Century of service: PM salutes Sangam legacy

The Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam’s 100-year journey is a testament to sacrifice, unity and nation-building, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Officiating at the TISI Sangam centennial celebration at King Charles Park in Nadi this morning, Mr Rabuka described the organisation as a pillar of Fiji’s development.

He said the organisation began as a humble gathering on the banks of the Nadi River in May 1926.

“To appreciate the significance of this day, we must look back a century to an evening in May 1926, on the banks of the Nadi River, where a small gathering met beside the original Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, unaware they were shaping history,” he said.

Mr Rabuka said the founders, descendants of the Girmitiyas, had little material wealth, power or influence, but were rich in language, faith and belief in unity.

“They understood that divided they would remain vulnerable, but united they could secure a future for their children, even if they might never see it,” he said.

From that gathering emerged the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam, founded on dignity, belonging, education and unity.

Mr Rabuka paid tribute to Sadhu Kuppuswamy, whose life reflected the hopes of the community.

“Arriving in Fiji in 1912 and enduring the realities of indenture, he understood hardship deeply and recognised the injustice of a people denied education and a voice.

“When his indenture ended, he chose a life of service, travelling tirelessly to awaken a scattered community to the belief that ignorance was not their destiny.

“He believed that unity and education were the foundations of dignity and progress. He laboured not for recognition, but for a future he might never see,” he said.

Mr Rabuka said the centenary was about more than marking time and that the Sangam story was part of Fiji’s broader nation-building journey.

“As we commemorate 100 years of the Sangam, we honour not only an institution but a legacy of leadership grounded in sacrifice, service and long-term nation-building.

“Today, standing close to where that vision began, we remain the living testament to their courage, sacrifice and hope,” he said.

He said the milestone was a reminder that Fiji’s strength lay in unity and education.