The Tamil language is making a comeback in Fiji schools after an absence of 80 years. This significant development was announced by the High Commissioner of India, Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, during the launch of a Tamil language teaching program at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki. The initiative is funded by the Indian government and aims to teach Tamil to students and community members through the involvement of two Tamil teachers from India, who will also be active at Sangam Primary School in Labasa.
Mr. Karthigeyan emphasized the historical importance of the Tamil language, which has deep roots in the Fiji Indian community, particularly among the descendants of Girmitiyas who migrated from present-day Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century. The revival of the language has been a long-standing demand from members of this community and is being facilitated in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, an important organization representing the Indian diaspora in Fiji.
The agreement for this program was established following the recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Fiji, where he engaged with diaspora representatives during the 12th World Hindi Conference. Mr. Karthigeyan noted that the Tamil language had nearly faded away in Fiji and expressed hope that this program would not only revive it but also strengthen cultural ties between India and Fiji.
Highlighting Tamil as a global language spoken by over 80 million people, Mr. Karthigeyan encouraged the Fijian people to learn it, noting the role of language in preserving culture and enhancing community understanding. The initiative was warmly received, with TISI Sangam secretary-general Gyaneshwar Rao expressing gratitude to India for its support in this cultural revival.
Additionally, students at Penang Sangam School participated in a quiz contest organized by the High Commission of India, further promoting cultural engagement and learning.
This revival of the Tamil language in Fiji is not only a step towards preserving cultural heritage but also signifies the strengthening of relationships between nations. It sets an encouraging precedent for language preservation initiatives worldwide, as communities strive to celebrate and sustain their linguistic identities. The return of Tamil to the classroom provides a hopeful future for cultural education and community bonding in Fiji.
In summary, the reintroduction of Tamil language classes in Fiji is a significant cultural milestone, promising to reconnect the community with its linguistic roots while fostering greater understanding and collaboration between India and Fiji.
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