Girmit Day is of great significance to Fiji as it is a time to remember the tremendous difficulties faced by the people who came here to unfamiliar circumstances, said the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Vinod Kumar.
Speaking at the Girmit Day celebrations at the Indian Cultural Centre last night, Mr Kumar said that while the Girmit era finished in 1916, the sacrifices made by those that travelled miles from their homeland will always be remembered.
The Girmit era saw the first ship, the Leonidascarrying Indian indentured labourers to Fiji in 1879 to work in plantations around the country.
“Their hardwork has paid dividends as their grandchildren and great grandchildren have inherited the fruits of their labour. It is remarkable that the Girmityas adapted to their new work place and homeland, faced difficult living conditions and at the same time preserved their traditions, language and culture,” Mr Kumar said.
Highlighting the significant contribution made by the Girmityas to Fiji’s economy and society, Mr Kumar said it is encouraging to see the descendants’ continuous input towards the country’s progress and prosperity.
“This is especially important at the present moment as the international community is looking at how Fiji and its people move forward to build a better and stronger Fiji.
“Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has just had a successful visit to India. Both India and Fiji are developing and non-aligned countries and we would continue to work together to ensure the inclusive social development of our people,” Mr Kumar added.
India’s envoy to Fiji said the visiting Indian National Defence College delegation is yet another instance of the growing cooperation and interaction between Fiji and India.
“And of course we have yet another Indian crew shooting a film in Nadi.”
To mark the 133rd Girmit Day, teachers and students of the Indian Cultural Centre presented cultural items to depict the early Girmit days.
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