A Shawl of Resilience: Honoring Culture and Advocacy at the APCO Awards

At the esteemed 2024 Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Awards held in Sydney, Amitesh Deo, the chief executive of Waste Recyclers Fiji, honored his late mother and all those who face hardships yet continue to champion their rights. This tribute was symbolically conveyed through a shawl he wore, which carries a profound narrative and significance.

The shawl, designed by Faruna Shehnaaz, owner of Saniz Fashion in Nakasi, beautifully represents the rich multicultural heritage of Fiji. It elegantly combines two culturally significant elements: an old sari that belonged to Amitesh’s late mother, Pushpa Wati Deo, and traditional iTaukei tapa fabric. The sari symbolizes resilience and highlights the struggles of vulnerable communities in Fiji. As a domestic violence survivor, Mrs. Deo devoted her life to advocating for justice and equality, leaving a lasting impact that inspired Amitesh to establish the Pacific Recycling Foundation.

Amitesh explained that the use of iTaukei tapa material emphasizes the vibrancy of Fijian culture and the cooperative spirit of its diverse communities. “These elements together make the shawl a metaphor for the recycling sector in Fiji – resilient, transformative, and deeply rooted in collaboration,” he articulated. He elaborated that this representation of Fiji’s multicultural identity forms the core values of Waste Recyclers Fiji and the Pacific Recycling Foundation, focusing on resilience, justice, and unity.

Waste Recyclers Fiji was nominated for the Improved Recycling System Award at the event, which served not only as a celebration of sustainable practices but also showcased the true essence of Fiji—its rich culture, resilience, and diversity.

In summary, this event highlighted Amitesh Deo’s acknowledgment of his mother’s legacy and the broader narrative of resilience against adversity, exemplifying hope and strength in the face of challenges. The shawl serves as a powerful symbol of Fijian identity and unity, promoting a positive vision for environmental sustainability.