The contributions of Girmitiyas and their descendants in all walks of life, nationally and internationally has been recognised at the 143rd Girmit Remembrance Day, hosted for the first time by the Fiji High Commission in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Girmitiya Foundation of India.
The event recently held on 15th May 2022, was a platform to pay tribute to the Girmitiyas and reflect on their cultural values, sacrifices and their perseverance towards Fiji’s prosperity.
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, His Excellency Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, was the chief guest at the occasion.
In attendance were also the Director General of the India Council for Cultural Relations, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, former High Commissioner and diplomats of the Indian High Commission in Fiji, Heads of Cultural and religious organizations, corporate entities, scholars and students, friends of Fiji and Fijian nationals present in New Delhi.
In his remarks, Fiji’s High Commissioner to India, Mr. Kamlesh Prakash outlined the many challenges that Girmitiyas had faced when they arrived to Fiji, from Calcutta on 14th May 1879.
“Six generations later, as we reflect today, we find an enormous legacy left behind by the Girmitiyas. They persevered and fought injustice, giving priority to education, they built many schools throughout Fiji with their paltry resources and opened them for children of all races making them the biggest philanthropists of that time,” High Commissioner Prakash said.
He acknowledged the assistance of the Government of India, that would enable Ministry of Education in Fiji, to re-write this part of history so that there can be better appreciation of the cultural values and its significance.
High Commissioner Prakash said Fiji’s new Constitution recognises all citizens as Fijians, granting them equal rights and empowerment opportunities.
“All Fijians have equal access to education and essential services, and enjoy fundamental freedoms, and there is no discrimination based on ethnicity, colour, gender, socio-economic standing or anything else.”
He also conveyed the Fijian Government’s appreciation to the Indian Government’s support to Fiji in times of greatest needs, especially in the provision of lifesaving vaccines and PPEs, amongst others.
In his address, Minister State for External Affairs India, Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh thanked High Commissioner Prakash and his Team for hosting the solemn occasion to remember the perseverance of the Girmitiyas and cherish the shared historical ties between India and Fiji.
Shri Singh added that since the independence of Fiji in 1970, India and Fiji’s bilateral relationship have strengthened on mutual respect, cooperation and trust.
He said India has always supported Fiji in times of crisis and natural disasters, this reflects on the importance and priority of India’s cooperation with Fiji.
He said the recent inauguration the Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital in Suva by the leaders of our two nations, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demonstrates strong friendship and strengthened cooperation between Fiji and India.
He announced that plans are underway to host the 12th World Hindi Conference in Fiji later this year and it will create opportunities to promote Fiji and its diverse culture across the world.
The Girmit Remembrance Day held at the ICCR Auditorium in New Delhi featured cultural programs by the students of Amar Nath Vidya Ashram and by the Fijian students studying in India, as well as Indian poetry, special performance of folk songs by renowned folk singer Chandan Tiwari and her group.
