The Tamil language is making a remarkable return to schools in Fiji after an absence of 80 years. This significant development was announced 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 program funded by the Indian government.
As part of this initiative, two Tamil teachers from India have been assigned to Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa to provide Tamil language classes for students and interested community members. High Commissioner Karthigeyan emphasized the importance of reviving Tamil, one of the world’s oldest classical languages, highlighting that this move has long been sought after by members of the Fijian Indian community, particularly the descendants of Girmitiyas who migrated from Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
The implementation of this language program is a collaborative effort involving Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, a significant community organization within Fiji’s Indian diaspora. The agreement to revive Tamil language education followed a visit by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Fiji for the World Hindi Conference in February, during which he met with representatives from Fiji’s diaspora.
Karthigeyan noted that the program would resurrect Tamil, which had nearly faded away in Fiji over the years. He explained that language plays a crucial role in preserving culture and enhancing understanding across different communities. Additionally, he celebrated Tamil as a rich and vibrant global language spoken by over 80 million people, urging the Fijian people to embrace it.
This revival not only represents a significant cultural milestone but also aims to strengthen connections between India and Fiji. Gyaneshwar Rao, secretary-general of TISI Sangam, expressed gratitude to India for their support in re-establishing the Tamil language in Fiji.
Moreover, students at Penang Sangam School engaged in a quiz event organized by the High Commission as part of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz contest, fostering further cultural exchange and learning.
This initiative is a hopeful reminder of the power of education in preserving languages and cultures, promoting community ties, and celebrating diversity. It paves the way for a greater appreciation of the Tamil heritage in Fiji, creating opportunities for future generations to connect with their roots.
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