An iTaukei teacher, Mereani Jacinta, has captured the spotlight on social media with her impressive performance of a Bollywood song during a Holi celebration at Nehru Memorial Primary School. The lively rendition of the song “London Thumakda” from the 2014 film Queen delighted students and teachers alike, becoming a viral sensation.
The Holi festival, which celebrates love, colors, and the arrival of spring, was joyously observed at the multicultural school last Friday. A video of Jacinta engaging with the enthusiastic schoolchildren, who sang along and danced to the music, quickly garnered attention online, amassing over 20,000 views, along with more than 1,000 shares and 2,000 comments.
“I’m not a part of the programmed events, but when the invitation to sing a Hindi song came my way, I felt compelled to give it a try,” said Jacinta, a Year Two teacher who is also a member of Sector Four, a local family band. Despite mostly performing in iTaukei and English, her brothers encouraged her to explore Hindi songs, and she was overjoyed to deliver a performance that pleased them.
Abdul Faiyaz, reflecting on Jacinta’s efforts, emphasized the importance of cultural respect and inclusion in the classroom, stating, “We need more teachers like Jacinta, one love.”
This vibrant celebration of Holi resonates well with recent events across Fiji, where the festival serves as a powerful unifying force, bridging cultural divides. For instance, schools like DAV Girls College have also embraced Holi as a means to foster collaboration across communities, demonstrating the spirit of togetherness that characterizes the festival.
As responses to Holi festivities across Fiji highlight the importance of community engagement and celebration, Jacinta’s heartwarming enactment stands as a testament to the power of music and cultural exchange in bringing people together. Such events inspire hope and nourish the strength of diverse cultural identities coexisting in harmony, reminding us that these celebrations not only evoke joy but also deepen communal ties.
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