Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the girmitiya were not passive victims.
Speaking at the national Girmit celebrations in Labasa yesterday, he said the indentured labourers resisted oppression, reclaimed their dignity, and defined their rightful place in this land.
“You may have heard that the Indians feared no one and still fear no one, here or in India,” he said.
Fiji’s economic growth, he said, was largely built on the hard work of the girmitiya and their descendants.
“Today, we enjoy what their labour built. We must remember them, not just the dead but the living descendants who carry on their legacy.”
He added that the Indo-Fijian community’s efforts to preserve their culture and language were signs of resilience and strength.
“Fiji is special because we do not merely tolerate difference, we celebrate it.”
Mr Rabuka reaffirmed the government’s mission to build unity and a fairer society.
“Our national mission is to build a society of equality, fairness, and justice.”
He said the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a step towards healing historical wounds and praised the girmitiya for enduring hardship with dignity.
