With about 60,000 policyholders in a country of nearly one million people, improving financial awareness remains a challenge in Fiji’s insurance sector.
But it is one that Life Insurance Corporation of India (LICI) manager underwriter Jayant Shinde has made his personal mission.
A foundation in public service
For Mr Shinde, insurance is not defined by policies or premiums, but by people, purpose and peace of mind.
It is a philosophy shaped by his upbringing in Nagpur, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, where he completed his schooling and tertiary education before entering public service.
His career choice was strongly influenced by his family background.
His father worked in state government service, and from a young age, Mr Shinde observed the stability and fulfilment that came from serving others.
After completing his studies, he explored several career paths, sitting state service examinations and applying to banks and public sector institutions.
His selection as a direct Class One officer with LICI marked the beginning of a career he described as both meaningful and secure.
“Insurance is a true service to people,” he said.
“Life is uncertain, and after food and shelter, protecting our loved ones should also be a priority.”
Understanding Fiji’s insurance gap
Now in his third year working in Fiji, Mr Shinde said he had developed a deep appreciation for the country and its people.
An enthusiastic traveller who has visited 27 countries with his wife, he described Fiji as visually stunning but said its greatest strength lay in its people.
“Fijians are warm, kind and relaxed,” he said.
“The community spirit here is very strong.”
That same communal strength, however, has shaped attitudes towards saving and insurance.
Mr Shinde observed that strong traditional support systems often reduce reliance on formal financial planning.
“People support each other in times of need, which is admirable,” he said.
“But education, healthcare and the future still require financial planning.”
LICI currently serves about 60,000 customers in Fiji, highlighting what Mr Shinde described as a large untapped insurable population and the need for greater financial education.
A lifelong passion for music
Away from his professional role, music has been a defining part of Mr Shinde’s life since childhood.
While many of his peers gravitated towards sport, he found his passion in singing, drama and cultural activities.
Encouraged by family and friends, he began performing at religious festivals and community events, gradually developing his confidence and talent.
His career later took him to Mumbai, where he lived for a decade.
The city’s vibrant cultural scene exposed him to live performances by some of India’s most renowned musicians, including AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh.
Keeping Indian music alive in Fiji
After moving to Fiji, Mr Shinde said he was struck by how strongly Indian music had been preserved within the Indo-Fijian community.
He credited generations of families for maintaining traditions through bhajans, mandalis and cultural performances.
Mr Shinde joined the Suva-based Bandish Band and performed at various community events before entering a national singing competition, Soor Samrat, in his first year in Fiji.
He finished among the top three finalists which is an achievement he described as deeply rewarding.
Building on that experience, he helped form a music group called Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, meaning “harmony of rhythm”.
The group meets monthly and provides a supportive platform for amateur singers to build confidence and share their love of music.
The group regularly performs at events organised by the Fiji Hindu Society and the Indo-Fiji Friendship Forum, including Diwali and Christmas celebrations.
Music, culture and connection
Mr Shinde said music played a vital role in preserving Indo-Fijian culture while also fostering connection across communities.
“Music has no boundaries,” he said.
“Even when you don’t understand the language, you can feel the emotion.”
He added that music was deeply woven into everyday life in Fiji, from kava gatherings to airport welcomes and farewells which serves as a powerful emotional bridge between people.
Reflecting on cultural similarities, Mr Shinde said both India and Fiji valued strong family ties, but Fiji’s community bonds remained particularly resilient.
A message for the youth
His message to young people was to pursue positive outlets beyond work or study, whether through music, sport, reading or art.
“Creative activities bring balance,” he said.
“They help young people stay away from negative influences and find happiness.”
For Mr Shinde, that balance between service and song defines his life in Fiji and reflects his belief that true success lies not only in professional achievement, but in the harmony one creates with others.
Jayant Shinde at one of the many singing performances he has been part of in Fiji. Picture: SUPPLIED
Above: Mr Shinde and Dr Jayshri with iTaukei cultural performers and warriors at a local resort.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Mr Shinde and his wife, Dr Jayshri Sonkul during a visit to a Fijian village. Picture: SUPPLIED
