After 80 years, the Tamil language is making a comeback in Fiji schools. This significant announcement was made on Wednesday at the 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 Government of India.
The initiative has introduced two Tamil teachers from India to the Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa, where they will provide Tamil language classes for students and members of the local community. This revival of the Tamil language is particularly meaningful for the Fiji Indian community, especially for the descendants of Girmitiyas, who migrated from present-day Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
Mr. Karthigeyan emphasized the cultural significance of language, stating that it plays a crucial role in preserving and shaping cultural identity while promoting understanding between different communities. He pointed out that Tamil is one of the oldest classical languages globally, with a history and significance that resonate with many, and is spoken by over 80 million people around the world.
This program is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Fiji and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, a key community organization representing the diaspora in Fiji. The agreement to launch this program followed a visit to Fiji by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in February, where he engaged with representatives of the Fijian diaspora during the 12th World Hindi Conference.
Mr. Karthigeyan expressed his hope that this initiative would not only revive the Tamil language but also strengthen the ties between India and Fiji. He noted the importance of the language and cultural heritage in fostering community relations, while TISI Sangam’s secretary-general, Gyaneshwar Rao, thanked India for its support in bringing the language back to Fiji after its long absence.
Additionally, students at the Penang Sangam School participated in a quiz organized by the Indian High Commission in Fiji, showcasing their enthusiasm and engagement with Indian culture.
This revival of the Tamil language signals a hopeful return of cultural diversity in Fiji’s education system, fostering a greater appreciation of linguistic heritage and strengthening community bonds. It is a movement towards ensuring that the rich history and traditions of the Tamil culture continue to flourish in Fiji.
In summary, the teaching of the Tamil language in Fiji schools represents a vital step in cultural preservation and community connection, serving as a bridge between the past and present, while enhancing the multicultural landscape of the country.
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