AUCKLAND PAYS HOMAGE TO GIRMITIYAS WITH PROFESSOR BRIJ LAL

Auckland pays homage to Girmitiyas with Professor Brij Lal

Thakur Ranjit Singh

President of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ, PUNDIT DEVAKAR PRASAD (left) with the keynote speaker and Chief Guest of Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day in Auckland in 2014, PROFESSOR BRIJ V. LAL.

It was a fine memorable afternoon on Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day on 18 May, 2014. No sooner had the audience in a completely full and decorated Skipton Hall in Auckland settled down for the programme to begin, than the silence was shattered by Punjabi dhol. This rhythmic beat made them stand up with reverence and respect. 

The dhol heralded the entry of children and ladies carrying wreaths. National Anthem of Fiji, India and New Zealand respectively echoed and reverberated in a pin drop silent hall. It was an emotional tsunami, engulfing all who had gathered to pay homage and tribute to their Indentured Girmitiya forebears, and celebrate the fruits of their sacrifices and vision.

The beat of Punjabi Dhol heralds the entry of ladies carrying wreaths in memory of Girmitiyas.

The Chief Guest for the afternoon, Professor Brij Lal lit the candles, followed by other elders who later placed the wreaths in memory of the departed Girmitiyas. The Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon, a well-known Jaycee from Fiji, Nek Mohammed called on the president of the organizers, Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand, Pundit Devakar Prasad. In his welcome speech, Prasad laid the future vision of Girmit Foundation, which would not only become an umbrella body encompassing all Fiji Indians in Auckland, but also has vision of promoting our history, heritage, music, culture, education, and preserving our history for coming generations.

Elders with wreaths to lay in memory of departed souls of Girmit: From left: PUNDIT HARDEO RAM SEWAK SENIOR, PUNDIT SHARDA NAND MAHARAJ, GOVIND PRASAD, NARAIN PRASAD and an elder lady. On the stage, on the lectern is MC for the afternoon, NEK MOHAMMED.

Pundit Devakar took the opportunity to respectively introduce the visionary leadership of Foundation. Thakur Ranjit Singh (Secretary) Krishal Naidu (Treasurer) Executives: Harnam Singh Golian, Master Shiu Charan, Rajendra Prasad (author), Pundit Ram Kumar Sewak, Radha Kanhai Reddy, Pradeep Chand, Satya Dutt and Vijendra Prasad, and latest people to come on board, Nek Mohammed, Rita Singh and Suresh Prasad Kanhai.

Some of the Executives  of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ with the Chief Guest: From left, MASTER SHIU CHARAN, PUNDIT DEVAKAR PRASAD, DR. PADMA LAL, PROFESSOR BRIJ LAL, RAJENDRA PRASAD, KRISH NAIDU, THAKUR RANJIT SINGH AND PUNDIT RAM KUMAR SEWAK.

The musical portion of the afternoon began with beautiful Girmit songs and the afternoon brought back memories of Girmit with melodious numbers taking us back to those cane farms and “ coolie lanes” (accommodation barracks). This fitted in well with the theme of afternoon and motto of Girmit Foundation: reconnecting, reclaiming, and restoring Indo-Fijian History. The items which helped doing these included bidesia, kajri, sohar, alha and other music unique to Girmit era. The most notable one is bidesia, which is a lamentation, or “bilaap”, which is expression of deep sorrow of separation from the loved ones.

Bidesia-the song of lamentation: Swatna Lal  (on harmonium) presents an emotional composition of the author of "Tears in Paradise", Rajendra Prasad. This bidesia is a lamentation or "bilaap", which is an expression of a deep sorrow.

Other items which helped to reconnect and reclaim our history, included oratory on Girmit and a talk by Pundit Ram Sewak Senior, a well-known Ram and Krishna Lila convener of Fiji. He spoke of those tough times and how our people have come out of the whole situation, culturally richer and far better off than their pioneer forebears, never losing hope. This was later echoed by other orators, who reminded us of those dark days, vision of our forebears and their emphasis on education to liberate their new generation from the bondage of colonizers. We were reminded to move ahead and not let the dreams of our pioneer Girmitiyas go in vain.

The display of Girmit Day: Thanks to Jennifer Janiff for facilitating this nostalgic display showing items used by Girmitiyas (included a billy can (sispaan), negro pots, coal iron,"soop", hurricane lamp, a karchool - or deep spoon, among others

Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ was commended for taking time out to declare 14 May of every year as Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day worldwide, and to initiate commemoration of this day in Auckland. A loud and clear reminder went to all people throughout Indo-Fijian Diaspora: 

Unite, mark and commemorate 14 May of every year as Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day, so that one day, within our lifetime, it takes the prestige and honour equivalent to similar days respectively like Independence Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, ANZAC Day, Waitangi Day etc. where people take pride in their heritage, and pay homage to their forebears.

Wreath made in shape of Syria Ship which sank at Naselai Reef, with loss of many lives of Girmitiyas.

Professor Brij Vilash Lal, our very appropriate and distinguished Chief Guest and the keynote speaker, stole the show. I had the honour of introducing him: 

Introducing Professor Brij Vilash Lal is like showing diya (candle) to sun. With his many commendable writings, he is a son of Fiji who honestly paid his dues to his forebears. 

A glimpse of audience in a fully-packed Skipton Hall

Lal is Professor of Pacific and Asian History in the College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University (ANU) and represents international face of Fiji, having taught at various renowned overseas universities. He did his doctorate on Fiji Girmitiya, and is widely credited internationally for introducing the word 'Girmitiya' into discussion and writings of Fiji history. Professor Lal is highly decorated with multiple international honours, whereby Fiji and Indo-Fijian Diaspora are blessed with such a worthy son.

Another look at those who came to pay homage to Girmitiyas.

He gave two historical talks during his Auckland visit: one at the Calvary Indian Assembly of God Church in their Girmit function and the other at Foundation’s Girmit Day on 18 May. My FIJI PUNDIT blog site will facilitate separate articles to record, archive and treasure these historical thoughts from a Maestro Historian. Had it not been for him, the world and we would have remained ignorant of the true History of our Girmitiyas.

You can remove Indo-Fijians out of Fiji, but you cannot remove the Kava basin or tanoa from any function of Indo-Fijians. So was the case at Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day, where free grog was supplied 

A very humble Professor spoke not about Girmit, but what happened after that. And he commenced with his lecturing hat on, and posed a question to the audience: What makes Indo-Fijians a unique culture of people in the world? Fortunately, Professor Lal was the most qualified to answer this. There are external as well as internal reasons for their uniqueness. One most important external reason, is that “…In Fiji in contrast to many other places, indenture was a limited detention, not a life sentence…” as after indenture of five to ten years, people were free to settle wherever they could find land. In addition, internal factors were in play: the formation of cultural institution like Arya, Sangam, Sanatan etc., Indian newspapers, Hindi Radio, Hindi movies and the type of education that shaped the culture and knowledge of our people, formulated and promoted by our own people, were instrumental in making us what we are today.

Networking and enjoying meal: Sitting from left, Dr Padma Lal, Professor Brij Lal and Sukh Deo. Standing, from left:  Krish Naidu, Shobhag and Dr. Ajit Swaran Singh and Thakur Ranjit Singh

Professor Lal had come, armed with Hindi ki Pothis -1 to six and other books we used in schools in 60s. He created hilarious moments when reciting some of poems and verses many were familiar with. An interesting topic was old Bollywood movies that most elder people could relate to. One other subject that he covered in his speech earlier on, was that contrary to belief that all indentured labourers were of lower caste and poor impoverished people, many came from middle and upper class.

The hudda-tassa show

The afternoon’s programme ended on a high note with birah and hudda and tassa (big drums) with traditional songs, followed by a sumptuous dinner provided by the Foundation. This occasion provided a good opportunity for all to network, re-establish old contacts and photo session. We departed with the hope to meet in Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day 2015.

Networking and meeting people, from left, Y.P. Reddy, Dr Padma Lal, Professor Brij Lal, Sardaar Harnam Singh Golian, Imraan Hussein, CEO of Shah Group of Companies/ Apna TV and Krish Naidu.

Planning for 2015 function has already begun by the President, Pundit Devakar Prasad, who would bring his four decades of planning abilities and programming, and hopes to make this one a memorable historical event. Those who missed this year, see you next year, with your elderly parents.

E-Mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is the Founding Secretary and Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ. He is a media commentator, a journalist and blogger, running two blog sites: FIJI PUNDIT 

 

The author of this article and blogger of FIJI PUNDIT, Thakur Ranjit Singh (left) with Professor Brij V. Lal.

SANIL KUMAR TRAGEDY: Imposing death sentence: Government action heartless - Fiji Indian Association, Wellington

SANIL KUMAR TRAGEDY: Imposing death sentence: Government action heartless

Sanil Kumar: his plea to NZ authorities that Fiji did not have proper facilities, and he was being sent to certain death, fell on deaf years.. His prediction came true and he lost his life due to a system without milk of human kindness and a heart.

Media release by

Salim A. Singh, President, Fiji Indian Association

The Fiji Indian Association, Wellington Inc has described as “heartless” the decision of the New Zealand Government to send the late Mr Sanil Kumar back to Fiji, despite his proven need for a kidney transplant. 

“By refusing to allow him to remain in New Zealand, the Associate Minister of Immigration, Nikki Kaye actually imposed a death sentence on this young man.” 

Nikki Kaye, NZ Associate Minister of Immigration, who despite NZ outlawing capital punishment, sentenced Sanil Kumar to certain death by sending him to a country which did not have proper medical facilities, contrary to advice to her by faceless people. Is this lady hiding behind privacy issues? FIJI PUNDIT is still carrying out investigations in this issue.

The Minister’s refusal to intervene clearly shows the lack of compassion and human values of the current Government and the decision to send Sanil Kumar back to Fiji is condemned in the strongest terms possible.

It is clear that the Government is now indulging in media spin by saying the Fijian Ministry of Health had assured it that facilities were available in Fiji for Mr Kumar’s care and treatment.

Mr Kumar’s family and well-wishers had raised funds for his treatment and his presence in New Zealand would not have been detrimental to New Zealand’s health system or citizens and his continued presence would not have been contrary to the public interest.

Salim Ashwin Singh, President of Fiji Indian Association , Wellington. "Associate Minister for Immigration, Nikki Kaye actually imposed a death sentence on this young man.” he said, in a media release by the Association.This is perhaps one of the first, and only functioning umbrella organisation representing Indo-Fijians in their respective area. They were the first organisation in New Zealand which started commemorating Girmit Remembrance Day. They are at website: www.fia.org.nz

President, Salim A Singh says the New Zealand Government decision was heartless and Mr Kumar’s demise should be on the collective conscience of the current Government. Mr Singh says he is confident such a decision would not have been taken by Governments led by leaders like the late David Lange, Helen Clark and Jim Bolger and that the manner in which this matter has been handled by the Government shows a clear departure from normal New Zealand humanitarian values.

The Association expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Kumar family.

E- Mail: Salim Ashwin Singh: asinghfia@hotmail.com

[FIJI PUNDIT also joins with Fiji Indian Association of Wellington, New Zealand, in expressing its deepest condolences to families of Sanil Kumar, who was sent to certain death by NZ Associate Minister for Immigration and her heartless and faceless bureaucratic advisers.

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

A Girmitiya grandson pays tribute to his granddad and Girmitiyas.

A Girmitiya Grandson pays tribute to his forefathers from Italy

By Guest Writer, Ronald Ranjeet Roshan Singh

Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand is creating awareness about indenture and Girmit history with the theme of: Reconnecting, reclaiming and restoring Indo-Fijian history.

The Foundation encourages and promotes commemoration of FIJI GIRMIT THANKSGIVING DAY on 14 May.

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), respective nationals 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 should not Girmitiya descendant Fiji Indians, thank, honour and celebrate those who sacrificed their lives and gave us the comforsts that they themselves never dreamt of?

Here, we are showing the respect and honour a 4th generation Girmitiya great-granson for his forebears. Hope this enlightenment and enthusiasm for their heritage is held by other young generation in the Indo-Fijian (Fiji Indian) Diaspora (in overseas countries), enjoying the comforts and good life in Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand. Little do they realise that this is entirely due to sacrifices, suffering and  vision of those ordinary people with extra-ordinary resolve -our FIJI GIRMITIYAS.

Ronald Singh's Girmitiya great- grandfather Bansi, who came to Fiji during tail end of Indenture (Girmit) from Karouli, Rajasthan, India in in 1915. A Bansi Reunion was held in Surrey, Vancouver, Canada in 2015 and in Ba, Fiji in 2016. This was to enlighten the fourth and fifth generations born in Fiji and abroad, about their history, heritage and tales of forebears. People overseas in Indo-Fijian Diaspora are encouraged to further light this flame and have such reunions to tell the new generation about their history. There is need need for them to having pride in these ordinary people with extraordinary dreams, vision and resolve.

Ronald Ranjeet Roshan Singh is a fourth generation Girmitiya grandson, who was born in New Zealand and spent most of his life away from Fiji. He is son of FIJI PUNDIT, Thakur Ranjit Singh. On FIJI GIRMIT THANKSGIVING DAY, he remembers his grandparents and is thankful to and appreciates his Fiji heritage. And he does it from the shores of Lake Garda in Italy.

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It is a popular holiday location and is located in Northern Italy, about half-way between Brescia and Verona, and between Venice and Milan.  Here he pays tribute to his maternal and paternal grandfathers.

Guest Writer, Ronald Ranjeet Roshan Singh, who loves travelling and writing, is a fourth generation Indo-Fijian, yet appreciative of the unique culture given by Girmitiyas (Indian Indentured Labourers) in Fiji. He wrote this article some over 20 months ago from Italy. He is son  of FIJI PUNDIT Blogger, Thakur Ranjit Singh- like father, like son- having respect for your heritage and "pitra devata" -the departed forebears.

Here is an extract from his diary:

"Fiji Girmit Ancestors” – entry written Lake Garda, Italy around 5:45 am Sunday September 22, 2013. I had just called and spoken to my dear parents in Auckland, New Zealand (11 hours ahead).

Beautiful lake Garda also produces beautiful thoughts about your forebears.. it is important for young generation to have pride in their heritage. Ronald's writing is a challenge to other young people to develop an interest in their history and heritage.

“Here beside Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, in this moment, I am listening to Fiji Tambura Bhajan and Fiji Fagua; soulful, beautiful and unique music of my Fiji Girmit people created out of the hardships they endured. And I remember my two late grandfathers, Mr Hans Raj Singh and Mr Shiu Shankar. Truly great men."......And he continues this article.......

You both passed away when I was very young. Now, as a grown man who has traveled the world and is extremely thankful to have discovered himself, discovered the meaning of true, close friendship and discovered the meaning of life, your grandson is listening to music of our people so very, very far from tropical Fiji where your souls rest in peace.

Lake Garda, Italy

This moment reminds me of the hardships and sacrifices my people went through so that one day, their child could be learned and become a true Citizen of Earth and travel far and wide in comfort and reflect on his roots through soulful, beautiful and unique music. I kindly thank you Mr Hans Raj Singh and Mr Shiu Shankar and I kindly thank all you Girmitiyas.

Ronald Singh loves travelling. Here , he is seen in the upper deck of the largest passenger airline, Emirates Airbus A-380, on a trip from Melbourne to Auckland, where he travels often to see his parents and family. And he says he develops those writing thoughts when travelling.

This moment in time is for all you Girmitiyas. You are all here with me living, laughing and adventuring by the fresh waters of Lake Garda, Italy so very, very far from tropical Fiji. This is the precious result of your hardships and sacrifices. Not for one minute do I take this moment for granted. I truly count my blessings.

I have been blessed to be able to do so much in my life. I travel, I write, I surf, I ski, I skydive, I live life, I celebrate life. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for your long term vision created from the difficulties you faced.  

Lake Garda, Italy

Words cannot describe how truly and kindly thankful I am to you all. Thank you so very much. And I promise you with all my heart that one day, my children and grandchildren will thank you as well.

Bless the precious souls of my two late grandfathers, Mr Hans Raj Singh and Mr Shiu Shankar. Truly great men. Bless the precious souls of the Girmitiyas. Truly great people.

Your forever thankful son, Ronnie (Mr Global Pacific Brother!)”

[E-mail: singhronald@hotmail.com]

[About the Author: Ronald (Ranjeet Roshan) Singh is a New Zealand -born Kiwi who lives in Melbourne, Australia. Like his father, Thakur Ranjit Singh, he has got a flare and interest in writing. He intends to write a book on his travels and experience. He has a special Facebook page for his travels and views: "The Dancing Voyager-Ron Singh"

Remembering Girmit on 14 May- this year and every year on

Remembering Girmit – May 14 - this year, and every year on

By Guest Writer,  Rajendra Prasad

Cover of " TEARS IN PARADISE - Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji-1879- 2004" This is the book authored by our Guest Writer, Rajendra Prasad, who spent some seven years to research this book. He is also a Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand, and has also published a second book, "ENSLAVED IN PARADISE"

On this Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day on 14 May, we salute the sacrifices and vision of our Girmitiya forebears. Their resolve ensured that the plan of British to keep Girmitiya children uneducated failed. Girmitiyas pooled in their own resources and built primary schools in the villages. They felt a strong conviction in their hearts that education of their children would liberate them from servitude and poverty. That is exactly what happened. Today, we are the beneficiaries of that vision.

Guest Write of FIJI PUNDIT, Rajendra Prasad, former Town Clerk of Ba and author of Tears in Paradise. He hails from the the banks of Ba River in Vaqia, Ba, Fiji

Every year, the spectre of Girmit stalks us and again, around May 14 we will again appear before the tomb of Girmit with hearts laden with sorrow and gratitude for sacrifices of the pioneer generation. To many it is a distant memory, which is best left to dissipate and disappear in the mist of time. Ignorance is the fruit of their selfish choice but to people like me, Girmit cannot be erased from my conscious memory. It is the spring of my life where I return frequently to pay my debt of gratitude to the sacrifices that my grandparents made at the altar of Girmit. Their suffering and sorrows; grief and tears, nourished the lives of successive generations, leaving a debt of gratitude that cries for recognition and remembrance.

Our detachment from our Girmit history was another successful British plan. Successive generations were completely cut off, as if Girmit did not exist. The simple reason for this was that disclosure of British crimes against the Girmitiyas could have inspired them to seek redress. In addition to this, illiteracy was widespread until the emergence of the third generation by when the crimes of Girmit were submerged. History books written, largely by European writers, did not disclose the horrid crimes of Girmit to protect British interests. The descendants of the Girmitiyas were made to learn the history of other nations and cultures, including the British and indigenous Fijian history but not their own.

Koronubu Indian School - schools like this which spread throughout Fiji were built through sacrifices of Girmitiyas, who spoilt the British plan of keeping Indians uneducated, and slaves for life.

In the British plan for Fiji, the descendants of the Girmitiyas were not to be educated to ensure that they remained a labouring class, working as cooks, gardeners and performing other menial tasks for their white masters. So provision of schools by the Government was scarce. This was one area where the British failed. The Girmitiyas did not wait for provision of schools by the Government. They pooled in their own resources and built primary schools in the villages. They felt a strong conviction in their hearts that education of their children would liberate them from servitude and poverty. It was a mammoth battle and the sweetest victory. If this vision of the Girmitiyas was not pursued with courage, wisdom and sacrifice, our community would have remained illiterate, unskilled and earning our livelihood as menial workers. For their sacrifices, the Girmitiyas placed upon us a debt of gratitude that must ring through generations. Education remains the most treasured weapon, bequeathed to us by the Girmitiyas, which will be the lamps to our feet in guiding us to our destinies.

Our Girmitiya forebears had simple life, but had vision for their children

The Girmitiyas endured their suffering and captured them in different ways. This bidesia, a deep lamentation, was composed in the sugarcane fields of Fiji by an unknown Girmitiya. It captures their helplessness, anguish, anxiety and pain.

Kali kothariya ma biteye nahin ratiyaan ho,

Kiske batayee ham peer re bidesia.

Din raat hamri beeti dukhwa mein umariya ho,

Sukha re naynwa ke neer re bidesia.

(In the dark rooms (of the coolie lines), the nights are difficult to endure. Who do we tell the depth of our pains? Day and night of our lives are consumed in suffering. Tears have dried from our eyes. [This song is normally sung in GIRTMIT DAY Commemoration in Auckland and elsewhere, where Indo-Fijian Diaspora has some pride and honour in their heritage and forebears, to mark this day]

When the cruel masters ignored their pleas and justice system failed them, they found relief and comfort, capturing their emotions in their own mysterious ways. In groups, they gathered, shared, consoled and wiped each other’s tears. Bidesia was a common song that Girmitiyas sang and shared. It was a folksong that captured the longing and lament of the heart of the victims and the singer, usually a woman, sang with tears streaming down.

Hard work paid in the end with a distinct Indo-Fijian culture.

When they were around, I did not, at that time, understand the depth of pain and sorrow that radiated from those innocent eyes, tormented minds and tortured bodies. I did not understand the bowed legs, caused by carrying heavy loads or those that walked with a limp. These were the emblems of Girmit that the Girmitiyas took to their graves. In the innocence of our bachpana (childhood) we teased, mocked or laughed at them and today, I want to hug and apologize to them for my failings. The very thought of it fills my eyes with tears. But where do I go? My heart pants with desire to mitigate my guilt. The least I can now do is to remember and pay my debt of gratitude to them on May 14 and seek forgiveness. We have built our lives on the foundations of their lives. I invite all Indo-Fijians to join me at this altar of gratitude.It will be partial redemption but satisfying.

[ABOUT THE AUTHOT: Rajendra Prasad is former Town Clerk of Ba and the author of Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004. His Fiji roots are at the banks of Ba river at Vaqia, Ba, Fiji. He is also a Founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand]

A need for Indo-Fijians to reconnect, reclaim and restore their history

                                                                                                                                       A need for Indo-Fijians to reconnect, reclaim and restore their history

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand is creating awareness about indenture and Girmit history with the theme of: Reconnecting, reclaiming and restoring Indo-Fijian history.

The Foundation is commemorating, and hence organising Girmit Remembrance Day at Skipton Hall, Mangere, Auckland on Sunday 18 May, 2014 from 1.30- 5.00pm. FIJI PUNDIT will have a string of articles leading to Girmit Day.

14 May is a significant date for Indo-Fijian Diaspora. On this day in 1879 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 Indo Fijian for not knowing the history of their heritage, as our school history fails to recognise and acknowledge this fact, which appears 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 FIJI GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY on 14 May of every year.

Leonidas, the first Indenture (Girmit) sail ship that arrived at Levuka, Fiji on 14 May, 1869. That is why MAY 14 HAS BEEN DECLARED: FIJI GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY

Do you ever realise that we now have a distinct Indo-Fijian culture spread around the world? We are a group of Indian migrants, who not only retained their culture and traditions, but in fact strengthened them to the extent that wherever they are settled, they are a distinct breed of Indians, very different from the mainland Indians. We give credit for this preservation of Indianness to the foresight and vision of our Girmitiya forebears who gave priority to education. However, do Indo-Fijians have respect and pride in their heritage?

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), respective nationals 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 lives and gave us this better life than they ever dreamed of?

Girmit Gang getting ready for work. They worked tirelessly to make Fiji what it is today, but Girmitiyas seem to have become derelicts of British Empire, and rarely reflected in History. 

It is time we inculcated pride of the new generation in their history. 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, sacrifices has been those Girmit journeys.

To realise this dream, a group of Indo-Fijians in Auckland New Zealand, have taken steps to reconnect, reclaim and restore Indo-Fijian history. FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NEW ZEALAND has been formed, among other things, to regularly organize commemoration of Girmit in New Zealand every year, and also become an umbrella organisation representing all Girmitiya descendants.

The Foundation is headed by former Deputy General Manager of Fiji Broadcasting Commission, Pundit Devakar Prasad (Chairperson) and other members, among others, include Thakur Ranjit Singh, (Secretary), Krish Naidu (Treasurer), former parliamentarians Master Shiu Charan,   Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, Rajendra Prasad, author of “Tears in Paradise” , Radha Kanhai Reddy and Pundit Ram Kumar Sewak.

The Foundation is organising Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day on Sunday 18 May, 2014 at 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 sacrifices, progress and vision of our forebears 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 has been stolen from us, and remains yet to be told. Fiji’s celebrated academic son and historian of Girmit, Professor Brij Lal is the Chief Guest He is Professor of Pacific and Asian History in the College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University, Canberra. And hence he is a very fitting and appropriate Chief Guest.

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The Chief Guest at Girmit Day in Auckland will be Professor Brij Vilash Lal, who is Professor of Pacific and Asian History in the College of Asia and the Pacific at The Australian National University (ANU). He is a proud son of Fiji who has written numerous books on Girmit history to fill the vacuum in our history that the British failed to record.

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:

Reconnecting, reclaiming and restoring Indo-Fijian history

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. 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 unite and get organised and tell our new generation the tales of Girmit that history has failed to acknowledge.

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

[Visit Fiji Girmit Foundation Facebook]                                                       

 [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, available at www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz]

GIRMIT - AN INTEGRAL PART OF INDO - FIJIAN HISTORY

Guest Writer, RAJENDRA PRASAD, Former Town Clerk of Ba, and Author of “Tears in Paradise” takes us through a memory lane of our Girmit History. 

He reiterates that our people need to generate interest and respect in their heritage, and appreciate and understand the hardship, sacrifices and sufferings our people went through in making a better future for their children.

 

Rajendra Prasad, Guest writer, Author of Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004.

Girmit – An integral part of Indo-Fijian History…

By Rajendra Prasad 

It may sound bizarre but it is an unpleasant truth – successive generations of Indo-Fijians have grown or are growing in ignorance about their early history. It is a British legacy and denial of Indo-Fijian history was a discreet British colonial policy. It did not want its iniquities against the community to be revealed. The British left in 1970 when Fiji gained its independence but Indo-Fijians, to this day, remain estranged from learning their own history. 

It was a British plan then but it cannot continue to be a reason for Indo-Fijians to grow in ignorance of their foundational history. Indo-Fijian leadership and Indo-Fijian academics bear the blame and shame for this situation. Both were in positions of power and influence to reverse the situation but both chose to do nothing, opting to reside in the security and comfort of their positions.

Consequently, Indo-Fijian children had to learn British history, indigenous history and history of other cultures but not their own history. It is now for the community to stand up to reclaim and restore its history. It cannot rely on contemporary politicians because they epitomize betrayal but Indo-Fijian academics can be of assistance in this endeavour, as many now hold positions of power and influence. The dynamics of Indo-Fijian history is embedded in struggle, suffering and sacrifice. 

Struggle left a legacy of fortitude; suffering left a legacy of endurance and sacrifice left a legacy of generosity, perhaps unmatched. They struggled, they suffered and they sacrificed but did not seek applause or recognition. The debt of accrued gratitude to our Girmitiya forebears is far heavier on the community, as the echo of their cries cannot be muted. It will resonate across generations.

Cover of Rajendra Prasad's historical presentation book: 'Tears in Paradise-Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji - 1879-2004' It takes you into tear-jerking tales of untold Girmit stories and anecdotes of exploitation, suffering, and strength of human nature to remain silent even in face of acute injustice.

In my book, “Tears in Paradise,” I captured my deepest sorrows and sentiments as follows –

“I have constantly been drawn into this sorrow and to this solitude. I have grieved in the stillness of the night and, in the deep peal of thunder, I have heard the muffled cries of our ancestors, imploring us, their descendants, to ensure that their pain and suffering during the indenture period (1879-1920) in Fiji, was not lost in the mist of time…”

The unmarked graves of the Girmitiyas are scattered all over Fiji; they may not have spoken about their tragic life but in their silence is a haunting voice that cannot and must not be ignored. They were manipulated, exploited and violated. They were robbed of their adolescence or early adulthood, as most Girmitiyas were relatively young. The fracture of their lives followed when the aarkathis, the ruthless recruiters in India, trapped them in their net of deceit and the rupture of Girmit made them ‘glorified’ slaves. 

It left them with broken bodies, tormented minds and without the right to seek redress for their sufferings. For all intents and purposes, the Girmitiyas were slaves and instead of being called slaves, they were called ‘indentured labourers – the name changed but the stigma of slavery was contained under the cover of a glorified name. 

Indentured labour was a contractual agreement for five year period and in Fiji, the indentured labourers called it Girmit and they came to be called Girmitiyas. It is an exclusive name that is tied to Fiji and a name that is entrenched in the history of Indo-Fijians.

Leonidas-the first ship arrived in Levuka on 14 May, 1879. This day of 14 May is now declared internationally as FIJI GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY

Historically, it is claimed that slavery ended in 1834 but the truth is that the wheels of slavery was reinvented and slave trade continued until the indenture system ended on December 31, 1919. A lie perpetuated by the British and other colonial powers of the system of slavery became an uncontested historical truth! Having sapped the mental and physical powers of the Girmitiyas in five years, they were left to dry out for another five years before they qualified for a return trip to India. 

One would indeed argue as to the reason for this injustice – the Girmitiyas served their five year term and they should have been paid their return passage to India. Return was on everyone’s mind after the trauma of Girmit but the Government had other plans - it wanted the Girmitiyas to re-indenture for another term. 

Hardship of Girmit: a gang of labourers, labouring away and they gave us a better future. At least what we can do is to dedicate a day to remember and pay homage to them. 14 May is such a day.

Very few re-indentured as most opted to engage in subsistence farming for their livelihood, pitching their tents away from the disgusting environs of the coolie lines – the hovels where the Girmitiyas lived for five years. The Government knew that the majority would not have saved enough in five years to pay their return passage to India and would be de-rooted and settled in Fiji, providing for the labour needs of the Colony. This plan succeeded. 

In ten difficult years, most of the Girmitiyas had become detached from India and settled in Fiji. Subsequently, many engaged in sugarcane farming and became the backbone of the sugar industry in Fiji. The sufferings of the Girmit era eased but the rewards for their toil would elude, as the Government and the dominant sugar miller the CSR Company, colluded in systemically robbing the illiterate farmers in the post-indenture period. As if this were not enough, the Government devised another sinister plan to keep the Girmitiyas and their descendants a labouring class. 

Education was denied to them, ensuring that they remained a labouring class and never became a threat to European dominance. It did not encourage nor did it make provision for schools for Indo-Fijian children. With widespread illiteracy among the Indo-Fijians, the Government was sure that it would succeed in this endeavour. 

However, this plan failed. It was a miscalculation, as the Girmitiyas united in their resolve to invest in the education of their children. They held a collective view that only education would liberate their children from a conspiring and conniving Government and the ruthless CSR Company. They did not want their children to continue to be menial servants, serving their white masters.

This view became a communal obsession, as schools began to sprout in villages wherever Indo-Fijians lived. They did not wait for Government funding or support but established them out of their own poverty.

Girmitiya priority on education has  landed Indo-Fijian Diaspora into prosperity in the countries they have settled into. While themselves being uneducated, they wished a better future for their children-and we are thankful for that.

Unable to restrain Indo-Fijian advance, the Government, upon pressure from India, began to invest in schools established in the villages. The small spark of education, ignited by our Girmitiya forebears, liberated our community from servitude and, much to the annoyance of Europeans, their dominance was challenged. 

Appropriately, KL Gillion, entitled his book, “The Fiji Indians – A Challenge to European Dominance 1920-1946.” By any measure, it was a remarkable transformation of a community from being slaves to challenging their masters in areas that was the colonial preserve. However, in pursuit of their liberation, the Girmitiyas were not bitter or vindictive but remained true to their religious and cultural heritage. The Girmitiyas went to their graves with physical scars of whips, kicks and sticks – emblems of a decadent era. They were the warriors of toil – driven by indomitable spirit to strive, achieve and succeed. They retained a morbid silence on the injustices and indignities visited on their lives by their white masters. Illiteracy did not limit them, poverty challenged them and the world abandoned them. 

Even their descendants have forgotten to honour the debt of gratitude bequeathed to them through their sacrifices. Indeed, one would have expected that successive generations of Indo-Fijians would have stood up to demand justice for the Girmitiyas from the British and the CSR Company. It did not occur, as the might of the British prevailed and injustices it perpetrated got buried in the toxic debris of its injustices. 

The Girmit scene of that era where Fiji Indian heritage was born in cane-fields of Fiji. Ordinary people with extraordinary dreams for their coming generation.

Unfortunately, history is not always a true record, as it is always manipulated by the oppressors, rich and powerful. The voice of the oppressed and suppressed are snuffed, as the world accepts and learns the sanitized version of history. Indo-Fijians don’t even have a sanitized version but blank pages left by the British are now being filled by Indo-Fijian writers. Sadly, it is not being embraced by Indo-Fijians as many imprudently seem to think that they can simply ignore and forget it. 

No community can grow in the ignorance of its past, as it is a legacy that must nourish successive generations. Any generation that terminates this legacy will be guilty of failing in its duties and obligations to their own children. Our early history cannot be delinked. History has given us our own Indo-Fijian culture, language and identity and all of it is inseparably linked to Girmit in Fiji.

PLEASE REMEMBER THEM ON MAY 14 - THE FIRST SHIP LEONIDAS ARRIVED IN FIJI ON MAY 14, 1879 WITH 479 GIRMITIYAS.

[About the Author:*Rajendra Prasad’s Girmitiya grandparents went to Fiji in the ship Sangola II in 1908. He is the author of “Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004.”He is now retired in Auckland, New Zealand, with his family.]