Business giant Kanti Punja passes on

Prominent businessman and philanthropist Kanti Punja, who impacted thousands of lives through his business and community work, died in New Zealand yesterday morning.

His eldest son, Jagdish, confirmed his father died peacefully in Auckland, surrounded by family.

Mr Punja helped build the Punjas Group of Companies into a regional household name.

He was 90.

“The funeral is scheduled to take place in Lautoka on Friday, April 10,” Mr Jagdish said.

“However, there will be an opportunity for NZ friends and family to pay their respect to him on Wednesday at Ann’s Funeral Home from 1pm to 2pm.

Prayer meetings will be held at the Radha Damodar Temple in Panmure from April 6 at 7pm to 8.30pm.”

Condolence messages poured in yesterday following news of his death.

Lautoka Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy said: “This is the biggest loss for Fiji and Lautoka. He was very instrumental in many projects in the city.

“Mr Punja was instrumental in setting up the Punjas Health Centre in Waiyavi, the Children’s Park, and undertook the care of the Lovu Crematorium, and was a Golden Age Home trustee.”

Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary Shalendra Prasad said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sad demise of Kanti Punja.

“Mr Punja was a very humble person and helped small businesses in their early days. He was a very active social worker involved in community work. He was well connected and respected in the community. He will be missed.”

McDonald’s Fiji managing director Marc McElrath said: “Kanti Punja was a respected Fijian businessman whose vision, integrity, and dedication helped shape the country’s commercial landscape, leaving behind a legacy of enterprise and community impact.

“Through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he established himself as a prominent figure in Fiji’s business community. Over the years, he was instrumental in developing successful ventures in Lautoka that not only generated economic growth but also created opportunities for many.

“Kanti Punja will be remembered as a pioneer, a mentor, and a pillar of the community. His contributions to business and society will endure, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. May he rest in peace, Om shanti shanti shanti.”

Lautoka businessman Hafiz Rahiman said: “He is a pillar of the community. He set a great example for us to follow in business and in his actions in the community.”

Mr Punja is survived by his wife, Jaya Ben Kanti Lal, five children, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.