WE’VE often heard of the expression “the cake is not getting any bigger”, or “everyone wants a bigger slice of the cake”. The sad truth is that a cake can only be so big. And so it is with us in Fiji. The economic cake, or the resources of our government, or any government for that matter is finite so a lot of help is needed for the effective and efficient delivery of all manner of services.
There are several organisations which have played a large part in ensuring a large part of the population has access to education. They are in the main, religious, cultural or community-based organisations.
With the help of Kamlesh Arya, we look at one, the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.
Here is what Mr Arya said by way of a brief description: “The Arya Samaj (local unit) was formed in Fiji in 1904 and Arya Pratinidhi Sabha was established in 1918 as a national representative body of local smaj (units). It began from Samabula in 1904 and spread around Fiji (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) from then on and remains active to date.
“The Sabha was the first organised entity for the indentured labourers in Fiji. It represents approximately 25 per cent of Fijians of Indian origin.”
He continued: “The Sabha is a religious, social, cultural and educational organisation.”
Of the organisations aims, he said they are: “To uphold universal Vedic values, bring social reforms through education and work towards emancipation of women and girl child. All these aims and objectives are continuous and long term — meaning progressive in time.”
The Vedic values will be briefly explained later.
Mr Arya said it was initially born out of the indenture system as Vedic followers were part of the 60-plus thousand indentured Indians brought to Fiji.
“Its origin is India and was founded by the patron saint, the revered Swami Dayanand Saraswati, on 10 April 1975 and has a strong base in India. The Fiji diaspora sustains it and has spread it to countries such as Australia and New Zealand through migration.
“Arya Samaj is now an international organisation and is present effectively on the African continent, Great Britain, USA, Canada and former colonies such as Mauritius, Surinam, Guyana to name a few.”
Responding to emailed questions, Mr Arya said the local body was very much in contact with sister organisations overseas.
“Yes, Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Fiji works closely with the Australian, Canadian, USA and New Zealand-based Arya Samaj bodies as it has strong links with former Fiji members who have now migrated to these countries. Sabha works in liaison with the International Arya League based in Delhi, India on matters of propagation and preachers.”
On their contribution to education, he said: “In Fiji, the Sabha is a major stakeholder in education and owns and manages 15 kindergartens, 16 primary schools, six secondary schools and The University of Fiji.
“Sabha’s partnership in education with the government backdates to 1918 when the Sabha established the Gurukul primary School at Saweni, Lautoka. Prior to this members of the Sabha ran private night classes to teach Hindi as a language to sustain its cultural and social needs.”
Returning to the Vedic values, Mr Arya said: “Vedic values are those that are enshrined in the Vedas, the holy books of the Hindus , are universal in application and numerous to state. However, a few are stated to progress your work.
“One principal value is that of one God who is the creator of the universe and is existent, intelligent,blissful, formless, omnicient, just, merciful, unborn, endless, unchangeable beginningless, unequalled, the support of all, the master of all, omnipresent, immanent, unaging, immortal, fearless, eternal, holy and the maker of all. He alone is worthy of being worshipped.
“Vedic values promote eternal existence of three primary factors — God, soul and matter.
“Another Vedic value of appreciation is that of dispelling ignorance (niscience) and promoting knowledge (science).
“For today’s world the most appropriate social value is of leading a righteous life, abstinence from physical relationship before marriage and connubial relationship between husband and wife only. Conduct towards all others is to be guided by love, righteousness and justice.”
Explaining their significance to the Arya Samaj, he said: “Every Vedic value is central to the work of the Arya and its members in public as well as personal life. Those mentioned above are those where Arya Samaj in Fiji, like elsewhere, has placed greater emphasis.”
As to how important is racial harmony/tolerance to the Arya Samaj, he said: “Within the context of the Vedic values there is none but one race — the human race and the Vedas state this status as “Vasudhaivya Kutumbhakum” we all are members of one family. In this context harmony and tolerance are key bonding factors.
“However, when geographical circumstances and material wealth come into the equation, then the issue of racial harmony and tolerance become pronounced. Arya Samaj everywhere works towards social cohesion, respect for diversity, and coexistence. It is therefore a fundamental value of importance to the work of Arya Samaj.”
Mr Arya said the Arya Samaj used its cultural, religious and educational arms to further this.
“Arya Samaj upholds and promotes universal values and the tenor of its advocacy and interactions are based on collective enterprising and empowerment without discrimination.”
Although the Sabha has a distinct culture, its doors are open to all regardless of caste or creed as the focus is on human values and dignity. The Sabha uses its cultural, religious and educational arms to promote values of love, respect, tolerance and harmony through festivals, discourses, public gatherings
He said they, as a religious organisation, reached out to the other faiths in Fiji as evidenced in their being a founding member of Interfaith Fiji.
