THE 1987 coup in Fiji marked a turning point for many Indo-fijian families, including the descendants of Aladutta Lone of Solovi in Nadi.

According to Irshaad Nabi, a number of relatives chose to migrate overseas in search of greater stability and opportunities in the aftermath of the coup.

“Amid these changes, my family continued our education, attending Nadi Muslim College for high school,” Mr Nabi said.

“It was during this period that several of my uncles, who had already migrated to Toronto, Canada, convinced my father to make the move as well.

“Recognising the opportunities that lay beyond the borders of Fiji, my father, Rahmat Nabi, decided to embark on a new chapter in our lives.

“In 1990, we made the momentous decision to leave Fiji and migrate to Canada, a country that promised new beginnings and a fresh start.

“Adapting to life in Canada was not without its challenges, but it was also a time of tremendous growth and opportunity.

“I pursued my education with determination, eventually graduating from an Automotive College as a licensed automotive technician. This qualification opened the door to a fulfilling career in the automotive industry.

“For many years, I worked at a Honda dealership, honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience in the field. Today, I serve as a technical advisor for a fleet management company.”

Mr Nabi said life in Canada has been incredibly rewarding.

“I am proud of what my family and I have accomplished since our migration,” he said.

“I am happily married and blessed with two wonderful children – my son Sufyaan, and my daughter Aaisha.

“They are the joy of my life, and I strive to provide them with the same opportunities for growth and success that I had the privilege of receiving.”

Mr Nabi said the story of his family’s reunion is one woven with love, persistence and the unbreakable bonds of kinship, stretching across generations and continents.

“It is a journey made possible by the tireless efforts of individuals like my grandfather’s sister’s husband, Yusuf Degia, and his son Rasheed Degia, whose passion for reconnecting family ties set in motion a series of remarkable events.

“Around 15 years ago, my family’s life changed when we were introduced to Ifzal Butt and his family in Toronto. They, too, share ancestral roots tracing back to Shopian, India. This connection opened the door to a reunion that would later become both exciting and deeply emotional for all of us.

“It was through Rasheed’s determination, aided by his father Yusuf, that we were able to reach out to our relatives in India and Pakistan, rekindling ties that had been severed by time and distance.

“Among the relatives we reconnected with was Kaiser Lone, who resides in the UK. Kaiser’s lineage, like ours, hails from Shopian in India. Our great-great-grandfathers were brothers.

“From a young age, Kaiser had heard stories from his grandfather about distant relatives in Fiji, which planted a desire within him to meet them one day.

“This longing became a reality six years ago when Kaiser and his mother Farzana visited us in Toronto.

“The meeting was nothing short of magical – a joyful reunion marked by shared memories, stories and tears of gratitude. It felt like time had melted away and the years of separation vanished in an instant.

“Fast forward to November 2024, when Rasheed Degia’s relentless efforts once again came into play.

“With his support, Kaiser and his mother embarked on a remarkable journey to the South Pacific to meet even more relatives in New Zealand, Australia and, most significantly, Fiji.

“Their trip was nothing short of transformative, especially the experience in Fiji.

“The reunion there was indescribable, a culmination of generations coming together to bridge the gap of time, geography and lost connections.

“The joy, nostalgia and tears were overwhelming as family members, some meeting for the first time, embraced each other and shared the history of our ancestors.”

Mr Nabi said the experience in Fiji was not just about rediscovering family but about understanding the deep sense of belonging that transcends time and place.

“The long-forgotten stories, the smiles of people who had once been strangers, and the emotional warmth of reconnecting with those who shared our bloodline — it was an experience that words can hardly capture.

“The gaps of time seemed to shrink, and what was once distant became incredibly close, as if the ties that bound us had never been severed.

“Now, with this incredible chapter of reconnection unfolding, I am filled with the desire to complete the circle.

“I long to visit India and Pakistan, to further bridge the gap of time and to meet the relatives who still reside there.

“Just as my father and Rasheed’s efforts have rekindled the flame of family unity, I too wish to experience the profound joy of standing among those who share our heritage and story, and to continue the journey of reconnecting our past with our future.”