Translated Hindu holy book Ramayana to i-Taukei

Nemani Bainivalu, 48, is promoting Hindi and i-Taukei languages  among the youths in Fiji.

The programme host for the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) Wasea Bhasha believes that youths nowadays do not have interest in learning their mother tongue.

“i-Taukei and Hindi languages must be taught to student from primary school.

“Only then the student will be able to learn and understand their language and culture better,” he said.

Mr Bainivalu said there are some parents who need to change their mind set.

“Some parents allow their children to talk in English when they are only one-year-old.

“They believe if their children speak in English language from a young age, they would be bright students in school,” he said.

Mr Bainivalu said this should not happen because children will not be able to learn and know their culture.

He was born and raised in Vesaru, Ba, where he attended Vesaru Indian School.

“My parents had no choice but send me to Vesaru Indian School where I took up Hindi.

“I learnt how to speak, sing and write in Hindi,” he said.

Coming from a poor background Mr Bainivalu knows the importance of working hard and achieving goals.

At the World Hindi Day Celebrations this year in February, Mr Bainivalu was awarded by the Indian High Commission for promoting Hindi language in Fiji.

This was the first time during the World Hindi Day Celebration that the High Commission gave honours to people for promoting Hindi language in Fiji.

Mr Bainivalu has written the Hindi holy book Ramayana into i-Taukei language.

“I started reading the Hindi holy book Ramayana when I was doing degree in Hindi; many chapters from the Ramayana was part of my Hindi syllables.

“I came across main stories and interesting events which happened in Ramayana in that particular course,” he said.

Mr Bainivalu said from there, he developed interest in reading Ramayana.

“When the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal approached me to translate Ramayana into i-Taukei language I had basic knowledge of Ramayana and it made it easier for me to translate,” he said.

Mr Bainivalu said there were many people sending him text messages after reading the Fiji Sun asking him when the Ramayana  i-Taukei version will be out.

The books are currently being printed  in India.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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