Update: 4:40PM TO develop a sense of the significance of Fiji Day, people have to engage themselves in the past to truly understand the bitter struggles of previous generations.

University of Fiji vice-chancellor Professor Prem Misir, in a Fiji Day message, said Fijians need to understand the reasons for independence and how this has impacted the nation as a whole.

“Today is a day when all Fijians join hands with each other to celebrate ethnic harmony, to celebrate unity in diversity and appreciate each other’s culture,” he said.

“The objective of Fiji Day celebrations 2016 is to celebrate Fiji’s achievements, promote patriotism and nation building and hopefulness for the future.

“As we celebrate all the good things that we have, save a thought of the real and ever present threat of climate change.”