“I HAVE A DREAM" - SHRI RAM MANDIR PROJECT-THE UNTOLD TALE OF AN UNSUNG AND A RELUCTANT HERO

“I Have a Dream”: The Temple and Community Centre in West Auckland - the untold tale of dream of a Reluctant and an Unsung Hero.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Shri Ram Mandir and Community Center was officially inaugurated, after a week-long rituals of Pran-prathisha (This is a ritual of consecration or blessing in which the consciousness or power of the deity is brought into the image in a temple). It was opened with pomp and ceremony which reflected the multi-racial face of growing New Zealand community. It also echoed the motto of the Ram Mandir Charitable Trust to be an all-inclusive Community Centre for the benefit and well-being of all the people of all backgrounds of Auckland.

" I have a Dream" PRAVIN KUMAR- the reluctant Unsung Hero of the Temple and Community Centre project, had such a dream some 8 years ago, which slowly started turning into reality through dedication, perseverance and community support. This dream was realised on 13 June, 2015, with the completion of Pran Prathisata and official inauguration.

There is an untold story that needs to be included in the annals of this project – to be reflected in its records and history. This is the story of somebody, and unsung hero, and a reluctant one at that, who shies away from deserved accolades, publicity and praises. Read on to find out who is that Unsung Hero who had a dream which became a reality with the opening of this complex on 13 June, 2015. [I think you already know that!]

As the chariot or Rath carrying the murtis (statues) during Nagar yatra (street parade) halted in front of Waitakere College in Rathgar Road in Henderson on 7 June, 2015, like a Bollywood movie, I went into flashback mode some 8 years ago.

The Nagar/Rath Yatra  (Street parade) taking a break outside Waitakere College which was the venue for the seed fund-raising  for a similar hall project some 8 years ago.  So began the flashback of untold story of a dream.

 As perhaps the only executive of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) of a decade ago walking in the parade, I went back into history. I knew about it as I was the Secretary of WIA for over six years from 2004, when many great tasks were undertaken. I dug up a letter written by the then president, Anand Naidu, on 28 June, 2006, reflecting the views of the then WIA team:

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Waitakere Indian Association

“Working for you and your family”

P O Box 45-206, Te Atatu Peninsula.

 

28 June 2006

Community Centre Building Project

Background

The Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) is planning to build a Community Centre in Waitakere City. The anticipated project would be the biggest project WIA would undertake since its inception in year 2000.

WIA recognises that there is no Community Centre or Meeting & Function Hall for the Ethnic Indian population in West Auckland…. there is a huge demand for such facilities from the public.

The Community Centre

WIA is planning to build a facility big enough to accommodate big occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, conference, religious & prayer meetings, and other popular festivals and occasions. The facility would be located in Waitakere City…..

Bhagwat Katha in West Auckland

Introduction

One such initiative suggested by some executive members is to organise a Bhagwat Katha to be delivered by a recognised Sant from India. Proceeds from this Katha will go towards the community hall project.  This will be the first of its kind for the people of West Auckland.

Proposal

I propose that WIA sponsors a Sant from India to deliver Bhagwat Katha.…..

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Waitakere College where 8 years ago, the initial seed for a similar hall project was planted at this site through a Bhagwat Katha by Shri Hari Suresh Acharya Ji Maharaj. A project that started with holy means, ended up in a Holy place just a stone's throw away, only a block away.

Hence this dream of having a hall and community centre was first initiated almost a decade ago when Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), comprising of mostly Indo-Fijian Indians, identified a need for such a facility in their locality. A temple was not in the project because religious projects are not easily funded, and WIA was a non- religious organisation. WIA went to the extent of getting one swami from India to raise funds for the project. Shri Hari Suresh Acharya Ji Maharaj from Vrindavan, Mathura, India, was sponsored for reciting Bhagavat Katha (religious discourse) in Auckland, from 20^th to 27^th January, 2007. This was held at Waitakere College. And it is here that the Nagar yatra chariot had stopped for a break some eight years later on Sunday 7 June, 2015 to mark realization of that long dream.

Some seed money was collected from this parvachan, but nothing eventuated, and it appeared very little would eventuate. One person associated with this organisation had volunteered to host the Acharya at his home. He was then an executive of WIA and was its Director of Religious, Cultural and Community events. His 2007 AGM report on the hall project read as follows:

Bhagwat Katha

This event was organised to raise funds towards a community hall for the Indian Community in West Auckland. The Bhagwat Katha was held over 7 days in Waitakere College and was well attended. Whilst the funds raised were not as expected, it however has raised the profile of WIA in the community.

From that event the residence of this devotee near coastal Te Atatu South, in Auckland West became a shrine or “ashram” for Hari Suresh Acharya. And so was this shrine continually purified through string of visiting Swamis from India, who found comfort, solace and home at this Bhakt’s (devotee’s) place. From “sant milan” (meeting sages) and on the teaching of Ramayan of Shri Ram, this person obtained inspiration for “par hitt”- service to humanity which is seen as the most auspicious deed by a human being. He took on the venture of realizing this dream, but with an addition of a temple, with the community center and hall.

In his humbleness and humility, this person had requested me not to write anything praising him, as he did all this service not for fame or glory, but as his contribution of service to humanity and God. However, FIJI PUNDIT wishes to remind him about a couplet from chaupai of Ramayan:

HANI LAABH JIWWAN MARAN, JASU APJASU BIDHI HAATH:

Loss and gain, life and death, glory and infamy all these lie in the hands of Providence. And hence this credit to him is through that providence, as I am an instrument of Shri Ram to give credit as a journalist where it is due. And that person who was inspired from Bhagwat katha and “sant –milan” some decades ago, the one who had taken on the venture of bringing to reality this dream in Waitakere. He realised no other organisation was geared for such a big project and hence initiated to do something to bring that dream to reality.

AND HE IN NONE OTHER THAN THE MANAGING TRUSTEE OF THE TEMPLE AND COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT, PRAVIN KUMAR

Auckland in general and Waitakere (West Auckland) in particular are blessed by the dedication and passion of the couple, Pravin and Kashmin Kumar in community and religious issues. May God bless them, Aayushmaan Bhava, Akhand Sowbhaagyawati Bhava Kashmin Sada Suhaagan Raho 

He held discussion with like-minded community leaders in 2010 and put together a small group of visionary Hindu leaders, and echoed that decade-old dream of fulfilling the need for an acute lack of appropriate public centre for cultural, social and religious activities. 

Through this identification of a facility deficiency, the following year, in September 2011, SHRI RAM MANDIR CHARITABLE TRUST was formed, with appointment of Trustees. A set of Trustees who are all professionals in their own right are custodians of Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust which is headed by a well-known community leader, businessman and Chartered Accountant, and the same person who dreamt of providing something tangible for the community. 

He single-handily steered this organisation in realising this dream. He is none other than Pravin Kumar of Lotus Group of Companies.

Trustees of  the Ram Mandir Project:  Giyannendra Prasad (left) and Salendra (Len) Kumar, who is also the Treasurer of the project. [ Since then Prasad has retired as a Trustee and passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a long battle with sickness. Coincidentally, this was on 1 June, 2020, the day Pravin Kumar received the QSM award]

Yes, PRAVIN KUMAR is the person I has mentioned earlier, who had been a host to many Swamis and got the inspiration for the bringing to reality a long held dream. And he is the main architect, in the metaphorical sense, of this project.  

Other trustees are Barrister and Solicitor and former Fiji parliamentarian, Giyannendra Prasad, businessman(since retired) and Chartered Accountant, Salendra (Len) Kumar, and a Community worker, former Fiji school teacher, parliamentarian and trade unionist Master Shiu Charan (also retired now).

Another Trustee of Shri Ram Mandir, Master Shiu Charan (left-since  retired) with another icon of the Project, Late Pundit Devakar Prasad, who was a Volunteer Consultant. He was looking forward to completion of the project, but sadly passed away just months before the formal opening in 2015. He has been appropriately acknowledged for his passion for the community. It has been the friendship of these two stalwarts of Fiji Indian community in Auckland, that inspired others to emulate their friendship as well as their spirit for community work.

What is quite historical and astonishing is that the place where the originating Bhagwat Katha was recited by Hari Suresh Acharya some 8 years ago at Waitakere College is on the next block to the Ram Mandir and Community Centre at 11 Brick Street. Only Swanson Road separates this and strangely, the Nagar and Rath Yatra that took place went from front of the College at Rathgar Road, the venue where the first few seeds of this dream and project was laid some 8 years ago.

 

The top dome or Gumbaj of Shri Ram Mandir as seen from Waitakere College Grounds

There is another couplet from Ramayan: Hoi hai soi jo ram rachi rakha… only that will happen what Lord Ram desires. And as fate had determined, who could guess that this project would be just a stone’s throw away from where the initial Bhagwat Katha was held for this project. 

What is more significant is that the dome (gumbaj) of the Mandir/Community Centre project is visible from the grounds of Waitakere College. Indeed God works in mysterious ways by planning events and appointing his Bhakts (devotees) who become instrument of his wishes.

And this reluctant and modest unsung Hero, Pravin Kumar became that instrument. And together with him, FIJI PUNDIT, became an instrument to tell this untold episode of the project that needs to go in the annals of history of the Temple and Community centre project in Henderson.

Indeed, God works in mysterious ways...that is why we say:

"Hoi hai soi jo Ram rachi rakha, ko kari tarak baravahin sakha........every thing happens according to Lord Rama's wish.


....Jai Shree Ram...Jai hoh

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh runs his blog FIJI PUNDIT and tells the untold stories of the community that the mainstream and other Indian media do not cover. This is one such hitherto untold story. Just Google "Fiji Pundit" to access and read other untold stories.
E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

GIRMIT DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY - FIJI GOVERNMENT REQUESTED TO GIVE HOMAGE TO GIRMITIYAS THROUGH A PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Auckland Girmit Day hosts Fiji Minister, marks

Syria Tragedy and requests Girmit recognition

Thakur Ranjit Singh

As the Master of Ceremonies called the event to order, people in the overflowing Skipton Hall, Mangere, Auckland solemnly stood up in attention. And in the pin drop silence, three National Anthems - India, Fiji and New Zealand, boomed out and floated, bumping the walls and ceiling and glided out.

Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, as the Chief Guest at Girmit Remembrance Day, delivering Keynote address. On stage from left are: Trustees of the Foundation- Author of "Tears in Paradise", Rajendra Prasad, with Sardar Harnam Singh Golian.

The occasion was Girmit Remembrance Day, organised by Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand on 17 May, 2015. The actual Girmit Anniversary when the first Indians arrived in Fiji falls on 14 May.

This year’s event was clouded and eclipsed by the untimely death of the Foundation President, Pundit Devakar Prasad, who was planning the event on the theme of Syria tragedy. However, the committee felt that organising it the way it was planned was the best tribute to this great leader. Hence this event was held with substantial tribute to Punditji in two respects: firstly a citation on a scroll from the foundation was presented to the family. Among others, it noted his mentoring leadership, his community spirit and thanked his family for sharing him with the community.

Tribute to an Unsung Hero, through presentation of a scroll of citation, to the family of Pundit Devakar Prasad- from left, Mrs Prem Wati Prasad, and daughters, Anupama Mala and Neelima Chand. Neelima was also the Quiz Master for Girmit Quiz named after her father.

And secondly, A Girmit Quiz, named Pundit Devakar Prasad Memorial Girmit Quiz was Mastered by his daughter, Neelima Chand, with Author Rajendra Prasad as the expert advisor. The quiz teams were appropriately named after sugar mills in Fiji: Lautoka, Ba/Penang, Labasa and Rewa. And questions related to girmit, ranging from ships of girmit, (Leonidas, Syria) the language and idioms of Girmit, (lewa, dherki, murwari, jhulni), the personality of Girmit (Hannah Dudley, C. F Andrews (Deenbandhoo), Totaram Sanadhya, Manilal Doctor, Mahatma Gandhi) and general knowledge questions, plus rapid-fire question and audience quiz question.

This event was organised on the footprints of National Quiz that Devakar Prasad originated in Fiji. The purpose was to spread the knowledge of Girmit, in a fun way, while paying tribute the Maestro Quiz Master. The first event turned out to be very popular, with interesting audience quiz questions where winners were rewarded with token gifts. In the final results, Labasa Mill team, the Babasiga Lions, came out the winners to claim the inaugural quiz trophy. Congratulations, Labasa Mill team.

Pundit Devakar Prasad  Memorial Girmit Quiz, Aap Kitna Jante Hai, Na Kilakila Mada-  Labasa and Ba teams (in black) on the left, with Quiz Master Neelima Chand and special adviser, Rajendra Prasad in the middle. The Babasiga Lions, Labasa Mill won the inaugural  Girmit Quiz.

The other highlight was the presence of Fiji’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, as the Chief Guest and the Keynote speaker. He was accompanied by a delegation of three from Fiji on the invitation of the Foundation. 

It therefore was an opportune time for the Syria tragedy to be rekindled into limelight. The purpose was to have a representative of Fiji government in an event where their liberal policy of race –relations were applauded in light of humanity, cooperation and goodwill that was witnessed some 13 decades ago on a dark fateful night at a remote unfriendly raging Naselai Reef. 

That was the theme of Girmit Day 2015 that Acting President, Master Shiu Charan conveyed. He commended Nasilai villagers who on this fateful night of 11 May, 1884 risked their own lives and courageously provided valuable and timely assistance in saving 438 lives. Without their daring intervention, loss would have been even greater.

The Chief Guest, Minister Kubuabola was in the friendly zone, with  a familiar host. The head of Fiji Girmit Foundation, Master Shiu Charan,(left) and the Minister happen to be former Parliamentary colleagues from Fiji. They had a fruitful networking session.

Master Shiu paid tribute to the gallantery of Nasilai Villagers:

Unfortunately, Fijian history hasn’t resonated with such acts of ITaukei compassion and sacrifice. But we have witnessed that both the Fijians and Indo Fijians stand by for each other in times of need and disaster. Indeed, there is enormous reservoir of love, affection and goodwill between the two races that needs to be revealed, promoted and cherished.

He paid gratitude to Bainimarama Government for enhancing a new approach in Fijian politics, promoting racial integration, equality and goodwill. The Acting President further requested Minister Kubuabola to seek permission, according to ITaukei protocol, from the Chiefs and elders of Naselai Village for Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand to present a plaque to them in recognition of their compassion and kindness and as a thanksgiving gesture. When permission is granted, delegation from the Foundation in Auckland would make that pilgrimage to Naselai Village and that fateful reef.

The Minister (in the middle) with Rajendra Prasad and another former parliamentary colleague from Fiji, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian.

A sample plaque and letter of request was given to the Minister in this regards and the Minister responded very positively in his keynote address.

I am pleased that the organisers have chosen this focus, not so much to dwell in the tragedy of that event, but more importantly to highlight the face of hope and compassion that surfaced from it.”, Minister Kubuabola said. He commended Master Shiu Charan for his tribute to the villagers of Naselai, and expressed sorrow at bias of history which failed to highlight such positive stories which were often lost in accounts that gave much credit and praise to the colonial masters while others were only mentioned in passing.

 

The Ministerial Delegation from Fiji and Wellington: Girmit Foundation Trustee Rajendra Prasad (L-R), Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Esala Nayasi, Director Sisalo Otealagi, Special Assistance to Minister, Priyashni Lata, Head of Fiji Mission in Wellington, Mere Tora with Manoj Kumar.

The Minister applauded the plan of the Girmit Foundation to present a plaque to the people of Nasilai, the descendants of those who risked their lives to rescue the survivors of the wreck.

This noble gesture would appropriately recognise a significant historical event and at the same time serves as a reminder of the humanity, compassion and goodwill that prevailed in a most tragic circumstance. It confirms that the goodness within us transcends boundaries, and therein lies our hope,” the Minister said. He added that he was hopeful that the gesture of the Foundation would help contributing promotion of better understanding and goodwill amongst the different communities that make up our multicultural Fiji.

 

The movers and shakers. Executives of Fiji Girmit Foundation who organised the event. Sitting (L-R) Viren Lal, Master Shiu Charan (Acting President), Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, Nek Mohammed and Rajendra Prasad. Standing (L-R) Thakur Ranjit Singh (Secretary), Pradeep Chand, Satya Dutt, Pundit Ram Kumar Sewak, and Krishal Naidu (Treasurer) Missing is Vijendra Prasad who was away overseas.

In reply to the keynote address, the Trustee of Girmit Foundation, author of ‘Tears in Paradise” Rajendra Prasad, thanked the Minister for his kind words and congratulated the Minister and the Bainimarama Fiji First Government of forging a new hope for all the citizens of Fiji, with equality, fairness and social justice for all. He spoke about our stolen Girmit History:

The biggest issue with lack of knowledge on Girmit is because the History is always written from the viewpoint of victor and history of Fiji Indians have been stolen. To correct this anomaly, the Foundation requests Minister for his government to consider including Girmit History in Fiji’s education curriculum. But more importantly, we request the Minister to request Fiji Government to declare 14 May, the anniversary of arrival of first Indians to Fiji, as a Public Holiday. These would not only create better understanding of the historical perspective, but would also be a fitting acknowledgment to those ordinary Girmitiyas who did extraordinary deeds in extraordinary times.

 The Minister promised to take these requests to the government.

 

Of the many melodious and colorful items, a Bidesia being presented to a captive audience.

The afternoon’s programme included Oratory and very enthralling musical programme. The oratory, where students spoke in Hindi, showed the great level that parents endeavoured in ensuring a cultured generation with pride and respect for their culture, history and heritage. 

There were memorable songs, especially two, performed by students of Pooja group, and written by Author of Tears in Paradise, Rajendra Prasad. One was “Aye Fiji desh ke waasi…” which is based on famous Lata’s patriotic song…”Aye mere vatan ke logo….”  And the other was a Bidesia (a lament song).

There were other very able singers who added colour to a commemoration and was a reflection of what heritage our Girmitiya forebears left for us.

 

The crowd spilling out of Skipton Hall.

The other highlight was an excellent collection of Girmit display items with compliments of Satya Dutt. These ranged from very old and not very old items and ‘gadgets” our rural people used during their times in Girmit and post Girmit. 

The unlimited and unending array of refreshments, supplied by Hardip Singh kept the audience fed for virtually all of the afternoon. And the free supply of kava must have given some a bit of “bite” (sensational intoxication) as well.

 

The display items

This was indeed an event which now has gone to an overflowing stage at the  Indo-Fijian icon in Auckland - the Skipton Hall, which was provided free of charge by the Auckland Ramayan Sanstha Trust (ARST) for the last there years, in memory of those who suffered and sacrificed for our brighter future. 

Thanks to all who made this day a success, and we await our pilgrimage to Fiji. We also note with gratitude the decision of Radio Tarana to broadcast the whole event live from Skipton Hall, and Apna Radio and TV and Humm FM for their media coverage. 

Team Tarana which provided live broadcast of the event from Skipton Hall. Shalen Shandil is interviewing National List MP, Kanwaljeet Bakshi

May the blessings of our “pitra” (departed souls) of our forebears be always upon the children of Girmit.

Shat Shat Naman - our salutation to their memory.

Om Satgati - May their souls attain salvation.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is one of the Founding Trustees and Secretary of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand. He runs his blog site, FIJI PUNDIT which exclusively reported on this event.

Pundit Devakar Prasad: A tribute to an Unsung Hero and an outstanding Community Leader

Pundit Devakar Prasad: A tribute to an Unsung Hero and an outstanding Community Leader

Thakur Ranjit Singh

As the smoke from 13^th day hawan ritual of Pundit Devakar Prasad drifted out and settled down, the accolades this humble human being received from all quarters make you question: If he was so great, why did he not get recommended for Pravasi Bharatiya Award or any or Indian Awards, lurking around in every corner and cranny? Interesting question. And more interesting answer: The radar of so called Indian elite and “kingmakers” who decide on such awards, and masquerade as Indian Community leaders, miss the  reach to such selfless Indo-Fijian (Fiji Indian) community workers who operate at ground level, with grassroots people. It is beyond their elitist reach.

PUNDIT DEVAKAR PRASAD - so long, Punditji. You are gone, but not forgotten. You have left a legacy of volunteering, unselfish and, altruistic services to the community, for others to emulate. You were farewelled by a huge crowd of wellwishers at Annes Funeral Home in Wiri, Auckland on 23 April, 2015.

Pundit Devakar Prasad has been virtually an unknown who rarely featured in Indian media. He is no member of the rich and famous cocktail circuits of Indian elite. Neither is he somebody who seeks publicity or association with influential people or politicians to seek any personal benefit or glory. He is a simple community-oriented, private person who believes in doing good deeds for the community without expectation of any awards or any form of personal gain. He never sought glory by holding to coat-tails of any politician. It is for this reason such awards sound hollow, redundant and meaningless, only to serve the so-called “kingmakers”.

This is because the community itself bestows rightful awards and honour on deserving individuals. No awards are needed for those who are the brightest star, the sun - Devakar.

[IT IS BEFITTING TO RE -POST THIS TRIBUTE ON THE WEEK LEADING TO FIJI GIRMIT THANKSGIVING DAY ON 14 MAY, WHICH PUNDITJI VERY DILIGENTLY HELPED PLAN IN AUCKLAND BEFORE HIS PASSING AWAY WEEKS BEFORE GIRMIT DAY IN  2015.]

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As the casket was carried inside Ann’s Funeral Home and Onsite Cremations at Wiri, Manukau, Auckland, on 23 April, 2015, a great phenomenon took place. The all familiar theme of National Quiz bugle, which was provided through courtesy of Radio Fiji, floated into the overflowing funeral hall. It was very fitting and appropriate, as this was the funeral of Fiji’s first Radio Quiz Master, Devakar Prasad.  He suddenly left us on Sunday 19 April, 2015 and was emotionally farewelled in Auckland.

In Toga, Nausori some 78 (Now 81) years ago, the last son was born to Shiv Kumar and Maharaji, who already had five other children. The son, was very appropriately named Devakar. It means the brightest Star of the universe-the sun and source of energy. And that is what this Devakar rose out to be - a shining brightest star with a very melodious and golden voice that was synonymous to radio in Fiji.

He joined Fiji Broadcasting Commission sometime in 1956 when radio was in its embryonic stage in Fiji.  He had a very impressive career and activity history: retired Deputy General Manager – Radio Fiji with 35 years of Radio journalism career, Deputy Speaker – Fiji Parliament, General Secretary – Shri Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, (largest Hindu organisation in Fiji) and Member of the Order of Fiji – Award equivalent to MBE, and Ambassador for Universal Peace Federation.

Devakar Prasad - the original Quiz Master of Fiji Broadcasting Commission's (FBC's)  extremely popular National Quiz programme that beat all other radio production for audience listenership. Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ decided to name its Girmit Quiz as Pundit Devakar Prasad Memorial Girmit Quiz, This quiz was held  at the 2015 commemoration on 17 May, 2015 in Auckland where his daughter, Neelima Chand from Brisbane was the Quiz Mistress. Teams were named according to sugar mills in Fiji- Ba/Penang, Lautoka, Labasa and Rewa. 

While in Radio Fiji, he initiated and produced some landmark and historic programmes. The most notable one was Hindi programme of 1960s, Aap Kitna Jaante hai (how much do you know?) which went on to become a national programme in coming decades and became the most listened -to radio programme in Fiji’s history – The National Quiz, (Na kila kila mada) which was broadcast in all 3 languages via cross-over, and Devakar Prasad was the original and founding Quiz Master. Apart from that he was instrumental in organising first faag sammelan and recording, producing and presenting Mehfil, (local singings) Ateet Ki Awaaz (a journey down the memory lane), Kisano Ka Karikarm, (farmers programme) Adbhut Duniya, (strange, but true), among others.  Yours truly, author Thakur Ranjit Singh was fortunate to sing duet with his cousin, Satendra Singh(now in Calgary for "Mehfil". It was from film Goa..."Do Diwaane Dil ke..." It was recorded by Punditji in 1965 at DAV College, Ba Fiji. What a destiny...little knowing that half a century later I would be penning his obituary.

When he migrated to New Zealand in 2003, he never sat still. Punditji touched many people in many different walks of life. This as a preacher, as a friend and grog-mate (he loved his grog and stories that go with it), as a respected community leader in organising religious, social and cultural events, as an expert judge in musical and singing events, as a Ramayan parcharak (narrator), delivering his discourse and lessons with relevance and reality to us, rather than some abstract religious, meaningless and superfluous nonsensical theories. He was very friendly and approachable person, used as a sounding board by those needing guidance and mentoring. He has been a respectable Indo-Fijian Qase Levu – a celebrated, wise elder.

Pundit Devakar Prasad, (extreme left) the Qase Levu or a wise elder from the community , seen here participating in Ministry of Social Development/ Police / Auckland Council and Waitakere Indian Association joint workshop on Family Violence at Kelston Community Centre, Auckland in June, 2012. He always volunteered his services for community well-being.

The Shiv Temple and community centre in Manurewa, Auckland held its inauguration in 2004 when Devakar was Master of Ceremonies of this international event where Hindus from around the world converged for this big solemn religious occasion. In 2005 he joined Apna 990 Hindi Radio Station in Auckland as a trainer, mentor to young announcers and convenor and producer of programmes raising awareness about religion and culture to people. The “Jaagran” or awakening programme was geared at reviving of good values in people.

He also worked across other radio stations like Radio Tarana and Humm FM Radio Station in Auckland in producing specialist programmes with relevance to history, arts and Indian culture. With his nearly four decades of audio journalism experience, he remained a useful sounding board and trainer to new-born radio stations in Auckland. Unlike some radio stations which run on cut-throat competition with slogan of “exclusivity”, he always promoted goodwill among media organisations

In 2012, his expertise was called in to commemorate Girmit Remembrance Day organised by Waitakere Indian Association to mark the arrival of first Indian Indentured labourers to Fiji. In 2013, when the support for Girmit was withdrawn, he joined with community leaders from Fiji Indian Community in formation of a new body, Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand, which was geared at reconnecting, reclaiming and restoring Indo- Fijian history. He was the founding President and a founding Trustee of the Foundation, which was gearing to have its third annual commemoration on 17 May, 2015 in Auckland, when he passed away before that. A very successful commemoration were held in 2013 and 2014. The latter year saw a renowned Fiji Historian, Professor Brij Lal from Australian National University in Canberra as the Chief Guest.

Punditji, seen here with Executives of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ during 2014  Girmit Commemoration with Chief Guest, Professor Brij Lal at Skipton Hall, Auckland. Seen here (from left) are Master Shiu Charan, Pundit Devakar Prasad (President), Padma Lal, Professor Brij Lal, Rajendra Prasad, Krishal Naidu (Treasurer), Thakur Ranjit Singh  (Secretary) and Pundit Ram Kumar Sewak (Programme Director)

As a Trustee of Girmit Foundation and author of “Tears in Paradise” Rajendra Prasad, wrote in Fiji Sun: “This year, he had taken upon himself to highlight the sinking of ship Syria on Nasilai reef on May 11, 1884. He had made extensive preparations to present a moving tribute to those who lost their lives, including the Naselai villagers who risked their lives to rescue others.” With his untimely farewell, the Girmit Day he so tirelessly planned for on May 17, 2015 went ahead as a fitting tribute to a visionary leader.

2015 saw the Fijian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest and revival of Devakar’s 1970s National Quiz legacy, continued by his eldest daughter, Neelima Chand of Brisbane. It has been appropriately named as Pundit Devakar Prasad Memorial Girmit Quiz.

Never to sit still, he was again snapped by Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust in 2012 when they decided to commence a temple and community centre project in Brick Street, Henderson, Auckland. He came on board as a volunteer consultant and has been the backbone of this $6m project ever since. This dream is now turning into reality, with the scheduled opening in June 2015. Much success of that project is attributed to the expertise, management and administrative capability of Devakar

As a scholar in media and a media commentator, I noted hollowness of various Indian and media awards which seemed to be given to those who benefited the media, advertisers or elite influential individuals. In response to that frustration, I had posted on Facebook photos of two inseparable volunteering community leader friends: Pundit Devakar Prasad and Master Shiu Charan, and challenged the movers and shakers to get real and recognise unpaid and unsung heroes in the Indo-Fijian community. I complained that ironically some awards have been given to people who are already paid and remunerated for doing their job. Great are those unsung heroes providing free service to the community.

Two inseparable friends, and Unsung Heroes of Indo-Fijian Community, Master Shiu Charan (left) and Punditji, who despite their selfless service to the community as volunteers, were never considered or recognized by multitudes of Indian awards lurking around us. However, they need no awards,as they never expect any awards and glory in their service to the community. They are aptly crowned as Unsung Community Heroes by the Community. That is more the reason, why many awards from faceless judges sound hollow.

I believe, in response to that, one media had put a new award of Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the year.  I found it fitting to nominate Punditji. I submitted this, among others: “He is virtually an unknown who rarely feature in Indian media. He is no member of the rich and famous cocktail circuit. Neither is he somebody who seeks publicity or association with influential people or politicians to seek any personal benefit or glory. He is a simple community-oriented, private person who believes in doing good deeds for the community without expectation of any awards or any form of personal gain.”

Now, Punditji is no longer around to receive the award even if it was given to a very deserving person. But perhaps the media could redeem my criticism by posthumously granting the inaugural Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year Award to a very deserving Indo-Fijian who never sought such award in the selfless voluntary service to community-and humanity.[Such award was never even considered, let alone given]

Who cares for such awards from faceless judges? The Indo-Fijian (Fiji Indian) community has judged you: 

YOU ARE AND WILL REMAIN OUR UNSUNG HERO, PUNDITJI.

PUNDIT DEVAKAR PRASAD - THE UNSUNG HERO OF INDO-FIJIAN COMMUNITY. FIJI PUNDIT  blog salutes a great selfless community leader who has left very big shoes to fill.

 [About the Author; Thakur Ranjit Singh apart from operating FIJI PUNDIT blog, is a Media Commentator, Founding Trustee and Secretary of Fiji Girmit Foundation - New Zealand, and worked closely with Pundit Devakar Prasad in planning and organizing past Girmit Remembrance Days in Auckland. This is fitting salute to a great mentor]

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Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) movement in Fiji: Its relevance to Fiji and some questions for VHP

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) movement in Fiji: A foreign flower on local soil?  Some questions for VHP

Thakur Ranjit Singh

You drive south from Ba town towards Rarawai into dusty, windy and bumby Vunisamaloa / Vaqia Road. The second driveway up the hill leads to the house of Medndi Khan, A Lahori Punjabi Muslim, who has been our village Aaja (grandfather) and his children have been our “chachha” (uncle). You drive down the third driveway to Bansi-Nivas (Bansi was my Rajasthani grandfather) and the first house is my home.

Scattered around the locality is our extended families and further on other Muslin community, who all have been like our relatives on bonds of Girmit when all our Girmitiyas came from India in the era when there was no partition, or the current Hindu-Muslim tension you have in India. The life in village has been colourful in Diwali and Holi, and feasting came with either Eid or a Muslim wedding, with authentic goat plau. Such was the networking, love and understanding where we all existed peacefully, bonded on Girmit ‘Jahajibhai relationship where all went through the same Girmit I indenture) history and adversity.

As a secondary school student I used to go to Sunday School at Gospel Chapel with Ashley Howan, people in Yalalevu , Ba may know his double storey house near railway crossing. He was a nice Christian priest who encouraged us to learn about Christ and I with other Hindu classmates, used to attend Sunday Schools and even attended their Easter Camp in Sabeto, Nadi. Today I am richer by knowing about Christ. So was peaceful co-existence of different religions.

PK (pee key, a drunkard) has brought much controversy in India. The movie tried to make people to rethink about many Gods they have created compared to the God who created them. Despite so many other evils and shameful acts in India, all the VHP did was to stop people from exercising their democratic right to choice. Is that a concept of Hinduism?

But will this last, with encroachment of a nationalist political Hindu organisation, a movement, which took root in a conflict situation in India, completely alien to our co-existence in Fiji? And a movement (not a religion) that is known in India for its anti-stance and hate-attitude towards Islam, Christianity and other minority religions?

Sanatan Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Fiji Muslim League, Arya Samaj, Then India Sanmargya Ikkam (TISI), Andhra Sangam,  Fiji Council of Churches, Fiji Sikh Society, Kabir Panth, Sai organisation, Gujarat Samaj and other home-grown Fiji ethnic and religious organisations, germinated from graves, dust, blood and sweat of our Girmitiya forebears. All these organisations co-existed with respect for each other, sharing the same history and understanding of our transformation from slavery to independence and going through political instability.

The face of VHP that Fiji must stop to spread in its youth, resorting to lawlessness and taking law into their hands and mounting protest against a movie, but remaining silent on wholesale rape and degradation of women in India. There are more important things to protest about. People should be free to make a choice without intimidation from a religion which hitherto had been a peaceful one. Do we want this evil in Fiji?

However, a new “alien” phenomenon has started encroaching, which I suspect could add strain to hitherto peaceful co-existence, considering its historical inception and objectives. And that phenomenon is VHP- or Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Wikipedia defines Vishwa Hindu Parishad as World Hindu Council, abbreviated VHP. It is an Indian right-wing Hindu nationalist non-governmental organization based on the ideology of Hindutva. It was founded in 1964 with its main objective “to organise, consolidate the Hindu society and to serve, protect the Hindu Dharma."

The VHP belongs to the Sangh Parivar, an umbrella of Hindu nationalist organisations led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It has been involved in social service projects in India such as construction and renovation of Hindu temples, issues of cow slaughter, religious conversion, the Ayodhya dispute and its role in the Babri Masjid demolition.

If one appreciates India’s history since its partition and independence, one would appreciate VHP as a protector of Hinduism in India, and some even feel it is justified in some strong stance it has been taking in response to threat of violence and terrorism by Islamic, communist or other anti-Hindu groups. Hence, historically, it served commendably to protect Hinduism from external threats and still do. Within India, it can justify its existence. [But in Fiji?]

However, despite that, there is increasing disquiet about the actions of VHP and its associated organisation. It has been reportedly linked to violence, persecution of minority religions, riots and breaking of laws to enforce its type of religious thinking. Even India’s new PM whose party, BJP is supported by VHP has been critical of VHP’s obsession with the concept of Hindutva, compared to secularism which is enshrined in India’s constitution. (And Fiji’s as well)

Hence looking at that scenario where the birth of VHP was in a conflict situation, much to do with external real and perceives threat, especially from Islam, Christianity and Communism, we need to be skeptical of its entry in Fiji which never had religious-based tensions, conflicts, or even issues. People in Fiji need to ask what relevance has its brand of fundamentalism is justified in Fiji? Are we under any threat? For religious purposes, do not we already have ample home-grown organizations?

The women's wing of VHP, Durga Vahini used Kareena Kapoor's  morphed photo to object Kareena Kapoor's wedding to a Muslim, Saif Ali Khan. They used this as a cover photo in Himalay Dwani, the magazine of VHP. Now, who is VHP to stop human heart to love and marry a person belonging to a different religion? Is that what the motto of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam -the world is a family, teachers. Can VHP walk its talk on Hindu ideology?.

I raise some issues here where the leadership of VHP in Fiji and India need to answer civilly and intelligently, without indulging in name-calling, defamation, shooting-the-messenger, insults and other of their proven and known traits which seem miles apart from the teaching of Hinduism and Hindu motto of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the world is a family)“:

1)   Why it took VHP some fifty years to enter Fiji, especially when we had gone through our upheavals and are now on some semblance of political stability?

2)   If VHP really considered itself as the respectable and representatives of all Hindus in India, why did it not come to Fiji to unite various Hindu organizations, or work with them to promote and enhance Hinduism and perhaps become a sort of umbrella body to meet peaceful objectives? As Fiji already has multiple-home grown Hindu organizations for all sectors of the community, what is the need for this foreign transplant?

3) If VHP really have honorable intentions for Fiji, why did it not work in cooperation, coordination and consultation with the largest Hindu organisation in Fiji, Sanatan Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji or other existing ones? Why did it come in to splinter this august body, set up by our Girmitiyas? We appreciate there are administrative issues with this organisation, as so many of them have in India, but is this unceremonious entry into Fiji suits an organisation which seeks respectability and support from Hindus? Does it realise that their introduction into Fiji was a knee-jerk reactions from some sacked officials of Sanatan who were accused on bringing disrepute to the organisation and religion? Is that how VHP promotes Hinduism, by supporting delinquency among youth, to go against the elders and an already –established institution?

This is a tranquil, serene, peaceful and calm face of Fiji where all religions have been co-existing without hate actions by any on the other , because all Girmitiyas went through the suffering and baptism of fire together, so they appreciate and respect each other. The fundamentalism and hard stance against Muslims and Christians in not welcome in Fiji. This is the alien culture and ideology that VHP is expected to bring to Fiji. 

4) Can I equate entry of VHP in Fiji to the introduction of Mahasang in Fiji, using links with India, an Indian Gujarati lawyer and a saffron clad monk? [This relates to divide –and-rule technique employed by AD Patel, aided by the saffron clad Saadhu, Swami Rudranand, 75 years ago. In 1937, Pundit Ayodya Prasad started Fiji Kisan Sangh, a union for Indian cane farmers. Then enters a Gujarati lawyer, diluting the voice of Girmitiya cane farmers with a politically –motivated rival organisation. This division resulted in dilution of unity of farmers, where the main beneficiary was CSR Company which could continually exploit farmers in a divided farmers union.] Is history repeating itself in Fiji, and VHP has adopted the divide –and- rule strategy they learnt from the British?

5) Do not we have a similar scenario here where some Gujarati and other rich businessmen are supporting the transplant of saffron-clad people from an alien organisation? Isn’t the sentiment of VHP Fiji to take “revenge” with Sanatan, and weaken it? Is not it founded and rooted in vindictiveness? Is that an honorable objective? If a house is in ruins, should we repair it or burn it? Should not VHP, if it was really interested in promoting Hinduism, have given a supporting hand to Sanatan, rather than aiding and abetting its humiliation through a rebel group?

6)   All the other peaceful religious objectives of VHP have been amply served by the existing home-grown organizations in Fiji. What other objectives have they in mind? Is there some dissatisfaction with conversion of people to Christianity? Is there any threats from Islamic terrorism? Do we have threats from Communists? What has VHP’s inception and initiation in India common to a peaceful Fiji? India has always kept a hands-off approach to Indo-Fijian problems, and even Indira Gandhi who visited us in 80 told us that we were Fijians. Our people persevered and suffered under British, then we had no VHP. Why now? Do we need you? Are you relevant to Fiji?

The face of VHP in pushing for Hindutva concept in India. Fiji Hindus need to decide whether they will allow their children to resort to such hard-stance on religion which is foreign to Fiji.

7)   Does VHP teach common manners to its Executives and Officials on how to talk and conduct themselves publicly? Do they have words like respect, humility, and common human decency in their dictionary, instead of running down people, shooting the messenger and calling them names? [I am branded a “failed –journalist, a useless ageing self-appointed journalist, suitable for a toilet cleaner’s job in a business one VHP leaders owns in Fiji] Is this the brand of Hinduism, culture, youth development and Hindu sentiments and civilization VHP intends to transplant internationally?

Other questions remain, but I will stop at this and hope some sane answers are given, without shooting or threatening the messenger, as has been the habit, trait and manners of VHP officials I know. This will be sent to media in Fiji, NZ, Australia and India as well and hope there is some response to the issues raised. There are some others to come.

It is upon the Girmitiya descendants of Fiji to see how they have always been taken advantage of others. In this case, they need to strengthen their own home-grown organisation, rather than a nationalist political movement which in no way represent all Hindus in India, and does not gel with local situation in Fiji. Their Indian objectives are just not relevant to Fiji.

Freedom of religion is enshrined in Fiji's Constitution, and all are allowed to practise their belief, without any intimidation, as VHP does in India.

I leave it upon people of Fiji to search the activities of VHP and its related arms of Rastriye Swem Sewak (RSS), Bajrang Dal and Durga Vahini, the female organisation accused of mistreating religious minorities. Most of these organizations, may have relevance in India, torn with religious strife. But do we need that brand of Hinduism in Fiji? What relevance do they have in Fiji?

E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a media commentator, blogger and has been a former Executive of a Branch of Sanatan Fiji. He is a founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ which celebrates and honours the unique Indo-Fijian culture, which germinated from Girmit or Indenture experience of Fiji Indian descendants. He is now volunteer media and communications officer of Sanatan Fiji. Thakur has been dubbed as a ‘failed journalist” by the Presidents of VHP in NZ and Fiji respectively. He holds Masters in Communication Studies with honours (MCS) from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and runs two blog sites, with some 120 articles posted at FIJI PUNDIT and KIWI PUNDIT]