Indian Minister Reminds Girmitiya Descendents Of Life’s Values, Roles They Play In Society

Satya Pal Singh reminded members of the Girmitiyas that they have played an inte­gral part in the development of Fiji over the years and they must main­tain their Sanskrit.

The Indian Minister of State for Ministry of Human Resource De­velopment and Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, visited the Girmit Centre in Lautoka on Friday.

He was in the country for the 20th Conference of Commonwealth Edu­cation Ministers held in Nadi.

While speaking to members of the Girmitiyas the minister said par­ents should teach their children the various traditional values in order to keep it alive.

“It is about our ancestors, the various difficulties that they went through in their lives and through them all they still made Fiji their home,” Mr Singh said.

“Their various specialties that they brought with them and what they have done for Fiji has helped Fiji grow.

“It is good to see that the Hindi lan­guage has connected everyone here today, the important part is our cul­ture, religion, and our beliefs. These need to be preserved.

“Teach your children about our culture and traditional values, what our children learn in schools like rhymes, stories and poems have been of the western world and not related to Sanskrit.

“To keep the Sanskrit alive I re­quest you all to teach your children Hindi. The naming of a child is also important, don’t give any type of name, all names should have a meaning and linked to our reli­gion.”

Fiji Girmit Centre secretary Selwa Nanadan said it was a timely visit and members were grateful that the minster took an opportunity to do­nate some books for students to en­hance their knowledge about India.

“We have had a long historical link with the Government of India and it has played a pivotal role in the development of Fiji over the years,” he said.

“Mr Singh has really elaborated on how we will need to safeguard our identity and values. We have made some submissions of the financial status of our centre so we are seek­ing their help as well. This visit was a timely one.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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