Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has proposed the establishment of an international day to commemorate the history and struggles of indentured Indian laborers, known as girmitya. He emphasizes the necessity for global recognition of their sacrifices and suffering.
Speaking at the “Interdisciplinary Perspective on the Indian Diaspora: The Way Forward” conference via remote connection from the University of Calcutta, Professor Prasad underscored the enduring impacts of the indenture system, which inflicted profound scars on those affected. He pointed out the harsh conditions under which these laborers were transported to British colonies, highlighting their resilience amidst adversity.
Professor Prasad acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to preserving the history of Girmit through various means such as research, film, and education, while calling for enhanced efforts to raise awareness on an international level. He advocated for collaborative actions among nations to advance a proposal for declaring an International Day on Girmit within the United Nations framework.
Additionally, Professor Prasad noted the strengthening relationship between Fiji and India under the current Fijian government, marked by high-level exchanges and collaborative efforts in fields such as health, education, and trade, fostering cultural ties between the two nations.
This call for recognition shines a hopeful light on the ongoing legacy of the Indian diaspora, reinforcing the importance of shared histories and experiences as critical elements of cultural identity. The acknowledgment of the struggles of indentured laborers promotes not only remembrance but also unity and understanding across global communities.
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