Amitesh Deo, the Chief Executive of Waste Recyclers Fiji, paid heartfelt homage to his late mother and the countless individuals facing adversity at the 2024 Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Awards in Sydney.
During the event, Deo wore a shawl that stood as a profound symbol of honor and resilience, intricately designed by Faruna Shehnaaz, a tailor and owner of Saniz Fashion in Nakasi. This shawl seamlessly combines two culturally significant materials: an old sari belonging to Amitesh’s late mother, Pushpa Wati Deo, and traditional iTaukei tapa fabric. The sari represents not only the struggle and resilience of vulnerable communities in Fiji but also serves as a personal emblem of Mrs. Deo’s life as a survivor of domestic violence who advocated for justice and equality.
Deo expressed that incorporating the iTaukei tapa fabric highlights the richness of Fijian culture and the harmonious coexistence of its diverse communities. He stated, “Together, these elements created a shawl that serves as a metaphor for the recycling sector in Fiji – resilient, transformative, and deeply rooted in collaboration.” He further emphasized that the shawl reflects Fiji’s multicultural identity, which lies at the core of the missions of Waste Recyclers Fiji and the Pacific Recycling Foundation.
At the awards, Waste Recyclers Fiji was nominated for the Improved Recycling System Award, highlighting not only sustainable practices but also offering a platform to display the authentic essence of Fiji—its cultural richness, resilience, and diversity.
This event serves as a reminder of how personal stories can inspire collective movements for change and how cultural heritage can play a pivotal role in community building around sustainability. The acknowledgment of both individual struggles and cultural identity as powerful forces for advocacy is undoubtedly a beacon of hope for many facing similar challenges in their communities.
In summary, Amitesh Deo’s tribute at the APCO Awards emphasizes the intersection of personal history, cultural identity, and a commitment to social justice, providing a powerful narrative of resilience and unity within the context of environmental sustainability.
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