The event underscored the need for recognition of Fiji Indians as Pacifica people in New Zealand, reflecting the vision, resilience, and perseverance of the Girmityas in the current generation of Fiji Indian migrants
The Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day, held on May 25, 2024, in Mangere East, Auckland, marked a significant event as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was honored with a Commemoration Plaque by Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand President Krish Naidu. The event, organized by the Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand, gathered a crowd of 1200 people, making it perhaps the largest indoor assembly of Fiji Indians worldwide. Notably, over 500 senior Fiji Indians attended to pay tribute to their forebears, Thakur Ranjit Singh wrote in Indian Newslink.
Held at the Malaeola Community Centre, the program featured cultural performances, inspiring speeches, skits, music depicting the hardships of Girmityas, and a sumptuous dinner. The event underscored the need for recognition of Fiji Indians as Pacifica people in New Zealand, reflecting the vision, resilience, and perseverance of the Girmityas in the current generation of Fiji Indian migrants.
For the first time in New Zealand’s history, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition attended a Fiji Indian event together. Krish Naidu, Foundation President, thanked sponsors and highlighted the importance of recognizing Fiji Indians as part of the Pacific Peoples, noting that they form the second-largest group of Pacific people in New Zealand after Samoans. This call for recognition was acknowledged by both Prime Minister Luxon and Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins.
Chris Hipkins, in his heartfelt address, mingled with the audience, shared in the cultural experience by tasting Kava (Yaqona), and delivered a profound message about the history of indentured labor. He emphasized the harsh realities faced by the Girmityas, who were forced into labor under British colonial rule, a form of modern-day slavery that lasted until 1916.
“Britain officially ended slavery in the early 18th Century, but for millions of Indians, including those we remember today, slavery effectively ended in 1916,” Hipkins stated. He praised the Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand for its efforts to reclaim and reconnect with the history of Fiji’s indentured laborers.
Hipkins highlighted the importance of remembering the past, not to redeem those responsible, but to honor the stories of those who endured these hardships. He urged the community to ensure that future generations understand this history and the sacrifices made by their ancestors.
Foundation Chairman Sam Achary spoke on the pressing issue of depression within the Fiji Indian community, urging the community to approach mental health with the same resilience shown by their ancestors. The event concluded with honoring over 30 senior citizens, each over 80 years old, for their efforts in preserving the legacy and history of the Girmityas.
The Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand, through its trustees, executives, and volunteers, continues to give voice to the voiceless and preserve the stolen history of Fiji’s Girmityas, ensuring that their legacy endures.
Credit: Thakur Ranjit Singh, Indian Newslink
(Thakur Ranjit Singh is a third-generation Fiji Indian, whose grandfather was an indentured labourer who arrived in Fiji in 1915 from Rajasthan, India. He is a Founding Trustee of the Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand which organises the Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day every year in Auckland. Mr Singh is a journalist and media commentator, based in Auckland.)
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com