Fiji’s first e-magazine featured in Hindi was launched yesterday by the India Fiji Friendship Forum (IFFF), as an e-learning platform to promote educational empowerment and cultural diversity.
The quarterly publication of IFFF will be available online for youths, tertiary institutions and the wider Indian diaspora. It will disseminate information on the activities of IFFF, raise awareness on the cooperation between Fiji and India, whilst enabling the youths to enhance their knowledge on Hindi language and inculcating a deeper appreciation of cultural and historical links.
In attendance at the official launching program held at Fiji Sevashram Sangha in Suva were senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, IFFF members and representatives of Non-Government Organisations.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the event, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Jitendra Karan congratulated IFFF for developing the e-magazine as an eco-friendly, informative resource to ultimately advance cultural diplomacy and educational opportunities.
“The Fijian Government views its bilateral relations with India as a long-term friendship and partnership underpinned by historical ties, and enriched through good understanding and mutual respect between our peoples over the years.
“The strengthening of people-to-people ties are important and I commend the efforts of the India-Fiji Friendship Forum in continuing to promote and strengthen understanding, friendship and cooperation between our people through your programs and activities, one of which we are witnessing here today,” PS Karan stated.
PS Karan also commended IFFF for its foresight in leading this initiative and its commitment in reaching out and assisting communities. IFFF contributed to the Prime Minister’s National Relief and Rehabilitation Fund last year, it donated food items to Fiji Blind Society, Saint Christopher’s Home, Dilkusha Home and IFFF also supported the blood donation drives.
IFFF is a Fiji registered Non-Profit Charitable Trust Organization established in 2017 and it works collaboratively with the Government of Fiji and Indian High Commission in Fiji to deepen the engagements between Fiji and India.
In recognising IFFF’s new achievement, India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Padmaja said the e-magazine will be instrumental in enhancing the friendly relations between India and Fiji to newer heights.
E-Magazine Chief Editor and IFFF trustee, Dr Indu Chandra said that the new magazine is a milestone achievement in development of Hindi language and literature in Fiji.
The e-magazine launch program coincided with the farewell of outgoing High Commissioner Padmaja, as she wraps up her one year term this month.