We join thousands of Indo-Fijians in marking the 132nd anniversary of the arrival of their ancestors in Fiji, with dreams of a better life and career.
As they observe the event on May 14, they would be reminded of the sufferings and atrocities that their ancestors endured as indentured labourers (Girmitiyas) in a strange land.
The world has perhaps never seen a community of people who have forever been chased by ill luck and misfortune all these years.
The Girmitiyas suffered the worst effects of bonded labour, racism and inhuman treatment. Since they landed 133 years ago unbeknown of what was in store for them, history has witnessed the rule of diabolism and a parade of unacceptable events that have had a telling impact not only on the actual sufferers but also on their ensuing generations.
The world has scoffed at slavery and those who drove them but has seldom cared for the victims, unless the latter fought for their rights in strange lands and asserted themselves politically, socially and culturally, winning a rightful place in the society.
Africans in Europe, the US and Canada are prime examples of such self-determination but in the case of Fiji, people of Indian origin remained marginalised and relegated to secondary positions.
Many Indo-Fijians, despite their façade of happiness amidst plenty and prosperity continue to endure the scars of the past. As if they were not born to enjoy equity, they continued to suffer indignity and indifference under various regimes even after Fiji obtained independence on October 10, 1970.
Two coups in 1987 and one in 2000 were developments that shook the confidence of most Indo-Fijians and tens of thousands of them fled to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and US, in search of a new home and life.
Almost all of them have succeeded as engineers, medical practitioners, entrepreneurs, professionals and retailers; those who have not, are a small band of people who have been either unlucky like their ancestors or too lethargic even to try.
It is the former who have held the interest of governments and people wherever they went in their search for a new life and identity.
Those people will remember with gratitude the sacrifices of their ancestors and vow to strive hard to fulfil their aspirations.
It is these Indo-Fijians, who will do their ancestors proud, if they were alive today.
From a practical standpoint, the feeling of hope and confidence that the Indian community in Fiji has reposed in the interim prime minister commodore Frank Bainimarama is understandable. For, India-Fijians have been marginalised all their life and it is only since December 6, 2006 that they have begun to feel secure and cared for.Just how the future will develop for Fiji and with it for Indo-Fijians is not known but the people are upbeat about the present.
That would be the most important factor for progress; for, with a dead past and unborn future, it is sensible to live today.
