Fiji High Commission In India Marks Girmit Remembrance Day
The contributions of Girmitiyas and their descendants in all walks of life, nationally and internationally has been recognised at the 143rd Girmit Remembrance Day.
For the first time the remembrance day was hosted 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, Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, was the chief guest at the occasion and also in attendance were 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 organisations, corporate entities, scholars and students, friends of Fiji and Fijian nationals present in New Delhi.
In his remarks, Fiji’s High Commissioner to India, Kamlesh Prakash outlined the many challenges that Girmitiyas had faced when they arrived to Fiji, from Calcutta on May 14, 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,” he 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.”