At the 2024 Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Awards held in Sydney, Amitesh Deo, the chief executive of Waste Recyclers Fiji and founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, honored his late mother and the many individuals who bravely confront adversity. Deo commemorated their struggles by wearing a uniquely symbolic shawl.
Crafted by Faruna Shehnaaz, a tailor from Nakasi, the shawl beautifully represents Fiji’s diverse multiracial heritage. It integrates two significant cultural elements: a treasured sari that belonged to Deo’s mother, Pushpa Wati Deo, and traditional iTaukei tapa material. The sari, a symbol of resilience, reflects the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Fiji. As someone who advocated for justice and equality after surviving domestic violence, Mrs. Deo’s inspirational journey deeply influenced her son and propelled him to establish the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
Deo additionally noted that the incorporation of iTaukei tapa highlights the richness of Fijian culture and the coexistence of its various communities. He remarked, “Together, these elements created a shawl that serves as a metaphor for the recycling sector in Fiji – resilient, transformative, and deeply rooted in collaboration.” He emphasized that the shawl is not merely a piece of clothing but embodies values such as resilience, justice, and unity that are foundational to the mission of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited (WRFL) and the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
WRFL was nominated for the Improved Recycling System Award, showcasing this significant event as a celebration of sustainable practices and an opportunity to highlight the authentic essence of Fiji, marked by its culture, resilience, and diversity.
This powerful tribute not only showcases the personal story of Amitesh Deo but also reinforces the importance of communal strength and environmental sustainability. It’s a heartening reminder that the struggles of individuals can spark initiatives that promote social justice and ecological balance, encouraging a brighter, unified future for all.
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