Hindus yesterday praised Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his national unity crusade.

They said he was a real champion of unity and religious tolerance.

They spoke out at the close of the Ganesh Utsav celebrations at My Suva Picnic Park, Nasese, which Mr Bainimarama attended.

Nitesh Chand, 34, a garage foreman at the Suva City Council from Muaniweni, Naitasiri, said: “Fiji is a multiracial country and with the effort of our Prime Minister, there is now unity in Fiji.

“Because of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, under the 2013 constitution we Hindus are known as Fijians.

“We were not recognised as Fijians under previous Governments.”

Siteri Lal, 54, an iTaukei market vendor from Waidalice, Tailevu, is married to an Indo-Fijian for the last 30 years. She has been part of Ganesh Utsav for the last five years. She said: “Our Prime Minister is a very busy person but he took time out to be part of this celebration.

“His presence signifies equality and shows his love for his people.”

Mrs Lal said she was happy to see Mr Bainimarama for the first time and concluded he was a great leader.

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Primary School Year 8 student, Jeshlyn Lal, 13, said: “I am so glad that our  Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was part of the Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

“I like our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

“He is a Christian but he came to Ganesh Utsav because he understands the importance of our culture and this promotes unity in our country,” she said.

Salen Singh, 49, a taxi driver from Nausori said: “Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama should be part of Ganesh Utsav every year.

“His presence at this celebration here today highlighted his importance. He brings peace and unity in our country,” he said.

Salveen Narayan,35, a teacher from Navua said: “Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama gave a very good speech.

“It was a refresher course for us and reminding us as Fijians our roles and responsibilities.

“He accepted our invitation at short notice and I am happy he commemorated Hinduism,” he said.

Toorak Sai Temple pundit Vijay Shestra, 51, said: “He is a busy man but he still found the time to be with us. That says a lot about the kind of man he is.

“His presence signifies peace and unity for our country,” he said.

Fiji Sevashram Sangha’s  Swami Sanyuktanand said: “PM is a very important person.

“We are pleased that our Prime Minister is with us during the celebration.”

Akhilesh Prasad, 48, Administration Manager at the South Pacific Community (SPC) said: “Ganesh is Lord of People and presence of our Prime Minister brings unity and peace to our country.

“Mr Bainimarama is a good leader who plays a very important role in looking after our country,” he said.

Lanieta Newata, 20, Fiji National University Student (FNU) student and a volunteer St John Ambulance was part of Ganesh Utsav for the first time.

“I do not know anything about Ganesh Utsav but I am here to know and learn more about this festival.

“I am so inspired by our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. He is a Christian but he took time out for the Ganesh Utsav celebration,” she said.

Ms Newata said Mr Bainimarama had set an example of a good leader and he has pride for his country.

More than three thousand people from as far as Navua, Tailevu, Nausori, Naitasiri and Suva marched to the My Suva Picnic Park in Nasese for the final ritual, to submerge the Lord Ganesh idol in the sea.

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

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