20 December, 2025, 5:27 am Central - 22°C Clouds

Religious liberty is a founding principle of our Fijian Constitution - Koya

Religious liberty is a founding principle of our Fijian Constitution - Koya

By Shahil Ram
14/04/2021
Minister for Commerce and Trade Faiyaz Koya. [Image: Fijian Government]

Religious liberty, as recognized in the Bill of Rights is a founding principle of our Fijian Constitution and as a secular state, we as Fijians are fortunate to have equal rights to practice our religion openly and live civilly.

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya made this comment while officiating the Ram Naumi celebration at Shree Sanatan Dharm Ramayan Bhajan Faag Mandali in Muanikoso last night.

He added that we must welcome the opportunity to learn from others during this time, to acknowledge our religious identity but also be susceptible to living together harmoniously, irrespective of creed, colour or culture.

The President of the Mandali, Chandar Deo says he is very grateful that youths are engaging with their group and as a preacher it is their responsibility to teaching them about the religious ethics of Hinduism.

The organization’s upcoming plan is to train their youths under parental guidance and gain more success.

He says they are glad the government has revised a few COVID-19 restrictions to allow them to have nine days of Ram Naumi celebration this year.

The Mandali was founded in 1995 and currently has 12 registered members.

FEATURE NEWS
Army Commander verbally reprimands Brigadier General Gadai, reaffirms RFMF commitment to democratic processes
The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has reaffirmed the RFMF’s historic decision during the Decem...
9 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Recruits reminded of the importance of accountability and urged to wear their uniforms with pride
Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua reminded the Batch 68 recruits during their passout today of the importance of accountability, urging ...
11 hours ago

Jittu Estate set to host Vuvale Fun Day to empower community and youth
Jittu Estate will come alive tomorrow during Vuvale Fun Day, a community event hosted by Inspire Pacific which is designed to unite families and ...
12 hours ago

Govt doesn't interfere in electricity pricing decisions - PM
Following the announcement in the increase in electricity tariff rates from January 1st, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stressed that while ...
12 hours ago

New e-ticketing system complies with legal receipt requirements - LTA
The new e-ticketing system fully complies with all legal requirements for issuing fare payment receipts, which are now provided electronically and ...
12 hours ago

$8.8M bridge upgrade to improve accessibility for Taveuni
Accessibility for the people of Taveuni is expected to improve as work on four key bridges worth a total of $8.8 million has begun.While ...
14 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States has expressed serious concern about human trafficking indicators linked to the Grace Road Group in Fiji, as highlighted in the 2025 ...
1 day ago

Human trafficking allegations and issues relating to Grace Road Group
Human trafficking allegations and concerns linked to the Grace Road Group/+ARTICLE-311061+ARTICLE/PM says Govt cannot interfere into any human ...
2 days ago

Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
8 days ago

TOP