In a world still marked by uncertainty, division and conflict, the legacy of the Girmitiyas, reminds us that strength lies in unity and dignity must always be preserved and even in the darkest times, hope endures.
This has been highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the 147th Girmit Commemoration, where he has reaffirmed their enduring commitment to building a Fiji founded on inclusivity, unity and mutual respect - a Fiji that honours the sacrifices of its past, celebrates the strength of diversity and moves confidently toward a brighter and more united future.
He says the enduring lesson for all of us is that despite the hardships, indignities and suffering the Girmitiyas faced, they persevered.
Rabuka says more importantly, they laid the foundation for future generations and helped build the Fiji we proudly call home today.
He says the Girmitiyas were not merely victims of history but were agents of transformation.
Rabuka highlights that from conditions of hardship and uncertainty, they created lives of purpose, dignity and hope.
He says through their labour, sacrifice and perseverance, they helped lay the foundations of Fiji's agricultural economy and built enduring communities, institutions and families.
INSERT: Rabuka on Girmit 15 may
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh says while history must never be forgotten, the time has also come for us to move beyond only reflecting on the pain of Grimit and also celebrate the resilience achievements, enduring legacy of the Grimitiyas as the descendants have contributed to the development of Fiji.
He says today, the descendants of the Grimitiyas continue to excel in business, education, medicine, academia, public service, agriculture, sports and many other fields, contributing immensely to the progress and the development of Fiji.
Sigh says the true spirit of Grimit, therefore, is not only about remembering the suffering, it is also about celebrating the resilience, survival, achievements, dignity and hope.
He adds it is about caring for the timeless values of the perseverance, family, unity, respect, faith and hard work for our forefathers left behind, for our future generations.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta says the Girmitiya's story is inseparable from Fiji's own story and the contributions of Girmitiya's descendants can be seen across every sphere of Fiji's national life, in politics, education, agriculture, business, medicine, public service, culture, sports and the arts.
Mehta says the Girmitiyas preserved their language, faith, music, cuisine and traditions.
He says yet, over generations, they also created something uniquely Indo-Fijian, a vibrant synthesis that reflects both ancestral heritage and national belonging.
The High Commissioner says from bhajans sung in villages to the celebration of Diwali, Eid, Holi and Christmas together, from Fiji Hindi to cultural traditions that have evolved uniquely in this land, the Girmit legacy continues to enrich Fiji's multicultural identity.
He has thanked them for their profoundly significant contributions and is encouraging them to carry the flame forward.
Meanwhile, during the commemoration, Girmit descendants have been honoured, the 147th Girmit Commemoration Postal Stamps has been unveiled and the 50 Years Girmit Commemoration Time Capsule has also been sealed.
