Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says each year as Diwali approaches, we are reminded that it signifies the victory of good over evil - that light dispels darkness, enlightening us to discard ignorance for knowledge leading to truth and happiness yet we find that these teachings remain largely a dream, engulfed by the realities of life in our complex world.
In his message this Diwali, Chaudhry says promoting slogans like 'unity in diversity is all too well - we had been doing that for a long time without getting too far.
He says for some reason diversity seemed to have prevailed over unity as a stronger factor.
Chaudhry says we must, nonetheless, continue to strive for a better Fiji for all.
The former Prime Minister says much as some may disagree but the truth is that no single community in Fiji can go it alone - this has been proven four times over with four coups.
He says the various ethnic communities that make up Fiji - be they, iTaukei, Indo-Fijian, Rotuman, Part – European, Chinese or other Pacific Islanders - are all interdependent for their socio-economic sustenance.
Chaudhry says we must acknowledge this fact and embrace equal citizenry for all who have made Fiji their home as fundamental to Fiji's development, peace and prosperity.
He stresses unity or peace cannot be achieved while inequality exists.
The FLP leader says we must, therefore, shed all forms of race - based discrimination to unite us as one people.
Chaudhry says despite clear constitutional provisions outlawing all forms of racial discrimination, the practice continues through the administrative policies of the State.
He says now may be the right time to address such concerns as a reconciliation and unity process is being considered through a proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The former Prime Minister says a united Fiji will benefit the younger generation the most, creating for them opportunities that may have been denied them in an environment of political instability and economic uncertainty of the past and the present.
He says the youth of the nation, therefore, have a high stake in this peace and reconciliation initiative.
Chaudhry says they must be encouraged to make a meaningful contribution to it while helping shape a better future for themselves.
He says it is our responsibility as elders to guide and support them and in return they will be the ones to carry the torch of peace, ensuring that it will not be extinguished by the challenges of tomorrow.
He says building a peaceful community in Fiji will demand that we rise above our differences and work together for the common good and most importantly, it will require that we empower our youth to take on the ownership of the peace process.
The former Prime Minister adds let us work together- youth and elders - to make Fiji truly a nation united in peace and harmony.
