The government has acknowledged the contributions of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji to the education sector in Fiji and also more broadly towards the development of human capital as the Sabha celebrates 201st birth anniversary its founder — Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati.
While speaking at the celebration at University of Fiji, Saweni campus, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says Maharshi Dayanand’s contributions to society, education, and the revival of Vedic wisdom continue to inspire generations.
He says his teachings remain relevant in modern times as our societies still struggle with the issues he fought for.
Professor Prasad says the seeds of Arya Samaj were carried into Fiji by the girmitiya who were brought into Fiji to work on sugar cane plantations, beginning 1879.
He says their guiding text was Satyarth Prakash - Light of Truth written by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and with their vision and dedication, they were able to establish the first Arya Samaj in Samabula, Suva on 25 December 1904.
Those who pioneered the formation of Arya Samaj Babu Mangal Singh, Shri Gaji Pratap Singh, Shri Nanku Sonar, Shri Bihari Lal, Pandit Shiu Datt Sharma, Shri Basdeo Rai, Shri Inayat Hussein, Shri Indra Narayan and Shri Tikaram Verma.
He says the Sabha established its first school, namely Gurukul Primary School in Saweni in 1918.
The Acting Prime Minister says today, the Sabha currently owns and operates 13 pre-schools, 14 primary schools, six high schools and the University of Fiji.
While acknowledging the role of the Sabha to Fiji’s education sector, Professor Prasad says the Government recognizes the role of religious organizations such as the Sabha and the communities in establishing and managing schools in our communities for over 100 years now.
He says majority of the schools are managed by faith-based organisations and communities where the Government manages 2 primary schools and 11 secondary schools.
The Acting Prime Minister says this model provides an opportunity for collaboration between the Government and civil society in the provision and delivery of education.
He says it is also an excellent example of government-community partnership to achieve development outcomes, which otherwise may not be possible.
Professor Prasad says the delivery of quality education at all levels is an important focus of the Coalition Government and an educated society is crucial for economic and social progress.
He says given their role in the education sector in Fiji, the government’s partnership with the Sabha is a valuable one to achieve the outcomes envisioned in the National Development Plan.
He says Maharishi Dayanand’s life was dedicated to the upliftment of humanity, and his vision of a just and educated society remains a guiding force.
Professor Prasad says the vision of the Sabha is well captured to enforce the message of Maharishi Dayanand - a society where everyone is literate and conforms to acceptable moral, spiritual, cultural and social values.
He says can only truly honour this great saint and visionary if we pledge to follow his teachings by embracing empathy, equality, and the pursuit of truth.
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