Since ancient times, numerous Fijians have sought to transform the nation by stepping into the prestigious arenas of its governance. However, political turmoil, exacerbated by three coups, has significantly influenced Fiji’s political landscape. Despite these challenges, Fiji has been home to some of the most remarkable statesmen throughout its history.
One such figure is Harish Sharma, a lawyer who transitioned into a political career. He rose to prominence as the leader of the National Federation Party (NFP) and became the Opposition leader. Following the general elections in 1987, he assumed the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Housing, Urban Development, and Information.
Now at the age of 92, Mr. Sharma stands as one of the last surviving politicians from a bygone era. To narrate 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, NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad remarked that every descendant of the girmitiya community has a unique story about their challenges, which have shaped their lives and led to personal achievements, regardless of their scale. This sentiment resonates with the tales of all communities in Fiji, including the indigenous iTaukei, Indo-Fijians, Europeans, Rotumans, Melanesians, and Chinese.
Mr. Sharma clarified a common misconception about his upbringing, asserting that he did not come from privilege. His story mirrors that of many Indo-Fijians, tracing back to the arrival of their ancestors from India under the indentured labor system. He revealed that both sides of his family were brought to Fiji to work on sugarcane farms.
In his memoir, he shares that his paternal great-grandparents, Tulsi Ram and Parbati, hailed from Chandpur in Uttar Pradesh. His grandfather, Jamuna Prasad, was born on the Hereford ship in Fiji waters in April 1888. While his great-grandparents later returned to India, his grandfather eventually returned to Fiji with his wife and son, Pratap Chandra Sharma, who became Mr. Sharma’s father.
The family arrived in Fiji in July 1912 and began working as indentured laborers in Sawani, Rewa. By 1918, they became free residents and chose to settle permanently in Sawani. Following the death of Mr. Sharma’s grandmother, his grandfather and father worked to maintain the family structure.
Mr. Sharma recounts in his memoir how his grandfather, with great personal sacrifice, educated all four of his children despite financial hardships from his priestly earnings. Although none received formal education, they became well-versed in Hindu religion and culture through home tutelage, growing into industrious and confident citizens.
Mr. Sharma’s maternal side is traced back to his grandparents, Gayadin Maharaj and Gangajali Maharaj from Basti, India, who had five children, including his mother Balraji. Mr. Sharma was born in May 1932, shortly after his parents’ marriage, but tragically lost his mother when he was just one year old.
He expressed deep sorrow over not knowing his mother, as there are no photographs of her to remember. After her passing, a family meeting determined that Mr. Sharma would be raised by his maternal grandparents, effectively adopting him into their household. Six months later, his father married Phul Mati, who provided him with love and nurturing akin to that of her biological children.
Despite lacking formal education, Mr. Sharma maintained a happy childhood under the care of his maternal grandparents and family. Next week, the focus will shift to Mr. Sharma’s educational experiences and his entry into the political arena.