May 14 is a significant day in the calendar of Indo-Fijian history. It can be variously recognised but its foremost significance is the arrival of Leonidas, the first ship with 479 Indian indentured immigrants (Girmitiyas) on this day in 1879.
They were recruited to work largely in the sugarcane plantations.
This followed 82 other ships that transported over 60,000 Girmitiyas to Fiji.
Girmit ended on December 31, 1919 after a bitter struggle against the recruitment of Indian indentured labourers that saw the might of Mahatma Gandhi triumphing over the British Government.
I implore Indo-Fijians across the world and their descendants to commemorate the sacrifices of the pioneer generation with solemnity and sobriety on May 14, paying homage to those who laid their lives on the altar of sacrifice.
I urge religious, social and cultural organizations to undertake this mission at the community level annually and appeal to families to offer prayers and recitals in their homes in memory of those whose lives were tragically lost.
Girmit was a period of great pain and suffering. How and why the Girmitiyas bore endured is a story of one of the greatest sacrifices made in human history. They were illiterate, innocent and ignorant and believed in karma.
They also believed that if they bore their pain and suffering, their children will escape the tragedy that consumed their lives.
Girmit Day in Otahuhu
The Calvary Indian Youth, a wing of the Calvary Indian Assembly of God based at 13 Nikau Street, Otahuhu (Auckland), is holding its first ‘ Girmit in Fiji: Ek Shaam Girmitiyon Ke Naam,’ on May 17 to mark Girmit Day.
Senior Pastor Andrew Pratap said that our youth are growing in ignorance of their early history and their participation will ensure that they are able to reconnect, reclaim and embrace their history.
“It was a tragic period of Indo-Fijian history but the foundations of a robust and progressive Indo-Fiji community are embedded in its solid roots that have inspired generations to struggle, strive and achieve,” he said.
The programme would include a Quiz Competition, songs, recitations, recollections and orations on Girmit, followed by supper.
Let us commemorate and celebrate their legacy and humanity.
Read Girmit Day brings back the pains of the past by the same author in this Section and our Editorial, Homage to a forgotten generation under Viewlink.
