Holi celebration highlights unity, renewal, and women’s potential

University of the South Pacific (USP) Labasa Campus was a riot of colours yesterday as students, staff and the wider community celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, alongside International Women’s Day.

USPSA Labasa president Ratu Alivereti Rokoyaluma said the festival symbolised joy, forgiveness and the victory of good over evil.

“It is a time for us to celebrate diversity and strengthen friendship and respect within our campus community,” he said.

He also acknowledged the Kiskinda Faag Mandali for sharing traditional Holi songs and culture.

USP Labasa Campus director Ahmed Shah said Holi was also a celebration of renewal and unity.

“It is a time to wash away the old and embrace the new with open hearts. Today we also proudly mark International Women’s Day,” Mr Shah said.

“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, calls on all of us to ensure every woman’s potential is fully realised.”

Mr Shah said women continued to shape the world in extraordinary ways as leaders, professionals, educators, mothers, mentors and innovators.

“Their resilience, dedication and vision inspire progress in every sector of society,” he said.

Senior legal officer and chief guest Reema Radhika Raj encouraged everyone to see Holi’s vibrant colours as a metaphor for women’s empowerment.

“Red for courage, yellow for hope, green for the lives of women everywhere,” she said.

“Empowering women means giving them equal rights, opportunities and the freedom to make their own choices in education, careers and leadership.”

Ms Raj said education was the most powerful tool for women’s empowerment.

“Holi is not just a festival of colours; it is a celebration of renewal, equality and unity,” she said.

“Just as colours mix to create beauty, men and women working together as equals create a stronger, fairer and more vibrant society.”

She said while progress had been made, many women around the world still faced discrimination and challenges.

“Education enables women to contribute meaningfully to society, achieve financial independence and take on leadership roles,” Ms Raj said.

The event blended cultural celebration with a call for action, highlighting the importance of breaking barriers and nurturing every woman’s potential.