The Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji will celebrate 146th Sanatan Sthapna Diwas, marking 146 years tonight since the arrival of the first girmitiya in 1879 and the beginning of Sanatan presence in Fiji.
National Secretary Pandit Krishneel Krishan Tiwari says between 1879 and 1916, more than 60,000 Indians were brought to Fiji under the girmit system to support agricultural development and despite the harsh conditions endured on sugar plantations, around 60 percent of these migrants remained in Fiji.
Tiwari says most were of Hindu origin and found strength, identity, and emotional refuge in Sanatan Dharm.
He says the late Shree Totaram Sanadhya played a crucial role in organizing early Sanatan activities and introducing important scriptures such as the Ramcharitmanas and Satyanarayan Katha.
The National Secretary says over the years, the Sanatan movement strengthened, eventually leading to the formation of the Akhil Fiji Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha, later renamed the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji in 1958 at the Samabula Shiv Mandir, Suva, under the leadership of the first national president, the late Pt Shreedhar Maharaj.
Tiwari says despite numerous social and economic challenges over time, Sanatan Dharm has remained a strong pillar of Indo-Fijians identity.
He adds that teachings continue to promote unity, cultural continuity and spiritual guidance across Fiji.
The National Celebration will be held tonight from 7 at Meigunyah Shiv Mandir.
In addition, the Sanatan Youth and Sports Wing will host the Sanatan Sthapna Diwas Tournament from the 12th to the 14th of December at King Charles Park, Nadi Sangam and SSKMC Grounds in Nadi.
