Labasa Secondary School (LSS) - Reunion of Class of 1966

The Labasa Reunion in Auckland: When Krishn, Sudama, Rukmini and other classmates met - and all laughed and cried together.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

The originators, project initiators and drivers of Project Labasa. KRISHN LAL  (left) and  the engine room of ideas, USHA SUBRAIL  (middle). On the right, with a helping hand is NIRLA
PANDEY.

As Usha Subrail and Krishn Lal stood at the lectern of Amora Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand on 22nd February, 2014, it indeed was a historical moment and event. They were there to introduce the occasion - a milestone of assembling most of the left-over classmates of the then Labasa Secondary School’s (LSS) class of 1966. It was an event after almost half-a century. A salute to these two Project leaders/coordinators of Project Labasa.

The Class of 1966 - Form 5 Students-STANDING; L-R: Nirmala Nand, Nirla Sanat Pandey,Usha Subrail, Kushma Prasad, Sitla Bhimdeo, Sahira and Neermati Chandra.
STANDING: L-R: Jai Karan, Vasu Maharaj, Rai Mati Bihari, Laxmi Narayan Puran, Uma Kanti Kumari, Catain Ambika Prasad, Vinod Kumar, Vinod Pala, Krishn Lal, Maha Lingam, Thakur Gulabdas, Ajit Swaran Singh and Shiu Goundar.

It took only a small flame from a lady with a desire to do something “to keep her occupied in her retirement” that made a difference. That is Usha Subrail of Melbourne, a student of Form 5 at the then Labasa Secondary School’s class of 1966 (now Labasa College). That spark from Usha grew into a bonfire of friendship six months later in Auckland on the weekend of 21/22 February, 2014. She has shared her thoughts with another classmate in Melbourne, Krishn Lal, and together they laid the foundation and built it into a reunion forty eight years on. It took hard work and six months of intense planning.

The kind and generous host and hostess of informal evening on Friday night: MASTER RAM BIHARI, and Teacher RAI MATI.

The group met at Master Ram Bihari and Rai Mati’s residence in Te Atatu South, Auckland on Friday 21 February, 2014 for informal chit-chat and nostalgic music that took them back in time. A classmate, Nirmal Singh (Nivis Motors), who was present of Friday, could not make it to the Saturday programme. A more formal program was organised on Saturday 22 February at Auckland CBD, where yours truly (Thakur) was present to take photos and do a media coverage of the event.

It was a very cordial atmosphere, with warmth supplemented by one of Auckland’s warmest nights with temperatures hovering around 27 degrees. Usha and Krishn gave words of introduction and briefed on the culmination of the big event, and their trials and tribulations in coming this far. Judge Ajit Swaran Singh moved words of welcome to the memorable function, and reminded all that while from a small town in Vanua Levu, the friendly north people have big hearts. And that was evident in this event. This was followed by Kushma Prasad with her joyful song. The quiz mistress Usha (Aaap kitna jantey hai, Na Kila Kila mada) kicked off with questions about LSS, such as when... was the lunch hour (12.20 -1pm), which was assembly day (Monday) who were English teachers  (Usman Ali and Mrs McKay) and who was the famous tennis player (Sarwan Singh)

PUNDIT VASU MAHARAJ with good wife, KUSUM MAHARAJ. He paid tribute to departed friends and the shradhaanjali brought tears to many eyes.

Pundit Vasu Maharaj of Brisbane brought tears when he took us on a sentimental journey and paid tribute to classmates who have passed away, and they included some 14 pupils, many of them unfortunately passed away at relatively young age of around 50s.  Sitla Bhimdeo, very appropriately, rendered a sentimental old number about meeting and departing...”Aadmi musafir hai, aata hai jaata hai.....”  (Human being are mere travellers, who come and go, but in doing so, they leave us with memories) This memorable sentimental number literally brought tears to many eyes, with the thoughts of and tributes to departed friends. My Guruji from DAV College, Ba, Pundit Sanat Pande and wife Nirla Pande, who is part of the class of 1966, showed their combined singing partnership. They sang a melodious Mehndi Hasan ghazal in duet form... Zindgi ki rahon mein, takra gaya koi. (We bumped into somebody on the journey of our life). That happened with so many of them. 

Beautiful couple with many specialties and abilities. One on display during the night was their singing ability when they rendered a Mehndi Hasan ghazal which they sang as duet. PUNDIT SANAT PANDEY AND NIRLA PANDEY.

Nirmala Nand from Palmerston North, New Zealand could not leave things half-done, so she completed it by singing a song that leaves everything half completed...” aadha hai chandrama, raat aadhi, reh naa jaye teri meri baat aadhi, mulaqaat aadhi.. (The moon is half, so is the night (midnight); we hope our talks and union does not stay half-completed.) 

With half-eaten appetizer is the lady who sang that song depicting all things half...adha hai chandrama, raat aadhi, NIRMALA NAND (right) with her husband Sada Nand. So intense was the desire to meet old mates that they drove some six hours from Palmerston North  (near Wellington) to attend the function

Well the union of Labasians did not remain half. Jai and Uma Karan from Sydney, took it forward and gave a not so old duet from Laawaris...kab ke bichre huye hum... bichre Fiji se aa ke Auckland me mile.. (Long separated people have at last met after so long separated from Fiji but met in Auckland). Lyrics were slightly modified to reflect the reality and sentiments of the occasion. This song very aptly summed up emotions and feelings of classmates and friends who have been separated for some five decades.

Some untold stories and secrets also came out. Three students from Labasa Secondary School of those days took part in an unauthorised bicycle race in Miss Labasa Festival and they happened to have won. Brian Simmons, the famous soccer player was first, while a classmate present in the function, Captain Ambika Prasad came second, followed by Girja Prasad in the third position.

Poet NIRLA PANDEY , who penned the poetry titled Kal, Aaj aur Kal. The poet who took her classmates back in time with a memorable iece, depicting the history and different phases of student life at LSS in 1966

Nirla Pande displayed her aptitude of being a poet (apart from being a beautiful ‘young” grandmother) with her beautiful delivery of a poetry very aptly titled “Kal, aaj aur kal” (Yesterday, today and tomorrow). The lyrical poem covered various facets of school life, events, happenings, nostalgic experiences, some sadness, some fun stories, the secrets, the nickname of teachers, all the mischievous habits of various students, some forgotten history and secrets. This was an emotional, tear-jerking as well as fun-filled powerhouse of an item very ably and beautifully presented. She very appropriately ended her deliver with a message...Kabhi alvida na kehna...(Never say goodbye), because plans are already in place for a reunion of that reunion in Fiji in 2016. 

 

Saheli, bhool na jana (Dear friend, please do not forget me) The unity and friendship that was evident in the function. The binding hands of two friends further extend the monogram of LSS. Close friends, SITLA BHIMDEO (left) and UMA KANTI KARAN

As we came close to the tail end, the floor was open for a trip down the memory lane where the classmates respectively told the untold stories, sang the unsung songs of those days, funny tales, all the nicknames and some secrets. There were tears, there was laughter, and there was pin drop silence on occasions, but all of these have been bundled in a parcel of yaadein - memories that would be unwrapped by these long lost friends in their moments of loneliness when they part.

A proud moment was when four soccer veterans present in the function were acknowledged for their feat over four decades ago. They were instrumental in bringing the 1968 IDC Secondary School trophy to little Labasa from Namosau Park (now Govind Park), Ba. These players are Captain Ambika Prasad (Fiji), Pundit Vasu Maharaj (Brisbane), Jai Karan (Sydney) and Vinod Kumar (Wellington)

The soccer veterans now, but heroes of 1968 LSS IDC team members who brought the IDC Secondary School trophy from Govind Park , Ba to Labasa.  Enjoying each others company with a few bilos, from left, PUNDIT VASU MAHARAJ, CAPTAIN AMBIKA PRASAD ( former Air Pacific 747 pilot and Captain), Vinod Kumar and Jai Karan

One of the Project managers, Krishn Lal told FIJI PUNDIT that the trouble was worth the effort, as there were many rewards. “On a personal level it was emotional and nostalgic. But what was even more pleasing to note was the level of attachment to each other- throughout the two days it felt that we had not left each other in the last 48 years; even more surprising was how well the spouses of classmates became part of the class of 1966 - I personally felt that I had known them all their lives! I was left with this feeling of being a part of a unique group of people who had kept in touch despite time and living in different places: age and distance could not stop them from reconnecting because deep down they cared for each other (as they had done in 1966) and they looked forward to the Reunion to renew their close association’ said an emotional Krishn.

The general friendly and cordial atmosphere evident on a very warm evening in Auckland.
 Comradeship was evident during the evening programme.

These classmates who attended the reunion are spread in different parts of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. They were from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Wellington, Palmerston North, Fiji, and of course the host city, Auckland. We are informed that these classmates carried on their union at Amora Hotel till 4am in the morning where all recalled their past life at school and indulged in small talks of those gone-by days.

Enjoying the company of friends; (from left) NEERMATI  and PUNDIT SURESH CHANDRA, and SHIU and VIJAY GOUNDAR.

The farewell that morning was in the theme of what Nirla Pande has reminisced in her Aaj, kal aur kal poem, never say goodbye...kabhi alvida na kehna ...as they parted with the hope of meeting again. And that meeting is planned tentatively for Vanua Levu, maybe Labasa or Savu Savu in 2016 where they hope to attract the larger number of class of 1966. God bless the friendship of Classmates so well reunited in Auckland, New Zealand.

Perhaps in their celebrative mood, nobody thought of this song which may have fittingly erupted from the departing tears of long lost friends...Koi lauta de mere beete huye din.....(Please somebody, return my gone-by days...)..So long---till these Labasians meet again in two years time.

All those from CLASS OF 66, who were present, with their spouses: SITTING: L - R : VIJAY GOUNDAR, NIRLA PANDEY, RAI MATI BIHARI, USHA SUBRAIL, SITLA BHIMDEO, SUBHAG SINGH and NEERMATI CHANDRA

STANDING: L - R : SHIU GOUNDAR, PUNDIT SANAT PANDEY, MASTER RAM BIHARI, JAI KARAN, PUNDIT VASU MAHARAJ, SADA NAND, VINOD KUMAR, KUSUM MAHARAJ, NIRMALA NAND, KRISHN LAL, SAHIRA, KUSHMA PRASAD, MAHA LINGAM, VINOD PALA, UMA KANTI KARAN, LAXMI NARAYAN PURAN, SARLA PURAN, AJIT SWARAN SINGH, MRS. GULABDASS, THAKUR GULABDASS [Missing: Suresh Chandra]

E-Mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and media commentator and a student of Sanat Pandey, who is husband of a Classmate of 1966, Nirla Pandey. Thakur, apart from local and overseas writings, runs his blog site FIJI PUNDIT, accessible at www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz.]

Fiji's New Constitution: A New Era for the country

New Constitution: A New Era for Fiji

By Guest Writer, Author Rajendra Prasad

Foreword by: Thakur Ranjit Singh

Western Democracy failed Fiji: We need home-grown solution

Western Democracy, as advocated by NZ and Australian governments has failed Fiji more than once. This form of democracy for Fijians has degenerated into a dirty term. Successive Fijian Governments abused democracy under guise of going through free democratic elections, bereft of equality and social justice. In this blindness Australia and New Zealand promoted racism, corruption and rape of democracy through their aid and support for supposedly democratic governments for over three decades. Under the watchful eyes of these Developed neighbours, who are still blind to this, successive Fijian governments played hide and seek with democracy. Unfortunately, they continue to punish Fiji now. Rightfully, Bainimarama has told these two neighbours to go where they belong, into oblivion, while Fiji moves ahead. Fiji has unique fundamental problems unappreciated by its Developed neighbours, and even some Fijians who are too much into Western Democracy - a failing element in Fiji. Therefore it needs its own type of unique home-grown system to move ahead. The new Constitution, despite its apparent shortfalls, does this. Fiji had moved ahead without the need to seek blessings of NZ and Australia.This commentary of the new Constitution has to be appreciated by these neighbouring governments. They can continue to ignore, fail to understand and remain unappreciative of Fiji’s predicament at their peril.

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New Fiji Constitution: Revolutionary in content and intent

Guest Writer: Author Rajendra Prasad, Auckland.

Fiji’s persistent foray in breaking and making Constitutions has produced the fourth Constitution, which is founded on “one person, one vote, one value.” In launching the Constitution, on August 22, 2013, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said that they had to destroy the notion that those born to privilege (meaning Chiefs) had special status over the rest simply by their right of birth. The previous three Constitutions had provided for special place and privileges for the Chiefs. Morphing the chiefly system into the democratic structure was like mixing oil and water. The two were incompatible. The chiefs became powerful allies of successive Governments and when they lost power, as in 1987 and 1999, they landed their support for coups against democratically elected Governments to restore their comrades back into power. This, in essence, became the wicked face of democracy in Fiji. 

Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama has rescued Fiji from an adulterated form of democracy that promoted racism and divisiveness. It is that defamed democracy which attempted to disinherit almost half its population, failed to deliver equality and social justice to all its citizens. All this while, Australia and New Zealand clapped on, as long as Fiji had some form of Western Democracy, which has failed us. Fiji needs a home-grown solution and the new Constitution grants that. Though not perfect, it is miles better than democracy that has been manipulated by successive Fijian leaders for personal interests. 

The 1970, 1990 and 1999 Constitutions retained ethnic voting, entrenching institutional racism to flourish. The new Fijian Constitution is revolutionary both in intent and content and is expected to take Fiji on a new path that will enhance racial integration. It alone has initiated a pride in Fijian citizenship that was not felt by everyone in the past. Unfortunately, such a noble move did not come from any of the democratically Governments.

36 years of narrow, insensitive and corrupt Fijian Governments

The nature of governance, in the past, created wealth and security for a few who enriched themselves while the ordinary citizens were left to fight for the crumbs. The political masters spoke the oracles of the saints, preaching tolerance, harmony and unity but in practice advocated intolerance, disharmony and disunity. Deceitfulness defined Fijian politicians, as they secured their fortunes at the expense of the poor majority who writhed in poverty. For thirty-six years since independence (1970-2006), Fiji had the misfortune of being governed by narrow, insensitive and corrupt Governments. Their policies and practices impinge on the freedom, rights, equality and dignity of its citizens.

Today, a nation that was savaged by its democratically elected leaders is being rescued by the Bainimarama Government. In six years of its rule it has achieved significant milestones, which has, for the first time, revealed to the people of Fiji what good governance entails. Accepted that it is not perfect but it is certainly better than the democratically elected Governments of the past. It is not the form but content that matters.

Australia and NZ: Guilty of undermining good governance in Fiji

A lot has been made about the elective process but not the process of governance that habitually violated the basic tenets of democracy. Yet, near neighbours, Australia and New Zealand turned a blind eye and poured aid funds, promoting corruption, racism and desecration of democracy in Fiji. For their indiscretion, they have lost not only Fiji but their influence in the Pacific too and their days on the Pacific Islands Forum may be numbered.

The new Constitution is cited as a revolution, a radical departure from the norm of ethnic voting that underpinned successive Constitutions. The sectarian walls that divided the children of Fiji have been demolished. ‘One person, one vote, one value’ has become the national mantra and the heart of the nation pulsates with amity, goodwill and unity. Race, religion and culture would no longer feature prominently in the national consciousness on Election Day. The political and provincial boundaries have been removed and Fiji is now one constituency for the purposes of election. Fifty politicians elected to the new Parliament will truly be national leaders who will not be hindered by narrow walls that divided them in the past. Indeed, for the first time, the new Constitution will provide a strong foundation for a true democracy to root in Fiji.

In the contemporary world, democracy is a much-maligned word. No two democracies in the world are same. Fiji’s road to establishing a true democracy cannot be attained overnight. It is an evolutionary process and given a chance it will evolve, endure and establish a brand that is unique to Fiji. The parameters for its evolution are established. Hopefully, it will enable a new breed of national leaders to emerge who unite the peoples of Fiji.

Marriage of Convenience borne by self-interest alone

Members of the United Front for a Democratic Fiji (from  right), former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry ,former prime minister Laisenia Qarase,  Dr Tupeni Baba and  Attar Singh -Politicians who failed democracy, failed to protect it, and abused its principles under guise of being in elected governments [Photo courtesy of Fiji Sun]

The politicians of the bygone era have formed a United Front to oppose the Constitution. They did not unite when unity would have been in the best interest of the nation. It is a marriage of convenience where divorce is a natural consequence, as each is driven by self-interest. They boycotted the Constitutional briefing. Deception, disruption and destruction were the weapons of choice for a few and they need to be disabled for the good of the nation. Justly, trading in misinformation, distortion and lies by political parties or politicians should constitute a criminal, if not treasonous, offence with punishment that befits the crime. For too long, the nation has suffered in silence and the villains of Fiji politics must pay for their crimes.

AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE: Former prime ministers , from left , Laisenia Qarase, Mahendra Chaudhry (inset) . Edward Beddoes, leader of the "Others" Party has joined hands to form a marriage of convenience to jointly oppose Bainimarama. Provision of 1997  Constitution allowed for multi-party governments to promote racial harmony. These leaders failed to unite then, to rescue Fiji from racism and ethno - Nationalism. All of them practised this to hang on to political power. Now they are shedding crocodile tears and came in an unholy alliance, a marriage of convenience to oppose Bainimarama.

In the past, the diversity of Fiji was used by successive Governments, political parties and politicians to divide the people to secure their own interests above the interests of the nation. Today, Fiji stands at the crossroads. A new era beckons its people to unite and join hands in shaping a new nation that fosters tolerance, goodwill, harmony and unity among its citizens. To achieve this, Fiji needs leaders of courage, vision and compassion to guide its destiny.

An unholy alliance, to be wary of : three leaders who failed to unite when they were needed to do so, and failed Fiji's democracy: Beddoes, Qarase and Chaudhry.

The onus will be upon the people to choose and support leaders who have the welfare of the people and nation in their hearts. In this regard, they have the wisdom of the past to distinguish between the failed politicians and those who hold promise to carve out a new Fiji where the badge of its citizenship gives honour, dignity and pride to all its citizens.  God Bless Fiji!

 (Rajendra Prasad is the former Town Clerk, Ba (1972-1987) and is the author the of book, “Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004)

Farouk Janeman: Salute to a Fallen Legend

Farouk Janeman: Salute to a Fallen Legend

By Guest Writer: Rajendra Prasad, Auckland, New Zealand

Farouk Janeman passed away on Friday 27, 2013 but the legend will endure. Some people live beyond their lives, as the fragrance of their legacy cannot be removed from the collective memory of a place, people or the nation. The small town of Ba in the West of the main island of Viti Levu became the football capital of Fiji and continues to. 

BA TOH BA HAI (Ba is unique Ba): Soccer -crazy Ba Town, where the icon and mascot of the town - a replica of Soccer Ball sits in the centre of  this Soccer Town. JANEMAN handsomely contributed to making Ba the SOCCER GIANTS OF FIJI 

“Jaane”, as he was affectionately called by his close associates, was the wizard of the game of football in Fiji. He was simply incomparable. He was feared by his adversaries and most teams posted additional players to ensure that Janeman was restrained. Despite such plans, there was no answer to the Janeman magic. If he could not score, he simply created gaps for others to hit the net.

The Legend and Wizard of Ba Soccer, FAROUK JANEMAN, who has been a pride, hero and very much-loved son of Ba in general, and Ba Soccer in particular. Ba and we all salute our loved Son

One of the most outstanding traits of Janeman was his unselfishness. Consequently, he inspired team work and team spirit, which became the strength of successive Ba teams that adorned the deadly and treasured ‘Black and Black’ uniform. Among the giants like Waisea Naicovu, Jone Nakosia, Esala Masi, Ramendra Narayan, Ratubaka, Ramulo Delai, Josetaki Kurivutu and Mitieli (only surviving member from this group) he was a scrawny figure in the field, lost among those that had indomitable height and size. If these were the traits for selection, Janeman may never have made it into the Ba team. However, he proved one point – it is not the size of the dog that matters but the size of the fight in the dog! His courage, tenacity and naturalness in the field were a joy to watch.

 

JANEMAN: Doing what he most loved doing-coaching soccer to ladies here.

Janeman played his first game as a striker for Ba at Cakobau Park in Nausori in 1970 when Ba won in the final against Suva. It was a sensational beginning for the debutant, following which the fame of Janeman grew exponentially. In Ba’s successive six year claim of the coveted Inter -District Football Tournament trophy from 1975-1980, Janeman awakened a new vigour and spirit in the people of Ba. They became so strongly anointed with football and the spirit of victory that Ba has become synonymous with football in Fiji. Nothing upsets them, including the coups in Fiji, as much as the loss of their team in any match or tournament. The names of the players are revered in every household and when you strike a conversation in Ba with this football crazy district, it is hard to change the subject. Janeman’s name may be repeated several times, if the conversation is not terminated early and history of his feats is allowed to be probed!

The legend, in action in younger days, in Ba team colours.

I distinctly remember the era of Ba’s supreme reign as the kings of football in Fiji from 1975-1980. I was Town Clerk, Ba and after every victory, it became a ritual for me to organize the closure of shops in Town and procession of supporters with the Ba team from the town centre to Govind Park on the following day. It was one of the most pleasant and rewarding duties that still brings nostalgic memories. People of all professions, races and ages joined in ecstasy, as streets lined with school children and residents cheered their heroes for bringing glory to their district. Undoubtedly, Janeman always drew the greatest attention and applause 

What made him so distinguished, as opposed to others? Janeman was not sheer talent but a player who read the game and strategized moves that engaged and strengthened team work. It was sheer delight not only to see his skills but also to see the agility of his mind and the niftiness of his feet. He headed, kicked, tapped or decoyed the ball with such skill that left the goal keepers baffled and the spectators on the edges of their seats. Undoubtedly, he was talented but he did not rest on his talents alone. He refined his skills and maintained an edge over others.

I distinctly remember one incident, which I would like to share. In the early 1980s Ba and Nadi were arch rivals. It was the era of Rusiate Waqan who was Nadi’s prized striker and Savenaca who was its most experienced and reliable goalkeeper.  Tussle between Savenaca and Janeman was consistent. It had elements of both seriousness and comedy.  Savenaca had a towering presence and Janeman looked like a toy in front of him. Savenaca had the ball in his hands and rules required that the goalkeeper had to keep bouncing the ball. Janeman stuck to Savenaca, the first bounce was okay but as the attempted second bounce hit the ground, Janeman kicked the ball inside the net. I had never ever seen such a feat since. It was agility and niftiness that has not been equalled. His wizardry was mind-blowing. No doubt he was referred to as the ‘fox’ by the media, as he constantly outfoxed his adversaries.

There was another side to Janeman that endeared others to him. He was a great story teller and indeed, he was always a prized member around the ubiquitous tanoa where thigh-slapping jokes and stories sent people into hysterics. He was kind, compassionate and generous and his heart bled for the poor. He worked at Morris Hedstrom, Ba and, his colleagues claimed that on pay days, some of his poor friends would turn up and he would generously share with what little he earned. His life was an open book and he shared his life generously with those whose misfortune of poverty denied them a table or company with those rich and famous.

Janeman had friends that transgressed race, culture or class. He was visibly uncomfortable with the rich and famous but most at ease with those with whom he could sit on the floor and share their joys and sorrows. This was a measure of a man who lived life to the full. Ba’s famous son leaves a legacy that will be indelibly etched in the history of football in Fiji. Farewell, Jaane! Those victories of Ba team, during the days of its unsurpassed glory (1975-1980), are treasured memories that remain part of our lives. Thank you for sharing your talents, bringing glory to Ba and enriching our lives. I know that there are thousands in Fiji and across the world who share these sentiments. We pray to Almighty God for His mercy and grace. May your soul rest in peace!

Former soccer rep friends remember the legend at the funeral. From left: Former Ba goalkeeper Ananaiasa "Hurricane" Naivivi, former Suva goalie John Grey, former Lautoka reps John Monday and Paula Tora at Yalalevu Muslim Cemetery on Saturday 28 September, 2013. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA [From Fiji Sun]

(Rajendra Prasad is the former Town Clerk, Ba (1972-1987) and is the author of book, “Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004)

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.]