5 December, 2025, 5:45 pm Central - 27°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.

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