A new Tamil language teaching program, funded by the Indian government, has been launched at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki, Fiji. This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam.
Indian High Commissioner Palaniswamy Karthigeyan announced that two Tamil teachers from India will be stationed at both Penang Sangam and Sangam Primary School in Labasa, where they will offer Tamil classes for students and community members interested in learning the language.
Karthigeyan highlighted that the revival of Tamil, which is considered one of the oldest classical languages globally, has long been a desire of the Fiji Indian community, particularly those who are descendants of Girmitiya, the indentured laborers who migrated to Fiji from Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
The initiative gained momentum following External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Fiji in February 2023 for the 12th World Hindi Conference, during which he met with representatives from the diaspora. The Indian government subsequently approved the request to send Tamil teachers to Fiji.
Mr. Karthigeyan emphasized the significance of language in preserving cultural heritage and promoting understanding among different communities. He encouraged Fijians to seize the chance to learn Tamil, which was almost extinct in Fiji for the past 80 years.
He also expressed gratitude for the support from the Fijian government and the Sangam leadership in making this program a reality. Karthigeyan believes that this people-centric initiative will enhance the already strong bond between India and Fiji.
This program not only promises to revive an important aspect of cultural identity for many in Fiji but also fosters mutual cultural understanding, showcasing the shared values and heritage between the two nations. The hope is that this revival will not only benefit the Tamil community but also enrich the cultural landscape of Fiji as a whole.
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