Event brings students together
MULTICULTURALISM has become one of the core functions in Fiji’s development over the years. To share in cultural diversity, people co-exist harmoniously through their racial, religious and cultural values.
A diverse community or society is one that will recognise and appreciate the varied cultures that people have within society.
This was well-portrayed by the students of the Fiji National University’s Students’ Association (FNUSA) during its multi-cultural event at Koronivia Campus on Monday.
The event was held to commemorate the various religious events observed by the Fiji National University (FNU) students.
The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama who was the chief guest at the event said he was proud to see that the spirit of appreciation and acceptance was shared so joyously among the university students during the event.
“There are nations, great nations that laid the foundation for equality and religious and cultural harmony at nationhood,” he said.
“Instead of being used as a tool for division, religion has added to the richness of these societies. Throughout their histories, the merits of individuals from all faiths have propelled these countries ahead of the world, and their people have prospered.”
He said the university students’ had written a new story.
“We are here, together, in this country. We may practise different faiths, but we share a desire to see life improve for ourselves and for our children, and we know we are most successful when we walk the path to greatness together,” he said.
“All faiths teach the values of love and compassion. We may worship in different ways, but every religion in Fiji preaches the need to love thy neighbour and the value of love, compassion, and empathy.
“Every Fijian knows in their heart what it means to be accepting of others. Every Fijian has the innate conviction to practice the faith they choose, and the good sense to see the worth of the faith of others.”
He said every Fijian can find comfort in religious values and practices in their personal lives.
“This celebration is wonderful to witness but I urge you not to let this ethos of harmony end at its close. Unity is not a one-night event. Inclusivity is not a temporary state of being,” he said.
“Every day, in everything we do, our collective spirit of empathy must reach beyond our immediate surroundings, beyond the walls of our homes, our communities, our churches, temples, and mosques, and extend to all of society.
“It would be a tragedy for us to speak of unity today, and then pack our bags and head home to live our lives within the confines of separate communities of faith.
“We should be together, eat together, learn together, work together, share wellwishes with each other on our holy days – these gestures may seem simple, but they mean everything.”
He said if people hear voices of religious intolerance they should not stand by it.
“It is your duty to condemn it. It is your moral obligation; in fact, it is your religious obligation to do so because God tells us we must love all of our fellow human-being.
“Do not hesitate to shine a light on what is wrong. Let’s root it out together.”
The FNU multicultural event displayed an equal level of respect for the cultures observed in Fiji and gives a sense of appreciation of other cultures existing in Fiji.