Teaching in the mother tongue is crucial for addressing various social and identity challenges facing the youth of Fiji today. According to Pundit Bhuvan Dutt, President of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, leaders within the Hindi community emphasize that restoring pride in one’s language is essential to strengthening cultural values and fostering a sense of belonging among young people.
Dutt highlights that Hindi education transcends mere subject learning; it is fundamental to understanding the culture, religion, and traditions that shape everyday life in Fiji. To enhance the preservation of the Hindi language, the university is establishing Hindi and iTaukei Centers and plans to bring a professor from India to teach students. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that students can formally study both Hindi and Sanskrit, the latter being significant as Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, are written in it.
Without proactive measures, Dutt cautions that the Hindi language could gradually vanish from academic institutions. Similarly, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, President of the Methodist Church of Fiji, notes the importance of integrating various programs to tackle the challenges young people face. He expresses a desire to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth in utilizing church schools—especially those in remote areas—for educational initiatives.
Community support, early education, and international assistance are seen as vital pillars in preserving language, culture, and identity for future generations. This collaborative approach among educational institutions and community leaders offers a hopeful outlook, emphasizing the value of heritage and the importance of engaging youth in meaningful ways.
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