Pratap Chand’s Footprints: An insight into post-Girmit life in Fiji

Pratap Chand’s Footprints: An insight into post-Girmit life in Fiji

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Pratap Chand’s "A Fijian Memoir - Footprints of a Girmitiya’s Grandson": Book launch in Auckland, New Zealand on 15 September, 2013.

When the sound of Indian drums, hudda and Tassa, drifted into the jam-packed Milton Hall in Mangere East in Auckland, one could be mistaken that they were in Fiji. Had it not been for the cool spring air, and overhead noisy jet planes lining up to land at nearby Auckland Airport, it would have been mistaken for an event in Tavua, or Ba, or even Labasa.

Gusts led into the reception hall on accompanyment of hudda and tassa

Honestly, if one were present in the Auckland book launch A Fijian Memoir - Footprints of a Girmitiya’s Grandson, one would honestly feel they were at home, back in Fiji.

The hall was filled with family members, friends, former trade unionists and a contingent of former Fiji teachers. Grand entry was made with the accompaniment of drums and tassa, when the Chief Guest, former Parliamentarian Master Shiu Charan, the author Pratap Chand and Fiji Teachers Association of NZ President Satya Swami made entry into the hall. It was a moving entry, a nostalgic feeling reminding us of those good days in Fiji. When these three gentlemen, with former Deputy Speaker and Labour MP Giyannendra Prasad took the head table, it was such a reassuring sight for the migrant Fijian community to cherish their leaders.

The distinguished leaders: from left, the author, PRATAP CHAND, the Chief Guest who launched the book, MASTER SHIU CHARAN,  over-view  of the book by GIYANNEDRA PRASAD, and President of Fiji Teachers in NZ, which hosted the launch, SATYA SWAMI

The Chief Guest, Master Shiu Charan, former trade unionist and former NFP parliamentarian, considered it an honour and auspicious occasion to launch a book authored by a close friend, akin to a younger brother... “It is auspicious in that our presence is to commemorate Brother Pratap Chand’s fulfilment of a dream—he has authored a book titled A Fijian Memoir—Footprints of a Girmityas Grandson,” Shiu said. He recommended people to read the book because “….  Pratap has expressed his sentiments with gusto and a sense of fellow feeling…” which will leave the reader no choice but to identify himself somewhere in the web of things, as events and incidents explained are what most rural third generation Indo-Fijians have been through in growing up in Fiji.

 

Chief Guest, Master Shiu Charan, launching the book: " I now have pleasure and pride in launching Brother Pratap Chand's book- A Fijian Memoir -Footprints of a Girmitiya's Grandson".

The decision to write the book was well explained by a Shakespearean play that Satendra Singh, our literature teacher and the then Principal of DAV College, Ba, explained in 1973. It is the same DAV College that Pratap attended in 1960s with another author and former Ba Town Clerk, Rajendra Prasad, who wrote “Tears in Paradise-Sacrifices and suffering of Indians.”  A literature lesson from Shakespeare’s As You Like It explains that adversity, troubles and difficulties bring out the best in people. That is what Pratap went through, who, while nursing the sickness of his wife, commenced writing, which now has culminated in this expression of what the new generation of Indo-Fijians went through as they grew up in Fiji.

 

The author, a jovial PRATAP CHAND: " Perhaps my village people may have high levels of cyanide because of the cyanide-affected fish they got in abundance when Emperor Mines released cyanide into Yalandro River."

In his presentation, Chand revealed two principal objectives in writing the book. The first was to document “the growing up process and the struggle of the third generation Indo- Fijians”, their education, struggles, trials, tribulations and life in village, a path that many of us have treaded. The other reason was to encourage and inspire others to write and tell their stories. And from what he says, some friends are already sharpening their pencils, or hunting for their keyboards to tell their tales.

Chand feels that Fiji needs an explosion where people are prepared to write and tell their stories which would inspire the present and future generations. He warns that his stories are in no way to be considered to be historical accounts, as they are written from recollection of memories. “I recount a village growing up process with games and activities which have been taken over by technological and urban forces. I record these as legacies of the past which may provide the current generation a

glimpse of life that existed not so long ago,” he said. His revelation about release of poisonous cyanide into Yaladro River by Emperor Gold Mining Company is a snapshot of how multinationals have poisoned the world. He jokingly, in fact factually quipped that perhaps people of Tavua may have high level of cyanide because of the disoriented and almost-dying fish they collected from the river for food. Indeed some of the accounts of what he wrote would be eye-opener for children of third generation Indo-Fijians, growing up in Auckland, London, Sacramento, Vancouver and Sydney.

Part of the large audience

In a very inspiring presentation by Giyannendra Prasad, Solicitor, former Labour Parliamentarian, Deputy Speaker of Fiji Parliament and a close friend of Pratap Chand, he urged Fijians to read more. He briefly presented an overview of the book, touched on the growing up process of Pratap, childhood, education, Teachers College, employment, marriage, scholarship, Lecturer at Nasinu Teachers College (NTC) where he met Shiu Charan and exposure to unionism that commenced there. He later touched on contributions of teachers and unions to form Labour Party, Chand’s role as Minister of Education, and how an opportunity to improve Fiji was lost to the events of 2000 (Speight coup). He brought some lighter moments by describing how we used to make “cars” out of Capstan or Champion tobacco tins and pretended we were driving cars. Anecdotes of Holi, Diwali, borrowing from neighbours, subsistence farming and small village incidents, coupled with patches of Fiji Hindi, created humour and laughter.

 

GIYANNENDRA PRASAD, who did an overview and short-review of the book: " Adversity brings the best in people, as it did in Pratap Chandra, who has completed a book that he commenced writing in difficult times."

Giyannedra, on a more serious note, echoed those Shakespearean thoughts on difficult and testing times. “It is at times of crisis and challenge, not at times of comfort and convenience, that test of human character and strength are exposed. It is those times that brought the best in Pratap,” and has resulted in this book.

Indeed, what Giyannedra said is so factual and evident, and his impromptu thoughts (no written or prepared speech) on Pratap are a reflection of his immense wisdom, knowledge, decorum, demeanour and eloquence. I was fortunate to capture these thoughts on a digital recorder and transcribe it for our readers…”His many sacrifices, utter devotion to his ailing wife...The dignity which he maintained both during illness and eventual loss, is profoundly touching and indeed rare and truly inspiring. It is strongly recommended reading…In reading the book, it will be a great celebration of life of a remarkable and great friend, Pratap Chand, “Giyannedra concluded.

Part of the audience

Indeed it was a great presentation by all the speakers, and the occasion blessed Pratap Chand’s achievement with huge presence of so many friends, family and well-wishes from Fiji. It is now upon us to get a bout of that déjà vu or nostalgic feeling by reading the book and going back to the good stress-free old days in Fiji that for many of us, only remains a dream. For others, it is a bundle (gathri) of memories, “Yaadein” which we unwrap from time to time in moments of sadness and despair, to get some comforts from days gone by, when we hum… Koi lauta de mere bite huye din... (Somebody please, hand me back my gone by days.)

Happy reading, and tell us your tales as well.

E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz

[Note from FIJI PUNDIT and Thakur Ranjit Singh: This is NOT a book review, but news and pictorial journalistic presentation of the launch of the book. The book review will be done at a later stage on this Blogsite, FIJI PUNDIT, which tells you what other media ignore.]

ANIRUDH DIWAKAR -A TRUBUTE TO THE GOLDEN VOICE OF FIJI ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY

ANIRUDH DIWAKAR - A TRUBUTE TO THE GLODEN VOICE OF FIJI ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY

     

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand

A tribute to ANIRUDH DIWAKAR - Fiji’s Golden Voice who left a legacy for radio broadcasting in Fiji, and wherever Fiji Indians are involved in Radio in our Diaspora. 


His voice still boom in Radio Tarana in Auckland - the Golden Voice, after three years is still fresh as today -everlasting.

It has been years since the golden voice of Fiji, Anirudh Diwakar, left us, but that vacuum still remains. While he has gone, he has left us a legacy and trend that Hindi Radio stations in Auckland, and elsewhere in the world copy and follow: Fiji Style Radio.

ANIRUDH DIWAKAR -An award winning radio personality who started a new trend in Radio, now copied by Hindi Stations worldwide. This is called Fiji Style Radio.

The sudden passing away of Anirudh Diwakar, Programmes Director of Communications Fiji Ltd’s Hindi Station, Radio Sargam came as a big shock. This loss was not only felt by people in Fiji but also by Fiji Indians settled around the globe. Most of them were touched by the golden voice of this veteran with 40-year long service to radio broadcasting.

Rise, Indians: Stop your hypocrisy, your women need protection- Where is my India?

Where is my India?  Rise, Indians: Stop your hypocrisy, your women need protection

Thakur Ranjit Singh

I am forced to revisit my earlier posting after yet another gang – rape in Mumbai and continuing disrespect for women in India, despite so many protests.

Is this the face of women in India?

Anglo Saxons, White men and non-Hindus do not have Rascha Bandhan festival, vows to protect sisters: they do not have Navratam, singing and dancing praises to women: they do not have multitudes of Goddesses who are revered above male deities.

Yet these non Hindu men, these Anglo Saxons and White men appear to have more respect and regard for women than Hindus and Indians with so many show-pieces and hullabaloo glorifying women. And in real fact, we treat our women as trash and crap. A Gold medal, perhaps a platinum one, for hypocrisy?

Are brothers ( read males) in India incapable of protecting and safeguarding their sisters and showing respect for other women? What is the message of RASCHA BANDHAN when we cannot respect ALL sisters? How can we expect our sisters to be safe when there is wholesale disrespect for women with law becoming a joke?.

We pray and revere lifeless Devi, Deity and Mata, yet rape and mistreat out living Goddesses-our women. Is mera Bharat Mahaan? (Is India really that great? If rapists become Members of Parliament, then law and justice are really blind.

All the Sadhus and Swamis roaming the developed world, collecting foreign dollars and teaching us about manners and God-fearing ways should go back to India and civilise Hindus in India first. We in developed countries have laws protecting our women. India does not have that. It appears justice system in the largest democracy has become a laughing stock of the world. The supposed oldest civilisation in the world has to learn good manners, social justice and human rights from Anglo Saxon countries like USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia

When will our women be safe?

In the aftermath of gang-rape in New Delhi and ensuing eruption of smouldering volcano of protests, what came out loud and clear is that INDIAN JUSTICE SYSTEM HAS FAILED WOMEN, IS VERY JAUNDICED, SLOW-PACED AND MALE-CHAUVINISTIC.

Existing laws have failed to serve as a deterrent, coupled with questionable and slow-paced corrupt justice system, equally corrupt, unprofessional, ill-trained male-chauvinistic police force and corrupt elites and politicians who can buy justice, police and freedom from crime. It is a dying shame for a country which claims to be doing well economically, which treats half its population with such contempt. It appears conscientious, dedicated and honest policemen in India like Singham and Chulbul Pandey, exist only in Bollywood movies.

Are honest, conscious, loyal and non-corrupt police officers in India like Chulbul Pandey and Singham only limited to Bollywood screens? Where are they in real life?

Especially hypocritical is the fact that India has festivals, rituals and mythologies glorifying honour and power of women. The most powerful deities have been our Shakti Mata, and Durga, but only in stories and mythology. Hindus pray reverently to lifeless statues of Mata, Durga, and Shakti made of imported plastic and masonry made in China or Brazil. Yet we treat our living women in India with such contempt and indignity. It speaks volumes for Hindu religion, which theoretically respects women but really treat them like dirt.

This is a call on migrant Indian population in developed world with more civilised rules, regulations, norms and customs about treatment of women- USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Britain. Is it true that had it not been for British civilisation, the supposedly oldest civilization in the world would still be burning its widowed mothers, sisters and daughters of the pyre of their dead husbands?

New Zealand is one of the “cleanest” and non-corrupt countries in the world, including Australia, USA and Canada. Indian migrants owe an obligation in our fortunate positions to do this and raise voices against the rot in India. Migrant Hindus migrated to developed countries, normally pray in Diwali to deliver us from darkness into light, and praise truth. However, we appear to show silence, in fact tacit approval of the rot in our former home. This goes against the grain of Diwali message and Hinduism to deliver us from darkness to light.

For how long will our Draupadi and women get abused and disrobed without any Lord Krishna, in form of Government and laws coming, to their rescue? Is the largest democracy in the world failing their women?

This is a call to all women organisations, Hindu organisations and all others migrated to developed world, which have been beating the slogan of “MERA BHARAT MAHAAN” to stand up and be counted. Join Indian revolution now initiated by brutal rape in Delhi, and call for better governance on treatment of women in India. Let the Indian High commissioners busy in cocktail circuits in your respective countries to carry the message to India that actions of Indians and its corrupt governance shame all People of Indian origin throughout the world. Economic prowess may be there, but as nation, India has failed to protect its women. It appears to be country without a heart.

For how long will our Sita in India continue going through "Agnee Paricha"- proving chastity through fire? Haven't human rights, social justice and equality reached the largest democracy in the world?

Rise for your India. Cry, beloved India.

[E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

[NOTE: I have been accused by many of being very negative and raising issues which should be left alone. However, I feel that as a media commentator and journalist, I should be a watchdog of the community, rather than being its lapdog for financial and other benefits. How long can we sing, dance and raise flags, hold conferences and forums in name of Motherland, assuming everything is hunky dory back in India. Somebody needs to speak truth in the national motto of India: Satyamev Jayate - truth shall triumph].

MESSAGE OF RAKSHA BANDHAN TO MEN: RESPECT AND PROTECT ALL WOMEN - AND YOUR SISTERS GET PROTECTED.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand

Anglo Saxons, White men and non-Hindus do not have Raksha Bandhan festival, vows to protect sisters: they do not have Navratam, singing and dancing praises to women: they do not have multitudes of Goddesses who are revered before and above male deities, like Gauri-Shankar, Sita -Ram, Radhe-Shyam ,  Lakshmi -Vishnu, and so on.

Yet these non Hindu men, these Anglo Saxons and White men appear to have more respect and regard for women than Hindus and Indians with so many show-pieces and hullabaloo glorifying women. In real fact, we treat our women as trash and crap. Why this hypocrisy? Why do we Indians and Hindus have institutionalised discrimination against our sisters when our businesses make money on falsehood of Raksha Bandhan?

RAKSHA BANDHAN - Brotherly-Sisterly love:one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions.

The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. 'Raksha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. It means 'a bond of protection', and Raksha Bandhan signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that’s evil. 

Brotherly-Sisterly love and affection commences at a very early age. Where does all this disrespect for women in Indian males come from? Should not this trait remain forever? That is why, Raksha Bandhan festival should be used to re-inculcate and rekindle respect for all sister and all women

This Hindu festival will have little relevance to the theme of brotherly-sisterly love and respect for women if all what it involves is singing, dancing and a platform for speeches by politicians. And an avenue for Indian businesses to sell more sarees and Indian media to have an avenue to make more advertising dollars.

To the brothers, who has Rakhi tied to their hands, and who vow to protect their sisters, I have one question for them: You vow to protect your sister, but who protects my sister - your wife?

Sisters, when you tie the sacred thread, Rakhi on your brothers’hands, please ask them not only to vow to protect you, but your Bhabhis (sister-in-laws) – their wives as well, because they also are somebody’s sister.

This is especially relevant because Indians in general and Hindus in particular hold the relationship of a brother and sister in high esteem, which supposedly signifies respect for sisters – the women. To Indian brothers, while your married sister is someone else’s wife, at the same time, your wife happens to be someone else’s sister. Hence there is a commonsense reason for reciprocity if one wants to protect sisters. What this means is that for your sister to be respected and protected, you need to do the same to your wife who is somebody else’s sister.

Bollywood has glorified brotherly-Sisterly love. The leading one is Dev Anand's "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" which immortalised this love with melodious song: Phulo ka taro ka sab ka kehna hai.

But is this happening? We reportedly have high incidents of family violence in India and amongst Indian migrants to New Zealand. It therefore came as no surprise to me that Hota, one supposedly combined group of Hindu organisations and temples, when they are blaming Indian Newslink for publishing a research report they see derogatory to Hindus. That research by Massey University shows that Indians in general and Hindus in particular are biggest woman beaters in Auckland. 

I believe that, as that is a fact. Hospital records, police statistics and Ministry of Social Development figures substantiate this. Through this concerns, in 2010, Waitakere Indian Association held a joint workshop with these organisations to tackle this problem.Rather than yipping like puppies on steroids, these Hindu organisations will be better -off to inculcate better respect for women among Hindus in New Zealand. What they learn from multitudes of Swamis visiting NZ, they need to practice in life. Rather than running with a bruised ego, these people need to inculcate better respect for women within their community.

That is all Raksha bandhan is all about. 


History of Raksha Bandhan extends to mythological times of Lord Krishn and Draupadi and to Rani Karnavati of Chittor and Mughal Emperor Humayun, which dates back to 1535. The central ceremony involves the tying of a Rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her. That is Raksha Bandhan.

Another Bollywood Brotherly-sisterly love: Feroz Khan and Kum Kum. The root of Rakhi can be traced to Mahabharat and Mughal Raj

Some years ago, when the highly acclaimed Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate, was played on TV, it covered the topic of family violence, still quite relevant to Indo-Fijian migrants and Indians in general. 

For countless women, entering married life often means the beginning of a stressful, violent existence. Beating one's wife seems to be ingrained in many men's mindsets as the appropriate behaviour for a strong male, but the consequences are misery for the wife and children, and often a broken, unhappy home.

The show conducted a survey which showed that women are NOT in the biggest danger in public places, but while in their own homes. That is not only confined to India but among Indo-Fijians in New Zealand as well.

The issue we have is for Hindu and Indian groups to recognize the problem and address the vice, because richness in our culture on respect for sisters and women seem to be inversely related to how we actually treat them. 

In fact, for celebration of Raksha Bandhan, my suggestion would be to pass a message to our community to address the issue about respect for women and family violence. This is because celebrations are good avenues for addressing social issues in the community. Therefore sisters, when you tie the sacred thread, Rakhi on your brothers’ hands, please ask them not only to vow to protect you, but your Bhabhis (sister-in-laws) – their wives as well, because they also are somebody’s sister.

Therefore I plead to all brothers to accept this theme and slogan for Raksha Bandhan with all other brothers in a spirit of reciprocity:

Tumhari bahen ka main rakshak mere ghar mein, meri bahen ka tu rakshak apne ghar mein. In other words, I request all brothers to take this pledge with other males: I vow to protect your sister (my wife) in my home, please protect my sister (your wife) in your home. If we regards all wives as somebody's sister, and protect her, there would be no family violence.

Tragedy for Indians is that while they pledge to protect their own sisters, then why do they openly abuse sisters of others. If we took the theme of Raksha Bandhan to protect sisters, that translates to respect for women. Then why are women so much abused and dishonoured in India? Are our festivals only a sham and show piece , without any meaning?

We cannot continue to happily celebrate Raksha Bandhan while our sisters get beaten up by their husbands behind closed doors in their own homes, without community taking any positive action.

Let us all join in the spirit of Raksha Bandhan to respect all women, and introduce social theme for betterment of our women. Happy Raksha Bandhan to all.

[E-mail- thakurji@xtra.co.nz ]

[Thakur Ranjit Singh advocates change in community attitudes towards festivals we celebrate, to address issues in our communities. Thakur runs blo site, FIJI PUNDIT. ]

Responsibilities of Indian Diaspora to actions embarrassing India

Responsibilities of Indian Diaspora to actions embarrassing India

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand.

We have just marked 67^th Independence Day celebrations of India in Auckland and presumably other cities of Australia, Canada, UK and USA. As the dust settles from such celebrations in Auckland, New Zealand at Vodafone Event Centre, Civic Theatre and Mahatma Gandhi Centre respectively, the migrant Indians need to stop and think. We should not merely sweep and hide reality and problems of India TODAY under carpet and sing and dance about India’s proud history of the PAST.

At India Independence Day, we dance and sing to India's PAST. We need to have things in PRESENT India which also make us proud, and not shame us. We salute all freedom fighters who make us proud. Hope current generation of leaders can also make us proud.

Indian Diaspora needs to appreciate and understand their responsibilities to Bharat Mata, Mother India, which has been fast falling in the chasm of dishonour internationally in certain respects. We need to question: what has six and a half decades of Independence delivered us? Where is my India today?

Last year I riled Indian leadership in Auckland by raising some truths about India in the spirit of the motto of the country: Satyamev Jayate-truth shall prevail. For speaking truth, I was virtually lynched and blacklisted by Indian community which later agreed about the truths I has spoken.

This is a call on migrant Indian population in Developed World with more civilised rules, regulations, norms and customs to stand up to injustice in India. Fortunate Indian migrants/ Diaspora in Developed Countries, with better governance, social justice and human rights provisions owe a duty of care to the unfortunate and oppressed women, scheduled caste and poor people in Mother India.

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi - two proud leaders of India who the present-day Indians need to emulate. Unfortunately most of their teachings have been eroded out of action of today's many politicians and citizens.

New Zealand is one of the “cleanest” and non-corrupt countries in the world, with Australia, USA and Canada not far behind. Misplaced nationalism and blind loyalty of Indian leadership and Indian media in New Zealand cannot remove the fact that today’s India is at the bottom of the ladder of “clean” countries. Hence as migrant Indians in Developed Nations, we can work as pressure for change in India, even in small ways. We owe an obligation in our fortunate positions to do this and raise voices against the rot in India so widely documented and unearthed.  We normally pray in Diwali to deliver us from darkness into light, and praise truth. However, we appear to show silence, in fact tacit approval of the rot in our former home or home of forbears. This goes against the grain of Diwali message and Hinduism to deliver us from darkness to light.

The land where the Ganges flows - a proud nation-India has been internationally tarnished for some vices which shame Indian Diaspora. There are many things in India which make us proud. We migrants collectively need to raise objections to New Delhi about poor governance and other oppressive practices that shame Indians worldwide. Diaspora need to act as pressure group to bring in changes.

This is a call to all Indian organisations, women and religious organisations beating the slogan of “MERA BHARAT MAHAAN” (my India is great) and publicly celebration India, its festivals and achievements, to stand up and be counted. Join Indian revolution now initiated by brutal rape in Delhi, and call for better governance, anti- corruption laws and better treatment of women in India. Let the Indian High Commissioners busy in cocktail circuits and public relations exercise in your respective countries to carry the message to India that actions of Indians and its corrupt governance shame all People of Indian Origin (POI) throughout the world. Economic prowess may be there, but as nation, India has failed to protect its women, lower caste and poor people. It appears to be country without a heart.

Organisations in Auckland like Bhartiya Samaj, Auckland Indian Association and Radio Tarana which organised respective Indian Independence functions in Auckland need to take a collective stand. So does the umbrella body of Indians, New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) and Indian media, especially its radio stations and print media, need to stand up as watchdogs. They need to collectively raise their voices collectively against vices in India, so that, we as a Diaspora, may be able to pass a message to India that it needs to improve its human rights and social justice issues if it wants to do business with New Zealand and other respective Developed Nations. Indian trade delegations, conferences, forums etc. and other organisations promoting trade with India need to pass this strong message of distaste of things in India which shames all Indians in New Zealand and other countries. Other developed Countries with sizeable Indian population could follow suit.

"Satyamev Jayate": It is inscribed in Devanagari script at the base of the Indian national emblem. The emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Asoka which was erected around 250 BC. National motto of India is - Truth Alone Triumphs. But how true is this in activities of Indians in India and abroad?

And advice to Indian leaders, especially here in New Zealand, is to be more reflective as people from the largest democracy in the world and be protectors of free speech and media freedom. Therefore it belittles all Indians if they indulge in the shameful habit of shooting the messenger, and those who stand up for truth.

It is time to rise for your India. Cry, beloved country.

(About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a third generation Indo Fijian. He was born in Fiji Islands. His indentured grandfather, Bansi was a Thakur from Karauli in Rajasthan, India. He is also a holder of People of Indian Origin (PIO) passport issued by Indian Government that allows him free access into India. He runs his blogsite FIJI PUNDIT, which is accessible at: www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz.)

Maa Tujhe Pranaam - Namastey New Delhi- To India with Love – Marking India Independence Day.

Maa Tujhe Pranaam-Namastey New Delhi- To India with Love – Marking India Independence Day.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand.

Celebrating, commemorating and marking 72nd anniversary of India’s independence on 15 August, 2018.

 

Bharat Mata - Mother India- Mera Bharat Mahaan-My India is great. Maa Tujhe Pranaam- I salute Mother India

“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.

At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”..This is extract of the historical speech, “Tryst with Destiny” that Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru gave on the night of 14 August, 1947.

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India (left) with father of the nation,Mahatma Gandhi. "Tryst with Destiny" was a speech made  to the Indian Constituent Assembly in The Parliament, on the eve of India's Independence, towards midnight on 14 August 1947.

Today I take this opportunity to congratulate my Grand Motherland, India on the occasion of its 72^th Independence Day celebration on 15 August, 2018.

I submit this on behalf of Indian Diaspora in Auckland to mark this auspicious day. I am third generation Indo Fijian, displaced from India when my grandfather was torn and tricked from his roots by British to slave in Fiji to fill their coffers. 

When Fiji’s deposed Prime Minister Qarase visited India when he was Fiji's ethno-nationalist Prime Minister, he failed to learn anything from Indian hospitality.  The uncrowned father of Indian movies, Raj Kapoor immortalized this aspect of Indian culture in his film, “Jis Desh Mein Ganga Baheti Hai” (the land where Ganges flows) with this song….”Mehmaan jo hamara hota hai, woh jaan se pyara hota hai, …i... hum us desh ke waasi hai jis desh mein Ganga baheti hai...” His song translates to say that we value our visitors more than our life; we do not lust or greed for much as we manage in little that we have... We hail from the land where the Ganges flows.

And from that land if Qarase had learnt that language of Indian love of all inclusiveness, he may still be ruling Fiji today. But he failed to do so at his peril. There was one very important lesson for Fiji’s Prime Minister and his group from the Indian visit. India is the only country on the planet where no Fijian Prime Minister would be able to sell the 'Indigenous Race Card' to justify Fijian nationalism, racism, and exclusive political control of the country, where Indians were treated as trash.

Fiji’s nationalist leaders and others around the world should gain immensely from Indian history and way of life. Those Anglo Saxons, Europeans and other ignorant people who still regard India as a land of snake charmers and rope tricks need to see Akshay Kumar’s Bollywood movie Namaste London. (Greetings to London) They need to get a translation of the episode where the hero shuts up the great grandson of an English East Indian Company employee who was running down India and its people.

By clasping his hands, Akshay says that when we Indians greet each other in the tradition of 5,000 year old civilization, we fold our hands close to heart in Namaste (greetings) because we believe that God resides in the heart of every human being.

We come from a nation where we allow a lady of Catholic Religion (Sonia Gandhi) to step aside for a Sikh (Manmohan Singh) to be sworn as the Prime Minister by a Muslim President (Abdul Kalam) to govern a nation with over 80% Hindus (India)

It may also interest you to know that many versions of English language come from Sanskrit. For example, matr becomes mother, bhrata becomes brother, jamity become geometry and trikonmiti becomes trigonometry.

English is spoken and read more widely in India than in England. India has 5,600 newspapers, 35,000 magazines and 21 major languages with combined readership of 120 million, many more than in England. We have reached the moon and back but yet many Anglo Saxons still feel that India has reached only as far as gourd flute of snake charmers. We have third largest pool in the world of doctors, scientists and engineers. All these are of the details of our intellectual might, now look at our physical might.

May be the English grandfather did not tell that we have the third largest army in the world, and even then I clasp my hand in humility because we do not believe that we are above or beneath any individual. Well said Puttar

 

India has third largest army in the world, yet they have never attacked any nation, and retains humility with clasped hands in form of Namastey.

So next time you are confronted by an ethnocentric individual who runs down Bharat Mata (Mother India) then you repeat the above to shut him. Some good movies to enlighten you and your children on pride of India are Manoj Kumar’s Upkar and Purab aur Paschim.

Manoj Kumar - Bharat - immortalised an ideal deshbhakt  (patriot) that he wished other Indians to be. Hope his lessons are learnt by all Indians. He shut critics of India with "..jab zero diya mere Bharat ne...." (when my India gave zero and decimal to the world..). Indian virtues and culture emulated in Bollywood are very effective, but appear to be confined to celluloid screens only.

Unfortunately for many Indians abroad, the Indian pride is confined to Bollywood movies, where the real heroes only survive on screens, very rare in reality. It appears honest and conscientious policemen like Chulbul Pandey and Bajirao Singham we only see on movie screens,

But how true are those dreams and future that Jawaharlal Nehru uttered some 70 years ago to the date:

“That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity.”

 

The historical pride of India: we now seek similar leadership from current leaders. But corruption, scandals and self-interest of people in power have tarnished the history carved out by our freedom fighters.

The challenge is now on Indian Diaspora to emulate the dreams of our freedom fighters who brought independence to India- the independence and prosperity that over seven decades have failed to reach a vast population of India. Media freedom and freedom of speech have been the last bastion of democracy. And I hope India’s national motto of Satyamev Jayate, of telling the truth remains bold. 

Happy Independence Day to India. In 2012, I had told Indians to bow their heads in prayers and seek for a miracle to rescue Bharat Mata- Mother India from the evils that has engulfed this once proud nation. Thankfully, those prayers have been answered. 

That miracle is in form of NARENDRA MODI – it is now left for Indians to embrace the Sher of Gujarat-Lion of Gujarat. That appears to be the long awaited miracle we have been waiting for.

 

NARENDRA MODI- The Lion of Gujarat - answer to our prayers for somebody to wrest back honour, dignity and respectability that Indian once commanded.

JAI HIND-HAIL INDIA

E-mail: thakuji@xtra.co.nz

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a third generation Indo Fijian. He was born in Fiji Islands. His indentured grandfather, Bansi was a Thakur from Karauli in Rajasthan, India. He is a media commentator, a journalist and runs his blog site FIJI PUNDIT]