Thakur Ranjit Singh
My previous article (Indian Newslink, June 1, 2018) spoke about the formation of the Fiji Girmit Centre (FGC) and the challenges it is facing today.
With huge unused gifted land, it has great deal potential.
We call upon the Fiji Indian Diaspora and those in Fiji with skills, resources and pride in their heritage to add value to it.
I have some recommendations, which may be taken in its strategic plan.
I am pleased to say some are already under consideration.
Some Recommendations:
Organise and awaken affiliates, and organise 140 years Girmit Carnival next year.
Sanatan, Muslim League, Arya Samaj, Sikh Association, Gujarat Samaj, TISI Sangam, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Andhra Sangam, Council of Churches and Kabir Panth should fulfil their obligations, pay membership and appoint credible delegates. Those not wishing to join or pay may send non-voting delegates, and those wishing to opt out should be given that discretion.
FGC needs to reassemble and come with strategic plans for next 12 months that includes 140th Year Celebration, and Mid-Term (five years) and long-term (10 years) plans.
The Fiji Girmit Council should add its voice to the plea of the Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand to the Fijian Government to declare May 14 as ‘Girmit Thanksgiving Day’ (or ‘Girmit Day’) with a public Holiday.
Revenue for FGC
Immediate capital improvements at the Centre should make it an attractive for one-stop wedding and other events venue, with related facilities. The Centre should also aim to provide income-generating accommodation. Girmitiya descendants who are architects, contractors and builders should be invited to design and build facilities which they can donate or subsidise with naming rights of the structure.
Girmit Vatika (Orchard)
We need to develop an orchard, forest or green area by dedicating well landscaped, acre plot and develop it with trees and vegetable and fruit crops close to Girmityas.
The existing Library should be expanded and the Brij and Padma Library at Saweni should be shifted to the Girmit Centre.
While the inaugurating document declares that FGC is apolitical and religiously-neutral, it needs to be reiterated because of misinformation and disinformation. People need to be assured of its impartial and neutral stand in all issues. The Centre should not be used for political, religious or academic purposes.
The Girmit Museum
Girmit Centre should house all items relating to Girmit period, and a Museum should be initiated. People should be requested to donate all old items to be housed in the Girmit Centre for the coming generations.
Bollywood Film Set
A request should be made to Bollywood producers and director to develop a film set.
Suggested set includes CSR Coolie Lane (living quarters of Girmityas) Sugar Mill, Railway and Sugar transport modes, a Bure house, Traditional Girmit farmhouses and so on. This could be used for films and documentaries and should be gifted to FGC as part of the expanded museum.
The Syria Monument
The Indian High Commission in Suva (and the Indian Government) should be requested to erect the Syria Monument at the Girmit Centre as already committed. This would be accessible for tourists and the Fiji Indian Diaspora visiting Fiji.
Future Action
We call on the descendants of all Girmitiyas worldwide to show unity and resolve in adding colour, vibrancy, respect and honour to those who went away weeping, and longing for our happiness.
I suggest that the new energised Executive Committee of FGC should discuss the above recommendations and prepare a strategic plan to make the Centre a pride to the memory of Girmityas.
Thakur Ranjit Singh is Secretary and Founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand. He is a Journalist and Media Commentator, and runs his blog Fiji Pundit. The above article (highly edited) reflects his views and not necessarily those of Indian Newslink and its Management.
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Photo Caption:
The Fiji Girmit Centre in Lautoka (Supplied)
