Lata remembers the Bachu Clan

Memoirs

Some of us would have wondered at times about the Bachu clan as to where they were and how were we part of that clan. A small link to the big chain. A lot of us would have thought about Sardarin and the Bachu siblings. Whenever a few cousins, mamis, mamas, mausis, or mausas gathered, the wonderful memories of the bygone days were the topic of discussion. Those ‘bhoole bisre yaadein’ were then left there.

One such occasion was the Christmas holidays of 2006 when Raj and Kamal talked of those old days. That meeting gave birth to the ‘Bachu reunion’. I take my hat off to Raj and Kamal for actually taking the initiative to do something about it and suggesting the plan to others. Well done for your time and effort. The response was great. It needed a little tug to trigger all the ‘yaadein’ to come flooding in. Some of us really got in full drive and planning wasn’t far behind. Congratulation goes to Vanita for setting up the website. Babu would be proud of you.

Swarn Lata

28 June 2007

“Lahron ki tarah yaadein, Dil se takrati hai, Toofaan uthati hai”

We all know ‘guzra hua zamana ata nahin dubara’ but we can all share those wonderful moments with younger generations.

Nani to me, Amma, Sirtaji, Sardarin or Mrs Bachu Sardar to others. But the most befitting title of all – ‘ the Bachu Matriarch’.

NANI

I have a vivid memory of nani but none of nana. He had died well before many of us were born and even before the youngest of the Bachu siblings, Parshu mama was born. I can imagine how interesting and fascinating tales would have been told to us all, had nana been alive when we were growing up. He was known as ‘Sardar’, but

I remember my mum telling us that she called him ‘babuji’ as did all the other siblings.

The unforgettable picture of nani’s house comes into view as I go back into time. I am fortunate to have spent time with nani when she babysat me. Amma was teaching and I was left with nani on several occasions. It was real fun time with Tulsi mama and Satish. Satish and I used to fool around a lot. Once as we were spinning around in the ‘sitting room’ Satish pushed me and I had a cut above my right eye as I fell on the door latch. I required stitches and carry a scar to this day. The thought that nani’s house doesn’t exist now is really sad as I would have loved to take Shweta, Rajnesh, Swastika and Robin to show them ‘the house’.

One vivid memory is when I, as a little girl, in a red and white printed dress sat at nani’s doorstep with a little bag waiting for Taji to pick me up in the PWD truck and take me with him to Londoni where he would frequently go to work for a few days. That was just a trick by my mum. It was to stop me crying for wanting to go with Taji. But to my dismay Taji never came and I never went.

I used to dread going to the pit toilet at nani’s. It was scarry as one had to walk past a bushy track to reach it. I used to think I would fall down into the hole. How stupid to think so.

Vishnu bhaiya attended school from nani’s house. We all used to gather around for ‘nani ki kahani’from Ramayan and Mahabarat. When I was studying in Delhi and had an opportunity to actual visit the ‘purana kila’, the battlefield from Mahabarat ‘kissa’ by nani I really felt very privileged. The ‘purana kila’ is infact the zoo these days and the fort in ruins is a reminder of Mahabarat. It was a fact and not fiction. Similarly the stories of Arjun and Krishn fascinated me. A visit to Mathura and eating ‘petha’ brought back memories of nani’s stories.

During school holidays it was a treat to sleepover at nani’s with a few other cousins. It was fun for all the children to sleep together under one ‘musori’ and be mischief. It was the innocent fooling around. The preparation used to be in full swing for ‘aam ke achaar’. Mamis and nani would be busy helping one another. Mango season used to be the best time for the kids everywhere .We cousins were no exception. It was fun pinching the raw pickle at night and eating it in bed and giggling with others. “ Khekiao nahi aur chuppe suto”, the matriarch would say to us from her room nearby. And next morning if anyone had upset stomach due to uncontrolled mango eating there was no visit to the doctor. Our grandma’s remedy of ‘karia nimak’ did the trick with a consequence of an offensive odour. Nani’s house was famous for the ‘Fiji pear’ avocado and ‘jamun’ trees. Nani utilised ‘Fiji pear’ in many ways. It was a substitute for butter for nani. ‘Jamun’ season was always welcomed by kids and adults alike. For eating raw and for ‘achaar’.

As long as I can remember, I have never seen nani without her lace-edged ‘odhni’ covering her head. Always in a white attire. White ‘lehenga’,’kurta’ and ‘odhni’. Occasionally a black cardigan accompanied. When I see the younger generations of other cultures with ear rings and nose rings, I at once picture nani. She had ear rings all around her ears, a big nose ring and silver ‘pattas’. The most striking feature of nani was her ‘samjhawan dass’. They were inseparable.

I still believe in a lot of ‘grandma’s remedies’ in modern days. Nani had some incredible remedies for most ailments eg. ‘chiraita’ an extract from the bark of Chinchona plant for ‘bukhaar’; ‘karia nimak’, black rock salt for upset stomach; ‘khaansi ke pudia’ made from the powder of ‘gol mirich’, ‘pipar’ and ‘ harre-murre’ and mixed with honey into tiny balls as lozenges for cold and cough.

We looked forward to nani’s regular visits for stories and yarns. After dinner if nani was asked to sleepover she would retort, “nahin, hamar khatiya roi”. Then someone would drop off nani at her place.

The ‘ bhundol’ of 1953 is an unforgettable event for me. It was exactly 12:30pm. Tulsi mama, nani, Satish and I were having lunch when we experienced the tremor. Tulsi mama ran outside with all of us. There was a huge commotion on the streets. A few of the Bachu siblings gathered at nani’s place during the earthquake. For the next few nights everyone slept together, huddled under the blankets. And whenever there was a slight tremor we would all run outside.

I really enjoyed attending ‘kanya khawai’ time at nani’s. Nani gathered seven young girls for that occasion. What the significance was, I did not know but what I knew was that at the end of the ceremony we would receive a new handkerchief which had somerice grains and 10 pence coin tied in it. That was a big amount for me in those days.

Funerals are solemn occasions. Some how nani’s funeral was sad but unique in the sense that the preparation involved was fascinating. I always thought that when someone died they were placed in a coffin. That was not the case with nani. Nani was laid on the ‘tikti’. With Margaret bhabhi and others I helped in getting the ‘tikti’ ready. ‘Tikti’ is a special resting cradle, made from green bamboo. Each segment is tied together with a piece of white cloth – ‘kafan’. A fine workmanship. It was a really unique piece of work. An extraordinary experience. When nani was placed in the ‘tikti’ it was very different from the usual coffin. I haven’t seen anything like that since. One of its kind perhaps.

It is unbelievable that nani and one of her daughters, Latcmi, my mum, died on the same date ie 17th January. 26 years apart. Nani in 1975 and mum in 2001.

Practically all the Bachu siblings have reignited the bygone days of my childhood some way or the other. It just needs one tiny incident of any kind to rekindle the whole lot of other memories to come flooding back.

Nani was not highly educated but was very knowledgeable. She instilled the same in her children. The Bachu siblings with whom I have spent a good time of my life are: my mum, ‘Lutch’, Ram Kuar Didiya, Daya mausi, Badka mama, Nandu mama, Tulsi mama and Parshu mama.

BADKA MAMA

Badka mama was a lovable mama and my mum held him in high esteem. If it wasn’t for him, she would not have gone to teacher training and become a teacher.She always felt indebted to him. I have memory of walking down the street with mama. As a little girl ‘piggy backing’ from mama’s house to my house. Badka mama was already living in Sydney when I migrated. I visited him frequently and he would always have my favourite pork ready. We enjoyed yarning and reflecting on old times. Mama imparted the knowledge of nana and nani’s arrival in Fiji. I am glad to have noted them down. They have indeed been a great contribution

NANDU MAMA

Nandu mama has been a very influential figure in the family. A teacher, a soccer player and a great family man were some of the qualities I admired. Not forgetting the jokes and the pranks he played on kids. I have spent some quality time with both mama and mami and have always remembered that. I always associated Vunaniu with Nandu mama’s family. We had some wonderful time there. But what stands out in my memory is ‘that whale’. Especially now during the migration period as I walk along the coast at Long Bay and see the whales I think of ‘ that whale’ in Vunaniu. It had a sad ending. The huge whale got stranded on the beach at low tide and the villagers’ efforst to free it was in vain. Later when the stench from decaying whale had subsided the villagers removed the huge bones of vertebrae to make steps for their houses. I had seen that on my walk through the village with Munna and Munni. Baby mami is a motherly figure for most of us now. She has a good knowledge and an accurate estimate regarding catering and also about certain religious significance regarding Sanatani weddings. Nandu mama was younger than amma. I clearly recall the way these two siblings used to greet each other Mama, “Tum abhi jindha hai?’ Mum, “ Haa, jub hum marega tab tummhe sanghe leke jayega.” How uncanny that these two siblings died within 12 days of each other.

DIDIYA MAUSI

Didiya looked after us doing all the chores when amma had broken her arm in an accident. Cecil would come along with Didiya some times. I have also spent time with didiya at Viesari and Fulaga St. They were the good old days. I also remember when Bimla bahini came fromLautoka to stay with us, when Bina was born and Biran and Bijen were little boys.

DAYA MAUSI

On her return from England, Daya mausi had me staying with her family at 19 Sunny Hill for a while. Mausi and amma were very close siblings. I was like a big sister to Kamal and Vimal. Kamal also spent a lot of his younger days with Kalyan and Midu.

PARSHU MAMA

Parshu mama used to babysit us. My memory of mama and mami is when amma allowed me to go to the movies with them. Talk about sitting next to mami and watching ‘Psycho’ or any scarry Hindi movie, it is great. They are a very easy couple to get along with. Mama could easily scare me about ‘ poison chade hai’ and ‘ aankhi karia hoi’ and I would cry.

TULSI MAMA

Tulsi mama’s image that sticks in mind is the striking Pacific Coach driver. Very smart and handsome in the white uniform with the white officer’s cap. I did spent some time with him and Satish whenever I was at nani’s house. Gone are those days

NASINU MAUSI

My memory of Nasinu mausi and Piyar mausi also is fairly clear. Going to Nasinu used to be exciting since there were no proper road but just a dirt track going downhill. The farm that George mausa worked on was a haven for ‘kakri’ and lots of fresh vegetables. There was a stream, a [o and ‘kuwan’ that was fascinating for us. A few farm animals to entertain us.

LUKIA MAUSI

Going to Lukia in a boat was very adventurous for us. Nani would go with us some times. Visiting Piyar mausi and Hari mausa was something to look forward to. We would join our cousins in catching prawns in the home made nets with flour bait. There were children everywhere as we had 12 cousins to play with. It was a very different atmosphere in Lukia. They had virtually everything in their backyard. A typical farming set up.

DROPATI & LUTCH

The two Bachu sisters, Dropati and Latchmi were married to two brothers. Ram Chand and Krishan Chandra respectively. ‘Badki mataji’ is what I called my mausi because she was married to my ‘ badka pitaji’. Similarly, my cousins called my amma and taji, ‘kaki’ and ‘kaka’ respectively. Badki mataji was a great tailor.

‘LUTCH’ – MY MUM

I am the older daughter of Latchmi. I have spent a lot of time with my mother. Looking back I can see where she got her strength from. Nani. She was very frank and straightforward. She did not ‘beat around the bush’. She didn’t keep any grudge against anyone. She was a staunch Arya Samaji and tried her best to follow the path of Vedic Dharm. She believed in education for Indian women in Fiji and supported Pt Gopendra Narayan Pathik and Pt Ami Chandra in whatever way it was possible to make a contribution. They were her gurus. They imparted knowledge to others. Amma instilled in us that education never ends once you stop going to school, but you gain knowledge every day. You learn from your own mistakes and from the mistakes of others. Travelling is an excellent source of knowledge. There is always something that we can acquire from others. Be it good or bad. At the end of the day the decision to embrace good and discard bad lies in our own hands. Mum believed that both man and women are equal. Both can contribute towards daily lives equally. She had some skills and talents that she utilised in her women’s club. She took part in plays at the club and enjoyed it. She encouraged others to do the same. She did not want to be idle. Her great pass time was crocheting and reading. To be respected we should respect others was her motto. We should respect each other and not be afraid of each other. There should be a limit to everything. In moderation. I admired her sincere nature and am proud to be her daughter.

I have tried my best to throw some light on the Bachu clan and the links. In doing so some of my memories may jog some of your memories. This is how I remember the Bachu clan.

God Bless

Reminiscing about the roots of my maternal parentage

Memoirs

PRIYE BACHU VRIKSH KEY SHAAKHAAWON – SAPREM HARI SMARAN My small endeavour in reminiscing about the roots of my maternal parentage.

The Bachu Sardar Family.

Vishnu Prasad

20 June 2007, 27 Rangeview Drive Skye VIC 3977

Foremost reference is of nana Mr Bachu Sardar whom I have not seen as he had passed away eight years before I was born. My only recollections are that he had had an untimely death in July 1930, while on a pigeon shooting expedition into the inner jungles from Mavua. Mavua is about 10 kms upstream of the Deuba river. At present there is a hotel and holiday villas at the mouth of the Deuba river. At this juncture recall that nana was lovingly called ‘Babuji’ by everyone.

For the benefit of the young ones the word Sardar has several of meanings, ranging from a ‘gang’ leader, supervisor, to an overseer etc. Hence Sardar was not part of Nana’s given name but a title appended to acknowledge his position. From my mother’s account I recollect that Nana was a Sardar in the rubber plantations in the greater Navua area. He spent some time in the Waidoi, (pronounced Wainandoi) estate. Odd rubber trees may still be seen as remnants of the old Waidoi plantation when one is driving from Suva to Navua.

Mother also told us that Nana was an overseer of the whole process of the plantations, from tending the trees, checking the extraction of the ‘dudh’ (latex), processing and curing of the latex, packing for export. She also told us that the latex was ‘dried’ in the form of a ‘roti’ and were called roti.

The range of his expertise and responsibilities suggests to me that he was more of the status of a superintendent; the Hindi title Sardar inappropriately encompasses this higher rung of the supervisory/administrative ladder.

Mother also told us that Nana travelled a lot to the various estates. It should be noted that travelling in those days was not easy, there were no made roads as those of today. The walking tracks were known as ‘Pagdandi.’ One either walked or if lucky, rode a horse.

At the outbreaks of an epidemic Nana also performed the tasks of a ‘Medico’ administering preventive oral medicines to the various settlements around Navua. Nakaulevu and Matralevu are a couple of names of the settlements imprinted in my mind.

Nani

Nani’s versatility and resilience should be recognised – with the passing away of nana. Their youngest child, Parshu Mama was born approximately three months later. The loss of the breadwinner, she single handedly brought up all children, educating them and marrying off the girls. Arranging and performing a marriage, especially for a daughter, is a great feat. She did not take nana’s absence as a barrier in discharging her family responsibilities.

Balram mama had taken up work at a tender age of 13, his meagre earnings, in the early stages, were an insignificant but welcome supplement to nani’s resources for the family sustenance. Notwithstanding these adversities all her children were well educated; three became teachers. The boys excelled in sports.

Nani and Me – a backdrop to our closeness

My parents’ home was on the banks of the Rewa river, approximately 25 kms downstream from Nausori. Although the homestead was not quite in Lokia village, it was commonly referred to as Lokia. I had come to nanihar on several special occasions, such as weddings and nani had also visited us several times prior to my earnest and prolonged acquaintance from January of 1954.

In 1952 I was in class seven at St Joseph’s College, Naililili, Rewa. I passed my secondary entrance exam to DAV College. At the time DAV was a very small school in a wooden building known as ‘Bhavan’ situated at the corner of Ono Street and Ratu Mara Road in Samabula. At the suggestion of Daya Mausi, I stayed back at Naililili to try for a place at the Marist Brothers’ High School, which had a very good reputation at the time. At the end of 1953 I achieved this target entrance to MBHS.

During the last week of January 1954 I came to nani’s house to commence my secondary school. This was the beginning of my close association with nani.

It would be pertinent to remind that two natural disasters had struck Fiji in the preceding couple of years; one was a severe hurricane of 1952, the other was an earthquake of 1953. The adverse financial and social impacts of these events was endured by all for many years, as recovery and rebuilding is always a very slow and strained process.

When I came to nani’s, Daya Mausi and Tulsi Mama were living in the same house while Parshu Mama and Mami were living with Balram Mama in his house next door. Nandlal Mama was teaching in Navua but came home during school term holidays.

Although I did not realise at the time this move from Rewa to Samabula was a very big change. I spoke an almost different language; from my school in Naililili, I was using many Fijian words, my pronunciation and habits were different. Daya Mausi guided and gave me many tips for my new environment.

Between 1954 and 1957 I attended high school. During this period Balram Mama got married; Daya Mausi also married; Saini Mami came with Tulsi Mama. After Daya Mausi was married, Parshu Mama and Mami moved into nani’s house to take care of her and me.

Nani was quite able bodied at the time and was able to assist in the daily household chores. At times she would also tend the flower and vegetable gardens. She had one great hobby – READING.

On the right-hand side of the access from the main road (Kings Road – now Ratu Mara Road) was a mango tree, which had toppled during the 1952 hurricane. Although aslant, it had not withered and ‘died,’ but still provided a good shady area during the afternoon sun. Nani would roll out her mat under the tree and read for most of the afternoon. She made frequent references to five books, The Ramayan, The Mahabharat, Prem Sagar, Stree Subodh, and Aalaah. I had not seen her read the last two; someone had borrowed the Stree Subodh and not returned it, whereas the Aalaah was considered an unwelcome book – with determined reluctance to keep in the home.

Her favourite was The Ramayan which I reckon she must have read, cover to cover, at least a dozen times. It was not an uncommon event to see some highly respected people, academics included, call in and listen to nani reading under the mango tree. She often gave us anecdotes from these books. At the time these seemed like mysteries. It is only now that I have taken an interest in Ramayan that her jigsaw- piece type narratives are falling into place to form an overall and vivid picture.

In 1954 a new Sanatan Mandir was built in Mandir Street, Samabula. There were regular weekly recitals and pooja. She seldom missed the Sunday session, returning with a small amount of Prasad – Ujjar Cheeni and Munakka (white sugar and sultanas) – wrapped in white paper and tied at the corner of her veil. She would only give out a pinch of this Prasad to all.

It was a like a routine that Ram Narain Mama, who had one of the few cars in the family,would come and pick nani up to accompany him to the Mandir. This mama was called ‘Chotka Bhaiya’ by all other mamas and mausis.

She did not wear a sari: her attire was a full-length capped sleeved home sewn seep (slip), lehanga, long-sleeved kurta, and ordhani. I had never seen her in any other colour except white. Without looking at a photo I retain a mental picture of her graceful form.

I continued to live with nani until 1960 when we bought the house at 11 Moala Street and moved into it. Although we moved I had maintained a close contact with nani; meeting her five to seven times a week. I consider myself very honoured that upon my marriage in 1962 nani had affectionately taken to Margaret; my wife. Nani gave one off a pair of silver ‘patta’ (bangle) to Margaret as ‘muh dekhawoni’ (first viewing of a newly wedded). A year later she gave the remaining patta, to Aruna didi.

The frequency of our meeting was till her death in 1975.

In 1968 Draupadi Mausi and family migrated to USA. After Mausi departed Margaret became nani’s contact for virtually all her ‘tailoring’ requirements. Putting a patch for a tear in clothing was a normal thing in those days. Nani’s clothing had to made with certain strict parameters, one of which was her kurta which had to be made to take in a special string of silver buttons.

During the morning of 17 January 1975, at about 9 am Margaret and I visited nani at her home. She was her normal jovial self, and talked to us for about an hour. During this time she expressed a desire to eat Aruyi (a variety of taro) chokha and mota roti. We returned home and dug out aruyi from our garden at 38 Lakeba Street, also picked some Bora (bean), made the Aruyi chokha, bora dhall, and roti which we took to her about 5 pm. We spent almost an hour with her.

Later that evening, while we were in a movie at the Samabula theatre we were called out to the foyer where Sambhu (my younger brother) broke the news that nani had passed away.

Nani had eaten some of the food we had taken and left some for Tulsi Mama who had also partaken it. As far as we (Margaret and me) are concerned, this act of nani of sharing the meal with Tulsi mama, was a Godsend, lest we could have been prosecuted for unhygienic and/or contaminated food.

On many occasions nani had told family members that upon her death she did not want her body to be put in a morgue which she called a ‘freezer’; she did not want a coffin box; she wanted her ‘arthi’ (dead body) to be taken on a ‘tikthi’ (a bier made of bamboo); bhajans should be sung during the funeral procession; coins, ‘akshat’ (uncooked rice), and flowers should be showered at the commencement of the procession. It is a great credit to all those arranging the funeral that all her wishes were adhered to.

Nani we S A L U T E Y O U.

Extended Family

Under this heading and with ‘shraddha’ I wish to recognise some people who may have not been mentioned elsewhere. Foremost are two brothers, Shiu Narain and Ram Narain Bodhi, nani was mami to them. I do not recall the exact background but was told that nani brought them up as her own children. In my view none of nani’s children made any distinction in cognising them as brothers.

Their children are treated as bhaiya and bahini by nani’s grand children. A real example is Shakuntala (not forgetting her husband, Jija Jack), in Sydney. Other noteables are Kusum bahini who lives in USA, and Harlal bhaiya was has passed away.

Secondly the other closely knit people were the families of Lal Bahadur Singh mama and his two other brothers. All three brothers have passed away.

Extened Relatives

Here I recall a couple of extended relatives who have been very closely attached, in fact so close that they have been identified as ‘one of the family.’ One is Muni Chand mausa and family, younger brother of two of my mausas. Although Mausa is still in Fiji most of his children are in Australia.

The other is Prem mama, who was known as ‘Mulki’ – was the brother-in-law (wife’s brother) of Ram Narain mama and lived with him. He had moved to Australia and passed away a few years ago.

Nana’s Contemporaries

I recall an ‘aaji’ who was stayed at nani’s place until her end. I am told she was not a blood relationship but accepted and treated as a real grandmother.

In addition I recall another couple of people. One is a Mr Devi Singh, commonly known as ‘Nangio Lili.’ I was told that while swimming in a river he had, in jest, yelled out ‘Nangio Lili’ which means a shark is attacking me. He was ‘Phupha’ to mamas and mausis. He often called in to see nani – especially when he was passing the house. He also knew how to dispel ‘an evil eye’ on children (Nazar jhaarey), hence was often called up to perform this task.

Another person was a muslim, we believe his name was Karimulla. I remember him because of his uniqueness – on nani’s request he would sing (or recite) a ditty, with an aluminium pot over this mouth. At times he would pinch his nose with one of his fingers – this had a reverberating effect on his melodious voice.

Purnavasi Mausa was a market gardener.

Ram Karan Mausa an automotive mechanic

Hari Prasad (my dad) farming and boat services.

Balram Mama, a Carpenter.

Ram Chand Mausa a carpenter.

Draupadi Mausi a dressmaker (homebased).

Krishna Chand Mausa, a Plumber.

Latchmi Mausi a teacher.

Nandlal Mama a teacher.

Tulsi Mama, a Driver.

 

Mohan Singh Mausa, a Lawyer/Magistrate.

Daya Mausi, a teacher.

Parshu Mama, an Office Administrator.

Sakina Mami, Pharmaceutical assistant.

Not forgetting the many and diverse skills of others.

 

Am eagerly looking forward with great expectations, to the reunion in 2008. My heartfelt gratitude for the initiative on the project. Congratulations to the team – keep up the good work.

Together we aspire; together we achieve.

God Bless.

Memories from the youngest of the youngest Bachu – Raneeta

Memoirs

Hello all. I am Raneeta (Nitu), the youngest daughter of Parshu Ram and Sakhina Bachu. Allow me to share a few of my precious memories. Firstly, thanks to my older cousins for the history lesson on our grandparents. I feel so privileged in the knowledge that I now know what to accurately tell my own children about our heritage. Thanks again.

Raneeta

May 2007, New Zealand

“There are no limitations to our dreams; it is just our limited perception of what is possible”

I have not been so fortunate by nature of my birth order, in that I have no memory of either maternal or paternal grandparents, as they were deceased before I was born or when very little. The only memory I have of my Aaji is her funeral day because it was on the day I started primary school (1975)…not the most pleasant memory. So, those older than me…thank you for telling the rest of us so we can all share the Bachu experience. We now have such a wonderful vehicle of communication, thanks to the hard work and creativity of Vanita!!

Parents and Siblings

I wish to acknowledge my parents for their wonderful parenting. I have beautiful childhood memories, which has been the solid foundation for building the rest of my life on. I was loved, encouraged, supported and got everything I wanted. Having older siblings meant I was mature beyond my years at a very early age. Thank you Bhai and Pom. You have taught me a lot about life.

 My Papa is a man of few words but what he says carries a lot of weight. Some of his sayings that have stuck with me are:

  • The path of true love never runs smooth.
  • Don’t expect from other and you will not be diappointed.
  • A stitch in time save nine.
  • TIme and tide waits for no one.
  • Everybody is somebody’s fool.

My mum taught me strength, the value of hard work and dedication and how to save. She also told me the value of good grooming, hair and makeup and having good taste in clothes, shoes and jewellery. We Bachu women and girls had to look our best! I do this with my own kids now, so this proves she was a good teacher!

Fuas, Dadas and Cousins

I remember attending evening parties as a child with alcohol and dancing and yummy cake…one was Didiya fua’s sweet 16th,(she was a leap year born) one of many parties I’m sure! I remember countless weddings, almost weeklong events with great opportunities to dress up! I remember Raksha Bandhans where Mum and Papa drove us all day from house to house until all our brothers were honoured, fed with sweets and paid us for our trouble. I always needed help with tying the strings.

I remember my Nandoo Dada who always told me:

“Remember, you are a Bachu girl and Bachu girls can do anything.”

I took this to heart and have never looked back. I even followed him and my fuas’ footsteps and had a recent career change to teaching, which I feel is my true calling. Thank you Dada and Fuas! You were great role models and I hope I can be the same.

What have I inherited from the previous generation?

The one thing I have inherited from my Aaji, according to my Papa is her unusual number of teeth. She had 32 teeth, four more than the average person and as the Indian saying goes if you have 32 teeth you should not tell lies!! I am proud to have something in common with her. I also despise hearing and telling lies. I wonder if I have inherited my firm beliefs in maternal values, truth and integrity from her or others from the previous generation. I guess we are all products of nature and nurture working in unison. There is one certainty; our ancestors had a definite can-do attitude and were risk-takers, something I can see we all share in common. Let us all stand proud in the knowledge of our heritage.

I remember Tulsi Dada’s visits to our home. I always heard his distinct whistle and would run to him. He always had Columbine caramel sweets in his pockets for me. He also dressed uniquely and casually. I missed him when he migrated to USA.

I remember Babuji (Balram Bachu) waiting on the footpath whenever I visited him in Sydney. He was always pleased to see me, show me his vegetable garden, things he had made and share stories from the past. However, the real expert on stories from the past was Barimaa and she loved correcting and adding to his stories. I’m sure we miss them both.

I had wonderful fuas’, all very unique and special and who taught me different things. Unfortunately, I only remember 3 of them. Pat fua (USA) was gentle and loving and always smelt wonderful. Laatch fua had gorgeous hair, loved a good time and spoke her mind always. My favourite was Didiya Fua because she was a woman before her time – her motto was to do everything in moderation. She drank alcohol, smoked, danced, loved her meat, a good laugh and parties, and yet was one of the most spiritual people I know with her unfailing commitment to the Methodist faith. She had strong beliefs, yet she never bragged about it or forced her beliefs on anyone. She was there for me when I came to NZ to study as an 18 year old and got so homesick I was ready to pack it in and go home. She made me promise her I would stay for 6 months and if I still felt the same after that I could go. After 6 months, almost to the day on 21 July 1988, she died. I have since kept my promise and my life has changed forever. I always think it is uncanny that I married a Catholic. I think she would have been pleased to know that.

Endnote:

I have attached some of my favourite family photos. They have special meaning to me and I would love to share them with you – my extended family.

Wishing you all peace, love and happiness.

– Raneeta, David and our precious twins Renee and Damian. May 2007

Sarita remembers her Nani

Memoirs

Being the youngest of Ram Piyari’s clan unfortunately I cannot remember much of my Nani. I do recall some incident which as youngsters we used to find it funny. Let’s see what I remember:

Sarita Sharma

04 April 2007, New Zealand

I used to be scared of her.

When I walked home from school, if I saw her sitting on the front steps reading dharmic books, I would run as fast as my little legs would carry me so that she doesn’t see me. But of course she had eagle’s eyes and would yell out to stop and go and talk to her. Which of course I always did with shaking knees. She would always give me money and jamun and you wont believe me, instead of thanking her I would run back home as fast as I could.

Sometime she would ask me to get her a glass of water from her bed room – I was scared to go in her bedroom and would sweat all the way in and out of her bedroom. The worst part was the kitchen. I always thought it was a creepy place to be in with all the jamun trees at the back. It was eerie. This is what it seemed to a 9/10 year old.

She walked with walking stick which always made a distinct ‘tik tok’ sound on the wooden floor.

Sometimes when we had gone to bed but carry on with the giggles and laughter in the 4 corner mosquito netting bed, we would hear the ‘tik tok’ sound and would pretend to be asleep. She would come in our room and with her walking pull up the mosquito net. And tell us to stop making noise and sleep.

I always saw her in white ‘lahenga and kurta and odhni’- I suppose the latest version of this dress code would be ghagra.choli?

I don’t have any other memories. It is a pity now that I am a mother, ,mother – in – law to be some time, I would love to know what my mother and my Nani were like – i.e. what common gene/characteristic I share with them. I am getting more and more involved with religious activities and always wonder if this is something I inherited from my father or my mother. I will never know

Aruna remembers her Nani

Memoirs

Nani had a great presence in my life as I was growing up. Every Friday, I remember going to visit her for the weekend sometimes with my brother and other times just by myself. She would read Mahabharat stories at night before I went to sleep. I slept with her in her bed. By being at nanis I also spent lots of time with my Mamas Balram, Nandlal, Tulsi, Parshu, and my Daya Mausi.

Aruna Change

22 May 2007, United States of America

When nani went to visit my Pyari Mausi in Lukia Nausori during school holidays I always went with her and sometimes Daya Mausi would go with us. We always had a great time there. Nani would also come to visit us at our home, sometimes she would stay overnight. She used to make Satua (seven varieties of lentil) and we enjoyed it very much. I have so many memories of my maternal families that it cannot be summed up in a few words, but one thing I can say they were wonderful.

My most fondest of them all is the day I got married, Nani came in the room as I was getting dressed and said I don’t have much to give you Beti, and then she took her patta off her wrist and put it on my wrist, and blessed me. I will always cherish that moment in my life. I am very proud of you all for organizing the reunion. Hopefully I will be able to make it, no promises due to medical reasons.

Remembered by Lata

Memoirs

Nana Bachu Sardar, was the son of  Ram Khelawan Singh. In 1879, nana was born in the district of Shahabad, in the village Dilliali, in India and belonged to the Garadia caste.In 1884 nana left India on ship # 178 called Howrah. He arrived in Fiji under the Indentured Labour System. His parents had died.

Swarn Lata

February 2007

An Englishman looked after him and called him Bachu. He was a supervisor (sardar). So he was called Bachu Sardar and was registered so. Nobody knew his real name then. He was married and had 10 children. It was much later when his eldest son Balram Bachu found some old papers kept in a bundle. That is when nana’s real name was discovered. Balram Bachu wanted to change the name but his mother requested him not to do so.

Nana was married to nani Sirtaji (Sardarin) who was born in 1894 in the district of Rai Bareilly in the village Tirhwa, in India. Nani was an orphan. In 1897 she left India on ship # 374 called Rhone. She also came to Fiji under the Indentured Labour System. A gentleman by the name of Pt Ganga Sharma adopted her and looked after her very well. He married her to Bachu Sardar. At the time marriage nana was 38 years old and nani was 23 years old. They married in 1907 and lived at Deuba # 2.

Aunindra (Raj) Bachu remembers his Aaja and Aaji

Memoirs

I didn’t see Aaja. I wish I had the opportunity. From what I have heard about him, little from Aaji and much more from babuji, he was very disciplined but humble and family man. He was dedicated to his children, Ramayan, and pigeon hunting. He also enjoyed horse riding (I suppose it was means of transport then) and had few fine horses

Aunindra Raj Bachu

10 May 2007

I believe whenever dinner was not to his liking, he would go to the jungle with his gun and return within 20 minutes or so with 5 or 6 pigeons for meal.   He was also fond of chicken curries and eel. I was also told his curries were supposed to be very hot. In fact a bowl of chillies per chicken was normal.

It seems we don’t have any information prior to their settlement in Navua. It may be safe to say their life began in Navua. However he had bought land in Samabula, Suva whilst raising his family and working in Navua. He seemed to have been visionary to expend his horizons from India to Fiji, then investing in land in another town. He also had dada attending “Brother” School in Suva. It was a sort after school then. Unfortunately his life was cut short in an accident. Family later resettled in Samabula after Aaja passed away. I believe there are many fond memories from Samabula.Aaji continued to refer to Aaja as Sardar, because that was his job title on rubber estate. Aaji was known as was Sardarin to her peers and friends.

I vividly remember Dalipa calling her sardarny in true Punjabi accent. She was very strict, disciplined but a fair person. She was also a very strong person in health and ideology. She was family cornerstone. She was a great leader, economist, and finance manager to have been able to achieve what she did in raising & educating her children. Most siblings were well educated with the opportunities and facilities available at the time. She must have developed these qualities, vision & traits from Aaja. She instilled these principles and ideology into her children and grand children too. I am led to believe Samabula home was head quarters for most family members. She would have contributed to most of her grandchildren’s education, up bringing and welfare. It is known a few grand children attended school in Suva living with her. Aaji treated all grand children fairly and equal.I can’t remember her visiting doctors or taking any medication. She had a magic medicine; VICKS. It would fix anything for her, headache, cuts & burns, tooth ache. She also had her natural teeth. Other than seasonal cold and fever, she seemed to have been suffering from weak knees. It showed when she attempted to stand up. She would shake, however she made sure she did seek any assistance. At that time it seemed funny to us and we used to make jokes. Now I realize what she was going through because it happens to me most times, at a much younger age.

She was knowledgeable in Gita, Ramayan, Mahabharat & Prem Sagar. She was also conversant with Akbar/Birbal stories & other religious epics. She was a fixture at her front door, reading religious books. She would also call her friends passing by for a cuppa. She made sure anyone visiting her place did not leave without a cuppa or meal. This applied to her family & children’s friends too. She fasted every Sunday and did hawan herself every Tuesday with sultana & white sugar for prasad. Aaji could entertain us all day with stories. She was vegetarian since I had known her. However she was non-vegetarian before, I used to tease her lot being a vegetarian when I took her meals to her. I would often refer to sahina as fried fish, sawaii as earth worms, phulorie in kadhi was meat. I made sure I placed her food on her bench before I said anything of that sort to annoy her (otherwise I would get the beating with her walking stick or samjhwan singh). Then I would say it and do the runner. At that time it seemed fun.

 

She was very particular & exciting with her chutneys and bhajis. She had patience to slice lime very finely to make chutney; she did the same when she made sarso bhaji chutney or garlic & chilli chutney. Her kavika chutney ground on sill was delicious too. She was also fond of exotic bhajia. She would ask mum to make keraila leaves, cassava leaves (young tops) bhajia. She also enjoyed mix bhaji, it would have anything that she could find; dalo bhaji, cassava leaves, keraila, buc-choy, spinach. It seems I had acquired her taste to certain extent. Aaji had passed on these qualities and skills to her daughters and sons. Fuas were all fine cooks, some had specialized in particular dishes. It was difficult for anyone else to duplicate their recipe. I shall leave you with some thoughts to see if you can work out who they were: golden brown fried eggs, pumpkin raita, curried lamb shanks. I had served her last (official) dinner on the night she passed away. She was reading her Gita as usual when I arrived.

They will be remembered.

 

Cecil Remembers Mr Shiu Narayan Bodhi

Memoirs

So far no one has made any mention of Mr. Shiu Narayan Bodhi , so I thought that I may write something very briefly about him and his family.

Mr. Shiu Narayan Bodhi also known as “Badka Bhaiya”

Cecil Ram Lochan

12 February 2008 - About Mr Shiu Narayan Bodhi, A Journey To Bachu Reminiscence

Mr Shiu Narayan Bodhi was the elder brother of Mr Ram Narayan Bodhi, know as Chhotka Bhaiya.  As for Ram Narayan Bodhi, Shiu Narayan Bodhi was also raised by Nana and Nani since their childhoon.  We all called him Badka Bhaiya.

In in adulthood when he got married, he lived off Reservoir Road in Suva, an area close to mental Hospital (asylym).  He was a cook by profession but was very well known aa a member of a dancing group.  This group danced at weddings and at special functions.  

I remember him dancing in the attire of Indian dancing woman. His children that I remember, were,  Beermati , who got married to a man from Navua, Brijmati who is married to a teacher and at present they live in Wellington, New Zealand, Kamal Prasad (Kamlu) who used to live in Fulaga street in Samabula, and who later married Farida and short time after that emigrated to the USA and then to UK.   

Mr Shiu Narayan had a second wife who had a few children of her own and they also lived at Reservoir Road.  He later built a house at Fulaga Street Samabula and this where he died.  I think in the early 50’s.  His son Kamal lived in the house until I bought it from him in 1957.  This is from where Kamal went to the USA.

Kamal and I became very close friends, apart from being cousins.

Kamal was a great street fighter and boxer. He did not train but went into the ring to fight on friends urging him to do so, and usually won.

We trained together in the same training room trying to build our bodies using weights and to learn Judo from a Black Belt Holder called Henry Gibson. We also used to hang around together after school and work and went to movies with other friends in Samabula. He had a very fair complexion and would easily pass as an European, but was a very modest person

Badka Bhaiya was also a frequent visiter to Nani’s house and had great regard for Nani. Our mamas, mausis including my Mum and my sister and cousins also visited his house and we used to have good times out there. He used to keep quite a few geese apart from chicken and dogs. These geese were quite vicious and we used to be very wary of them. My Mausi Latch kept in close contact with the girls especially Brij. Every time Latch came to New Zealand, she used to visit Brij in Wellington. In addition she kept in touch with her by mail and telephone. I understand that Kiran and Betty are also in touch with Brij to the present day.

I had the opportunity to see and talk to Brij and her husband when they visited Auckland recently. I intend to see them on my next visit to Wellington

I used to see Beermati (known to all of us as Beeru) when I used to visit Navua in the course of my official business or sometimes otherwise, until I left Fiji in 1973.

She was a very kind and hard working lady. She was married in a rice farming family in Navua.

I can picture Mr. Shiu Narayan Bodhi, in my mind.

I hope someone has got his photo. He was of medium to shortish man with broad shoulder, with ready smile on his face. He walked with a bit of slant to one side, unlike his brother Ram Narayan who walked straight with a dignified manner. (Off course, he was in the Territorial army in Fiji)

Badka Bhaiya and Chhotka Bhaiya, although not Nani’s sons by birth, were regarded by all of Nani’s children, as brothers

I did not know that they were not real sons of Nani and Nana until much later in my adult life when my mother was once telling me about all her family.

So, it goes to show how grand people Nani and Nana were.

“Mr RAM DEO”

I am taking this opportunity to mention another person whom no one has said anything about and he was also close to Bachu family. His name is Ram Deo.

Mr Ram Deo, was also called Ram Deo Bhaiya by all of my mother’s brothers and sister.

He was a very tall man, about 7ft in height, slim built and very fit Sometimes people called him “LUMBU” He served as the Driver of a General in USA army when the American troops were based in Fiji. (Suva ) during WW2 . He was quite fair in complexion and when he dressed in the army uniform and drove the car, he blended very well with the American soldiers. To enhance his appearance, he grew a slim moustache like some of the American actors did in those days. He was also like a member of Bachu family and was regarded as one of my mother’s brothers.

How this relationship was formed, I have no idea , but I was told to call him Mama.

In my youth when we moved to live at Veisari, just outside Suva, he also moved there and built a house a short distance from where we had our house. I came to know him better from that time. We used to go in the jungle and creeks looking for good wood to build our boat and to catch prawn.

In the evenings I used to go fishing in our boat with him and Kaka and we used to catch a lot of fish. He was a good oarsman. He had a daughter and a son.

They emigrated to Canada and settled in Vancouver. I had the good fortune to meet him on my visit to Vancouver in 1995. He made a point to transport me to Rotary Club which I wished to visit and took my family to his home for dinner where his elderly wife gave us a good treat. He was a member of the local Sanatan Dharam Mandali to which my cousin Shambhu Prasad belonged.

This person also forms part of Bachu clan although not related by blood to it.

Hope some senior people will remember him.

A Journey to Bachu Reminiscence

Memoirs

Pigeon shooting in the Bachu (nana) and Kunj Behari (Aaja)  families have always been a memorable place for enthusiastic and adventurous tales for earsof younger generations at many family gatherings.  In fact, it was on one of my nana’s pigeon hunting trips with his eldest son, Balram Mama, who was a 10 year lad then , that Nana had an accidental death with his own shotgun. The original site  of this incident was close to nana’s work area known as Matralevu in Mavua (not to be mistaken for Navua).

My memory of the site visit, through coincidence, was during  one of those exciting pigeon shooting trips to the interior of Deuba (Navua) in  May of late 1950s when our  group, comprising of my father (Krishan Chandra), Nandu Mama, Parshu Mama, my brother Kishore, and our trekker/guide, Tilak Ram (son of Bhaira Mohan of Nakaulevu), when we  stumbled upon the ruins of a rubber plantation. This  site known as Matralevu (Mavua) where our Nana Sardar Bachu was posted to supervise the plantation. The partly cleared area was close to the forests which showed all the signs of earlier human habitation. The deep   creek which would have been a river pre 1950s exhibitedovergrown nursery of rubber plants   congested and joined into thick plants. After scouring the area , Nandu Mama agreed that this was the place his father was posted. Unfortunately, Parshu Mama could not recall anything but he did mention that he sensed something in him was attached to this place. At this time it should be noted that Nani was pregnant with Parshu Mama and he was born after Nana’s death.

To reach this particular spot, the group had to trek from the Queens Road at the present Pacific Harbour site through  Lotan Sardar’s property and also B.D. Lakshman’s property. We had to cross high fences, knee-deep swampy marshland (jheel), heavy growth of  sekho plantations, dangerous make-shift bridges of fallen trees, etc. We had to start on foot at 4 am as the trekker said we would then be at the shooting spot around seven when sun comes up! The fresh early morning energy was there but the struggle to walk for almost 2 hours in almost dark was a gruelling adventure. Worst was returning being extremely tired and rushing to the road before darkness fell. Then the fear, if we had more pigeons than the quota per gun, we could be  stopped by the Police if not in Navua then it was sure to be  at Delainavesi Police post near Lami. Efforts were always made to avoid such inspections and fortunately we normally got away.

So, whilst most or all of us now surviving have not had any personal contact with our Nana/aaja, this particular memory I had experienced as a 12 year young is very fresh  and felt needed to be shared with relatives and friends. On the other hand, most of my generation will vividly remember our close attachments and togetherness with Nani/Aaji  specially during our childhood era  with her religious stories, accompanying her to the Ram-lila, experiencing the first ever earthquake (1953), having her at our homes and then “her bed is calling for her” meaning she cannot stay overnight but her home. She always dressed elegantly in her white attire (long-sleeved blouse, petticoat (lehenga) and veil (odhini) with of course silver jewelleries.

On this auspicious occasion,  a special tribute to the only surviving Bachu Sardar and Sardarin child, Parshu Mama, the last of the Mohicans –  we wish him and other senior members of the Bachu clan many more years of good health,  fun, laughter and  lasting relationship in our midst. 

Kiran Krishan Chandra

28 February 2008

History as remembered by Late Cecil Lochan

Memoirs

Namaste, Ramram  & Greetings

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

To all those who know me I need no introduction. For the benefit of the younger descendants of Nana Bachu Sardar and Nani Mrs. Sirtaji Bachu Sardar  also known as Sardarin, I would like to inform how I fit in the large clan of Bachu family. 

I am 70 years old +, the eldest surviving grandson of Nana & Nani Bachu Sardar & Sardarin. From my infancy, I lived in the household of Nani at Samabula with my mother and sister Vimla.

My memories go back to the days when Nani, Bhaiya (Balram Bachu) I will explain the Bhaiya part later, my uncles Nandlal, Tulsiram,  Parshuram, my aunt Dayawati, my mum Ramkuar and my sister Vimla lived in the original Bachu home which was at the front of and at a higher level than the one most of the younger family members may remember. .There was a large mango tree beside the house toward the road. There was a water  standpipe in front of the house .The section then sloped towards the back leading down to a creek (with some fish, eels and prawns) and then rising steeply towards what we know as Bhawan.. Our grandmother had great foresight in planting many types of  fruit trees, and there were many wild fruits  trees such as guavas coconuts  etc. growing by themselves. It was a big piece of land. My mother bought a jersey cow and named her “Munni”.The family used milk from this cow which, as I remember, was milked mostly by my mother and :”Nandu” ( I will explain about this also as we go along.). Other uncles got Para Grass for  Munni.

THE HISTORY OF BACHU FAMILY IN SAMABULA, SUVA

 My mother`s account of Nana ji.(Cousin Vishnu has related quite a bit and I will not repeat that.) Being an evid hunter, when he went to shoot pigeons on this fateful day, he took his 10 year old son Balram with him (to collect shot pigeons) He had shot some pigeons and was ready to return when he saw this fat one . He found a vantage point which happened to be a stump of a chopped Sekho tree, beside an incline (slope). He climbed on to it and was taking aim with loaded gun when he slipped and fell down the slope. Accidently the trigger got pulled somehow and the gun fired , hitting him in the stomach. The son ran home to get help and nana was brought home still alive but fatally wounded. All was done to save him but to no avail. Nana expressed his desire to see his youngest son Tulsi. He was brought to him and some time after that he passed away.(Please note that his son Parshu was not born at this time.)

Police  were involved in this accidental death and were harassing Bhaiya Balram alleging that he shot his father. At this time there was a man called Ambika Prasad Maharaj. He was well known to the family. He came over and stopped the Police from alleging that Bhaiya had  shot his father.

During the big flu epidermic post World War 1,  Nana was instrumental in caring for the people and arranged for face masks to be used with camphor wrapped in it.This saved many lives by keeping the infection at bay.

Funeral rituals took place and sometimes later the family moved from Mataralevu,  Mavua, near Deuba to Samabula property in Suva.  My parents lived in Dilkusha, Nausori, where my father was a school teacher.  For sometime, my uncle Nandlal stayed with them. when he was a young boy. My parents divorced and hence my mum, Vimla and I moved to Nani`s home which became my home till I was about six years old.

I remember distinctly that one day Bhaiya came back from work, took a spade and held me by the hand and went to an area at the back of the house near a sareefa tree (Sawsop) and said “Hum log hea ghar banayak hoi”. He then struck the ground with the spade and turned the first sod over and started leveling the ground. This was the begining of the building of the house that all remember till this day . Some Buabua posts were delivered by someone

Members of the family got together with Bhaiya`s some work friends and the work progressed. The next thing I remember is the right side frame being pulled up by family members and friends and put in place and then the house being completed. The family moved into this home since then.

In the front right side was the sitting room, and we all called it verandah.On the left was a bedroom occupied by Nandu, Tulsi and Parshu. Next to it was the bedroom used by my mum Daya and I also slept there.The room behind the sitting room was occupied by Bhaiya..The one behind this was Nani`s room where Vimla, Guddi (Vishnu’s sister Krishna) also slept.The dining room was across from this room. There was a passage across the building, open on the right side and then the kitchen at the left and a bathroom on the right.Later, during school holidays, my cousin Vishnu, still very young , used to come from Lokia and stay with us. I will never forget that Daya used to put me to sleep by telling me stories and singing to me just about every night.

As stated by others, Nani read and instilled the values of Hindu religious books into all at home.This was done just about every evening when all sat in the sitting room on the floor and listened to Nani who explained the meaning of what was read (Arth lagawe ) Another book read was ALHA. Nandu was an expert in this and read it with such a zest  about the warriors Alha and Udal that it filled all of us with  zeal.

We all had a vegetable plot in the back yard and we all had some chicken in the Darba .

When chicken was killed, it was Murgi ke Surwa, so that all could enjoy the chicken taste with a few pieces of meat. (No wonder we enjoy Murgi ke surwa even now!)

If Someone got sick, Nani used to make medicine out of Guava leaves, jamun ke chhilka, karaila leaves etc. and give it to us. All was well. Once a week a piece of Kala namak was given to all of us.

No one being young one in the family, Bhaiya told me to call him Bhaiya, and  to this day address him so. Having been brought up in this home, everyone called each other by their name and so did I. The only one not to be called by name was my mother whom all called Didiya.  Bhaiya always consulted nani if he had to do something important and then he used to come to my mother and ask “Didiya, tum ka socho hai, tumhar ka bichaar hai ?”

I do not remember the outbreak of 2nd World War.I1 but I do  remember Bhaiya working in digging the Air Raid Shelter with PWD people. Sometimes he used to take me with him and I used to get rides on the trolley used to dump soap stones outside near the creek

I then remember soldiers and army convoys going along the road and when they stopped for rest, I used to run to them with jug of water and glass and was rewarded by chocolates by NZ soldiers. There was an army camp which was later turned into Destitute Home (Dipu).

Nani had good friends in Samabula.She used to visit them and take me with her to their homes There was this lady called Arbiain.She lived alone and was Charcoal black. Apparently her husband was an Arabian. She was meticulously clean herself and also her house, inside out.She made the best Karaila ke Kalaunji . They ate this while they talked away. I also  had a piece. Then there was Mangal Singh and Dhyan`s mother, Mrs Thakur Singh (She was Pundit Vishnu Deo`s sister as was Maina Mausi), Then there was Mrs Kandhai Singh (Pooran Singh`s father.  Kanhai Singh was a large man and he used to drive a cart and horse and played a musical instrument called Algoja.

My interest was not in what they talked about but was to be with Nani. Family members used to call me “Nani ke poonch”

Another thing about Nani was her passion about keeping her teeth clean. Parshu and I had the duty of going to the keth and finding the best Bariyara of similar twigs for nani to make a brush by chewing  and later by using the sill and lodha. She used charcoal and mustard oil and took about 15 to 20 minutes cleaning her teeth. She still had all her teeth till her death.

Bhaiya was very fond of Pork. When Bhaiya brought pork,  Nani would not allow it to be cooked inside the house. My mother and Bahiya used to cook it under the kitchen in separate pot. Most of the family except Nani and Daya ate pork. It was a real treat when wild pork was brought home. It was Nani`s belief that education was very important and at that time teaching was a noble profession and the highest one could go to in Fiji.

During the war, when German warship Bismark was close to Suva, government ordered the evacuation of Suva. We all went to Mausa Punwasi `s place in Nasinu

Prior to going Bhaiya had  to put up Coal tar Paper curtains to prevent light showing outside. When all clear was given we returned to Samabula.

My mother, Vimla and I moved out from nani`s place and my mother went to work in rubber plantation where her father used to be the Sardar. I remember those hard but happy days and can remember the American soldiers who had a camp there.

At this place my mother married my step father, Ram Karan. We moved to Suva where both my step father and my mother worked and educated me and my sister Vimla. We called my step father Kaka and so did most of my cousins .

My mother eventually worked for my Mausi Latch who wanted to go back to teaching.

Who could be better than my mother to look after her children, Kishore, Kiran and Lata were virtually brought up by my parents., hence their love for them. I used to go to Samabula Government School and after school go to Latch’s place before going home with my mother.

Tribute to a person who sacrificed his youth and adulthood to educate and make the Bachu family members what they are today.

Mr Balram Bachu (Bhaiya ).  Bhaiya, being the eldest male in the household, I was told, went to work at the age of 13 to help Nani when they moved to Samabula from Mataralevu, Mavua.

By this time my mausi, Mrs Punwasi, my mother and my aunt Rampiari (Vishnu`s mum) were already married, while Nana was alive.

I do not remember when Mausi Dropati was married, but I do know that Bhaiya was the breadwinner at that time, according to my mother.

Thereafter, Bhaiya was responsible for the education of  Latch, Nandu and Daya, who all became school teachers. Tulsi could not go to school regularly due to severe attacks of asthma, so much so that at times we thought that he would die. Parshu attended Samabula

Government school and then on request was sent to Seventh Day Adventists School in Tailevu, and later worked as an Accountant and owned a business of his own.

Tulsi became a Taxi Driver and later Pacific Transport Coach Driver as remembered by younger family members.

Bhaiya was also a great supporter of Nandu and Parshu in their quest in soccer. As stated by others, they excelled in this field  to become representatives in Fiji Soccer Team for years

All this, required Bhaiya’s dedication  and sacrifice of his own enjoyment and pleasures of life. His main concern, quest and aim in his life was the wellbeing of his brothers and sisters. According to my mother, when Bhaiya  achieved these goals, then he was persuaded to get married.

Bhaiya got married to a lady from Navua. I can remember her. She was quite nice to me.

Bhaiya had got accustomed to the habit of devoting most of his energy for the wellbeing of his family. And this was a habit hard to break. He was a devoted husband. They had a child who died at birth. What went wrong in their marriage, I do not know, but eventually  they divorced and Bhaiya was alone again. It appeared that he was deeply hurt, but carried on with life seeing the marriage of Nandu Daya and Parshu.

Bhaiya then built his own house next to Nani’s House.

Nandu had been teaching at various places in Fiji and eventually he also built his house in Vatoa Rd, Tamavua.

Bhaiya asked Parshu and Kina to come and live with him, which they did. They later bought their own place and moved out into there own house in Ruve Street.

At this stage someone arranged a marriage for Bhaiya to Raj’s mother.The marriage took place and Bhaiya was very happy. His duties were over and he devoted his life to his new wife and later to  their son Awanindra (Raj) Bachu. I had not seen Bhaiya in such happy state for such a long time. I was very close to him. So much so that when my mother, Vimla and I had moved out from Bachu home, we did not have electricity in our home I was about to sit for my Junior Cambridge Exams, and Bhaiya asked me to stay with him so that I could study with electric light  and he said that if I passed my exams, he would award me with a watch. True to his words he did that. I still have that watch.

He also took me in to study from his home at Senior Cambridge time. I passed well again.

After my studies at Fiji School of Medicine, I got married and thereafter worked in Public service around the country, but always kept in close touch with Bhaiya. Actually Bhaiya had seen Sarla before we got married and had mentioned that he would like to see her coming in his family. I am glad that I fulfilled his wishes.

He visited us wherever I was stationed. He came to New Zealand with Parshu to my mother’s  funeral despite his ill health. I will never forget that. He was so close to us.

I always visited him after he went to Sydney. I think he had briefed his granddaughters before my arrival because when I went to their house, these young cute girls  gave me their bedroom and lo and behold, Bhaiya had pork all ready to be cooked when I arrived. He always treated me like his young brother

Although, I was very sick. I could not keep away when he passed away,  and  miss his funeral.  I am very grateful that his brothers and sisters and the whole family requested me to pay homage to him and deliver the Eulogy at his funeral

He left a huge vacuum in our family.

I can see his qualities in Raj. Calm, well thought out opinion, ready to listen to others and thoughtful for his family. I  am very proud that he has been instrumental in arranging for this re-union.

If not for Bhaiya Balram, Bachu family would not be where they are today.

I salute him and so should we all.

1974 and 1975 were  very tragic years for the Bachu family. These were the year when Nasinu wali mausi, my father James Ram Lochan and Nani passed away. Nani in 1975

When Nani passes away, I was asked to go to Lokia to give the sad news to Rampiari mausi. We came back to Samabula for the funeral. As someone mentioned, it was Nani’s wish that her funeral pier be made of Bamboo Tikthi. That this should not have any nail or staples in the construction. The only person who had the art of making it was Madho Prasad, Vishnu`s elder brother. Daya and others decorated the tikthi with beautiful cloth, lacing and ribbons and Nani was thus cremated, in terms of her wishes

There are so many things that I wish to write about Nani but my article is so long as it is.

The great Matriach and pillar of Bachu family, our Nani, had gone from this world but happy memories of her will, forever, remain, with me and I am sure  with all who knew her,

I came to live in New Zealand and eventually and got my mother and kaka to New Zealand to live with me permanently  My mother passed away in 1988 and another member of Bachu family left this world. Then Tulsi passed away in USA, followed by Latch. Nandu always used to say that “Fiji mei payda bhaya hae, our Fiji me marega”. He had emigrated to Australia with his family, but had returned to Fiji for a wedding. At that time Latch passed away and 12 days later, true to his words,  and also as Lata has said in her article, Nandu, passed away in Suva, Fiji, but had his funeral in Sydney.

We now have one son of Nana and Nani, Parshu, with us. We wish him all the best and look forward to his participation at the re-union

Health permitting, Sarla and I will attend this great re-union so that we can meet all the young ones of our clan who we have not seen so far. It will also be a time when those of us who have never met before will have the opportunity to meet so that our future generation will continue to know the Bachu Sardar heritage

I wish to congratulate the organizers of this re-union for their sterling work. In particular, Raj, Kamal, Ravi, Lata, Bijendra and off course Vanita. Forgive me if I have forgotten to mention someone .

My immediate family comprises of my wife Sarla, our eldest daughter Cecilia Ashla, her husband Rajiv Kaushik, their children (our grandchildren ) Rahul and Meera, our  youngest daughter Joyce Varsha, her husband Jason Paul and their son Millan (our 3rd grandson

Lots of love to you all.

God Bless.

Cecil Ram Lochan

19 Gregory Place , Hillsborough , Auckland 1041,New Zealand, Tel: (09) 6259857. Mobile : 021 025 940 59. E-mail: Lochan@paradise,net.nz

Memories of Late Mr Parshu Ram Bachu

Memoirs

I, Parshu Ram Bachu, am the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Bachu Sardar. We were ten brothers and sisters. I am the last one of them. I never knew my father. He died in July 1930 and I was born in October 1930 in Samabula.  Bal Ram Bachu, our eldest brother, was our father figure. We called him Babu-ji. He was a very strict person and we called him Hitler, which he didn’t know. Our mother was very strict woman, god loving and very neat in appearance. She used to read Hindi religious books to ladies in Samabula. All the ladies in Samabula used to call her Sardarin. I was very proud of her neatness and god loving. She used to tell me ‘son never fear God – love God because he is your true father’.

I went to school at Samabula Government Indian School and Seven Day Adventist School. I played soccer. As my elder brother Nand Lal Bachu was a well-known player, I also joined his soccer club – Jolly Brothers Sports Club. We both represented Suva and Fiji in soccer.

My brother Tulsi and nephew Hari Lal played for Suva too. While playing soccer I met my wife Sakina (KINA). We got married and Ravi Bachu is our eldest son. Ravi is married to Sushila and they have two children, Ramona and Rohan Bachu. Our eldest daughter, Rita is married to Jai Reddy and living in America and has a son Rahul who lives in New Zealand. Our youngest daughter, Raneeta is married to David Prasad and has a pair of twins, a boy (Damian) and a girl (Renee). They are living in New Zealand.

We were a very close family. My mother was very fond of her grandchildren. They all used to come for the weekends and public holidays; most of them stayed with us and went to school too.

Best wishes and God Bless.

Parshu Ram Bachu

11 July 2007