Bahadur Singh, 75, of Cuningham St in Nausori is still going strong and the secret to his good health is his ‘bhuja’ business.
Mr Singh is a famous face, seen daily at the Suva bus stand selling ‘bhuja’.
He said the only reason he sold ‘bhuja’ was to stay fit.
“I have been selling ‘bhuja’ for past 51 years,” revealed Mr Singh.
“I started this in 1960 in Nausori Town. I did business there for 10 years and in 1970 I applied for a licence to sell ‘bhuja’ at the Suva bus stand.”
Mr Singh recalled the days of independence when the streets of Suva used to be crowded.
“I got a permit to sell bhuja after Fiji gained independence on October 10th 1970.
“People were so happy, they were rejoicing because Fiji had gained independence. The streets of Suva used to be crowded and the celebration went for months.
“There were lots of movements in the city then and because of that I started my business here in Suva.”
He said the reason he moved his business from Nausori to Suva was to gain better profits and sales.
He said he had three children (boys), who were all married.
“I sent them to school from the earnings I got from my peanut-bean sales, this was my only source of income.
“I also bought a piece of land in Nausori Town with the money I collected from this business.
“That time the cost of the freehold land which I bought was only two thousand dollars.
“Now Nausori Town has developed a lot and the price of houses and properties here have gone up.”
He said his business had kept him well and he enjoyed being with the people.
“I am continuing to do this business to keep myself fit and healthy.
“I don’t sit here, this requires a lot of walking and I believe that keeps me fit and healthy.
“With the God’s grace, I do not have diabetes, pressure or any disease.”
Mr Singh believes senior citizens who are confined to their homes should do something to keep them healthy.
“They can do backyard gardening if they have space.
“If that’s not possible then they can possibly move out of the house and have a walk. This will keep them strong. I will continue this as long as I am healthy and able to walk around.”
Mr Singh starts selling ‘bhuja’ at 7am and knocks off at 4pm.
He said he earned enough to put food on his table and pay the bills.
