The Tamil language is making a significant comeback in Fiji after an absence of 80 years. This development was announced on Wednesday at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki by India’s High Commissioner, Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, during the launch of a Tamil language teaching program funded by the Indian government.
To facilitate this initiative, two Tamil teachers from India have been assigned to Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa, where they will provide classes in Tamil for students and interested community members. Mr. Karthigeyan expressed that the revival of Tamil, one of the oldest classical languages globally, has been a long-standing demand of the Fiji Indian community, particularly from those tracing their roots back to the Girmitiyas who migrated from present-day Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
This program is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education in Fiji and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, a prominent organization in the Fijian Indian diaspora. The agreement to establish this initiative was reached following a visit by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Fiji for the 12th World Hindi Conference, where he engaged with representatives from the local diaspora.
Mr. Karthigeyan emphasized the cultural significance of language in preserving heritage and fostering community understanding. He also encouraged the people of Fiji to embrace Tamil, a vibrant language spoken by over 80 million worldwide, with the hope that this revival would enhance the bond between India and Fiji.
Additionally, Gyaneshwar Rao, the secretary-general of TISI Sangam, expressed gratitude for India’s support in the language’s revival. In a related event, 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.
In summary, this initiative represents a monumental step towards cultural preservation and community engagement in Fiji, rekindling an important aspect of the country’s diverse heritage. It reinforces the connection between Fiji’s Indian community and their linguistic roots, paving the way for future generations to appreciate and sustain this rich cultural legacy. This hopeful revival promises to showcase the vibrancy of Tamil language and culture, while fostering a greater understanding between nations.
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