Auckland Church beats Hindus to mark Girmit Remembrance Day

An Auckland Church leads the way to pay a tribute to Girmitiyas

Guest Writer: Rajendra Prasad, author, Tears in Paradise

[Prologue and Epilogue by FIJI PUNDIT, Thakur Ranjit Singh]

PROLOGUE (By FIJI PUNDIT]

There are some estimated 100,000 people of Indian origin in Auckland, with Indo-Fijians, and descendants of Indentured labourers comprising almost half at around 40-50,000. As the case in Fiji, majority are Hindus, almost 70%. When Indians were initially brought from India to Fiji from poorer states in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, almost all were Hindus, some Muslims. Christians were almost none, until some came from South India towards the tail-end of Girmit.

In Auckland, we have some Indo-Fijian descendants of original scrub-cutters who usd to come to New Zealand in large numbers on a 3-month contract in early 60s and some stayed back, as majority did in Fiji after Girmit. However the influx came in the aftermath of 1987 coup through the then Labour leader, David Lange’s soft heart for Indo-Fijians. They have been trickling in since then, with yours truly being a “green” migrant of less than ten years.

Hindus have multitudes of Mandalis and organisations in small pockets, without being able to unite in any wholesome body. When Ram Naumi comes, it takes more than half an hour on radio to tell where there are sitting and who are pracharaks and Pundits doing katha. One estimate says we have some 70-80 Ramayan and religious Hindu Mandalis/organisations in Auckland. [But none were present during Girmit Divas] While there are three Sanatan Sabhas, they do not really represent anybody, but concentrate of playing soccer or replicate what other Mandalis do.

In 2006, I approached Shiv Mandir at Holmes Road in Manurewa that is seen as an institution on Indo Fijians, to commemorate Girmit Divas. That is seven years ago. My pride was dented and enthusiasm for Girmit died when they demanded money for honouring those who were the very reason for us having Mandirs and religion. It was not until 2012 that Waitakere Indian Association, perhaps the best organised Indian body in New Zealand (none of them featured in the so – called Indian Hall of Sha..oops Fame) held first Girmit Remembrance Day followed later by formation of Fiji Girmit Foundation [that function coverage to come later]

However, as a Hindu, to be invited in a Church of some less than ten years, for commemoration of FIRST-EVER RELIGION-INITIATED event to honour our Girmitiya, I grabbed the opportunity, to visit this function with my wife. I had the first hand experience of what I felt shamed the multitudes of Hindu organisation, who in their three decade of beating drums and having grog parties in name of religion, could not come together to mark any Girmit Divas to date. The story and article below is by my friend, RAJENDRA PRASAD, who is a member of this Church and we happen to come from the same locality near Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba, Fiji, and are uniquely passionate about honouring the memories of those who most Indo-Fijians have forgotten in their new-found wealth, fame and education, which all came from sacrifices, suffering and vision of Girmitiyas.

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GUEST WRITER-RAJENDRA PRASAD

Rajendra Prasad (not to be mistaken with Dr Rajen Prasad, Labour List MP). Rajendra Prasad is author of Tears in Paradise-Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879 -2004. He is author of this article and one behind commemoration of Girmit, not only at Calvary Church but also at Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ where he is a founding Executive. 

On the 134^th anniversary of Girmit, there is a glimmer of hope that the Girmitiyas, warriors of toil and soldiers of peace, will eventually be remembered annually, as a ‘disconnected’ community ultimately becomes connected to its foundational history. This sense of optimism is based on two events that took place in Auckland, New Zealand that have reached worldwide audience. One was organized by the Calvary Indian Assembly of God Church on May 17 and the other by the Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand at the Skipton Hall, Papatoetoe on May 18, 2013 [This coverage to come later, EXCLUSIVE to FIJI PUNDIT]. Both drew sizable audience.

Sahebs (Colonizers in hats) and Coolies ( Indian Girmitiyas in Pagri or turban)- Girmit was the dress-code at Calvary Indian Assembly of God Church at Otahuhu, Auckland, and only of its kind ever held in Auckland. Ramayan mandalis and Sanatans can take a leaf from this little-talking but great-doing Church members who got together to remember those who most of us have forgotten- Girmitiyas.

EK SHAAM GIRMITIYON KE NAAM-an evening dedicated to memories of Indentured labourers. By CALVARY INDIAN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH, OTAHUHU, AUCKLAND.

Panghat pe Nandlal mohe cher gayo re...people in the festive mood on stage at Calvary Temple, depicting dressing and costumes of Girmit Era.

The Youth Ministry of Calvary Indian Assembly of God Church organized an evening, ‘Ek Shaam Girmitiyon ke Naam’ (An Evening of Tribute to Girmitiyas) on Friday May 17 that stuck a somber note in the hearts and minds of the audience as never before. All the members of this Church (over 400) are from Fiji and they sat enthralled by the presentations made in remembrance of the Girmitiyas.

Ladies in Girmit costume. Has any Naari Sabha or other Indo-Fijian groups been able to do anything like this anywhere, to mark memory of Girmitiya forbears? 

A Bidesia (folk song – a lamentation) composed in the sugar cane fields of Fiji by the Girmitiyas, capturing their pain, suffering and angst, was sung in traditional tune and accompanied by traditional music. Speakers strongly alluded to the theme ‘reconnecting, reclaiming and restoring Indo-Fijian history,’ which was noted for its absence in school curriculum.

Kali kothariya mein betey sari ratia, kis koh bataaye hum peeer re Bidesia---live singing of traditional lament song-Bidesia

Violence during the Girmit and its impact on successive generations was alluded to by Mrs Manju Verma, a senior social worker with Child, Youth and family who has closely observed the residual effect of violence on successive generations, perpetrated during the Girmit.

Mori gagri na tor...the traditional water container

The MC for the evening, Ron Chandra stole the show, wearing dhoti, shirt, pagdi (turban) and moustache. Other men also dressed in traditional attire but the women were not to be outdone, as they came clad in lehnga, the traditional top with veiled heads that added an aura to a memorable evening that brought tears, joy and celebration beyond everyone’s expectation.

Muche hoh toh Nathu Lal jaisi -. Master of Ceremony, Ron Kumar, left, with his father at Girmit function.

Those wearing traditional attire proudly displayed their costumes, which brought wide applause and also evoked memories of an era when clothes were essentially worn to cover the human body in accordance with the societal norms.

A close-up of the humble Girmit attire by ladies at the evening's function.

The evening concluded with a feast of supper that was specially prepared by qualified chefs who are members of the church. The occasion ignited a thirst for knowledge on Girmit and reconnection with our Girmitiya forebears and preparations are now underway to make it bigger, better and brighter for the 135^th anniversary next year. The occasion is to reflect the spirit of the Girmitiyas that transcended the barriers of race, religion or caste, allowing others to share the occasion, as they did in their pain and suffering during the Girmit.

Yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh (left) and Rajendra Prasad, the engine room of Girmit commemoration with wives respectively Shashi Kala Singh (extreme right) and Aruna Prasad, next to her better half Rajendra .

Consequently, Pastor Andrew Pratap pledged that next year the doors of the Church will be opened to all those who are descendants of Girmitiyas to share an evening with the Church members. Display of Girmit artifacts and Girmit Dinner is expected to precede the function. Indeed, people will be encouraged to wear traditional clothes, which will be a physical manifestation of an era that evokes varied feelings and emotions.

Display of Girmit artifacts, including sugar cane, Indian wok (karhaiya), coconut leaves broom, Sil/ Lohra (grinding stone), hurricane lamp, Ketli (kettle) etc.

EPILOGUE [By FIJI PUNDIT]

As a Hindu I was ashamed that as over 80% of Girmitiyas were Hindus, and we have multitudes of bodies shouting praises of Hinduism, yet we could not come together to honour the memories of those who were honoured by a recent minority Church. It is an advice to the so-called Hindu Indo-Fijian leaders and priests to come out and learn from Indian Churches in what and how they do to advance the status of youth and unfortunate in our community. Our Brahmins and Pundits, who are the biggest beneficiaries of legacies of Girmit, failed to show at Girmit Remembrance Day at Skipton hall the next day on 18 May, 2013.  But that is another story, FIJI PUNDIT will tell later.

FIJI PUNDIT salutes Pastor Andrew Pratap and his Calvary Indian Assembly of God Church for their initiative and love for their heritage. My only wish is that our Hindu organisations, priests and Brahmins will also have some motivation to become functioning part of our community to contribute handsomely to the community well-being  and not only remain beneficiaries of a legacy we have forgotten. AMEN.

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

Indian Ghettoes and ethnic enclaves in Auckland?

Indian Ghettoes and ethnic enclaves in Auckland?

Thakur Ranjit Singh

My distrust and contempt for the Indian business community was formed from early days in 1950 – 80 as a child and adult when I grew as a third generation Girmitiya Indo-Fijian on a cane farm in Rarawai, Ba. I witnessed the neo-Girmit our people suffered under the free-settler migrant Indian business community from India. World is a testament to the fact that wealth and fortunes growth of business community in Fiji (and other Third-World countries (read Uganda) where they settled) WERE INVERSELY RELATED TO THE POVERTY OF GENERAL POPULATION. This gave rise to political discontent by the indigenous people as happened in Uganda in 1970s and political upheaval in Fiji in 1987 and following years, particularly in 2000. Therefore when I see migrants and business community from India introducing such poor human traces and social justice of India in New Zealand, FIJI PUNDIT can no longer remain silent, and hence this article. This is my reflex action as Satyamev Jayate stance, where truth shall prevail. [Await my other article: GURU-BUSTERS] 

When first shiploads of Indentured Indian labourers were off-loaded in Fiji in 1879, it created an opportunity for the British and Australian colonisers to gain out of their exploitation, after slavery has ended. Indenture was a new version of slavery, but worse. This also gave room for Indian businessmen in India’s more progressive states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, to take business and financial advantage from this opportunity. Indenture and shipment of Indians from its poorer populous agriculture-based states of India provided an opportunity to such businessmen to follow these Indians.

The result now is multitudes of such millionaires in Fiji and other parts of Africa and former British colonies. While life for such businessmen was difficult and struggle at first, it also made the businesses into millionaires within one generation when the offspring of Indentured labourers are still reeling in poverty after four to five generations.

These Indian businessmen were still in touch with their families and business contacts in India, and hence could source cheap Indian goods which were sold at huge profits and margins, comparing rupees with British pounds in those days. That is history, and like the untold History of Girmit, the exploitation of our Girmitiyas by free-settler Indian business community also remains untold.

Having experienced their stance in Fiji, when I migrated to New Zealand a decade ago, I was wary of Indian businessmen, as my forbears in Fiji were short-changed by them. And when Indian leadership in Auckland, formed a lynch-mob to punish me for calling some home-truths about India, I lost all respectability for such people. These are group of influential so-called community leaders, Indian politicians in NZ and media, which gang-up to shut people like yours truly. That is what gave rise to this Satyamev Jayate blogsite, FIJI PUNDIT and my battle with hypocrisy and aim to speak what others are afraid to say. They ganged up to shoot the messenger (read FIJI PUNDIT....... http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=207937644965682419#editor/target=post;postID=2063838836524626424;onPublishedMenu=overview;onClosedMenu=overview;postNum=20;src=postname). Hence I only have contempt for those who try to bring their home culture to New Zealand.

What is noticeable as a media student for me is that Indian media in Auckland is that they subscribe to the model of media we call PROPAGANDA MODEL. Generally, media is perceived as an agent to expose corporate, community and government misconduct and aggressively portray themselves as spokesmen for free speech and the general community interest. Contrary to this misconception, Propaganda Model argues that media is in the pockets of rich, mighty and influential. And that leaves most of us common mortal Indians without a voice, as media no longer fights for our rights or speaks for us, as it becomes a lapdog of the rich and the influential. Indian media is Auckland is in dire need for community touch, journalistic principles and is no longer a watchdog of common people. They are mere money-making machines for their owners.

It hurts to see so much of us Indians in news for wrong reasons, because of the vices of India in human rights and social justice have been imported to New Zealand. When I migrated to New Zealand some 10 years ago, I thought I was going to a “clean” First World Developed nation. I never thought that I was going to a country where we now have developing Indian ghettos and ethnic enclaves aided and abetted by silent Indians and partisan media which fail to highlight social ills, and remain silent so they do not lose their advertising dollars.

Indians comprise only some 2.5% of New Zealand population, but for the amount of reported cases of deviant behaviour in news, we are very high. In other words, People of Indian Origin comprise only some 107,000 people in a country of 4.3 million, yet the cases of negative reporting and our adherence to culture back home brings the whole community in disrepute.

There are reports that many elderly migrant parents, (over 400 Indians) sponsored by their children under a family reunification scheme, are being left to fend for themselves in New Zealand.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10887537

On the heels of this negative story implicating Indians, NZ authorities are looking into complaints about an Auckland restaurant chain allegedly paying an "Indian salary".

(http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10887754)

FIJI PUNDIT has been reliably informed that this is just the tip of iceberg. Many other Indian (and Indo-Fijian) business should be on the radar of New Zealand authorities for abuse of human rights and breach of laws granting justice and fair wages to workers.

It is now a challenge for Indian leadership in Auckland to stop having big conferences, business and other awards, singing praises of their business contribution to NZ, and concentrate on moral decay we are introducing in New Zealand. I understand Bhartiya Samaj is already calling on Indian organisations to pitch in to celebrate Indian Independence Day later in August.

I wonder, with such damning track record of vices, moral decay, lack of humanity and social justice, what is there to celebrate about. It appears the rottenness of Mumbai streets and other cities in India are now imported to New Zealand.

It is time Indian Community leaders and politicians should stop shooting the messenger, stop bragging about their economic prowess and concentrate on vices and bad practices we are importing to a “clean” New Zealand.

Such negativities tarnish and bring disrepute to all people of Indian origin.

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

FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NEW ZEALAND FORMED TO RECONNECT, RECLAIM AND RESTORE GIRMIT HISTORY

Girmit Foundation New Zealand Formed to reconnect, reclaim and restore Girmit History

Thakur Ranjit Singh,

If I ask Fiji Indians the significance of 14^th May, they may say, yes, of course, Rabuka’s coup in 1987. No, not that. I was thinking of something over a century before the coup – I was thinking of 14^th May, 1879 when the first ship load of Girmitiyas- Fiji’s indentured labourers – arrived in Fiji at Levuka in the historic vessel, the Leonidas.  

I do not blame them for this as our school history fails to recognise and acknowledge this fact, which appear to have been stolen from successive Indo Fijian generations. This article is intended to enlighten and awaken the silent pride of Indo-Fijian Diaspora, and urge them to observe GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY on 14 May of every year.

Girmit icon of Fiji is cane -farming and farmers. This monument at entrance of Ba Town in Fiji. Long live our Girmitiyas memories, and may we never forget them

During this Ram Naumi, as the Hindu Indo-Fijian Diaspora in Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand and Fiji gathered at different Mandirs, Bhavans, temples, prayer houses and private homes to sing Ramayan and Ram Kirtans, please ponder this issue – how come Indo Fijians were singing Ramayan in Hindi and maintaining their culture and religion? How come Indo-Fijian Diaspora is a pride to Hinduism among migrant Hindus? Who do you give credit for bringing and preserving Hindi language and Hinduism in Fiji? 

On Thanksgiving Day, Americans think of and honour those who sacrificed for America in creating a new homeland. On ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Kiwis and Aussies think of their soldiers who fought for their countries and gave their lives. On Waitangi Day, New Zealanders mark that as a nation-building day. Then why cannot we, Girmitiya descendant Indo-Fijians, set aside at least one day in a year to think and honour those who sacrificed their life for us and gave us this better life than they ever dreamed of?

During Thanksgiving Day, Americans remember, honour and shows respect to those who helped in carving their history. They normally have big feasts to mark this. Why this pride for sacrifices of Girmitiyas is lacking from Indo-Fijians worldwide? Request is for the descendants of Girmitiyas to take MAY 14 each year and mark it as GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY.

The tragedy of Indo- Fijians is that they lack selfless political or other forms of benevolent exemplary leadership. We have our so called crusaders of cane farmers and trade unionists, multitudes of qualified academics and professors. We have multitudes of prosperous Indo-Fijian lawyers made rich by a bickering Indo-Fijian community, yet how many have got the guts or human conscience to take the fight to seek redress from those who wronged us?

Girmitiyas- Lest we forget them. Let us remember them for their vision, sacrifices and sufferings.

What I suggest is that we need to tell our children and grandchildren about the stories of Girmit so that they know where they have descended from and how full of suffering has been those Girmit journeys in past centuries.

To realise this dream, Auckland New Zealand Indo Fijians have taken steps to reconnect, reclaim and restore Indo-Fijian history.

Eminent and respected members Fiji Indian Community in New Zealand  have leadership role in FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NEW ZEALAND. Pundit Devakar Prasad (right) is the Chairman of Girmit Foundation (Since deceased). He was former Deputy General Manager of Fiji Broadcasting Commission and former Deputy Speaker of Fiji Parliament. On left is Master Shiu Charan, another founding member of Foundation, former Fiji Parliamentarian, Executive of Fiji Teachers Union NZ and a community worker.

FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NEW ZEALAND has been formed to regularly organize commemoration of Girmit in New Zealand every year.  The Foundation Truistees and office bearers are: Former Deputy General Manager of Fiji Broadcasting Commission, Pundit Devakar Prasad (Chairperson), Thakur Ranjit Singh, (Secretary), Krish Naidu (Treasurer), former parliamentarians Master Shiu Charan and Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, and author of “Tears in Paradise” and former Ba Town Clerk, Rajendra Prasad.

RAJENDRA PRASAD, Author of compelling book Tears in Paradise, and former Ba Town Clerk is one of the driving forces behind Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand and is one of its Founding Trustees. His book and passion towards restoring and reclaiming stolen Indo-Fijian history are the the inspiration flames that ignite our memories and respect for our forbears. 

May 14 is a significant day in the history of Indo-Fijian community, as it marks the arrival the first ship of Indian indentured labourers (Girmitiyas) in Fiji in 1879. It followed 86 other ships that brought 60,553 Girmitiyas to Fiji. It is the aim of the Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand to reconnect, reclaim and restore Indo-Fijian history, which is almost unknown to the new generation of Indo- Fijian community worldwide.

SARDAR HARNAM SINGH GOLIAN, former Fiji Parliamentarian, a businessman and a community leader in Auckland in another Founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ.

The Foundation is organizing Girmit Remembrance Day on Saturday 18 May, 2013 at Skipton ARST Hall, 53 Skipton Street, Mangere,  Auckland, New Zealand. This event is organized to provide opportunity to every Indo-Fijian family to resurrect the memories and pay our respects to our Girmitiya forebears for the sacrifices that they made and the legacy that they left for successive generations.

The day’s programme will remember suffering, sacrifices and vision of our forbears through oratory, poems, music and tales of the past. This will be a journey through memory lane which will provide exposure to a history that is dormant and yet it is a fascinating history of suffering, struggle and sacrifice.

It is a fervent hope of the Foundation that such activities would assist in restoration of Indo-Fijian history; not only in New Zealand, but everywhere Indo-Fijians are settled. Hence, the theme for this year’s commemoration is:

“Ek Shaam Girmiyon ke Naam – (An afternoon dedicated to the memory of Indentured Labourers –Girmitiyas): RECONNECTING, RECLAIMING AND RESTORING INDO-FIJIAN HISTORY

The trophy and applause goes to Calvary Indian A.O.G. Church in Auckland for beating all Hindu Ramayan Mandalis and many Sanatan organisations in organizing an evening and Girmit fancy dress to revive the memories and sing the praises to fill those empty pages of History that has been stolen.. We need pride and self-respect in Indo-Fijians to revive the memory of our forbears, as without History, a community becomes rudderless. [MORE ON THIS IN THE ARTICLES THAT WILL FOLLOW]

The Foundation intends to strengthen our unique Indo-Fijian culture, language, customs and traditions to ensure that our children remain connected to the jewels of their inheritance. Help of Radio stations and other media have been sought to reach people. It is hoped, in a small way, the initiative, foresight and vision of Aucklanders are going to inspire our Indo Fijian Diaspora in Canada (Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary, Toronto etc), USA (San Francisco, Sacramento, Modesto Hayward etc), Australia (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne etc) and even in Fiji to appreciate that we get organised and tell our new generation the tales of Girmit that history has failed to acknowledge.

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

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist, a blogger, a media commentator and former Publisher of Fiji’s Daily Post. He is the Secretary of Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand. He runs his blog site: FIJI PUNDIT]

The Stolen History of Girmit: Part 2- When Indo-Fijians ignore their past.

The Stolen History of Girmit: Part 2- When Indo-Fijians ignore their past.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand

This week, Australia and New Zealand prepare for their ANZAC Day Celebrations and Public Holiday on Thursday 25 April, 2013. They do this to mark, honour, remember and praise the sacrifices of soldiers who died to carve out a better country and future for their new generations. What stands out prominently between them and Indo-Fijian Diaspora is the degree of respect, honour and gratitude shown respectively towards forbears who sacrificed to make life better for them.

 

Do Indo-Fijians have the same pride, indebtedness and thankfulness to the memory of Girmitiyas as Australian and New Zealanders have for the soldiers who died in the war during ANZAC Day celebrations? Should we Indo Fijians as a race feel ashamed for ignoring the sacrifices and sufferings of our forbears and pioneers? 

Young and old, men and women, will wake in the autumn coldness for ANZAC Dawn Services throughout Australasia, including Fiji where mostly i-Taukei people will honour and remember their dead soldiers. The difference we note will be that Indo-Fijians will stand out as most ungrateful and selfish people who have no time for those who gave them this life- the Girmitiyas. Are we Indo-Fijians selfish, self-centered, conceited and ungrateful people who have no time for those who sacrificed and suffered to make better life for them as migrants in Developed nations? Why? To a great extent, this is because Indo-Fijian history has been stolen from school books.

Rajendra Prasad’s Tears in Paradise also raises this issue. The author enquires, why despite enormous contributions to Fiji’s development, Fiji Indians escaped the history books. Former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru very aptly summed up this phenomenon in his book, The Discovery of India, as quoted by Prasad in his book:

 

Two iconic  Indian leaders during Girmit era. Mahatma Gandhi (Right) fought to abolish indenture. Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru (Left) echoed that history is written by rulers who project their point of view. Similarly, this was done in case of Indo-Fijian History, where British removed any mention of their evil deeds on Girmitiyas and failed to inform the coming generations of the story of struggles and sacrifices. No wonder Indo-Fijians remained ignorance of Girmit history.

“History is almost always written by victors and conquerors and gives their viewpoint; or, at any rate, the victor’s version is given prominence and holds the field.”                 

Therefore, in case of Fiji Indians, history was deliberately concealed to cover up the crimes of British and the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Since British were the colonial rulers of Fiji for around a century, they had a distinct advantage in manipulating history. That is why, all we learnt in history lessons in schools was about British or Indigenous Fijian history. The little history of India that we learnt in schools covered the perspective from British side, missing out the real treachery of the colonizer, both in India and Fiji.

In some opinion, writers have likened indenture or girmit to slavery. In fact, some have dubbed slavery as being better, because, at least in slavery, people got better food and shelter. The author, Rajendra Prasad laments lack of history of Fiji Indians and wonders what happened to the account of indentured labourers. The supposedly custodians of girmitiyas, the British owed a duty of care to record history as it really and actually unfolded rather than how they wanted it to be told. They abrogated their responsibility by manipulating history of girmitiyas, thus leaving a community wounded.

 

FIJI IN THE PACIFIC -A history book in Fiji Schools - did it include the tales and sufferings of Girmit, or were the cruelty and injustice of British and Australians conveniently edited out of History books? Hence, Colonial government and successive governments  kept Indo-Fijian ignorant of their History. AND THEY REMAIN IGNORANT TO DATE.

 “Tears in Paradise “is an attempt to fill that vacuum and tell the new generation of Indo Fijians about the suffering and sacrifices of our forbears from India.

There have been instances when the Indo Fijians who have migrated from Fiji, and after seeing the new-found wealth and so called civilization of Developed Nations (Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA) try to disown Girmit and disassociate themselves with the genesis of Indo-Fijian History – Girmit. One day they will be called on to answer to their children and grandchildren when they attempt to seek answers about their ancestry and reason for being where they are now, and who made it possible for their fortunes.

 

LEONIDAS - the first ship arrived in Levuka, Fiji on 14 MAY, 1879 with 497 indentured labourers (Girmitiyas). Indenture History has been stolen from successive generations and Indo-Fijian parents kept their children ignorant by failing to tell the tales of their forefathers to their children. GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY on 14 May is intended to reclaim and restore the history of our forbears.

The new generation needs to know that on 14 May, 1879 the first batch of 497 Girmitiyas (indentured labourers) were brought to Fiji by the British. This trend continued till 1920 by when some 60,357 Girmitiyas were brought to Fiji. This May marks 134 years of the first arrival of Indians, and hence our urge to mark GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY on 14 MAY.

On ANZAC Day on 25 April, whole of Australia and New Zealand will come to a stand-still as respective nations remember the sacrifices of their soldiers. This will even be observed in Fiji, among I Taukei. But how about a day reserved to remember Girmitiyas? Will any offspring of Girmitiya Indo Fijians spare a thought for their pioneers on GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY on 14 May? While Indo-Fijians in Wellington and Auckland will mark their days, one wonders what the descendants of Girmitiyas in other parts of the world will do for those who gave them this life of health and wealth. One even wonders what, if anything will happen in Fiji, and what is the fate of Fiji Girmit Council? The question that we need to ask is whether the Indo-Fijians possess that same pride, passion and conscience to remember the sacrifices and sufferings of their forbears, their Girmitiya ancestors who carved out an Indo-Fijian culture.

We just hope that the next generation will somehow learn about the sacrifices of Girmit and hope they (the new generation) will be more thankful for the sacrifices of the forbears (ancestors). Somehow, my generation appears to have short memories about the sacrifices of those forgotten souls who delivered us to the comforts of Developed Countries. We have big houses, big cars, and comforts of life that our Girmitiyas could never even imagine – but we seem to have developed a much shrunk heart, bereft of any thankfulness. They gave us education and better life because the vision they had for their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and coming generations- that they will never again allow their offspring to go through the same indignity they went through in Girmit era at hands of British and Australians. Don’t we owe a day to remember and honour them? Are we such a thankless race?

 

Lest we forget our pioneer race, let us pledge to dedicate 14 May as GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY. Let all newspapers, TV and Radio Stations owned and managed by Indo Fijians in Canada, USA, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, mark 14 May to the memory of Girmitiyas. Is that too much to ask for? 

Let us all get together, and as already resolved in Girmit Remembrance Day in Auckland last year, we dedicate 14 MAY OF EVERY YEAR AS GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY. In our Ramayan Mandalis  Associations or any groupings for Indo-Fijians, let us talk about and be thankful to our Girmitiyas. Let us teach our new generation about the history that has been stolen from us. Let media, newspapers and Radio Stations owned by Indo Fijians dedicate a day to the memories of those who preserved the language for us. At least we owe this much to them.

To this end, this blogsite, FIJI PUNDIT at www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz will help educate while Vanita Nair’s website www.girmitunited.org at Brisbane are good sources for getting educated on Girmit.

May the soul of our GIRMITIYAS rest in peace this GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY ON 14 MAY, AND MAY THEIR DESCENDANTS BECOME MORE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUFFERINGS, SACRIFICES AND VISION.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

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

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THE STOLEN HISTORY OF GIRMIT: WHY FIJI INDIAN REMAIN IGNORANT OF THEIR PAST.

The Stolen History of Girmit: Why Indo-Fijians remain ignorant of their past

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand

The woman turns around in fear, and puts her hands in entreaty. The whip comes down upon her half naked back and legs. The child is struck also. Both are crying and screaming and the mounted brute almost puts his horse’s hoofs upon her…. (The violence and atrocities of Girmit, from Rajendra Prasad's “Tears in Paradise.) 

Rajendra Prasad's epic novel that tries to awaken Indo-Fijians towards their stolen history: "TEARS IN PARADISE- Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004" This seven years of research details the sufferings of Indians in slavery of Girmit. Please read this book to be enlightened of your past.

In his historic epic, “Tears in Paradise”, Rajendra Prasad adds:

Pain from the wounds of Girmit resided in the hearts and minds of its victims and their families, but it failed to find expression publicly or in history books. …the Indo Fijians, who were a significant part of Fiji and had made an enormous contribution towards its economic, social, cultural and political development, had escaped the history books.

What that effectively means is that there is a vacuum as far as contribution on Indo-Fijians to Fiji’s or Pacific’s History is concerned.

Those of you who came through Fiji’s education system would recall that in primary and secondary school history, you learnt about early history of indigenous Fijians, about provincial tribal wars and their legends. You would have also learnt about the prowess and courage of various European explorers and seamen like Captain James Cook, Abel Tasman, Captain William Bligh, and Vasco da Gama, who ventured out to seek new lands, among others. You must have also read, the history of British royal family, contributions of British in developing and civilizing the earth, the virtues of Commonwealth, the penal history of Australia, and so on about the glory of White men’s contributions to carving out the destiny of the world.

History books of Fiji completely missed the HISTORY OF GIRMIT. Successive generations coming out of Fiji's education system remain ignorant of their History.

However, as far as Fiji’s development history is concerned, apart from a few sentences about indentured labourers from India brought to work on cane farms, there is no account of what went on in the whipping, punching, kicking, suicide and raping cane fields of early Fiji. They were completely missed by history books.

When we are gone, hope our children will remember the sacrifices our generation made for their brighter future. Should they forget this, it would be a fitting revenge and payback for the Girmitiyas who we have forgotten. What goes around comes around! May their soul rest in peace.

Girmitiyas (Indentured Labourers) who Indo-Fijians have forgotten. Are we such a selfish and conceited race of people?

To awaken the dead conscience of Indo-Fijians towards their Girmitiyas, I end with the following powerful quote from the pages of Rajendra Prasad’s “Tears in Paradise”

Even in the stillness of cane stalks, one can almost feel the powerful presence of the spirits of sorrow and grief exuding from these sugarcane fields. They are the spirits of our ancestors.

The desperate cries of the Girmitiyas echoed from 1879 -1919 in the fields, but it was not until later that the outside world came to their rescue. When their white masters turned away their faces and the victims seethed in agony, the Girmitiyas found comfort in relating their anguish to the trees and plants around them. A folk song called bidesia, a lamentation, composed under these traumatic circumstances by one of the Girmitiyas, reflects the depth of their suffering:

  "Churi, kudaari ke sung, ab bitay din aur ratian,
 Ganne ki hari hari patiya, Jaane hamari dil ki           batiyaan

In these couplets, the lyricist tells of the widespread suffering of the Girmitiyas’ work in the sugarcane fields, saying that knife and hoe are their companions day and night. Atrocities against them are so blatant that even the green leaves of sugarcane bear witness to the flames of anguish that consumes their heart.

May we be thankful to the sacrifices of our forebears. Let us remember them on 14 May, in some small way, as we mark Independence Day or Thanksgiving Day, Australia Day, ANZAC or Waitangi Day. Let us remember them by dedicating 14 May as GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY.

 

This is Girmitiya Bansi, Aaja (grandfather) of Author of this article, Thakur Ranjit Singh. This article is dedicated to his memory. How many Indo-Fijians know their grandfather and feel proud of their sacrifices and vision, and remember them? Many do not, because we have become a very selfish and undeserving community who have forgotten that our forbears gave us our current lifestyle.

LET US DEDICATE 14 MAY TO THEIR MEMORY AND MARK GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY

I dedicate this article to the memories of my Aaja Bansi, through whose sacrifices and vision, I got educated to the level that I could tell their untold stories to a thankless race of people through my Blog site, FIJI PUNDIT. May their soul rest in peace. And may we become a more caring people towards the memories of our departed forbears.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and media commentator who is passionate about his Girmit History, and wishes to raise awareness in his people. He runs his blog site FIJI PUNDIT. E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]