Colours do not judge or discriminate among the people playing with them, and neither should the people applying these colours. Rich or poor, powerful or humble, beautiful or homely, we are all the same—and all one.
This was the message by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while participating in the Holi Milan Celebrations in MySuva Park today.
“Holi brings people together, and the fun comes from mingling with our neighbours and being doused with colours even by perfect strangers,” he said.
“Holi is definitely one of my favourite festivals in the Hindu calendar— the beautiful and vibrant colours, the merrymaking, the singing and dancing. “
“The beauty behind Holi celebrations is that the different colours, when combined, cross all barriers and come together to be equal, to find peace and spread happiness,” he added.
PM Bainimarama said Holi brings people together as one nation and one Fijian people who don’t take unity for granted but build it, nurture it, and fight for it when it is threatened.
“Holi celebrations have been a part of Fiji for 143 years — ever since the first indentured labourers arrived and over the decades, the festival has spread across different communities, schools and workplaces and become a national celebration, enjoyed by all Fijians,” he said.
“I want to commend the India-Fiji Friendship Forum, which has just introduced a special award to acknowledge the work of individuals who have made a difference for all. It is given in the spirit of national unity, and I thank you for it.”
PM Bainimarama also wished the Indian High Commission for India’s 75th year of Independence and for organising a number of events around Fiji to mark the 75th Azadi ka Amirt Mahstov.