Minister Warns of Kava ‘Epidemic’
“Let us challenge ourselves to reduce unhealthy habits in our community."
Saturday 19 April 2025 | 15:14
From left: Sabha national president Dhirendra Nand, Minister for Multi Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Charan Jeath Singh, Trustee Ronil Sen, Shanti Sharma, executive director Shayal Tiwari. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Members of the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji have been urged to help reduce unhealthy habits in their communities, including the excessive consumption of kava.
Leaders say such habits can lead to serious social and economic problems if not addressed.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Charan Jeath Singh did not mince his words at the 63rd Shree Sanatan Dharam National Convention at the Girmit Centre, Lautoka yesterday.
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“We cannot ignore the growing social challenges in our society, including the alarming rise in drug abuse and the overconsumption of grog. I call this an epidemic, which should be taken very seriously,” he said.
“Let us challenge ourselves to reduce unhealthy habits in our community, like excessive grog consumption, which can lead to social and economic problems.”
He said temples and mandalis were not only places of worship, but also centres of learning, support, and positive transformation.
Mr Singh said it was important to continue guiding younger generations with wisdom and responsibility.
“These issues rob our youth of their future, and we must, as a community, confront them together. I want to urge you to use this convention as a platform to educate, uplift, and empower our youths and teach them the values of discipline, service, and self-respect that are so deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma.”
He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Sabha.
“Let us continue to share wisdom, spread love, and celebrate our identity as one Sanatan family, as one Fijian family.”
He added that hosting the event for 63 consecutive years is truly a remarkable achievement, and he commended all past and present leaders of the Sabha for upholding this tradition with pride.
“My ministry has been tasked to steer the Coalition Government’s mission of inclusivity through a ‘social cohesion approach’.”
This year’s convention, themed ‘Sanatan One Family: Sharing Wisdom, Spreading Love,’ could not be more relevant in today’s world.
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