them to travel for free.
This kindness extended into a barter-like relationship with his passengers, who sometimes compensated him with homegrown produce, further solidifying his reputation across many communities. He reflected on the bonds formed with villagers, recalling a landowner who treated him like family.
Vijay has had his share of amusing experiences on the road, one being an unexpected encounter with a wild boar during one overnight trip. He also shared a humorous incident from the 1990s involving a wedding mix-up, where passengers excitedly arrived only to realize the event was a week away.
Even after relocating to Suva in 2006 and taking a position at Inter Cities Company Ltd, Vijay’s stories continued. One notable episode occurred when he was transporting passengers and a woman unexpectedly went into labor. Thankfully, a retired nurse on board stepped in to assist, allowing Vijay to deliver them promptly to the hospital.
Vijay relishes his job, saying, “I enjoy driving, meeting, and helping people.” His wife, Aruna, and daughter, Priya, stand as his biggest supporters, proud of his kind spirit.
Outside of his driving duties, Vijay enjoys gardening, and he frequently reminds fellow road users to adhere to road rules and practice kindness. His story serves as a testament to the impact of compassion and the importance of good deeds, reinforcing that acts of kindness will always be remembered.