Staff and students of the University of the South Pacific’s Lautoka Campus began Girmit Day celebrations yesterday, the day dedicated to discussing their struggles and triumphs over the past 144 years.
The faculty was joined by high school students who engaged in oratory contests and debates that focused on the all-important contributions of Indians have made to the country’s development.
Celebrations chair and Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Sashi Kiran said the day was about learning and reflection.
“There is so much we don’t know in today’s generations and that is why this conversation is important,” she said.
“When we hear about the stories of the sufferings from the beginning of Girmit we have never actually really talked or reconciled from them.
“So what we hear are stories being passed down and some of us are emotionally connecting to us while some of us do not want to connect to it.”
Girmit Day national celebrations will be held on May 15.
