Public office is a responsibility, not a privilege, and public resources must always be managed in the interests of the people.
This has been highlighted by Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel during the India Fiji Friendship Forum’s Diwali celebration at Kshatriya Hall in Suva.
Immanuel says true leadership is measured not by the power people hold, but by how faithfully they serve others.
The Minister says Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood and hope over despair, while reminding people of the importance of righteousness, sacrifice and keeping promises.
He also reflected on Fiji’s history, noting that the arrival of the Leonidas in 1879 marked the beginning of Indian indenture.
He says the men and women who came to Fiji endured hardship, separation and uncertainty, but preserved their faith, language, traditions and hope for generations to come.
Immanuel says their descendants now contribute to every part of Fiji’s national life, while recognising the iTaukei people as the custodians of the land and acknowledging the contributions of Rotumans and other communities.
He says Fiji’s greatest strength is its diversity and its greatest responsibility is protecting the unity that holds the nation together.
Immanuel says unity does not mean being the same, but respecting differences while recognising common humanity.
He also urged people to remember families facing financial hardship, young people struggling to find opportunities and those quietly carrying personal burdens.
He says a simple act of kindness, a helping hand or a willingness to listen can make a real difference.
Immanuel says the light of Diwali shines brightest when it brings warmth and hope to others.
He also highlighted the enduring friendship between Fiji and India, supported by shared history, cultural connections, education, development cooperation and people-to-people relationships.
He says progress must be measured not only in economic growth, but also in the opportunities created and the lives improved.
Immanuel says a prosperous Fiji must also be a compassionate Fiji, where every person is valued, every community is respected and no one is left behind.
He urged people to live with integrity, treat others with empathy and protect national unity.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries, including agriculture, healthcare, education, defence and cultural exchange.
Mehta says India and Fiji continue to strengthen their relationship through development assistance, training, capacity-building and cultural initiatives that benefit communities.
He also highlighted the importance of preserving Indian languages, traditions and performing arts in Fiji, saying cultural and community organisations play an important role in passing shared heritage to younger generations.
Mehta says Diwali in Fiji has become an occasion for people from different backgrounds to share happiness, exchange greetings and appreciate one another’s cultures.
India Fiji Friendship Forum President Sanjay Ambashat also called on people to help those who cannot afford to celebrate Diwali.
He says the true meaning of Diwali is not only about lighting lamps and decorating homes, but also about making other people’s lives happier.
Ambashat says people should focus on families who are struggling and offer assistance as a Diwali gift.
He says the Forum has been working to strengthen the relationship between India and Fiji through cultural celebrations and community activities, with its events open to the wider community.
The celebration also featured cultural performances, including dances by the India Fiji Friendship Forum ladies group and young students from the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
