Pillay earns law degree while juggling Police and commentary duties

Gyaneshwar Pillay juggled three professions simultaneously while completing his law degree in record time.

The 34-year-old police corporal and sports commentator was sworn in as a lawyer last Friday, making it his third career alongside policing and broadcasting.

Originally from Labasa but based in Navua for 24 years, Corporal Pillay managed shift work as a police officer while commentating soccer matches for Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and studying law part-time.

“I was a police officer. I was a commentator,” he said. “But I’m also proud that I completed my law studies in normal four and a half years as any other full-time student.”

He completed his Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from University of Fiji this year, finishing in four years despite studying part-time.

His study locations were unconventional – commentary booths at major stadiums across Fiji.

“I used to do commentaries from the commentary booths of Subrail Park, Churchill Park, Ratu Cakobau Park, ANZ Stadium,” Corporal Pillay said.

“At the same time, at half-time max, at full-time, I do my assignments from the commentary booths. Just to balance my work.”

He became a police officer at age 20 and simultaneously started radio commentary for Communications Fiji Limited before joining FBC as their soccer commentator.

The challenges were significant – balancing police shift work, broadcasting commitments to his fans, and law school assignments.

“I had to balance my shift work, my duty to the community as a police officer. I had to fulfil my agreements with the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation,” he said.

His decision to study law came from a desire for personal change.

“In 2021, if I have to see a change in this world, first of all, I have to change my own self,” he said. “And changing my own self was going to the School of Law.”

Corporal Pillay’s advice to young people focuses on self-determination amid modern influences.

“Listen to your parents, believe in yourself, and have self-determination. And you will find your way,” he said.

He plans to remain with Fiji Police Force and pursue police prosecution if given the opportunity.

“I have got blue bloods of police running in my veins,” he said. “I’ll keep my options open, serve the community as much as I can, as a police officer and as a lawyer.”

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