SITTING in the peace and quiet of the Fiji Museum, Pardeep Chand reflects on a life that took many unexpected turns.
His story is one of ambition, loss, and above all, gratitude.
Born and raised at Korociriciri in Nausori, the 69-year-old grew up with six brothers and four sisters.
While growing up in a large family can be challenging, his own experience was filled love and joy.
“I grew up with plenty of siblings, and we had to share everything,” he said.
He began his education at Korociriciri Primary School before moving to Jai Narayan College, then called Indian High School.
As a young boy he had big dreams. He wanted to become a lawyer but like many young people, his ambitions later evolved.
He applied for a spot at the University of Melbourne and was surprised to be offered a scholarship to study business.
“When I received the scholarship, it was a happy day in my life. I always told my mother my second option was to become a businessman if law was too hard for me.”
In Australia, he balanced both school and work, spending six hours a day in class, and a few hours of his time employed at a car dealership.
“It was a good life because in Australia I was getting a lot of money. I was earning and learning at the same time.”
But the attraction of money soon tempted him away from studies. After more than two years, Mr Chand decided to leave university and take a full-time position with CJ Patel. It was a decision he reflected on with mixed emotions.
“When we are young, we think money will last forever, but some things we do too quickly can change everything.”
After five years of living abroad, Mr Chand returned to Fiji to start a fresh chapter. He got married, had three children, and worked as a bus driver for KR Latchan, one of the longest running transport companies.
He describes those years as happy and fulfilling. It was during this time that he converted to Christianity, a decision that gave him strength and peace.
“That was when I truly started to understand what it means to receive blessings,” he said.
But tragedy struck when his wife passed away. Seeking companionship, Mr Chand later remarried, only to lose his second wife as well. The double loss left him devastated.
“Losing someone you care about once is painful, but losing two is something more heartbreaking.”
Mr Chand continued to live in a home he had inherited from his father, but his trust in a friend turned into another painful chapter.
He entered into what he thought was a business partnership, only to later find out that the documents he had signed had allowed for the transfer of the ownership of his property.
“I didn’t know what I was signing. When I found out it was too late, and I was forced out of my house.”
Homeless and heartbroken, Mr Chand spent some time staying with relatives, but as he grew older and his health declined, he was asked to leave.
With nowhere else to go, he found refuge at a bus shelter, which became his home for some time.
“It was not much, but it was a shelter. At least I was still alive.”
His life took a turn for the better when a former government minister met him and arranged that he be placed in a nursing home.
“That was a blessing, and I thank her for helping me.” he said.
Now in his fourth year at the Valelevu nursing home, Mr Chand lives with quiet contentment.
“Life did not go as I planned but I am still thankful.”
At 69, Mr Chand no longer dreams of what could have been. Instead, he cherishes what is.
He enjoys the little moments in the nursing home- the laughter of the people, the company of other residents, and the peace that comes with acceptance.
