A new Tamil language teaching program, funded by the Indian government, has been inaugurated at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki, Fiji. This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam.
Indian High Commissioner Palaniswamy Karthigeyan announced that two Tamil teachers from India will be stationed at both Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa to provide Tamil language classes to students and interested members of the community. The introduction of this program responds to a long-standing demand from the Fiji Indian community, particularly descendants of the Girmitiya who migrated from Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
Following the visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Fiji in February 2023 for the 12th World Hindi Conference, which included discussions with representatives of the diaspora, the Indian government approved the proposal to send Tamil teachers to Fiji. Karthigeyan noted that the Tamil language, which has seen a significant decline in Fiji over the last 80 years, will now experience a revival.
Emphasizing the vital role language plays in preserving culture and enhancing mutual understanding among diverse communities, Karthigeyan encouraged Fijians to seize the opportunity to learn Tamil. He also expressed gratitude toward the Fijian Government and Sangam leadership for their support in launching this culturally significant program. This initiative not only aims to strengthen the cultural ties within the community but also reinforces the enduring bond between India and Fiji.
Summary: The Indian government has launched a Tamil language teaching program at Penang Sangam School in Fiji, addressing the community’s long-standing request to revive the language. With the deployment of teachers from India, this initiative aims to preserve Tamil culture and enhance understanding among communities, thereby strengthening the relationship between India and Fiji.
This initiative represents a hopeful step towards cultural preservation and educational enrichment, showcasing how language can serve as a bridge between generations and diverse communities.
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