Teach Good Values, Religious Leaders, Parents Urged
“They had the vision to preserve the identity of its people and provide education and knowledge and ensure that they maintain their culture,” Mr Pillay said.
Saturday 20 April 2019 | 14:14
From Left: Acting Chief Justice Kamal Kumar, Assistant Minister for Rural Development, Waterways and Environment, and Chief Guest, Viam Pillay presenting a trophy to Lautoka Andhra for the highest membership on April 19, 2019. Photo: Rohit Kumar
Religious leaders and parents must continue to teach good values in our children, which will assist them to become better citizens of our nation, says Assistant Minister for Rural Development, Waterways and Environment Viam Pillay.
Mr Pillay was speaking at the opening of the Dakshina India Andhra Sangam of Fiji 78th Annual Convention at Xavier College, Ba, yesterday.
He said Dakshina India Andhra Sangam was an important institution because over the years it contributed significantly to the creation of human capital in Fiji, via primary and secondary schools.
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The institution was established in 1941 by a group of Telegu people, who trace their ancestry to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who arrived in Fiji during the indentured labour system.
“They had the vision to preserve the identity of its people and provide education and knowledge and ensure that they maintain their culture,” Mr Pillay said.
“They built schools and temples not only for Telegu people, but for all of the people of Fiji, they organise annual conventions so that their people can get together and discuss their future.”
He praised the Andhra Sangam’s continuous involvement in Fiji Development especially in the educational sector.
The Andhra Sangam operates five primary schools around the country. They are Sigatoka Andhra Sangam Primary School, Ba Andhra Sangam School, Tavua Andhra Sangam School, Tataiya Memorial School and Lautoka Andhra Sangam School.
The two secondary schools it operates are Sigatoka Andhra Sangam College and Lautoka Andhra Sangam College.
Given these institutions, the Andhra Sangam has produced Fijians who specialise in education, politics, medicine and other fields and a good example, Mr Pillay said, was acting Chief Justice Kamal Kumar.
The Andhra Sangam’s convention over the weekend will involve various sporting activities.
The Dakshina India Andhra Sangam of Fiji had its annual general meeting yesterday chaired by acting Chief Justice Kumar, who is also the President of the Dakshina India Andhra Sangam of Fiji.
Edited by Epineri Vula
