A new Tamil language teaching program funded by the Indian government has been introduced at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki, Fiji. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving 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 to offer classes to students and community members interested in learning the language. This program aims to fulfill a long-standing demand from the Fiji Indian community, particularly the descendants of Girmitiya, who migrated from Tamil Nadu to Fiji in the early 20th century.
This initiative gained momentum following the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Fiji in February 2023 for the World Hindi Conference. During this visit, he met with representatives from the diaspora, leading to the approval of the proposal to send Tamil educators to Fiji.
High Commissioner Karthigeyan emphasized the significance of language in preserving cultural identity and fostering understanding among diverse communities. He encouraged Fijians to take advantage of this opportunity to learn Tamil, which has seen a decline over the past 80 years in Fiji.
He also expressed gratitude towards the Fijian government and Sangam leadership for their support in launching this program, noting that it would further strengthen the enduring relationship between India and Fiji.
This initiative not only revives an ancient language but also serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and understanding, spotlighting the strong ties between the two nations.
In summary, the Tamil language program in Fiji represents a positive step towards cultural preservation, fostering community ties, and enriching the educational landscape with a traditional language that holds significant historical value.
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