Read the Ramayana more, students told

Hindi speaking students have been urged by the Ministry of Education to make a habit of reading the Ramayana Maharani as it will help them preserve their language.

In his address during the build up to the International Ramayan Conference at Batinikama College in Labasa on Thursday, the Senior education officer Secondary in Hindi Ramesh Chand said children were showing less interest in reading their holy book.

“In Fiji, there is a lot of Ramayana Mandali where we recite the Ramayana, but it is only the elderly who go there, and the children do not come to these important gatherings,” Mr Chand said. “Through the Ramayana, Hindi is alive in Fiji and we need to ensure that this remains,” Mr Chand said.

“Countries like Mauritius are facing a situation where people have the need to perform prayers, but very less people have the ability to do so.

“If we do not take the steps now we might regret it later and we (the ministry of education) are doing our best to encourage more students to take up interest in learning Hindi.” Mr Chand was speaking to more than 300 students who gathered to witness the event which was marked through oratory and Hindi Diwa competitions.

The International Ramayana Conference will be held on October 14 to 15 in Suva. Rashmi Kumar