Since ancient times, numerous Fijians have aimed to improve their nation, navigating the prestigious halls of the country’s Parliament. However, political turmoil, exacerbated by three coups, has been a consistent challenge in Fiji’s governance. Yet, amid this turbulent political landscape, the nation has produced remarkable statesmen over the years.
One such figure is Harish Sharma, a lawyer who transitioned into a political career. He ultimately became the leader of the National Federation Party (NFP) and served as the Opposition leader. Following the general elections of 1987, Sharma held the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Housing, Urban Development, and Information.
At the age of 92, Mr. Sharma stands as one of the last surviving politicians from a bygone era. To recount his life story, he collaborated with close friends and family, including the late Vijendra Kumar, the first local editor of The Fiji Times, to write a memoir titled “Road to Parliament: A Glimpse into the Life of Hon. Harish C. Sharma.”
During the memoir’s launch at Jai Narayan College in Suva last Thursday, NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad noted that every descendant of the indentured laborers has a unique story. These stories reflect their struggles, personal growth, and achievements, regardless of their scale. This sentiment extends to Mr. Sharma, who addressed a common misconception that he was born into privilege.
His journey begins like that of many Indo-Fijians, marked by the arrival of their ancestors from India during the indentured labor system. In his memoir, Mr. Sharma notes that both sides of his family were brought to Fiji to labor on sugar cane farms. His paternal great-grandparents, Tulsi Ram and Parbati, hailed from Chandpur in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. His grandfather, Jamuna Prasad, was born aboard the Hereford as it approached Fiji in April 1888.
While his great-grandparents returned to India, his grandfather came back to Fiji with his wife and son, Pratap Chandra Sharma, who would later become Mr. Sharma’s father. The family arrived in Fiji in July 1912, working as indentured laborers in Sawani, Rewa. By 1918, they gained their freedom and settled in Sawani.
Following the passing of Mr. Sharma’s grandmother, his grandfather and father maintained the family structure. In his memoir, Mr. Sharma recounts, “Baba (grandfather) brought up, looked after, and educated all his four children at great personal sacrifice and through the meager earnings of priesthood.”
He describes the challenging upbringing of his father and uncles, who, despite being purely vegetarian, were physically robust. “None of Baba’s children received formal education, but he tutored them at home, ensuring they were well-versed in Hindu religion, literature, and culture. Under Baba’s guidance, they became industrious, confident, and enterprising individuals.”
On his maternal side, Mr. Sharma’s grandparents, Gayadin Maharaj and Gangajali Maharaj, were from Basti, India, and had five children, including his mother, Balraji (Bachhi). Mr. Sharma was born in May 1932, shortly after his parents’ marriage. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was just a year old.
“Sadly, there is no photo of my mother, and I do not know what she looked like. Not knowing her has been a lifelong tragedy for me,” he wrote. Shortly after her passing, family members agreed that his maternal grandparents would raise him, as there was no adult female in his father’s household. Thus, from a young age, he was brought up by his maternal side, receiving love and care different from that of his siblings.
Six months after his mother’s death, his father married Phul Mati, who treated him with the same affection she gave to her biological children. Mr. Sharma recalls that despite the absence of formal education, his maternal grandparents nurtured him, ensuring he was “happy and comfortable as any child.”
Next week, the article will explore Mr. Sharma’s education and his path into politics.