The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji convened its annual convention last Sunday, advocating for the inclusion of Hindi as a mandatory subject in schools across the country. This initiative was emphasized by National President Arun Deo Padarath, who underscored the significance of Hindi not just as a language, but as an essential aspect of Indo-Fijian heritage.
Padarath highlighted a current challenge in implementing this policy: some parents express reluctance to have their children learn Hindi. He urged these parents to support their children in acquiring reading and writing skills in the language, which he sees as crucial for maintaining cultural ties.
During the convention in Suva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, expressed the government’s commitment to revitalizing the teaching of vernacular languages, including Hindi. He reiterated earlier statements made at similar gatherings, where he noted the government’s decision to allocate additional resources towards promoting linguistic diversity. This includes the establishment of a Centre for Hindi Studies at the University of Fiji, which is poised to enhance the preservation of Hindi.
This partnership between educational institutions and governmental initiatives reflects a broader goal of embracing the multicultural identity of Fiji while celebrating its diverse language heritage. With a continued focus on language education, there is optimism about fostering a harmonious society that values and acknowledges the contributions of all communities within Fiji’s social fabric.
Overall, the push for Hindi in schools represents a hopeful step towards strengthening cultural identity and mutual respect among Fiji’s diverse population.
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