Vijendra Kumar was a towering figure in every sense of the word. Born in Nadi and a teacher by profession, Kumar stood over six feet tall, but it was his integrity and dignity that truly distinguished him among Fiji’s editors following the military coup of 1987 and the subsequent challenging period for the media.
Known affectionately as VK by colleagues at The Fiji Times, Kumar navigated the newspaper through two coups, closures, and significant financial losses, all at great personal cost. In one of the most harrowing incidents, armed soldiers abducted him and subjected him to the humiliation of being interrogated by a former junior staff member over a grammatical error. Despite facing death threats and abuse over four years, he handled these adversities with stoicism and a wry smile.
Kumar consistently protected his journalists from government backlash, enduring every official rebuke steadfastly. His commitment to ensuring that The Fiji Times reported the news without fear or favor made him an inspirational figure to many, including the younger reporters who saw him as a hero.
Four years of relentless pressure from an antagonistic government, a profit-driven management team, and a society revealing its true colors eventually led this unsung hero of Fijian journalism to self-exile, feeling both sad and disillusioned. He expressed his sorrow and disappointment in later writings, lamenting that the country of his birth no longer made him feel welcome and criticizing the racial tensions that marred what was once considered a peaceful and harmonious society.
A master of the English language, VK’s ability to transform the rough drafts of cadet reporters into polished prose was unparalleled. He encouraged his writers to read, research, and continually improve, driving them to excel and accept nothing less than their best.
Despite his significant national role, VK was a private individual, understanding that an editor’s life was inherently lonely to safeguard the integrity and independence of his office and the newspaper. This necessary isolation was often mistaken for aloofness in a man who was, in truth, kind and generous to his staff.
One notable example of his compassion was when he insisted a journalist take additional time off after the death of a loved one, demonstrating his deep empathy and understanding.
Vijendra Kumar, or VK as he preferred to be called by those who worked closely with him, left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His legacy continues to inspire as a beacon of dignity, integrity, and excellence in journalism.
God lead me from the unreal to the real
Lead me from darkness to light
Lead me from the fear of death to the knowledge of immortality.
Om, Shanti, Shanti
Netani Rika is an award-winning journalist and co-owner of Islands Business magazine