Interim chairman of Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI) Parveen Kumar yesterday said “we must always fight for our rights as Fijians”.
He made the comments while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 94th annual TISI convention at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
“We must always remember that the principles of Sangam was always aligned with the principles of humanity for all, as equal and for the right to be fairly treated by those in power,” he said.
“We must always fight for our rights as Fijians and ensure that our place in this country and our rights as citizens, now going 6th and 7th generations must always place an equal footing with all others.
“These are the values on which Sangam was founded and sustained.
“We must not forget these principles of standing up for yourself and the core of Sangam values in its inception.”
Mr Kumar paid tribute to the late Jai Ram Reddy and recalled a speech he had given in Lovu, Lautoka, in 1976.
“This great Fijian leader of South Indian origin spoke in his usual manner and made no excuse for Sangam not being able to hold itself together in unity.
“And for its executives for not being able to come together and move it forward. We must not forget these words and I ask the leaders to put service before self and to place the interest of Sangam above all.”
Japan’s ambassador to Fiji Kawakami Fumihiro officially opened the four-day convention.
