Tamil Language Makes a Comeback in Fiji After 80 Years

The Tamil language is set to make a return to Fiji’s educational landscape after an absence of 80 years. This significant development was announced by India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, during the launch of a Tamil language teaching program at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki.

With the initiative funded by the Government of India, two Tamil teachers from India will be stationed at both Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa. This program aims to offer Tamil language classes to students and the wider community, responding to long-standing demands from the Fiji Indian community, particularly from the descendants of Girmitiyas who migrated from Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.

Mr. Karthigeyan emphasized the importance of language in preserving cultural identity and fostering community cohesion. He pointed out that Tamil is one of the world’s oldest classical languages, boasting a rich cultural and linguistic heritage with over 80 million speakers globally. He expressed hope that this initiative would enhance the relationship between India and Fiji.

The partnership for this program involves collaboration with Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, a prominent community organization. The agreement for the revival comes on the heels of a visit by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Fiji for the 12th World Hindi Conference.

In addition to the language program, students at Penang Sangam School participated in a flash quiz organized by the High Commission of India as part of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz contest, highlighting the ongoing cultural engagement between India and Fiji.

This revival of Tamil language education not only enriches Fiji’s multicultural tapestry but also provides an avenue for cultural preservation and exchange, setting a positive precedent for similar initiatives in the future. It stands as a testament to the strength of community demands and international cooperation in promoting linguistic diversity.