A bold idea was born in the quiet town of Rakiraki nearly a century ago among like-minded Girmitiyas of South Indian origin.
It was an idea that would grow into one of Fiji’s most enduring educational, cultural and community organisations.
That idea was the birth of the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam Fiji, founded in 1926 by the visionary Sevaka Ratnam Sadhu Kuppuswamy.
As the organisation approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, it has launched a nationwide campaign titled ‘The Road to 100 Years’.
Launched during the Annual Sangam Convention in Ba in April 2025, the campaign is a living tribute to the generations of volunteers, educators, spiritual leaders, and community builders who have shaped Sangam Fiji’s legacy.
From sacred rituals and temple restorations to sporting events and youth competitions, ‘The Road to 100 Years’ is a chain of events that honour the past, energise the present, and inspire the future.
The journey began where the Sangam story itself began—Rakiraki.
On May 24, 2025, the Rakiraki branch hosted the first commemorative event.
This launch honoured the birthplace of the idea to form a national body to preserve the culture, language, and welfare of South Indian indentured labourers.
The event featured a solemn hawan (sacred fire ritual and prayers) conducted by Sangam Fiji priests from across the country, led by students of Penang Sangam High School, Sangam National Executives and TISI Sangam districts.
“This ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to the past officials and pioneers of Sangam Fiji,” said Sangam Fiji CEO Jai Narayan.
“It honoured the organisation’s humble and significant beginnings in Rakiraki, where the seeds of Sangam were first sown.”
The Suva branch followed with its own event on August 2, coinciding with Sadhu Kuppuswamy Day.
Held at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Howell Road, the celebration included special prayers and tributes to past officials of Suva Sangam.
The choice of date underscored the campaign’s spiritual foundation, rooted in Sangam’s guiding principles of ‘Love, Light, and Faith’.
The momentum continued with the Nasinu branch’s commemorative gathering on September 26 while the Labasa branch is preparing to host its event on November 28 and 29.
Each of Sangam Fiji’s 11 district branches will honour their former officials with a commemorative centennial anniversary plaque. These grassroots ceremonies serve as reminders of the decades of selfless volunteerism and community leadership that have sustained Sangam Fiji.
“The Road to 100 Years is designed as a national movement,” Mr Narayan added.
“We want to ensure that every corner of the country connected to the Sangam legacy participates in the reflection and celebration.”
‘The Road to 100 Years’ celebrates the vibrancy of the present and the promise of the future. A major highlight is the upcoming Sangam World Cup 2025, set to take place from October 30 to November 2 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The tournament will bring together teams and supporters from across Fiji and overseas, symbolising the global reach and unity of the Sangam community.
In addition to football, other sporting events will energise the centennial campaign.
A golf tournament is scheduled at the scenic Denarau Golf Course, while Lautoka’s multi-purpose courts will host a netball competition.
A snooker tournament will also be held in the city, ensuring that sports remain a vibrant pillar of Sangam’s community engagement.
Mr Narayan emphasised that the centennial campaign was also a commitment to preserving and enhancing Sangam’s physical and spiritual infrastructure.
Recognising the importance of youth engagement, Sangam Fiji has launched a series of academic and creative competitions for students attending Sangam-run schools.
These include essay writing, poster design, and digital art contests, all aimed at encouraging students to reflect on the organisation’s history, values, and future.
“These activities are designed to foster a sense of pride and connection among our youth,” said Mr Narayan.
“They are the torchbearers of Sangam’s legacy, and we want them to be active participants in shaping its future.”
The centennial celebration will take place over the Easter weekend in 2026 at King Charles Park in Nadi.
Among the highlights will be the Charity Queens contest, featuring contestants from Sangam’s five high schools – Penang Sangam High School, Ba Sangam College, Nadi SKM College, Suva Sangam College, and Labasa Sangam College.
This is another way for Sangam Fiji to include its schools in ‘The Road to 100 Years’.
It reflects the organisation’s enduring commitment to education, empowerment, and service.
As Sangam Fiji approaches its 100th year, ‘The Road to 100 Years’ stands as a powerful tribute to the vision of Sadhu Kuppuswamy and the thousands of members who have sustained the organisation since 1926.
It is a celebration of a century of “Love, Light and Faith”, dedicated to the service of all Fijians.
From sacred rituals and temple restorations to sporting events and youth competitions, the campaign summarises the multifaceted legacy of Sangam Fiji.
AVINESH GOPAL is TISI Sangam Fiji’s communications & publicity officer. The views expressed in the article are his and do not reflect the views of this newspaper.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro with current and some former officials of the Nasinu Sangam branch. On the right is TISI Sangam national president Parveen Kumar Bala. Picture: SUPPLIED
2 Students of Penang Sangam High School perform at the event in Rakiraki.
Picture: SUPPLIED
The float procession at the Rakiraki event depicts Sevaka Ratnam Sadhu Kuppuswamy talking to his followers outside what was his first bure. Picture: SUPPLIED
1 An iTaukei student of Suva Sangam College performs at The Road to 100 Years event in Suva.
Picture: SUPPLIED
TISI Sangam Fiji national president Parveen Kumar Bala explains to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro what The Road to 100 Years is about at the event in Nasinu. Picture: SUPPLIED
TISI Sangam Fiji CEO Jai Narayan. Picture: SUPPLIED
