Diwali unites Fijians!
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called for reflection as Fiji united to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. In his Diwali message (FT 21/10), the PM called on all Fijians to embrace the spirit of Diwali as a symbol of unity, justice and hope in the face of growing challenges. He urged Fijians to become ‘bearers of light’ in their homes and communities and to walk boldly towards a future where all Fijians thrived together in the full light of dignity, equality and faith that Fiji’s brightest days were still ahead. Yesterday, Diwali united Fijians. It was a joy seeing Fijians coming together to share whatever little there was. In schools, at workplaces and in offices, everyone was carried away in the spirit of Diwali as they dressed in traditional Indian wear. The iTaukei ladies and gents plus those from the other multiracial groups looked beautiful in their Diwai outfits. I even witnessed them buying their Diwali outfits and firecrackers. Diwali symbolises the destruction of negative forces and envisages the spirit of sharing, caring, and loving. Diwali taught us to enrich our lives with brightness and love and brighten our hearts. My family did not celebrate Diwali as my wife, Madhu Krishna, passed away, but I was touched by the unwavering warmth and unconditional love of my neighbours, friends and well-wishers as they came home with sweets, savouries, lunch and dinner. I was emotional since I missed those beautiful memories from the past where I celebrated Diwali with my heartbeat, Madhu, and when she was not there, memories seemed to torture my heart. Hence, I encourage readers to cherish every moment with their loved ones. In Hindi, they say, ‘Kal ho nah ho’, meaning we might not be there for each other the following day. To my fellow Fijians, let’s remain united. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu
Carrots and donkey story
Christopher Griffen’s LTE (21/10) reminds me of a common motivational talk we usually gave to students during school assembly. There was a young boy riding on a cart pulled by a donkey on a dusty road. Every time, the boy used the stick to beat the donkey, it moved faster. Soon the donkey got used to the stick and behaved indifferently to beatings. The boy, therefore, tied a bunch of carrots in front and every time the donkey tried to reach for the carrots, it pulled the cart. Rewarding students and keeping a congenial and friendly atmosphere in the classroom and outside should help teachers overcome disciplinary issues. On the contrary, my classmate would duck down a little at the first slap on the back. He further ducked down to his knees on the second slap and when the third one came, he would be sprawled on the floor. Once, I asked him on his reaction, he replied, “this lessens the impact of the slap”. He also used few expletives to describe the male teacher. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Unity in festivity
Festivities of any religious background
Rejoicing triumph over evil and light over darkness
Irrespective of races to people relays a message of good sound
One need not believe or partake in each others ritual
But understand and on take the humanitarian actual
Differences maybe in race and relations
Certain humanitarian policies applicable in life are factual
Thus to avoid discontent, one must learn to understand and dissect
What to accept and what to reject
For life’s adjustments one ought to distinguish the unity in festivity
Which is possible by adhering to its humanitarian policy
Only then can one proclaim victory over darkness
Empowering unity in humanity via each others festivity in life’s journey with positive brightness
There is unity in festivity. Prameeta Chand Suva
Pinktober 2025
Once again, October is upon us which brings out the colour pink and all things pumpkin spice. All month is breast cancer awareness month, which by this point we should all be aware of. Also on the rise is men’s mental awareness which is becoming a worry within our community, as its never been spoken about and considered a “taboo”. Together we can advocate and use our voices for something more than pink that encompasses many facets of living with breast cancer. October is a big month for those living in the breast cancer realm. In my opinion, there are a few share-worthy causes and notable happenings. Breast cancer was a disease spoken about behind closed doors, not something one would acknowledge in public. Men and women had little support, and there was little understanding or acknowledgement of the emotional ramifications of suffering from the disease, or the emotional trauma of losing one or both breasts. Many women suffered in silence with a deadly disease they considered shameful. Men and women today feel more empowered to take control of their health, and not ashamed to seek help. And, to this day, these organisations dedicated to breast cancer awareness give women with breast cancer (and their loved ones) a feeling of community and support. It’s about living to see another October through research and new discoveries. It’s about getting the message out that “Pink is not a cure”. October to me is so much more than awareness. October is the time to promote these organisations trying to make a difference and give hope to those with breast cancer while remembering those who have gone before us. But for now, let’s put the pink-washing aside, and focus on the goals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Give generously with a cheerful heart to support a worthy cause. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and stay healthy. Neelz Singh Nelson, New Zealand
More Fijians
Do you think that there are more Fijians living overseas than in Fiji? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Landfill smoke
If you are visiting the Sugar City, do not be romanticised by the morning fog or feel intimate seeing the afternoon haze. It’s just smoke from the Vunato landfill which has blanketed Lautoka. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Core message
Reflecting on the ancient epic story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, PM Rabuka emphasised that its core message the triumph of light over darkness — good over evil — remains deeply relevant for Fiji today (FT 21/10). I am sure virtually every Fijian would agree with Rabuka’s illuminating view. Wonder why it remains so relevant? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
My instinct
Recent developments have proved that my instinct was right after all. I mean the inclusion of Opposition members into Cabinet and sudden reinstatement of a sacked minister and now the FICAC case against a senior minister. Do I need to say more? But hold your breath. More is yet to unfold. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
New coach
Fiji Football Association has a new coach. Wishing both Fiji FA and the new coach all the best. Thank you Mr Auvray for making yourself available for Fiji football. We are dreaming to see Fiji’s main team hit the FIFA World Cup in the very near future. Once again, all the best. Aminisitai Tora Nadera, Nasinu
Modi and Trump
The difference between Modi and Trump is while PM Modi celebrated Deepawali on INS Vikrant with Navy officers and feeding them laddoo and burfis (sweets) with his own hands, President Trump faced 7 million people protesting against him. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Pilgrimage
When people of other cultures and traditions go on pilgrimage, I believe everything is paid for up front and in full. I believe it is sacrilege to go on a pilgrimage on borrowed money or on credit. But Fijians are special people as we all know, because they are entitled. Jan Nissar Shinjuku, Japan
Trump has to go
Trump has to go (FT 21/10/25 P30). Indeed he has to go to safeguard America’s democracy. That’s the message from the 7 million ‘No Kings’ protesters who took to the streets in 50 states in America. With his authoritarian tendencies, Trump is a serious threat to America’s democracy. He must go. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Bill and Diwali
Proposed Bill
The proposed 2025 Employment Relations Bill has certainly sent ripples through the business community, with some employers reportedly feeling “shaken” and now lobbying for amendments to key clauses. But the truth is, employers who have consistently adhered to labour laws and maintained ethical workplace standards have nothing to worry about. In fact, this long-overdue Bill should not provoke fear or alarm, unless one has something to hide. Too often in the past, companies have been caught flouting basic employment standards by underpaying workers, neglecting FNPF contributions, denying overtime or sick leave, fostering toxic work environments, and even terminating employees or whistle-blowers without just cause. Bullying, intimidation, and suppression of free speech have sadly been common features in some workplaces. I recall a personal experience with a previous employer some years ago previously aligned with the now-defunct FijiFirst regime (and party donor), whose HR department outright warned me against writing letters to The Fiji Times that questioned the credibility of the country’s former two-men totalitarian rule. My fundamental right to free speech, supposedly protected in a democratic Fiji, was dismissed and thrown out the window without a second thought. This is exactly why strong, enforceable labour laws are critical, not just for employees’ protection, but for building transparent, accountable workplaces. Some employers may present a polished image to the public, but behind closed doors, their actions tell a different story.
So yes, employers who “play by the book” and uphold the rights of their workers have no reason to fear the implementation of this Bill. Spot checks? These are only threats to those who have built their success on exploiting others. This Bill is not a threat, it’s a long-awaited course correction. As the common saying in Fiji goes: “Nai maango drao!” Nishant Singh Lautoka
Diwali goes global
The Hindu festival Diwali (Deepawali) truly goes global as the Indian diaspora (30 million strong) celebrates it across the globe. This is helped by modern communications technology covering every corner of the Earth. The main global centre of Diwali is the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India. This is where Ram Mandir (Temple) is located and the record breaking celebrations took place here. Millions of clay lamps were lit across Ayodhya and supported by electric lights, fireworks and traditionally enacting the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. People of Ayodhya were jubilant and lit diyas to welcome back his entourage. This year Diwali celebrations at Ayodhya have broken their own record and gone into the Guinness Book of World Records. Satellites have made it possible to see in real time what is happening in various corners of the Earth. Diwali celebrations were graphically captured in all major cities of the world: North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island nations. Diwali has served as a golden bridge connecting various countries and cultures. It connects the diaspora Indians with their motherland. Diaspora children learn about the songs, dances and colours of their roots and origin. People of various cultures mix around with the Hindus and learn about their culture connected to the festival of lights and the significance. The victory of light over darkness, victory of good over evil, victory of knowledge over ignorance, victory of love over hatred and the victory of truth over falsehood. Diwali festival also has a huge impact on the economy of the country where it is celebrated. People’s energy is revitalised and spiritual values are exposed. Huge amounts are spent in decorating homes and compounds or celebration centres where joy, warmth and love is experienced through music, dances, sweets, traditional Indian cuisine and fireworks. The spirit of togetherness, brotherhood and inclusivity is seen during the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
