The Tamil language is set to be reintroduced in schools across Fiji after an absence of 80 years. This significant development was announced by India’s High Commissioner in Fiji, Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, during a ceremony at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki. The initiative is part of a Tamil language teaching program funded by the Indian government.
Two Tamil language instructors from India have been designated to teach at Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa. Karthigeyan emphasized that the revival of Tamil, one of the oldest classical languages globally, responds to a long-standing request from the Fiji Indian community, particularly descendants of the Girmitiyas, who migrated from present-day Tamil Nadu in the early 1900s.
This program is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Education in Fiji and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, a prominent community organization in Fiji. The agreement for this initiative was established following External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Fiji for the 12th World Hindi Conference, where he met representatives of the Fijian diaspora.
Karthigeyan stated that thanks to this initiative, the nearly vanished Tamil language would once again be part of Fiji’s educational landscape. He underscored the importance of language as a tool for cultural preservation and understanding among communities. The Tamil language, with over 80 million speakers worldwide, boasts a rich heritage, and he encouraged the people of Fiji to embrace its learning.
Karthigeyan also expressed hope that this program would enhance the relationship between India and Fiji. Gyaneshwar Rao, secretary-general of TISI Sangam, also extended gratitude to India for its role in rekindling the Tamil language in Fiji. Additionally, students at Penang Sangam School participated in a flash quiz organized by the Indian High Commission as part of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz contest.
This landmark initiative not only represents a revival of a cherished language but also fosters deeper cultural connections and partnerships between nations, paving the way for a brighter future where diverse heritage can thrive.
In summary, the Tamil language’s reintroduction in Fiji schools marks a meaningful step in cultural preservation and strengthening bonds within the community and internationally.
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