Hundreds of people today farewelled one of the greatest sons of Fiji Sir Moti Tikaram at the Vodafone Arena.
Former Governor General of New Zealand and very close family friend Sir Anand Satyanand said the death of Sir Moti has caused a light to go out and that his extraordinary life has been an inspiration for many including those beyond Fiji’s shores.
Sir Moti’s daughter Savita Menon said their dad often found it very difficult at times to express his love and that he did not demonstrate his love overtly but regardless of this they knew he loved them.
Menon added that her dad wanted to be known as a very down to earth and a people’s person and his vision of Fiji would be that everybody is given a chance and that Fiji will be a truly multicultural society.
Sir Moti was Fiji’s first local Magistrate High Court Judge and Ombudsman.
Tikaram was also the President of the Fiji Football Association from 1959 to 1960 and is credited with making the Association multiracial and initiating moves to have its name changed from Fiji Indian Football Association.
Sir Moti was knighted in 1980 for his exemplary contribution to public life in Fiji.
He was appointed as Justice of Appeal in the Fiji Court of Appeal in 1988, and subsequently went on to become the President of the Fiji Court of Appeal in 1994.
In 2000, Sir Moti was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court until his retirement in March 2002.
Sir Moti passed away last Thursday at his Suva residence at the age of 87 and is survived by his three children.
Some people in attendance today included President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde, Sitiveni Rabuka, Mahendra Chaudry, Imrana Jalal and Nazhat Shameem.
Story by: William Waqavakatoga
