A Girmit Working Committee has been established to organize the 146th Girmit Commemoration event at Subrail Park in Labasa, which will take place from May 10 to 12. Chaired by Minister Charan Jeath Singh, the committee aims to honor the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers in Fiji through cultural displays and storytelling.
This year’s theme, “Preserving the Past, Envisioning the Future,” underscores the significance of recognizing the struggles of the Girmityas as a collective part of Fiji’s history, fostering national unity among various ethnic communities. The event will also feature an additional commemoration in Savusavu on May 11, extending participation opportunities to the Northern Division.
The Girmit Commemoration follows similar spirit-filled initiatives, such as the recent celebrations for Fiji Day at the same venue. In those festivities, community leaders expressed their optimism for promoting unity and reconciliation between Indo-Fijians and iTaukei during a time of national reflection.
Minister Singh emphasized that the Girmit legacy is essential to Fiji’s identity and is something that every citizen should recognize. As part of this year’s initiatives, the Ministry has launched several programs aimed at preserving the history and contributions of the Girmit descendants.
The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for tomorrow, setting the stage for a memorable event that not only celebrates the past but also envisions a united future for all communities in Fiji.
Leave a comment