The Tamil language will once again be taught in schools across Fiji after an absence of 80 years, marking a significant cultural revival. This exciting announcement was made on Wednesday at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki by Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, the High Commissioner of India, during the launch of a Tamil language teaching programme funded by the Indian government.
As part of this initiative, two Tamil teachers from India have been assigned to teach at Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa. This program aims to provide Tamil language classes to students and community members interested in learning.
The revival of Tamil, an ancient classical language that has been long sought after by the Fiji Indian community, particularly the descendants of Girmitiyas who migrated to Fiji from Tamil Nadu in the early 1900s, is particularly noteworthy. Mr. Karthigeyan emphasized the importance of language in preserving culture and fostering greater understanding among communities.
He noted that the cooperation between the Ministry of Education of Fiji and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, a prominent diaspora organization, facilitated this agreement, which was finalized following a meeting between External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Fiji’s diaspora representatives during the 12th World Hindi Conference last February.
Mr. Karthigeyan expressed optimism that this initiative would not only lead to the re-establishment of the Tamil language in Fiji but also strengthen the cultural ties between India and Fiji. He remarked on Tamil’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage and encouraged residents of Fiji to embrace the opportunity to learn it.
Additionally, students at Penang Sangam School participated in a flash quiz organized by the High Commission of India, as part of the ongoing Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz contest, further showcasing the enthusiasm for cultural engagement in the region.
In summary, this initiative represents a hopeful rekindling of cultural heritage in Fiji, allowing future generations to connect with their roots while fostering community relationships through language. By reviving and promoting the Tamil language, Fiji not only honors its past but also embraces a multicultural future.
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