The Tamil language is set to re-enter the educational system in Fiji after an absence of 80 years, marking a significant cultural revival for the Tamil community in the country. This announcement was made 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. They will be responsible for conducting Tamil language classes for students and interested members of the community.
High Commissioner Karthigeyan emphasized the importance of reviving Tamil, which is one of the world’s oldest classical languages. This effort responds to longstanding demands from the Fiji Indian community, particularly descendants of the Girmitiyas, who migrated to Fiji from Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
The program was established in collaboration with Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, a prominent organization within the Fiji Indian diaspora. This agreement followed a visit by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Fiji in February during the 12th World Hindi Conference, where he met with representatives of the diaspora.
Karthigeyan noted that this initiative is a vital step in preserving the Tamil language, which had dwindled in presence nearly a century ago. He believes that language plays a crucial role in maintaining culture while also promoting understanding among diverse communities. He highlighted Tamil as a vibrant global language, spoken by over 80 million people, and encouraged the people of Fiji to embrace it.
The initiative is also hoped to reinforce the cultural ties between India and Fiji. Gyaneshwar Rao, the secretary-general of TISI Sangam, expressed gratitude towards India for its role in reviving Tamil in Fiji.
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, further enriching their learning experience.
This revival not only celebrates Tamil heritage but also represents an opportunity for cultural exchange and integration, fostering greater understanding within the diverse population of Fiji. It’s a hopeful reminder of the power of language in preserving identity and building communities.
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