110-year-old Girmit descendant to be laid to rest in Nadi

A 110-year-old Girmit descendant who bridged faith, culture and generations has died.

Gangamma, believed to be one of Fiji’s oldest living women and a direct descendant of Girmitiyas, passed away peacefully at her home in Solovi, Nadi, on January 14. She was 110.

She took her last breath at about 1pm.

Her great-grandson, Avneel Subramanyyam, said she had enjoyed good health throughout most of her life but became weak in her final two days.

Born on July 17, 1915, in Raviravi, Ba, she was married in Nadi at the age of 14 to Veera Sami.

Her life spanned colonial rule, independence and modern-day Fiji — a journey marked by quiet strength, discipline and service to others.

Mr Subramanyyam described her as a deeply spiritual woman who lived by strong values.

“She was very spiritual. She followed both Christianity and South Indian culture because her father-in-law was a missionary from India,” he said.

“She respected all faiths and taught us to do the same.”

Widowed at the age of 48, Ms Gangamma raised her six children on her own, working tirelessly on the farm to support her family.

She later became a familiar and respected presence at the Nadi temple, where she assisted the priest and helped wherever she was needed.

When the new Nadi temple was being constructed, she cooked daily for the workers building the place of worship.

“She was loving, hardworking and selfless,” Mr Subramanyyam said.

“She raised her children, grandchildren and generations beyond with care, discipline and strong values.”

Ms Gangamma is survived by four sons, two daughters, 26 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Her contributions were nationally recognised when she received the 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal at State House in Suva during the visit of the President of India to Fiji.

She also received a medal marking 146 years of Girmit.

Ms Gangamma’s life stands as a powerful reminder of Fiji’s Girmit legacy — built on faith, sacrifice and enduring unity.