It is indeed pleasing to read that people from all walks of life joined in the celebration at Suva’s Civic Center to honor the sacrifices and the struggles of the Indentured labourers who arrived on ship Leonidas in search of a better life 136 years ago.
Fijians of Indian decent marked the Girmit day on May 14, 2015 to honour the Girmitiya, their dreams, hardship, struggle, sufferings and sacrifices in the development of the country.
Girmityas, after arriving in Fiji were put on many forms of labour. They were placed on long hours of labour with very little earnings. Accommodations and meals were not like what we are having now.
Yet those all came from various parts of India, without hesitation, devoted many forms of efforts in developments of the country.
A very big thanks to the Organising Committee for such celebration.
It shows that many people of our country are still recognising Girmityas contribution, and remain ready to host celebration in respect of them.
Obviously, the celebration today reflects modern Fiji where everybody is part of this country and has an equal chance to make a contribution in the development of the country.
