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]

Australian evil for Fiji - continues long after Girmit

Australian evil for Fiji - continues long after Girmit

Guest Writer: Rajendra Prasad, Author: Tears in Paradise

Prologue by Thakur Ranjit Singh:

During the dark Girmit (Indenture) days in Fiji between 1879 and 1916, there existed an AXIS OF EVIL to hide the inhumane, criminal and villainous acts by trio, comprising Colonial Sugar Refining Company, British Government and AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT. They say, leopards do not change their spots. The evil that Australia was for Fiji, especially Indo Fijians, in nineteenth century still continues today, as is exposed by our GUEST WRITER, 

Rajendra Prasad.....

Rajendra Prasad, author of this article and author of TEARS IN PARADISE-Struggle and Sacrifices of Indians in Fiji-1879-2004

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Rajendra Prasad:

Professor Stephen Howes, Director of Development Policy Centre at the Australian National University has made a shocking revelation that the Australian Government had been vetoing loans to Fiji worth hundreds of millions of dollars from the World Bank and ADB. He made this revelation in The Australian Newspaper on May 29 and also noted that Australia, in bizarre twist, had doubled its annual aid to Fiji, since December 2006, now valued at over $F100 million.

It is interesting to note that on one hand Australia vetoes World Bank and ADB loans and on the other hand it doubles its aid to Fiji following the December 6, 2006 military coup. This Australian approach is a duplicitous act that shows Australia, as a nation that unashamedly engages in practices that would readily qualify it to join the rogue nations of the world where morals and ethics are dismissed callously, embracing the much-maligned adage that means justify the end. Yet, it never ceases to preach belligerently to island nations on democracy, good governance, accountability and transparency.

Rightly, most island nations think of Australia as the big Pacific bully with New Zealand as its lapdog. Both connive and conspire to promote their agendas and the aid funds that they provide to island nation works as carrot and the stick is applied selectively. In achieving its objectives, the Australian Government has shown that it can even engage in terrorism, as venal as those carried out by Taliban.

In 2007, it organized an operation to kidnap Dr Julian Moti QC, the Attorney-General of the Solomon Islands, on trumped up charges of sexual violation, involving a minor in Vanuatu. Interestingly, he was already acquitted of the charges laid against him in Vanuatu court in 1999. However, it did not matter, the quarry was hounded and hunted for years and had to be delivered to the slaughter. In this sad saga, even Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, an ardent supporter of Dr Julian Moti, became its unfortunate victim, as he lost in a vote of no confidence motion passed against him. Australian complicity in this affair is a logical conclusion.

JULIAN MOTI -former Attorney General of Solomon Islands, who had become a thorn for Australia and RAMSI, and had to be removed. He was wrongly framed, charged and kidnapped out of Solomon Islands. He has since been cleared of any wrongdoing, but as usual, Australia has proved that its evil for Indo-Fijians is as fresh today as it was for Indentured Indians.

His successor, Derek Sikua, facilitated sacking of Dr Julian Moti QC as Attorney-General and court processes to swiftly deliver him in the arms of Australia. In the court proceedings that followed, it was revealed that the Australian Federal Police had provided substantial financial incentive to the complainant and her family to elicit conviction of Dr Julian Moti QC. After prolonged court battles, Australia’s highest court, dismissed the case.

Why was Dr Julian Moti targeted? He was seen as an impediment to Australian interests in the Solomon Islands. Though he was an Australian citizen, he was not given the honour and dignity to which every Australian is entitled. Besides, Dr Julian Moti was no ordinary citizen, as he was a Queen’s Counsel, an internationally acclaimed law professor and Attorney-General of the Solomon Islands. However, it did not matter. His Indian ethnicity may have worked to his disadvantage, as he was placed in handcuffs and flown and delivered to Australia as a fugitive. What more, a crime of this magnitude escaped the Australian media and was of no interest to New Zealand.

There is no doubt that Australia holds considerable influence in the affairs of the World Bank and ADB because of its economic might and influence in the region. So to bring down Fiji to its knees and noting that its smart sanctions were not working; it used its power and influence to initiate economic sabotage against Fiji. The World Bank and ADB relented but in a dubious attempt to pacify Fiji and regain its lost ground (to China) it doubled its aid package. This purported gesture made no difference to Fiji, as Fiji, the hub of the Pacific, is now China’s protégé in the Pacific. And to confirm it, China demonstrated it in no small measure, as Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama became the first leader in the Pacific to have the honour of audience with the newly appointed President Xi Jinping. Australia and New Zealand are not even listed in the queue!

Frank Bainimarama has always been shown in bad light by Australia , New Zealand and their blinkered media which fail to appreciate the fundamental problems Fiji has. The sham of democracy that have been displayed to the world by successive racist and nationalist Fijian Governments  failed to grant social justice to almost half of Fiji's population. Australia and New Zealand had turned a blind eye to this blind-spot of democracy in Fiji

Both Australia and New Zealand habitually malign Commodore Bainimarama and his Government and if they care to analyse and compare it with the previous democratically elected Governments since independence, they will find that only validation they had was the elective process but the core value of each was to discriminate against its Indo-Fijian citizens. They were discriminated, alienated and marginalized. For example, the Rabuka Government introduced positive discrimination against them and its successor, the Qarase Government pursued it as affirmative action. In essence, the intent was same only label was changed to hide the lethal intend and content.

Following Qarase Government’s accession, there was a massive eviction of Indo-Fijians from land that they leased from indigenous landowners. It was a Government-initiated plan to persecute Indo-Fijians for their support to their own ethnic party (1999 elections) that displaced them. Hundreds of families were routed from their farms and homes, as village after village emptied.  Eviction of Indo-Fijian farmers was nothing but oppression of a race for exercising its democratic rights. It did not matter to the Government for the damage it caused to the sugar industry or to the Fijian economy, as it derived pleasure in destroying the lives of innocent citizens.   

Laisenia Qarase-an ethno-nationalist and racist wolf in democratic sheeps clothing. Australia and New Zealand tolerated his abuse of democratic principles and lack of fairness and social justice. They kept quite on him disinheriting Fiji's Indo Fijians and introducing racists policies that displaced many Indo Fijian cane farmers. . When he failed to heed the warnings of Bainimarama, only then he was displaced. Many feel Bainimarama's military rule is miles better than his wanting democratic rule.

Both Australia and New Zealand knew about the Government’s criminal intent and also saw thousands of Indo-Fijians made destitute. It did nothing to assuage their pain and suffering, presumably for reasons that the actions were perpetrated by a Government that was democratically elected! They kept quiet as if it was justified. Or is it because the victims were ethnic Indians who do not attract same consideration or sympathy as those that are born with a fairer skin? Theoretically, both advocate adherence to democratic precepts but apply it selectively.  For example, they do not give their great message of democracy to China that is an authoritarian regime and ritually engages in violation of human rights.

 Today, Australia harbours those who were behind the 2000 coup and had categorically condemned the 1997 Constitution and asked for its abrogation because it failed to protect the political hegemony of the indigenous oligarchy. But when they got back into power in a subsequent election through corruption and rigged voting, they embraced the same Constitution and lauded it as just and fair! From this, a logical question follows - is Australian intelligence so naïve that it cannot distinguish between those who are true advocates of democracy and those who are opportunists? No, Australia is not naïve. Australian politics is not grounded on principles but on sheer opportunism.

It is to Fiji’s credit that it has a strong Government that has stood toe-to-toe with the regional bullies. Australia assumed that by denying Fiji loans through the World Bank and ADB, Fiji would become economically insolvent, forcing it to look to Australia for rescue. In such event, it felt that it would be able to reassert its power and position in the Pacific, which is now lost forever.  Now the Chinese dragon is going to protect, promote and defend the Fijian shores by proxy and Australia and New Zealand better maintain their distance lest the dragon spits fire from its citadel in the Pacific.

Even the Russian bear has opened its door to Fiji, as Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama was scheduled to meet President Putin after meeting the Chinese President Xi Jinping. When all's said and done the kangaroo and the kiwi are no match to the dragon and the bear. Indeed, the Pacific had become the battle ground of a cold war that has been decisively won by China. The Australian Government policy towards Fiji, dictated by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, will come to haunt Australia. Any country that allows trade unions to dictate its agenda is doomed and in the forthcoming Australian elections in September, change of Government is a foregone conclusion.

(*Rajendra Prasad is the author of Tears in Paradise – suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004).

Auckland Girmit Day honours elders, while rekindling international awareness

Auckland Girmit Day honours elders, while rekindling international awareness

Thakur Ranjit Singh

As the medals were eased into the ageing and wrinkled necks of Girmit – descendant octogenarians (those 80 years and over), the silence of the moment spoke deafeningly. This moment was etched in their memory, and brought smiles to their crinkled and parched lips as they eased out of chairs with shaking hands and crackling joints and legs that were protesting. Some had walking sticks for support, other had relatives. But the electricity of the moment was such that they eased out of chairs, with a bit of help from relatives and committee members, and inched their way to the main stage where executives of Fiji Girmit Foundation did the honours of putting the medals in their necks. They all eagerly waited for their names to be called.

Girmit Commemoration Plaque to mark GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY at Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand on 18 May, 2013

These were the first generation descendants of Girmitiyas, as their parents had served Girmit. Very soon we may not have anybody from this lot left, as we move to second generation. They were being rewarded for sacrifices of their parents who never received any honour for their sufferings and vision. While these people did not directly contribute anything to Girmit, they are living proof of the first descendants who heard stories of hardship and sufferings from their parents.

As names were called out, you could sense a feeling of satisfaction on their smiling faces. Half the recipients were from the first batch of octogenarians of first Girmit Day held in 2012 by Waitakere Indian Association. Recipients, among, others who were on hand to receive them were former Carpenters employee Govind Prasad, former National Farmers Union executive Kapil Deo Singh and wife,  Auckland old-timer and a friend of former Prime Minister Helen Clark, Narain Prasad his wife Rai Mati Singh, Shiu Mati Prasad and Audh Raji Vishwanath. One notable gentleman was former distinguished Ba resident, Alliance Minister and a long time Fiji politician, James Shankar Singh.

Chairperson of Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand, Pundit Devakar Prasad, interviewing Former Fiji Alliance Minister from Ratu Mara government of 1970s and 80s, JAMES SHANKAR SINGH after presenting him medal and certificate.

“Our Girmitiyas are not present now, but we are proud and thankful for their input in Fiji. It is through them who and what we are. It is nice to see that our Girmitiyas and elders are not forgotten” said an elated Singh after receiving Girmit Medal from Chairman of Girmit Foundation of New Zealand, Devakar Prasad.

Former National Farmers Union President and regular contributor to Shanti Dut Hindi newspaper in Fiji, Kapil Deo Singh was equally overjoyed at being recognised for the sacrifices of his forbears. “I feel very honoured for this recognition and thanks to Girmit Foundation for this novel gesture to remember Girmitiyas who need to be recognised by our history as well. We are thankful for their vision and priority in education and preserving our Hindi language,” Kapil said.

Rameshwar Dutt, Trustee of Waitakere Indian Association presenting Girmit medal to former Toko, Tavua, Fiji resident, KAPIL DEO SINGH.

Another octogenarian, Mrs Shiu Mati Prasad, sister of former Lautoka and Suva City Town Clerk/CEO Late Vishnu Chand, was equally overjoyed for this honour of being rewarded. She did recognise that sacrifices was by their fathers, but was honoured to be remembered. ‘I am thinking of our Girmitiyas and am thankful for their sacrifices. I am thankful for this event which I first attended last year,” said Mrs Prasad.

Abhay Ballu, Trustee of Waitakere Indian Association with Mrs Shiu Mati Prasad after presenting her Girmit medal.

That event was Girmit Remembrance Day which Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand held to commemorate the 134^th anniversary of Girmit at the Skipton Hall, Mangere at Auckland on 18 May, 2013. The afternoon was named “Ek Shaam Girmitiyon ke Naam – a name in honour of Girmitiyas. The theme for the function was: Reconnecting, Reclaiming and Restoring Indo-Fijian History.”

Wreath laid in honour of the departed Girmitiya souls.

We all sang national anthem of New Zealand, Fiji and India, maintained a minutes silence and laid wreath in memory of the departed Girmitiya forbears. Some old tales were told and students of Pooja Trust took turns to sing Bidesia, based on Girmit in Fiji, playing the harmonium themselves. It was a stunning performance that captivated the audience and raised the profile of a folk song that belonged to a bygone era. Bidesia was widely sung by the Girmitiyas, which had the power to ease pent up emotions that broke into sobs, crying and wailing until they could cry no more. 

PUNDIT RAM KUMAR SEWAK,(in blue) head of Pooja Trust  and an executive of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand, joining his group in singing Bidesiya.

Oration delivered by young people on Girmit clearly showed that the young were appropriately being brought up with full knowledge of their early history. Pundit Ram Kumar Sewak is doing a commendable work in South Auckland among the young children and the fruits of his endeavour were in display at the function. The Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand is committed to reconnecting, reclaiming and restoring Indo-Fijian history and would work closely with the Fiji Girmit Council to support its aims and objectives, ensuring that Girmit is embraced as the foundational history of the community and is respected, revered and commemorated regularly.

GIRMIT AWARD MEDAL - these were presented to the first generation of Girmitiyas over 80, for the sacrifices, suffering and vision of their forbears.

Girmit Remembrance Day provided opportunity to Indo-Fijian families 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 event remembered suffering, sacrifices and vision of our forbears through oratory, poems, music and tales of the past. This was a journey through memory lane which provided exposure to a history that is dormant and yet it is a fascinating history of suffering, struggle and sacrifice.

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. Radio stations and other media helped us 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.

Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand organising committee, from left, Vijendra Prasad,, Pundit Devakar Prasad (Chairperson), Rajendra Prasad, Thakur Ranjit Singh (Secretary)) Harnam Singh Golian, Satya Dutt and Krish Naidu (Treasurer). Sitting in front: Radha Kanhai Reddy.
[Missing, among others, are: Master Shiu Charan, Pundit Ram Kumar Sewak and Pradeep Bobby Chandra]

With two Girmit events in Auckland, one at Calvary Church and the other at Skipton Hall, with one additional one at Wellington, we Kiwis hope to initiate a turnaround and raise international awareness on Indo-Fijian history.

Girmit Remembrance Day 2013 in Auckland was an opportunity to recognise and reward the sacrifices of our forbears in proxy, but most importantly, to show them love and honour which their Girmitiya parents were denied in Girmit.

May their souls rest in peace.

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

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and a media commentator. He is a founding Trustee and Secretary of Fiji Girmit Foundation. He runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT, and resides in Auckland.]