This weekend’s three-day event at Subrail Park in Labasa is more than just remembering the contribution of our Girmitiyas, says Multi-Ethnic Affairs Minister Charan Jeath Singh.
“It is a celebration of identity, unity, and progress.
“The theme “Preserving the Past, Envisioning the Future” speaks to our duty not only to honour the hardships of the past, but also to draw from them the strength and wisdom needed to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
“As we commemorate the 146th anniversary of the arrival of the Girmitiyas, let us take this moment to reflect deeply on their historical and cultural journey and the profound sacrifices they endured to lay the foundation for the Fiji we know today.”
This year, Mr Singh said, the gathering in Labasa marks a moment of great historical and cultural significance—the 146th anniversary of the arrival of the Girmityas.
“Between 1879 and 1916, thousands of indentured labourers crossed the Kala Pani from India to Fiji in search of a better life. What awaited them was a harsh and unfamiliar reality. Yet, despite unimaginable hardship, they laid the foundation of modern Fiji through their strength, perseverance, and sacrifice.
“Their legacy is etched into every corner of this nation. The Girmityas not only shaped the Indo-Fijian community but also played a pivotal role in the broader development of Fiji.
“Girmit Day has been officially recognised as a national public holiday since 2022 to honor their contribution. This year’s national commemoration, hosted in the Northern Division for the first time, gives the people of Vanua Levu a special opportunity to reflect on and celebrate this history.”
