The sacrifices and resilience of the Girmitiyas continue to shape Fiji’s identity and inspire future generations to contribute towards building a modern multicultural nation.
Speaking ahead of the Girmit Day commemorations this week, Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta describes the occasion as a historic moment of great importance for Fiji and the descendants of indentured labourers who arrived from India between 1879 and 1916.
He says more than 60,000 Girmitiyas travelled from India to Fiji to work in the sugar cane fields under difficult conditions, enduring hardship, pain and sacrifice during their journey.
Mehta adds that although some returned to India after the indenture system ended in 1920, many remained in Fiji and built new lives, laying the foundation for future generations.
Insert: Mehta on the grimitiyas 13th May
He expresses his gratitude to the Government of Fiji for declaring Girmit Day a national holiday and for continuing to commemorate the occasion every year to honour the contributions and sacrifices of the Girmitiyas.
The High Commissioner urges people to continue preserving and sharing the history, culture and sacrifices of the Girmitiyas with younger generations.
He says the sacrifices made by their ancestors should never be forgotten and called on Indo-Fijians to continue contributing in their respective fields towards the development of a modern, multiracial and multicultural Fiji.
Meanwhile, Girmit Day will be commemorated this Friday at the Fiji Museum where the 147th Girmit Commemoration Postal Stamps will be unveiled and the 50 Years Girmit Commemoration Time Capsule will be sealed.
