DURING the indenture period Dr Mani Lal, a lawyer from India, came to Fiji in 1912 to look after the rights and interests of the Indian community.
He was practising in Mauritius where he was assisting the indentured labourers from India and travelled to Fiji on the advice of Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi).
Realising the importance of Hindi words, he, with the help of some Indian friends, began to print the newspaper The Indian Settler in English.
As there were no facilities of Hindi press, it’ Hindi version was cyclostyled and distributed.
Pundit Shiu Datt Sharma was its editor but the paper collapsed in 1917 because of lack of funds.
In 1924, a group of prominent Indians established the Indian Printing and Publishing Company and began to publish another newspaper, Fiji Samachar (Fiji News). Pundit Vishnu Deo worked as editor.
The paper became the strong views of the Fiji Indians.
It continued its publication for about half a century but owing to some unforeseen circumstances, its publication came to an end in 1974.
The one and only newspaper that is still shining is the Shanti Dut.
This weekly paper stood the test of time and remained alive during its difficult periods.
It is still read with passionate interest by the Hindi readers in the country.
I believe Gur Dayal Sharma, with the financial support and co-operation of The Fiji Times and Herald began its publication in 1935.
A man of determination and strong will, Mr Sharma was its first editor, founding editor, and driving force for 47 years.
Other editors who took over after his retirement were Jag Narayan, M C Vinod, Ashoka Diwedi, and Hermant Bimal Sharma.
The printing, editing and publication of this weekly newspaper is in the efficient and experienced hands of Nilam Kumar.
Today this newspaper, Shanti Dut, continues to enjoy an enviable place in the field of Hindi journalism in the country.
Many of the ardent Hindi-reading people still go around reading this newspaper to alleviate their homesickness and to keep themselves informed about the latest happenings at home.
I, being one of the ardent readers, always wait for the weekly paper to come out after publication.
Once it comes out, I get hold of a copy — firstly to get hold of the latest news and secondly to enhance my Hindi reading and writing knowledge.
I believe Shanti Dut has recently celebrated its 80th anniversary in Fiji.
I thank the editor-in-chief and the hardworking and dedicated team for bringing fresh news and latest happenings to Hindi readers.
The 80 years that this paper has served is a long period of time. I only hope it continues for many more years to come.
The professional staff are doing a fantastic work.
Keep up the good and precious work. Jai hoo.
INDAR JIT
Navua
