Centennial celebrations
Naveen Dutt , Wainibokasi
The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji will celebrate its 100 years of colourful history and existence at Gurukul Primary School, Lautoka, this weekend. The journey of 100 years has not been an easy one, but the efforts and sacrifices by the pioneers, the executives of the past and present and all well-wishers is noteworthy.
The theme for this year’s centennial celebration is ‘Celebrating one hundred years of nation building through education in Fiji.’
Indeed, the occasion calls for a massive celebration and the Sabha is proud to have sustained its operations for the last 100 years and expresses its deep gratitude to the Fijian Government, donors, well-wishers and the pioneers for their contributions, generosity and sheer determination.
It is worth noting that Gurukul Primary School was the first formal school established in 1918, by the Sabha. Gurukul Primary School continues to play a significant role in the education of children of all ethnicity and has seen around 40,000 students passing through its gates in the last 100 years.
One of the prime objectives for the establishment of the Sabha is to facilitate the education of girls, women and the socioeconomically deprived.
I can proudly say that the Sabha has carried out its roles and responsibilities with honesty, dignity, determination, equality, care, respect, understanding and peace.
It has laid a strong platform inclusive of all ethnicities and backgrounds.
So many students from Sabha schools are now serving in various sectors such as the medical field, universities, law firms, Government departments, NGOs, business firms and the list goes on.
Let us not forget the founder of the Arya Samaj Organisation- Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Swami Dayanand was a great preacher, social reformer and philosopher who worked tirelessly in removing elements of witchcraft, sorcery and superstition. The challenges ahead are colossal and the youths must also be actively involved in the decision making process as well as other operations of the parent body.
I wish everyone success and best of luck.