Talks are underway between Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath to open a Girmit museum in Fiji to protect the rich Girmitiya heritage.
This has been highlighted by Adityanath while meeting Professor Prasad at his official residence to discuss development and investment prospects and opportunities.
He commended the decision of the Fiji government to mark Girmit Day as a national holiday to remember the Girmityas and assured his support to work on a potential Girmit museum.
The Chief Minister offered support in promoting language and cultural ties between Fiji and India.
Adityanath also commended Professor Prasad for his great efforts in strengthening the Fiji-India relationship and assured his support in further advancing this collaboration.
Professor Prasad says despite almost one and a half centuries since the first Girmitiyas arrived in Fiji, the Girmitiya descendants have managed to maintain their language, culture, tradition and connections with India.
Adityanath and Professor Prasad shared the historical connection between Fiji and Uttar Pradesh, where the vast majority of Girmitiyas were brought from during the indenture system.
Professor Prasad leaves for Gujarat later today and will return to Fiji next week.
