iTaukei teacher goes viral with Bollywood hit

An iTaukei teacher has taken social media by storm with her remarkable rendition of a Bollywood song to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, love, and spring.

Mereani Jacinta, a teacher at Nehru Memorial Primary School, sang the 2014 hit song “London Thumakda” from the movie Queen.

A viral video on social media shows schoolchildren singing along, cheering, and dancing to the tune. They were joined by teachers in a fun-filled celebration. The multicultural school celebrated Holi last Friday, and Ms Jacinta was awe-struck when she was invited to sing a Hindi song for the school. “The school organised a special Holi celebration, and I wasn’t on the programme,” said the Year Two teacher.

Ms Jacinta, who often sings for Sector Four, a family band, has been performing iTaukei and English songs but was encouraged by her brothers to try singing Hindi songs. “My brothers motivated me to give it a try and on Friday I didn’t disappoint them,” she said. Ms Jacinta captured the hearts of thousands on social media and by yesterday, the viral video had garnered more than 20,000 views, 1000 shares and more than 2000 comments on various platform. “There is no question that cultural respect and inclusion are values that matter greatly in the classroom,” said Abdul Faiyaz.

“We need more teachers like Jacinta, one love.”

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj