A life of service is one that is fulfilling and purposeful — while having its own rewards, Malka Shah said.
She had also made her life meaningful and rewarding in the service of the community by joining the St Johns ambulance brigade.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on January 3, 1976, when she joined the brigade in 1961, home nursing, and the care of patients in homes under doctor’s supervision were not the kind of job women on Indian descent were encouraged to undertake.
But Malka came from a public-spirited Sahu Khan family, well known for their service in different communities.
Malka did not hesitate to join the group of women who were trained by a Mrs Cohen, the wife of then surgeon specialist at the CWM Hospital, a first aid course followed by a home nursing course saw her heading for two certificates and promotion within her own group, as a divisional officer in 1965.
“The brigade provides opportunities for boys and girls to learn and practice first aid, nursing and discipline essential in the daily life,” she said.
“There is no age limit. Anyone can join and the training will prevent the many casualties that happened around homes, and developed complications before arriving to the doctor,” she added.
Two years later, she was promoted to divisional superintendent with 40 women under her.
Malka had to carry the responsibility for the administration, training, and maintenance of the efficiency, discipline and welfare of her second Suva nursing division.
Almost all Saturdays, Malka would be on duty at Albert Park for soccer games or at Buckhurst Park, for rugby games. She would treat fractures, bruises, dislocations and concussions.
In 1971, Malka became the first Indo-Fijian woman to receive the long service medal in recognition of 10 years of efficient and loyal service to the brigade in Fiji. She had also acquired a Good Conduct Medal at the same time.
By attending to duties as a nurse at inter-district soccer tournaments Malka has paved the way and inspired others to work in a predominantly male atmosphere One of the highlights of her voluntary career in St John was being the lady in waiting to Marjorie, Countess of Brecknock, when she paid an official visit to Fiji in 1969.
“The countess was an intelligent and a kind person, exact and thorough in everything she did,” Malka recalled.
Malka had toured Australia and New Zealand and visited some of the St John brigade centres. She even went on duty in New Zealand during an ice skating tournament.
“It was a thrill to watch and have seven cases to treat.”
Malka said she enjoyed being a St John’s member and hoped young women would show interest in the organisation.
“My satisfaction is in being a useful citizen where colour, creed and religion do not make any difference.”
Malka was the president of the Muslim Women’s Association founded in 1953 for the promotion and advancement of Islam in general.
For many years she held various posts as secretary, vice president and president of the association.
