Fiji-born Brahma Dass Lakshman’s life made just a big impact in India’s Independence that the Prime Minister for India in 1981, Indira Gandhi personally presented the Lakshman’s family with a commemoration plaque during her visit.
On this day, The Fiji Times ran an article about Mrs Gandhi’s visit to Fiji and on an unofficial program made a short visit to Pacific Harbour for a special plaque presentation.
Mrs Indira Gandhi had a special task to perform when she visited the Pacific Harbour Resort complex at Deuba on September 26, 1981, she was to present Brahma Dass Lakshman, 81 with a plaque commemorating him as a hero of India’s Independence movement.
Mr Lakshman for many years prominent in Fiji politics became embroiled in the passive resistance in India when he went there in 1927.
According to the report, in his seven years away, he became known to both Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and spent time in jail with Mahatma. The colonial authorities at one time tried to prevent his return to Fiji.
During Mrs Gandhi’s visit, Mr Lakshman was not at Deuba to receive the plaque as he was receiving medical treatment in Brisbane.
The plaque was received by two of his sons on his behalf.
One of the sons, Prince Vyas Lakshman said the plaque and others like it, was made up in 1972 during the 25th anniversary of India’s Independence.
The Fiji Times reported the plaque was not presented earlier because the Government of India was not sure that Mr Lakshman was still living.
It was only recently that they found out that he was living in Fiji,” his son said.
She said during her visit that Fiji and India were bound by a special relationship dating back when the first Indians arrived in Fiji.
