“You are from Noco, and therefore you are from Rewa.”
Those were the words of Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa to the descendants of the Girmityas who presented their sevusevu as their thanksgiving to the people of Noco who saved their forefathers when the vessel, Syria sank in Nasilai in 1884.
Kepa said it was an act of human decency and sharing the principles of love.
Hundreds of Fijians of Indian descent from all over Viti Levu came in numbers to join their family members from Noco to celebrate and strengthen their relationship.
The celebration of 100 years since the end of the indentured system was organised by descendants of the survivors of the indentured labour ship ‑ Syria.
Speaking to Fijivillage, Anil Prasad who is also the Principal of Vunimono High School said this is an enjoyable day for them as it signifies a new chapter to be able to know that they belong.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Tikina of Noco, Ratu Mitieli Naivaluvou said this is an inspirational story.
He added that all the descendants of Girmityas are the children of Noco village and there is a strong bond between the Indian descendants and the soil of Noco.
