A new initiative aimed at combating youth drug use and promoting positive social alternatives has been launched in Suva, focusing on devotional music as a constructive outlet. The “Bhajan Jamming” program, spearheaded by Hindu Unity leader Sandeep Narayan Singh, seeks to provide young people with an engaging spiritual experience, steering them away from substance abuse and the long hours often spent in kava bars.
Mr. Singh expressed his concerns about youth spending excessive time in unproductive and potentially harmful environments. He noted that many young individuals are drawn to kava bars for four to five hours, exposing them to negative influences and unhealthy habits. “We wanted to create something to bring them out for a spiritual life,” he explained, emphasizing the need for a positive change.
The initiative was designed to foster a sense of community and belonging through music, deliberately steering clear of formal religious structures to attract youths who may have drifted from traditional worship. “This is a musical night, a mash-up form of devotional songs sung by Anubhav Musicals, and then everyone joins together,” Mr. Singh described the event.
“Bhajan Jamming” is poised to be a recurring community effort, aiming to keep young people engaged and connected while also honoring the legacy of the late Reverend Simione Tugi, who was pivotal in community leadership and drug prevention efforts.
Ranil Kumar, the director and band leader of Anubhav Musicals, highlighted the uniqueness of the event, noting, “Nobody has ever done it, jamming explains that we all come together, we sing, we dance, it sends us into a trance of devotion.” The gathering also resonated with cultural heritage, as highlighted by Suneet Mehta, the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, who pointed out that the values brought by the Girmityas continue to inspire generations of Indo-Fijians.
The “Bhajan Jamming” initiative stands as a hopeful reflection of community resilience, promoting a return to cultural values while providing youth with a platform to embrace spirituality and creativity together.
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