AS we commemorate 100 years of TISI Sangam, we honour not only an institution, but a legacy of leadership grounded in sacrifice, service, and long-term nation building, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Speaking at the organisation’s 100th anniversary celebration in Nadi, Mr Rabuka said the Sangam was founded on a simple yet transformative belief: that education is the most enduring means of overcoming hardship.
“Its founders understood that land may be taken, and wealth may fade, but the power of an educated mind cannot be extinguished,” he said.
“Yet what truly set the Sangam apart was the spirit in which this commitment was pursued. Though established to uplift South Indians in Fiji, it was never shaped by exclusion but guided instead by a generous and outward–looking sense of service.
“From its earliest schools, it welcomed students of all backgrounds, reflecting a model of inclusive development and social cohesion that remains central to Fiji’s national identity.
“This commitment to openness, cultural pride, and shared progress has ensured the Sangam’s continued relevance and its recognition today as a pillar of Fiji’s education system and nation-building journey.”
He said this year’s centenary theme, Love, Light, and Faith, was not merely an expression of aspiration; but has been a living reality reflected across the breadth of Sangam activities throughout this commemorative year.
“This centenary year has seen a renewed sense of purpose and pride from the “Road to 100 Years” initiative that reached even the most remote communities, to the energy and enthusiasm of the Sangam World Cup.
“Notably, our young people have shown that heritage is not a relic of the past but a source of strength for the future, embracing it with confidence through sport, culture, creativity, and storytelling.
“The revival of mother tongue education in Sangam schools further reinforces Fiji’s commitment to preserving cultural identity while strengthening our multicultural fabric. This is consistent with Government’s vision of a nation where diversity is not only respected but leveraged as a source of strength for sustainable development.”
He said from a single seed planted a century ago, the institution has grown on a remarkable scale and impact.
“Today, the Sangam manages 21 primary schools, five secondary schools, 18 early childhood centres, and the TISI Sangam College of Nursing in Labasa, serving over 10,000 students nationwide. This growth reflects not only reach, but trust, as these institutions have remained open and inclusive, welcoming students of all backgrounds.
“Through this educational legacy, the Sangam has produced generations of skilled and principled citizens and affirmed a lasting truth: that education is the one form of wealth that cannot be diminished. In doing so, it has transformed a history of hardship into a future defined by opportunity, service, and shared progress for Fiji as a whole.”
