Suklesh Bali, born in Jalandhar and raised in the vibrant city of Mumbai, has journeyed far from her urban upbringing to create a profound impact in Fiji. Moving from India’s fast-paced life to the tranquil villages and sugarcane farms of Fiji, Mrs. Bali has made the island nation her home since 1973 after marrying an Indo-Fijian medical student.
With a strong academic background that includes a bachelor’s in arts, a bachelor’s in education, and a master’s in arts from Bombay University, Mrs. Bali embarked on a remarkable career in education spanning over four decades. Her journey in teaching began in 1974 when she started instructing high school students in Hindi, a role she continued until 2007. In 2008, she became the first Hindi lecturer at the University of Fiji, amassing an impressive 42 years of teaching experience.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Bali has observed a worrying decline in the enthusiasm and enrollment for Hindi language studies in Fiji. She attributes this trend not to the children, but to parents and the broader society that increasingly question the importance of learning Hindi. She emphasizes that the language, along with its traditions and cultural significance, once celebrated by the Girmitiya descendants, is losing its esteem in contemporary society.
Mrs. Bali advocates for a greater appreciation of Hindi and Sanskrit, highlighting their phonetic qualities that make them compatible with modern technology. She encourages parents to foster a love for these languages at home, suggesting simple word games in Hindi as a way to engage children beyond English.
Her commitment to education and language persists despite personal health challenges, having faced multiple cancer diagnoses, including ovarian cancer in 2010, breast cancer in 2015, and stage four breast cancer in 2022. Currently undergoing treatment, she reports overcoming over 90 percent of her illness, attributing her resilience to a positive mindset. Mrs. Bali firmly believes in the connection between mental positivity and physical recovery, stating that a hopeful outlook can greatly influence one’s healing process.
Reflecting on her legacy, she finds fulfillment in witnessing her former students take on leadership roles and pass on the knowledge she imparted. Mrs. Bali’s unwavering dedication to education and cultural preservation offers a beacon of hope as she continues to inspire others through her advocacy for the Hindi language and values rooted in tradition.
Leave a comment