Indian Diaspora in Fijian Community is Presented With Equal Rights: Akbar
Ms Akbar says this has been made possible under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama
The Indian diaspora in today’s Fijian community is presented with equal rights and citizenry through the 2013 Fijian constitution, says the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar.
Ms Akbar says this has been made possible under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.
Ms Akbar speaking during a Virtual conference organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on “Leveraging the Soft Power of India” on Saturday said societal respect and religious freedom is a predominant feature of Fiji as a nation.
“This is reflected in Fiji’s status of being a secular state, which has allowed the Indian Community to be deeply rooted to our culture and tradition. We may be 11,609 km away from our roots, but we hold our values and culture very dear,” she said.
“And with much humbleness and pride I say that there is a peaceful coexistence of multiple cultures in Fiji.”
India in every part of the world
Ms Akbar said a little bit of India is in every part of the world.
“As someone of Indian heritage, and as a member of the Indian Diaspora in Fiji, this makes me extremely proud to have my roots in such a rich culture, and in a land where diversity walks alongside unity.”
She also shared the Indian diaspora in Fiji which was established upon the arrival of indentured laborers who worked in Fiji during the British era.
“Almost over 140 years ago our ancestors left their roots to embark on a new journey many miles away from home to explore better prospects and it is such a matter of pride that despite weathering great storms and challenges as indentured labourers they persisted to keep their heritage alive.
“The presence of our tradition and culture today is the testimony of the strong foundation they laid for us, hundreds of years ago.”