The message of unity and nation building was highlighted at the celebrations of Sadhu Kuppuswamy Day at Suva Sangam High School today.
The Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport, Hon. Parveen Kumar said that in a multi-cultural and multi-racial society such as ours, one must strive to build unity.
“Non-political organizations such as the Sangam play a major role in binding people together. I urge the younger generation to come forward to bear the share of responsibility in nation building,” Kumar said.
“Sadhuji’s main aim was to unite the South Indians so that their culture could be preserved and promoted.”
Sadhu Kuppuswami inspired South Indians in Fiji to have pride in their culture and language and was instrumental in the establishment of the Sangam organization in Fiji. At the end of the indenture period, Kuppuswami took up the cause of the South Indians in Fiji. He arrived in Fiji in 1912 as an indentured labourer.
Every year in August, all Sangam institutions observe the Sadhu Swami Day in memory of the great soul who inspired and founded Sangam and served the community at large.
The Hon. Minister said that Sangam has come a long way in building 21 primary schools, 5 secondary schools, a nursing school and temples throughout the country.
“I would like to assure that Government is committed to the growth and development of education in Fiji and it will ensure that every Fijian child is given the best opportunity to be educated.”