Professor Vijay Naidu of the University of the South Pa­cific yesterday called on the TISI Sangam community to know the consequences of the excessive usage of kava, alcohol and smok­ing.

While speaking on the conven­tion’s theme ‘Engaging for a Clean and Healthy Community’, at La­waqa park, Sigatoka, he said a clean and healthy community would be a spiritual community.

“Being a clean and healthy com­munity has environmental, spiritu­al, social, cultural, economic, politi­cal and psychological dimensions,” Professor Naidu said.

He said they need to address the epidemic together as an organisa­tion.

Chief guest Professor Vijay Naidu at the the 91 st TISI Sangam Convention opening at the Lawaqa park in Nadroga yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

“There are many negative conse­quences of our contemporary life­styles, these include obesity and other Non-Communicable Diseases like diabetes and heart diseases,” Professor Naidu said.

In some parts of the country, he added 20-year-olds looked like they are in their 40s due to the excessive usage of kava and smoking.

“Far too many parents are attend­ing the funerals of their adult chil­dren, usually men.

“Our younger generation must be socialised away from becoming kava addicts,” Professor Naidu said.

Mr Naidu who is a lifetime mem­ber of the organisation said it de­notes that they think about their lifestyles and ways in which they act.

He then reminded their members to always remember the humble be­ginnings of the organisation.

“I acknowledge our ancestors who came as humble indentured labour­ers working and living in difficult circumstances, they persevered to build communities that in two to three generations produced profes­sional men and women, artisans we can all be very proud of,” Professor Naidu said.

The event was also attended by representatives from political par­ties, Government officials and prominent business people who are all members of T.I.S.I Sangam.

Participants at the conference also included members from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Unit­ed States of America.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj