M. S. Buksh
Mirza Salim Buksh was an Indo-Fijian community leader. One of the first Indo-Fijians to gain a formal education, he was chosen as one of the representatives of the Indian community on a number of occasions. He helped form and supported a number of social and religious organisations. He also served one term as a nominated member in the Legislative Council.
Early life
Born in Madras, Buksh emigrated to Fiji in 1910, where he worked as an interpreter and clerk.He was one of the early group of Indi-Fijians to acquire sufficient formal education to be employed in government service. In 1922, Buksh, together with Odin Ramrakha and Vishnu Deo, helped the Raju Commission that made inquiries into the conditions of the Indian community in Fiji. In 1924, he was one of the founding members of the Indian Reform League, the first social and sporting organisation formed for Fiji Indians. He was also a founding member of the Fiji Muslim League in 1926. He worked for the Supreme Court of Fiji and as a repatriation officer. Although he retired in 1939, he returned to work for the civil service during World War II.