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NFP
Dr Brij Lal’s ashes have been brought to his family home in Labasa, his family said.
The family of exiled Fijian academic Dr Brij Lal have brought his ashes home – 14 years after he was banned from entering the country.
Lal died in Australia on December 25, 2021, and his wife said they will perform his final funeral rites at the family home.
The renowned historian was a strong critic of the FijiFirst government, led by Frank Bainimarama, and was exiled in 2009.
But just days after winning the general election in December, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that those banished by the former government during its 16-year rule could return home.
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University of the South Pacific vice-chancellor and president Professor Pal Ahluwalia was also forced to leave Fiji.
On February 3, 2021 Ahluwalia and wife Sandra Price were detained and deported for allegedly breaching certain provisions of the Fijian Immigration Act.
Arvind Kumar/Stuff
“Tears in Paradise” author Rajendra Prasad pays tribute to Professor Brij Lal at a condolence gathering for the Fijian academic who died in exile recently.
The couple’s controversial exile followed months of increased tensions between USP and the previous government.
Much of the rift had stemmed from allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption at the regional institution which Ahluwalia himself had uncovered.
The previous government withheld paying its dues, in excess of NZ$60 million, to USP.
The couple returned to Fiji last month and were greeted by university staff, students and supporters.
At a thanksgiving service to welcome the Ahluwalias, the prime minister apologised over the way the couple were treated.
Rabuka also said the government would fulfil its commitment and settle the grant to USP – an initial payment of $10m was made last week.
Since his deportation, Ahluwalia had been running the university remotely out of the Alafua campus in Apia, Samoa.
Rabuka has vowed to right the wrongs of the past administration.
USP
University of the South Pacific’s vice-chancellor and president Pal Ahluwalia has returned to Fiji from exile.
On Wednesday, Lal’s widow Dr Padma Lal and their children arrived at Nadi Airport with his remains.
The family were met by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad and other government officials.
An emotional Lal told the waiting media that it was her husband’s wish to be buried in Fiji.
“He’s with me, he is here with me, he’s still with me. I’m just glad we are finally able to meet his wishes.
“His love for Fiji, right to the end. His humility, forgiveness and yearning for a return home to where it all began for us.”
A family spokesperson told Stuff Lal’s ashes would be scattered at the Tabia River near the family home in Labasa on Saturday after a ceremony.
The river was a favourite swimming spot for Lal and his siblings, the spokesperson said.
“We are grateful to the government for allowing his ashes to be brought home. He died more than a year ago, and we have always wanted to have him back home where all his siblings are laid to rest.”
Saturday’s ceremony will also be attended by the government.
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