STANDING once again on the same grounds where history was made 55 years ago, Roshni Pal can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia.
As a teenager and student at Dudley High School, she was among a select group of students who took part in Fiji’s 1970 Independence celebrations, the day the nation stepped out from colonial rule and into self-governance.
“I was here, on these same grounds, as a teenager, because our school participated in the whole Independence Day celebrations, like other schools,” Ms Pal told The Fiji Times.
“So, there was an Indian ceremony of welcome on the day that the instruments of independence were exchanged when King Charles was here and a few of us girls from Dudley High School – apart from the big contingent that performed, we were chosen to do the garlanding ceremony for King Charles and Ratu Mara.”
Ms Pal remembers clearly how she and her classmates were chosen for the garlanding ceremony for King Charles and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji’s first prime minister.
“There was a whole row of girls, maybe five or eight of us, holding plates with the Indian pali and garlands.
“The actual garlanding was done by my two friends, Doreen and Shalini, while the rest of us stood like a guard of honour.”
She said the atmosphere that day was one of sheer excitement.
“At that time, because we were transitioning from a colony to an independent state, we’d already seen our parents really excited with the gaining of independence.
“Of course, at that age, and being in high school, we didn’t appreciate the whole depth of it, but we were excited knowing the difference between being a colony and being an independent state.
“So, we were excited, it was amazing, it was a whole lot of celebrations, and I think there was an air of excitement around.”
Now, more than half a century later, Ms Pal reflects on the journey Fiji has taken since that historic moment.
“Fifty-five years on, I’d say we could have been a better nation.
“But so many things happened along the way. It’s best not to regret, just to go forward.”
Despite the passage of time, she says the spirit of unity and pride she felt that day still lingers each time she watches the Independence Day parade.
“It’s always wonderful to watch the marching and displays (from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces), the synchronicity, the training, the effort.
“It’s a lovely thing to witness.”
