Indian High Commissioner to Fiji PS Karthigeyan is urging the present generation of Indo-Fijians to draw inspiration from their ancestors’ struggles during the girmit period.
He made this comment during the opening of the 79th annual convention of Dakshina India Andhra Sangam at Lautoka’s Churchill Park last week.
“Our ancestors looked beyond their self-interest to serve humanity and form organisations like the Dakshina India Andhra Sangam that has gone on to serve the nation and the community in the last eight decades of its existence,” he said.
Mr Karthigeyan said he felt at home, as he was also from Andhra Pradesh in India, where the ancestors of most South Indians who arrived in Fiji originally came from.
“I feel like I am meeting my extended family members and I want to convey my heartfelt greetings to everyone associated with Andhra Sangam and their extraordinary journey so far.
“If you look at the kind of struggle our ancestors had gone through just to survive, it is something we can all draw inspiration from.”
He said beyond their struggle and suffering, it was important to look at their resilience and determination. “To not just survive, but thrive and contribute as a proud member of this country you call home.
“Whenever I meet the Indian diaspora, I feel I have a very strong emotional connection with the people,” said Mr Karthigeyan.
