A new Federation looks at their wellbeing
Thakur Ranjit Singh
Auckland, October 3, 2023
It was a day for the Seniors, Elders, Older Peoples, or whatever you decide to call them, but it was a milestone for Fiji Indian Seniors, in launching the Fiji Seniors Federation NZ on the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, 2023.
Fiji Indians generally feel left out by other organisations and as such found it necessary to unite under their Pacifica identity which they are seeking, under the mentorship and sponsorship of the Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ, the umbrella body of Fiji Indians.
The event was held at A1 Event Centre in Papatoetoe, New Zealand with with a rolling crowd of over 450 people. It was a day for a two-pronged celebration, Seniors Day, combined with the Fiji Day Celebrations.
The Fiji Day was graced by the Wellington-based Fiji High Commission First Secretary Mela Baba, who conveyed the best wishes of High Commissioner Inoke Kubuabola.
She, with all others, was elated at Fiji’s Rugby win against Georgia that morning and congratulated the Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ for initiating and sponsoring the event.
A cultural welcome
The Seniors started filling the hall well before the nominated start time of 10 am, with ten groups bringing their snacks of Samosa, Fried and Boiled Cassava, Gulgula, Indian savouries, Bhajia, Dhokla, fruit platter and other finger foods for the guests. This was a huge culturally-based welcoming attitude in the largest gathering of Fiji Seniors in one programme, with their numbers exceeding 200 seniors to celebrate their day.
Formalities included a welcome address by Sam Achary, Chairman of Trustees of the Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ, followed by recognition and a salute to seniors as well as to the sponsors and volunteers by President Krish Naidu.
The programme began with the wellbeing, safety, security and health of the seniors.
Wellbeing of Seniors
The Counties Manukau Police Acting Inspector Steven Smith (from Ba, Fiji), spoke about the Seniors keeping safe, generally, but particularly from online scams and cold calls.
This was followed by a programme on embracing healthy ageing and staying active in the golden years, conducted by Vimlesh Shukla, a Healthcare Lecturer, who was able to talk in the Fiji Hindi language to engage with Seniors and convey the welfare message.
This wellbeing was further emphasised by Dr Apiu Talemaitoga, a clinical consultant who focused on staying healthy and advocating a change in habits for better health.
Launch of Fiji Seniors Federation NZ
The main item of the day was the formal launch of the Fiji Seniors Federation NZ with the cutting of the cake by leaders of the ten seniors’ groups and other dignitaries.
Although a small step by Fiji Indian Seniors, it was a big leap for the message of unity to the Fiji Indian Diaspora worldwide, to control and overcome their personal egos, and work together as demonstrated by matured, compassionate and caring leadership of Older Persons in Auckland.
The programme included a magic show by Jai Prasad of Papatoetoe Seniors, a Girmit Dance by Shivarchan Trust Seniors, followed by Bollywood and Garba numbers well-choreographed dance by ladies from the Waitakere Seniors Association, the only such Group from West Auckland.
In recognition of Fiji Day, Damoni Seniors Fiji Indian members performed a Fijian Meke.
Music, Dance and Fun
Then, Manukau Seniors, led by Vishnu took us into the old art of Lathi, the staff-stick fight and defence. The stage was also stolen by a fashion show from Southeast Auckland Seniors with their fashion parade, showing the costumes of various parts of India, with relevant songs and dances. Items were performed by South Auckland Seniors and the Fiji Indian Seniors Group.
We had Jack Punja with his melodious Mohammed Rafi numbers on karaoke, joined by a hilarious Fiji Indian ‘Funny-fellow, the famous DJ Sarra, using the sweetness of Fiji Hindi to create humour, in the footsteps of the legend John Mohammed.
Fiji Hindi is a rich mixture of languages, developed in cane farms and difficult environments of Girmit where various Indian dialects, Fijian and English intermixed together to create a chop suey or khichri, mixed rice, of unique conversational Fiji Hindi, or Fiji Baat which creates richness, humour and friendship amongst those from Fiji.
Fiji Hindi is a free-flowing conversational language without grammar or structure. And DJ Sarra has a unique art of bringing this out to create comedy, the ability for us to laugh at our way of speaking – and celebrate our culture -and the Seniors.
The day’s programme was rounded off with Manurewa Network Seniors, who had commenced the event with the National Anthem. They also closed the programme with the iconic Itaukei farewell song, Isa Lei sung by all.
Graceful Ageing
No Fijian or Fiji Indian networking or event is complete without Kava – or feasting.
After having a bowl full of delicious snacks, the remainder volume was taken by a sumptuous Fiji Indian meal, with a taste of Fiji, not adulterated by any cream or other additions. That is something unique about Fiji-Indian-type meals in which you get the real taste of food.
The verdict of the Seniors was that they wish for more of such outings, networking and wellbeing network, a day out with fellow seniors, where they are shown respect and they the main focus. Requests have come from other Senior Groups wishing to be a part of the inspirational Fiji Seniors Federation NZ. They are welcome under the wider banner of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ.
A salute to the leadership of the Seniors Federation NZ for their willingness to join and celebrate healthy and dignified ageing together.
Wishing all the elderly people, a happy and dignified ageing, best wishes for International Day for Older Persons and blessings and best wishes for a happy Fiji Day.
Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and a media commentator. He is a Founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ and is Secretary and Coordinator of Fiji Seniors Federation NZ. He is involved in the wellbeing of Seniors in Auckland. He runs his blog Fiji Pundit. Email: thakurjifj@gmail.com
