A Two-Year Posting That Became a Lifetime Calling : How Expat Pradeep Malik Found Peace, Purpose, and a New Home in Mauritius

When Pradeep “Tony” Malik boarded a plane to Mauritius in 2013, it was supposed to be the beginning of a two-year professional assignment. As a seasoned Chartered Accountant with decades of experience across the UK, Singapore, India, and Canada — mostly with Big Four firms — he was no stranger to relocation. But what unfolded on this small island in the Indian Ocean was not just another career chapter. It was the start of a personal transformation that would slowly, deeply, and irrevocably change his definition of success, home, and self. Now over a decade later, Pradeep Malik no longer calls Mauritius a posting. He calls it home.

The initial decision to move was purely professional. “A career move that aligned with my experience and interests,” Tony reflects, recalling the opportunity that brought him to Mauritius in 2013. At the time, he and his wife Mala viewed it as a temporary shift — a brief chapter between longer postings in other parts of the world. Yet, what began as a calculated step on the corporate ladder transformed, year by year, into something far more profound.

“I believe it was during our third year here, when I no longer referred to Mauritius as ‘the island’ but as ‘home’,” he shares. “After living in India for seven years before moving here in 2013, we thought we had experienced a deep cultural and professional immersion with both Mala and I holding high profile jobs. But Mauritius brought something different — a serenity, a spiritual energy, and a slower rhythm that resonated with both of us.”

The transition from viewing Mauritius as a temporary posting to embracing it as home was not a dramatic shift, but a gentle, organic unfolding. “That moment came when our daily routines, friendships, and the sense of purpose here began to feel lasting — not transitional.” Over time, the couple found themselves rooted more deeply in the life Mauritius offered — not just through work, but through a sense of emotional and spiritual belonging.

Even their son, Satya, experienced this transformation in his own way. He spent two and a half years studying and working in Mauritius before moving to Canada, and in that time, absorbed values that still shape his life today. “It’s heartening to see that he’s carried the values of humility, warmth, and multicultural respect with him. These qualities, so deeply rooted in Mauritian life, now shape how he lives and works in Canada, where he is happily settled.”

Tony reflects on what they might have missed had they left after the initial two years. “Personally, I would have missed the profound friendships, the warmth of Mauritian hospitality, and the cultural richness that now fills my days.” But it was not just about the personal rewards — professionally too, the move grew into something more lasting. “I would have missed the opportunity to contribute more meaningfully — beyond KPIs — and evolve from a corporate leader into a community-minded mentor and guide. I would have missed the opportunity to contribute to the training sector, and be part of something more community-driven.”

Then he adds, with quiet conviction: “Most importantly, we would have missed out on the peace we have found here — something that no promotion or title could offer.”

Redefining Success and Purpose

Having built a high-powered, global career across continents, Tony’s idea of success has matured in the quiet stillness of Mauritius. Years of working in structured, high-pressure environments — from the UK to Canada, Singapore, and India — had shaped a mindset where success was intrinsically linked to titles, responsibilities, and outcomes.

“From UK to Canada to Singapore, and then India, success was always tied to responsibility, status, and outcomes,” he explains. “In Mauritius, that definition softened and deepened. I now see success in the lives I’ve touched, the calm I’ve cultivated, and the balance I’ve created between work, reflection, and relationships.”

The change did not happen overnight. It took time, reflection, and a lifestyle that allowed space for presence over productivity. “It’s no longer about being in control of everything — but about letting go of what no longer serves your peace,” he says. “Success, to me, used to be about influence, achievement, and responsibility. Now, it’s about impact, balance, and legacy.”

Tony describes how his daily life and career have taken on a renewed purpose — one rooted in service and personal connection. “Helping people grow — that gives me purpose. Whether I’m designing training for professionals or supporting community-focused events, I feel deeply connected to the idea of giving back.” His work is no longer about reaching the next milestone, but about leaving a quiet, lasting imprint in the lives of others.

That sense of fulfilment is not limited to professional achievement. “I also derive immense joy from seeing Mala thrive in her social and spiritual pursuits here, and staying closely connected with our son Satya in Canada. That balance of being useful professionally while also being present in family and spiritual life brings me great fulfilment.”

The island’s slower rhythm has reshaped not just his external life, but his internal compass. “In the past, time was something to manage or race against. Here, time feels like something to appreciate. My ambitions have evolved — they are less about climbing and more about giving back.” Now, fulfilment lies not in accumulation or acceleration, but in meaningful work, nurtured relationships, and the grace of simplicity.

The Peace in Presence

Simple daily routines have become quiet rituals of grounding for Tony — reminders of the stillness that now defines much of his life in Mauritius. “Every morning, I take a quiet walk or spend time in the garden,” he shares. “It’s a simple routine, but one that brings deep peace. The chirping of birds, the stillness of early morning air, and the absence of rush — these are luxuries I never appreciated before.”

These peaceful moments are not just about solitude, but about presence — something he struggled to find amid the relentless pace of his earlier corporate life. In Mauritius, the absence of constant noise has opened up space for listening — to nature, to emotion, to self.

He and Mala have also found a deeper connection through local traditions and spiritual practices that were once distant from their day-to-day lives. “The annual Maha Shivratri pilgrimage to Ganga Talao has become very meaningful to us. It’s not just a spiritual event — it’s a moving reflection of faith, unity, and community. Watching families walk barefoot with devotion and humility is humbling.”

These experiences — deeply woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of the island — have quietly become part of their own lives. “Sunset views over the ocean,” he says, along with attending “Sai Bhajans at Wooton,” have become “spiritual anchors in our lives.” Moments that might once have passed unnoticed are now held with reverence.

Tony admits that this sense of presence is something new — and transformative. “In the past, my mind was always preoccupied with the next deadline, the next trip, the next meeting,” he reflects. “Here, I find myself more aware of the ‘now’ — of people’s emotions, of the natural beauty around me, of my own state of mind.”

The pace has slowed. The silence is no longer empty, but full. And in that space, peace has arrived — not as an event, but as a way of being.

Redrawing the Boundaries of Identity and Home

After a life lived across continents — from the UK and Singapore to India and Canada — Tony’s understanding of identity and belonging has been reshaped by experience. Years of moving, adapting, and evolving have not blurred his sense of self, but deepened it. And it is in Mauritius, unexpectedly, that those layers of identity have found their still point.

“Home is no longer a pin on a map; it’s a feeling,” he reflects. “It is where I find peace, purpose, and people I care about. For me, that’s Mauritius now — though Canada will always be emotionally central because of our roots and because our son Satya lives there.”

That emotional duality — rooted in Canada, grounded in Mauritius — is no contradiction. It’s a reflection of a life lived with openness. “I now see home as wherever Mala and I are together, contributing positively, growing spiritually, and staying connected with family.”

Though he considers himself a global citizen, Tony acknowledges that Mauritius has offered something unique — something that the speed and structure of other places often obscured. “It’s the sense of belonging we have found here — the spiritual richness, the warmth of the people, and the ability to live meaningfully,” he says. “While I still feel Canadian and global, Mauritius has offered me something rare: the ability to live with intention.”

And that sense of intention has not developed in isolation. It has been gently shaped — and, in some ways, redefined — by the people around him. “They’ve shown me how spirituality, community, and resilience can be seamlessly integrated into daily life,” he says of Mauritians. “Their humility and quiet strength have challenged me to redefine my own identity — less about accomplishments, more about authenticity.”

For someone who once measured life in flights, deadlines, and leadership roles, identity has now become something quieter, steadier — and infinitely more personal.

Reflections and the Road Ahead

Today, Tony stands not only as a seasoned professional but also as a mentor and guide to younger generations of global citizens and aspiring leaders. Drawing on his rich life experiences, he offers one guiding principle above all: “Stay open. Plans will change, and the best parts of your life may be the ones you never anticipated. Don’t be afraid to step off the fast track.”

This openness to change and unexpected turns, he believes, is crucial in a world that often celebrates linear progress and rigid plans. “It’s okay — and often rewarding — to pause, pivot, and explore a different path,” he advises. “True success lies not just in rising up the ladder but in building a life that feels right for you, spiritually, emotionally, and ethically.”

If given the chance to write a letter to his younger self, preparing to land in Mauritius back in 2013, Tony’s message would be clear and heartfelt: “Be ready. What seems like a short professional assignment will become one of the most meaningful chapters of your life. Let go of your timelines and embrace the journey. You will discover peace, deepen your relationships, and grow in ways you never imagined. Stay humble, stay curious, and keep your heart open — Mauritius is about to change your life.”

Looking ahead, Tony’s vision is one of grounded balance and continued connection. “Yes, Mauritius has grown on us over the years and now feels like home,” he shares. “While I will always remain emotionally connected to Canada, Mauritius offers a lifestyle that we truly appreciate at this stage of life — peaceful, spiritual, and community-driven.”

Though their hearts are anchored on this island, the ties to Canada remain strong and vital. With frequent trips back to visit their son Satya and nurture family bonds, Tony and Mala have crafted a rhythm that honours both past and present — “one foot in the roots of home, and another planted firmly in the island soil that changed their lives.”

In this blending of worlds, Tony Malik embodies a global citizen whose journey continues, enriched by peace, purpose, and belonging.

Amnah Ummé Tasneem Mudhoo Noorzai