Happy Diwali Fiji!
It is that time of the year when our Hindu brothers and sisters, together with their families, neighbours, work colleagues and friends, come together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama and his wife, Sita, to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, following Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana. Tradition tells us that the people of Ayodhya lit rows of diyas, or oil lamps, to welcome their return.
From this tradition comes the enduring message of Diwali: the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, truth over falsehood and knowledge over ignorance. It is a celebration of love, forgiveness, compassion, prosperity and new beginnings.
Although Diwali has its origins in Hindu scriptures and traditions, its values extend far beyond religion and culture. They speak to our common humanity and the kind of society we aspire to build.
Regardless of our faith, ethnicity or background, Diwali reminds us to choose:
Love over hatred;
Peace over conflict;
Forgiveness over resentment;
Kindness over selfishness;
Understanding over intolerance;
Truth over dishonesty; and
Hope over disillusionment.
These are not simply values to celebrate. They are principles we must practise in our daily lives, our communities and our leadership.
Ladies and Gentlemen, here in Fiji, Diwali holds a special place in our shared national history.
Diwali was recognised as a public holiday in 1974 under the Alliance Government of our first Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. His Interim Government of 1987 restored the public holiday, a decision that was subsequently upheld and continued under the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) Government, which I led from 1992 to 1999.
These decisions reflected an important national principle: our Hindu brothers and sisters have an equal and rightful place in Fiji. This is their home, just as it is home to every Fijian.
We also recognise the contribution of the Girmitiyas, whose courage, sacrifice and resilience helped shape our nation’s social and economic foundations. Their descendants continue to make valuable contributions to agriculture, business, education, public service and national development.
Their story is part of Fiji’s story. It reminds us that our nation has been built through the contributions of many communities and generations.
This is why the message of Diwali resonates so strongly with our national identity. Our diversity is a strength to be protected, respected and celebrated. Our unity must be built on mutual respect, equal dignity and a shared commitment to Fiji’s future.
Ladies and Gentlemen, recently, as members of the Parliamentary Special Committee considering the Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 32, we travelled across the country and listened to the views of our people.
I was encouraged by the submissions from men, women and young people who shared their hopes and aspirations for Fiji.
Many spoke about the importance of a common national identity, freedom of religion, security of tenure over land and property, protection of our children, and the elimination of discrimination based on race, religion, beliefs or social status.
These submissions remind us that our people want a Fiji where everyone feels safe, respected and included. They want opportunities for their children and a better future for generations to come.
Parliament has also allowed further time for the Committee to consider additional public submissions. This is important because constitutional reform must be informed by the voices and aspirations of our people.
The Third Reading of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 32 is scheduled for the Parliamentary sitting from 30 November to 4 December 2026. If passed, it will pave the way for a national referendum and another important step in our constitutional journey.
As we continue this process, I encourage all Fijians to engage constructively, respect differing views and participate in the national conversation.
Our Constitution must provide a strong foundation for democracy, protect the rights and freedoms of all Fijians and strengthen confidence in our national institutions.
The spirit of Diwali reminds us that meaningful progress requires light, not darkness; understanding, not division; and truth, not misinformation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Fiji today faces important opportunities and challenges. Our national development ambitions require more than economic growth. They require us to create jobs, reduce poverty, expand opportunities and ensure that every community participates in and benefits from our progress.
We must empower our young people, support our entrepreneurs and businesses, strengthen agriculture and invest in the skills and capabilities of our people.
Recent parliamentary discussions on financial rehabilitation and entrepreneurial rescue also remind us that people facing genuine financial hardship deserve a fair opportunity to recover, rebuild and contribute again.
At the same time, we must protect our communities from the growing threats of illicit drugs, organised crime and cyber insecurity.
The passage of the Fiji Police Bill 2026 represents an important step in strengthening our policing framework. However, effective law enforcement must always go hand in hand with accountability, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Our responsibility is to build a Fiji where people feel safe in their homes and communities, where justice is upheld and where every person can live with dignity and confidence.
These are also expressions of the values of Diwali. The triumph of good over evil must be reflected in the choices we make, the institutions we strengthen and the opportunities we create for our people.
We must also remember that development carries a responsibility to protect our environment and natural heritage. We must leave our children a Fiji that is not only economically stronger, but also environmentally sustainable and resilient.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as we celebrate Diwali, I encourage all Fijians to reflect on what its message means for our shared future.
To our Hindu community, my prayer is that the light of Diwali shines brightly upon you and your families, bringing peace, happiness, prosperity and renewed hope.
Your faith, traditions and contributions are valued. You belong here. Fiji is your home, just as it is the home of every other Fijian.
May this celebration strengthen your families, bring comfort to those facing difficulties and renew your confidence in the future.
To our non-Hindu communities, although Diwali may not form part of your religious traditions, its values are universal.
Let us embrace its message by strengthening national unity and social cohesion, addressing poverty and inequality, promoting reconciliation and forgiveness, respecting religious and cultural diversity, and demonstrating compassion and responsible leadership.
Whether we are Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Taoists or followers of other faiths and beliefs, Fiji belongs to us all.
There is a place for every one of us. Our differences must never become barriers to our shared progress. They must remain a source of strength, understanding and national pride.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let us remember that building a better Fiji is a responsibility we all share. Let us replace prejudice with acceptance, division with unity, hardship with opportunity and uncertainty with hope.
Let us choose to do what is right, stand together against what is wrong and work towards a nation where every person is valued, every community has a place and every generation has an opportunity to succeed.
Our future will not be determined by our differences, but by how we respect those differences and work together for the common good.
May the light of Diwali continue to guide our families, strengthen our communities and inspire us to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Fiji.
Happy Diwali Fiji!
May God bless you all, and may God bless Fiji.