Venkat Raman (Indian Newslink)
Auckland, May 14, 2018
It was just a day ago (May 14) that people of Indo-Fijian origin in Fiji, New Zealand and other parts of the world observed the 139th Anniversary of ‘Girmit,’ an inglorious period of 37 years (1879-1916) during which indentured labourers from India were subject to humiliation, subjugation and even inhumane treatment.
Grim reminder
‘Girmit Day’ that commemorates the arrival of the first shipload of indentured labourers in 1879 is not a celebration but a grim reminder of one of the darkest eras in human history.
Several events were held in Auckland at press time, one of which was the ‘Girmit Commemoration Meeting’ organised at Ram Mandir, in Henderson, Auckland.
The event was marked as one of solidarity, determination and will to ensure sufferings for the sake of the future generations. Indo-Fijians owe their status including good education and economic prosperity to the sacrifices made by their ancestors. It is their blood, sweat and tears that have made them to strive harder and win recognition not only in Fiji but in every part of the globe, which is their home today.
Homage to Girmityas
The Divas (the day) is not so much a celebration as a commemoration to pay homage to the Girmityas, praise their courage and express gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices. It is also to educate and inform the present generation of Indians, mainly the descendants of Girmityas, of the hardships their ancestors had to endure and the sacrifices they made to provide a better life for their children.
Their gift was the huge investment they made in providing for the education of their children. The colonial government made no provision for the education of Indian children in the early days since the abolition of indenture.
There has always been a place for Indians in Fiji and the community is an integral part and instrument of the country’s destiny.
We live in a globalised world today. Indians are citizens of Fiji and they must make their future according to their will and aspirations. It is the responsibility of their leaders to see that they are treated with respect and dignity.
We salute Indo-Fijians on the 139th anniversary of Girmit, pay tributes to their ancestors, congratulate them on the dawn of a new era of their freedom from racism, political discrimination and corruption and wish them success in all their endeavours.
