MINISTER PARVEEN BALA'S SPEECH AT THE RAKIRAKI MARKET VENDORS ASSOCIATION DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

CEO Rakiraki Town Council,
President, Executives and Members of the Rakiraki Market Vendors Association,
Our Market Vendors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to be here this morning as we come together as one loving community in celebrating Diwali, The Festival of Lights in the Hindu calendar. At the outset I wish to thank the Rakiraki Market Vendors Association for the invitation.

In Fiji, Diwali the Festival of Lights came with the indentured Indians or Girmityas between 1879 and 1916, and from that time onwards, all came together to celebrate Diwali, just like other religious Festivals.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Diwali is one of the festivals that is given national prominence with a National Holiday in Fiji. One of the only other countries outside of India. It is one of the Festivals that has traditionally united all Fijians through its colour, food, and sweets, and the celebrations around it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 2021 has been a difficult year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But we have to continue our commitment to a united and peaceful Fiji where all Fijians can and will prosper. Therefore, we must acknowledge our Hon. Prime Minister, for his vision and commitment to taking our country back towards opening up our borders and livelihoods.

During this testing time, the Hon. Prime Minister, has committed Fiji to the Diwali message of Hope and Light. His leadership during COVID 19 period has shown his commitment and love for all Fijians to live and prosper as one! Fiji as a multiracial country has shown its ability to rise above injustice and division. We cannot continue in any way or form of racial or religious discrimination.

Therefore, we must continue our commitment to a united and a peaceful Fiji where all Fijians can and will prosper. We cannot have a Fiji divided and led by people who are now aiming to comeback to limelight by preaching hatred and division. Ladies and Gentlemen, we must use this celebration here in Rakiraki to commit to the ideals of peace and love, in fact this teaching are found in all our religious texts.

Ladies and gentlemen, once again I thank you all and may I take this opportunity of wishing you all a Happy Diwali.

May God bless you all.

Vinaka