Mutual respect for languages key to social harmony, says Minister Agni Deo-Singh

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh has stressed the importance of mutual respect for languages, encouraging the learning of both Hindi and the Fijian language to strengthen social harmony in Fiji.

He made the remarks while officiating at the World Hindi Day celebrations held in Suva on January 10, organised by the High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).

Mr Singh highlighted the significance of the Hindi language and various aspects of Indian culture, and commended the Indian diaspora for preserving Hindi in Fiji. 

He also urged Arya Samaj institutions, Sanatan Dharam schools and parents to play an active role in ensuring the language is passed on to the younger generation.

Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta, in his welcome address, outlined several initiatives undertaken by the High Commission to promote the Hindi language in Fiji. He described Hindi as a language that connects people to culture and emotions, and noted its role as a mother tongue for many in the country.

Mr Mehta also spoke about the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between India and Fiji, founded on shared history, culture and people-to-people ties.

As part of World Hindi Day celebrations, the High Commission organised a series of programmes across Fiji, including a Hindi workshop for students held on January 7 at Fiji Sevashram Sangha in Suva, which attracted 55 participants. The workshop aimed to spark interest in learning Hindi among young people in an engaging way.

Additional celebrations were held at Bank of Baroda in Suva, featuring Hindi speech, poetry and quiz competitions, with prizes awarded to participants. Another World Hindi Day event is scheduled for January 11 at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka.

Mr Mehta also announced that a Hindi-cum-Sanskrit teacher would be joining the University of Fiji in Lautoka later this month, and that a Centre for Hindi Studies has been established on campus to promote the teaching and learning of Hindi.

A highlight of the Suva programme was a Hindi poetry recital (Kavi Sammelan), featuring 10 poets selected from across Fiji following a nationwide call for entries. A Hindi essay competition was also held, with participants recognised at the conclusion of the programme.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ishwar Singh Yadav, Second Secretary (Hindi and Culture) at the High Commission of India. About 100 guests attended the programme, reflecting strong community interest in the promotion of Hindi and Indian cultural heritage in Fiji.