WHEN FIJI'S DEMOCRACY LOST THE WAR - LEGACY OF JAI RAM REDDY

  WHEN FIJI'S DEMOCRACY LOST THE WAR- LEGACY OF JAI RAM REDDY

Thakur Ranjit Singh

I was present in the book launch of Professor Brij Lal's IN THE EYE OF THE STORM in 2010 in Auckland. This was on the life of Fiji's statesmen, Jai Ram Reddy. I am revisiting that writing.

The cover of Professor Brij Lal's "In the Eye of the Storm" which is a very interesting and enlightening reading and is available via Amazon, and I presume some university bookshops.

The missed opportunity – that was the theme of the afternoon and overriding sentiment expressed at Lynfield College, Mt Roskill, Auckland on 30th October 2010 during the launch of Dr. Brij Lal’s "In the Eye of the Storm" by the former Chairman of Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission and a former Governor General of New Zealand, Sir Paul Reeves.

Jai Ram Reddy with Late Sir Paul Reeves at the book launch in October, 2010. Sir Paul is full of praises for the caliber of this leader: Jai Ram Reddy was the connecting thread through which the book weaves the history of Fiji since his appointment to the Senate in 1972 until his retirement from the Fijian Court of Appeal in 2003.

In launching the book, Sir Paul said that Jai Ram Reddy was the connecting thread through which the book weaves the history of Fiji since his appointment to the Senate in 1972 until his retirement from the Fijian Court of Appeal in 2003. Sir Paul highly ranks the book as well written, an expression of the author’s encyclopedic knowledge, his analysis and his basic commitment and love of a country of which he is an inseparable part. He said the book is an admirable chronicle; it is a commendable commentary and interpretation of complexity, the lost opportunity and the strength of human spirit which   make up the history of Fiji. He said the following in 1993, and the book begins with this memorable and prophetic quote:

I offer a vision which sees this beloved land of ours united in its diversity, forged out of adversity and built on trust. I offer you a vision of Fiji of which historians will say that, in the midst of tragedy, we found courage and wisdom, and foresight and determination to lead the nation away from the precipice into a prosperous future. I can only hope that my vision for this most wonderful of nations will fulfil its promise.”

Unfortunately this vision could not be fulfilled, because in 1999 while the Peoples Coalition Government won the battle, Professor Lal says Fiji unfortunately lost the war. Then, as political commentator, I had also laughed off Jai as a non-expedient leader engrossed in multiracialism and vision for the nation while the astute politician Chaudhry fought on bread and butter issues and won the battle. However as the history remains testament to the facts, Fiji and its democracy lost the war, as this is evident in the politically embroiled Fiji today. 

Jai Ram Reddy, (left) with two community leaders, media commentators and writers, Rajendra Prasad (Centre-author of " Tears in Paradise"), and the author of this article, your truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh, at a social function in Auckland. Rajendra Prasad's yet to be published sequel to Tears in Paradise (Enslaved in Paradise) tells the tales of Fiji's post- independence  leaders and  a sneak preview suggests Jai (as Mr. Reddy is fondly known among colleagues) rates very high.

This theme was again echoed in Sir Paul’s launch speech where he revealed that the book that was given to him, in it Dr. Brij had inscribed: “In memory of a Fiji now banished beyond recall.” Sir Paul added that Jai in the book had assessed his life in politics in Fiji as: "It has been a wasted thirty years”. 

Sir Paul was optimistic about Fiji in disagreeing with both Dr. Lal and Mr. Reddy.  He said: 

 

I want to deny both of these statements. I would say that nothing is ever lost, but in the end - all is harvest. What Jai stands for, what 1997 Constitution stands for, what a free democratic society requires of us, that these will return in some shape or other.

Two reasons prompted Professor Lal to retell Fiji’s history. The first was the praises heaped on George Speight by some Miss Hibiscus contestants visiting the Naboro Prison where they met this treasonous person and compared him to Nelson Mandela. Professor Lal said he was speechless and mused - what future for Fiji when you have role models like these?

The second was when in a school talk, when asked how many knew Jai Ram Reddy, he was shocked to see that none did and he was astonished at the ignorance in Fiji schools. Professor Lal told the esteemed gathering during the book launch:

I saw writing as an act of resistance against a culture of indifference and forgetfulness, an act of revenge against historical amnesia. And the historian, if he is to be true to his vocation as a guardian of public memory, must find a place at the table of posterity for both the victors as well as the vanquished. 

Indeed it was esteemed gathering and brought back those nostalgic Fiji days of NFP conventions where who’s who of NFP were present. It included the loyal NFP and one time MPs such as Master Shiu Charan, Harnam Singh Golian, father of Aiyaz and Riyaz, Sayed Khaiyum, James Raman, former leader of Opposition Prem Singh, the organiser, Ahmed Bhamji, former Sanatan head, Pundit Harish Sharma, former Fiji Broadcasting executive Pundit Diwakar Prasad and Ujagar Singh, among others. The business community was well represented by none other than Hari Punja, Vinod Patel, Charan Jeath Singh, Shashi Mahendra Singh (Ba Motor Parts) and Y.P. Reddy, among others. From the legal fraternity we had the famous Richard Naidu, Dorsami Naidu, Bhupendra (BC) Patel, Raman Pratap Singh, former Fiji judge, Justice Kishore Govind, NZ Judge Dr Ajit Singh and the MC of the afternoon, Bharat Parshotam. Other notable attendees were trade unionist Pramod Rae, list NZ Labour MP Dr Rajen Prasad,  journalist Kamal Iyer, and of course with my fellow columnists, Rajendra Prasad, author of “Tears in Paradise”  and Subhash Appana.

Nothing on a book launch on Jai Ram Reddy would be complete without the mention of Mahendra Pal Chaudhry who had virtually taken an oath to finish off NFP. He succeeded in doing that, through the removal of moderate Indo Fijian party with visionary leadership, with dire consequences for the nation. Professor Brij Lal did a commendable job of comparing the two leaders with a military analogy.

The Commanding General -Jai Ram Reddy - with an acute understanding of the lay of the land, possessed of a strategic vision, with an ability to forge coalitions to form a broad front. Was he denied the opportunity to show his capability to forge broad fronts and work amicably with other races?

He summed it as follows:

For Chaudhry, the end justified the means, and the end was the attainment of power. Everything was a secondary consideration. I have used a military metaphor to describe the two men. Reddy could be likened to a COMMANDING GENERAL, an acute understanding of the lay of the land, possessed of a strategic vision, with an ability to forge coalitions to form a broad front. Mahendra Chaudhry, on the other hand, could be likened to a great FIELD COMMANDER, in constant touch with his troops, inspiring them with his courage and maneuvers, tactically astute and bold, but lacking the attributes that transform field commanders into successful commanding generals. 

The Field Commander- Mahendra Chaudhry - in constant touch with his troops, inspiring them with his courage and manoeuvres, tactically astute and bold, but lacking the attributes that transform field commanders into successful commanding generals. Was he made a Commanding General too soon, before he was qualified? Is that the price we are paying now?

Perhaps, looking at Fiji today, it may have been an error to have given the country too soon to a field commander, Chaudhry and the People’s Coalition Government, which lacked the astuteness to become or train anybody else to be as visionary as a commanding general in form of Jai Ram Reddy that Fiji had rejected.

As my thesis on Fiji shows, and which I will present at University of Technology in Sydney and at Auckland University of Technology later this year, the current political instability in Fiji could be partly attributed to the lack of visionary leadership of Fiji that was handed over to a field commander in 1999. As I began with the opening quote of the book, I take liberty to end with the ending quote on the final page (720!):

Jai Ram Reddy’s rare achievement was to have witnessed and endured the worst that Fiji had to offer and still find hope and optimism in his fellow countrymen, someone who rose above the disunity and divisions that afflicted his country and his people, and , for a brief shining moment, managed to make hope and history rhyme.”

Unfortunately, no other Indo Fijian leader in the recent history could rise above the disunity and divisions that have plagued Fiji and contributed to its political instability. 

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a postgraduate scholar (with honours) in Communication Studies at AUT and had his thesis on the instability caused by The Fiji Times during one year rule of the Peoples Coalition Government in Fiji between 1999 -2000. He now runs FIJI PUNDIT blog site and covers article and information that commercialized Indian and Pacific side stream media in our midst fail to cover. Thakur believes in the motto of Satyamev Jayate – truth shall prevail.]

RAM NAUMI - LESSON 3: SHABRI AND NAVDHA BHAKTI - HINDU VERSION OF NINE COMMANDMENTS

LESSON 3:  SHABRI,NAVDHA BHAKTI AND SIMPLICITY

Thakur Ranjit Singh

In lesson three we speak about one devotee of Lord Ram, Shabri. Despite being a simpleton and considered light-minded (with “loose nut”, pagli, neech), she had unwavering devotion for Ram. 

Bhagwan so much loved her selfless, firm and simple faith and devotion, that He walked to her place. He even tastefully ate half eaten wild berries (jhutha bair). It shows that one need not possess knowledge of rituals, understanding of mantras or so called proper ways and pooja stuffs.  One’s non-deceitful and steadfast devotion (shradha) in Lord overrides all materialistic riches, mantras and rituals.

Ram -Shabri Milan: This meeting has so much significance for us Hindus, with many teachings. The first lesson is to be very simple, you need not be rich, but be a good person. That means being spiritual, without necessity of being religious or ritualistic. 

That is a lesson to all of us that God does not need big ceremonies, expensive set-ups, huge Mandirs, big Brahmin/Pundit, loud music, and pages full of pooja list. Shabri’s episode is a lesson to all people.

Ram tells her that He only recognises one’s devotion. Despite caste (jaati), kinship (paanti), lineage (kull), religiousness (dharm), reputation (barhaai), wealth (dhan), physical strength of family (bal), accomplishment and ability (gunn, chaturai), a person lacking in devotion is worth no more than cloud without fain. 

Hence this is a direct message to our rich, mighty and influential people in society who think they are more equal than the others and have "bought" God with their riches. No one can buy their way into God's kingdom. We need donors to run organisations, but one does not buy devotion with wealth. 

This real devotee was a poor, lowly caste, half-witted rustic villager like Shabri. Those who perceive themselves of higher caste (especially Brahmans) or those at higher financial level or in hierarchy in community, without devotion and selfless feeling for others are like barren soil, not worthy of any crop and useless in the eyes of God.

Ram imparting nine commandments for Hindus to Shabri. The underlying message is to have faith in God, selfless devotion, respect for elders and people who love God and his ways (sant) and love God through loving your fellow beings.

Bhagwan Ram then narrates and explains Navdha Bhakti – The Nine Steps of Devotion. I translate here so Pracharaks can explain to the modern generation in simple English, to the new generation -both in Hindi, Fiji Hindi and English.

NAVDHA BHAKTI

1) Pratham Bhakti Santan kar sangaa

The first step to devotion (Bhakti) is to keep company (fellowship) of the saints, good respectable people (Satsang). Note saints are NOT necessarily Brahmins, Pundits Swamis or Babas living in Mandirs. They are anybody with good character and good and righteous deeds. 

2) Doosri rati mam kathaa prasangaa

The second step is to enjoy listening to (fondness of) legends/lectures pertaining to the Lord.

3) Guru padd pankaj seva, teesri bhakti amaan

Selfless service to the Guru’s (perceptor/ teacher) lotus feet without any pride is the third step. Remember, PARENTS are the first Guru, and those deserting parents can never be loving to God.

4) Chouthi bhakti mam gunn gann karai, kapat tajee gaan

The fourth step is to earnestly sing praises of the Lord’s virtues with a heart clear of guile, deceit or hypocrisy. Our people need to shed off trickery and showmanship and stop conning other.

5) Mantra jaap mam dridh visvaasaa, pancham bhajan jo ved prakaasaa

Chanting God’s Name with steadfast (unwavering) faith is the fifth step as the Vedas reveal.

6) Chattha damm seela birati bahu karmaa, nirat nirantara sajjan dharma

The sixth, is to practice self-control, good character, detachment from manifold activities and always following the duties as good religious person. This simply means is that all you need to love your God is to love your fellow beings, have compassion and good manners.

7) Saatvam sam mohi main jag dekhaa, motey sant adhik kar lekhaa

The seventh step is to perceive the world as God Himself and regard the saints higher than the Lord. One should be compassionate to others, humans and even animals, see God in all living beings. As I said, saints are not with saffron cloth and big beards with big tikka. They need not be pundits or Brahmins- just good righteous human beings of any caste or creed. 

8) Aathvam jathaa laabh santoshaa, sapneu nahin, dekhai par doshaa

The eighth, is remaining contented with whatever he gets and not detecting faults of others. Being content or “Santosh” is a virtue rarely found in many.

Clarification: Not detecting faults of others does not mean you see injustice or wrong things done, and keep quiet. Some blame me as a journalist for speaking about ills in society. This is NOT what this bhakti means. If VIBHISHAN had followed this, then he would not have stood up to his brother Ravan for doing wrong. HENCE SPEAKING UP AGAINST WRONG OR INJUSTICE does not fit in definition of "par doshaa"

9) Navam saral sab san chhal heena, mam bharos heenya harash na deenaa

In this state, one has full faith in the Lord, and becomes (child-like) simple with no hypocrisy or deceit. The devotee has strong faith in the Lord with neither too much happiness and expression of praise, nor depression. One needs to maintain calm emotions-and balance, with simplicity.

Shabri's offer of "jhutha bair" and acceptance of that by Ram shows  God loves simplicity and only understands the language of devotion - those who have devotion and unwavering love for God and good ways to God. Unfortunately, India has't learnt from this example by Ram. 

The meaning and lessons here need to be clearly imparted to the audience. We have halls full of so called devotees, but many do not possess good character as explained in Navdha Bhakti. You still find many, full of deceit, hypocrisy, being two-faced, are thieves, full of tension or depression, being discontented with life, feeling jealous of others, being cruel to others, lacking self-control, having no respect for parents, being gossiping "Manthras, and yet trying to pass oneself as religious without having qualities of being a good person. I see some in Mandirs.

I personally know such people, and this shakes my faith in religion and our ways of prayers. Some have organised Ramayan path for Ram Naumi at their place or Mandir. They have been singing Ramayan, being part of a Mandali or Mandir for many decades, yet their hollow and deceitful character have not changed to follow good ways taught by Ramayan.

In many Hindus of modern-times, no personal improvement are noted in their personality, despite years of Ram Naumi and Ramayan.  I would rather befriend one who does not go to Mandir, does not sing Ramayan, does not belong to a Mandir or Mandali, but still is a good human being (spiritual without being religious) and a truthful and trustworthy person who respects  elders and parents and treats others with compassion.

We are so short of people who can walk their talk in Hinduism. They need to read and understand Navdha Bhakti, and see how God visits an uneducated lowly ranked, of very low caste woman who lacked all knowledge about prayers of rituals, but had non-deceitful and unwavering faith n God. 

We need more Shabris who are real Ram Bhakt and not ponga, dhongi (deceitful) bhakts, masquerading as religious people with big tikkas. They can be common men-aam aadmi

Lessons from Ram-Shabri Milan to modern man is to shed all showmanship, your richness and greatness in whatever form, and be nice to your fellow beings, and just be a good person to reach God. You do not reach God through donations to Mandirs and Mandalis alone. One cannot bribe God or buy your way into God's heart. 

The lesson here is not to indulge in rituals, showmanship or display of wealth to reach God. Be simple, but devoted and a nice person, with faith and compassion, like Shabri.

And God will walk to your place.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a blogger, a media scholar and a person who has been singing Ramayan since he started reading Hindi over six decades ago. He is former Secretary of Nasinu Branch of Sanatan Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. He advocates Ramayan pracharaks and those conducting discourse to IMPORTANTLY preach about the relevance of Ramayan to modern man, instead of repeating stories we already know about.]

RAM NAUMI - LESSON 2: RAVAN – VIBHISHAN : ABILITY TO SPEAK THE TRUTH WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR

Thakur Ranjit Singh

This is the second lesson from Ramayan that you may not have heard before in such light, with relevance to modern man.

After the King of Lanka, Ravan “stole” Lord Ram’s wife, Sita, and heard that Ram’s battalion was on its way to Lanka, he called a meeting to take views of his advisers. All of his Ministers advised him to go to war with Ram, as they felt Ravan was invincible, unbeatable, so they voted for war.

Ravan is the type of demon king who only wants your advice if you tell him what he wishes to hear.

However, Ravan’s brother, Vibhishan advised him not to go to war. He stated that it did not suit a King like Ravan to commit this cowardly evil deed of stealing someone’s wife, therefore he should return Sita to Ram and seek forgiveness and peace him.

Vibhishan was very brave to stand up to Ravan to remind him about his mistakes. Ravan is the type of demon king who only wants your advice if you tell him what he wants to hear.(Remember some people you know like that?). Anybody doing otherwise would suffer the consequences.

Vibhishan pleads to Ravan and tells him that Ram is God and Ravan has abused his powers. Clasping Ravan’s leg, Vibhishan prays and tells him that “where there is wisdom, prosperity of every kind reigns; where there is lack of knowledge, misfortune is the inevitable end. This is from the famous Chaupai (quadruplet): jahan sumati tahan sampati nana, jahan kumati tahan bipati nidana.” 

Ravan claims to be all powerful and chides Vibhishan for taking the enemy’s side. He tells Vibhishan to go and join the enemies if he so much loves them. Ravan then kicks his younger brother while he was clasping his feet. That kick and departure of Vibhishan was the beginning of end of Ravan. While departing, Vibhishan gave advice to them in this Doha:

“Sachiu, vaidh, guru tini joh, priya boleh bhay aas; Raj dharam tann tini karr hoi beghi naas”

When the three: a Minister (adviser), a physician (doctor) and a religious preceptor (guru, teacher, mentor) – these three use pleasing words from fear (darr) or hope of reward (lalach, greed), the result is that dominion (country) health, and faith – all the three forthwith, go to dogs (meet sad end).

This is very good lesson to people who have false fans, followers or admirers because either you are rich or powerful. People will butter you because of greed, or fear.

Vibhishan pleads to Ravan and tells him to come to his senses, return Sita to Ram, and seek forgiveness and peace.

A lesson in real life of this lesson is the fall of Mahendra Chaudhry’s peoples Coalition Government on 19 May, 2000 in Fiji. Many Vibhishans came to advise Chaudhry to shed his trade-union type arrogance and behave like a statesman Prime Minister, but he ignored all advice. He was wisely advised not to grant permit for the march which resulted in his overthrow. But he ignored that advice.

Yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh also joined in as a Vibhishan to tell him to improve his ways in Radio Fiji’s Fiji Hindi programme ‘Tanik Humri Bhi Suno. (Hear me out, dude). 

I ran this programme at Radio Fiji in 1999-2000, among others with Dinesh Sharma and Zarina Begum Reece. Gyan Prabha Nand and Veena Bhatnagar (now an Assistant Minister in Bainimarama Government) from Radio Fiji were the anchors. In one crucial programme that resulted in death of our programme, we had pleaded with Chaudhry to get rid of his arrogance, show some respect for Chiefs and Fijian institutions, and win support of ITaukei population. 

Like Ravan, he kicked us out from the programme and was not prepared to listen to what he did not wish to hear. With his Communications Assistant Minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi, they shut us off from Radio Fiji and canceled our programme and assaulted freedom of media and speech. This was also an assault on democracy which gave him an overwhelming majority that made him Ravan -like. And his government was assaulted in return by the Fiji Times' partisan news coverage and George Speight. And the rest is history.

Unfortunately, while many sing Ramayan, they fail to appreciate this bold lesson taught by Vibhishan: even if your brother is wrong, stand up for righteousness, peace, and truth. There is shortage of such people with courage of standing up to ills in the community. 

Many are afraid to walk the talk of religious teachings. Because of my obsession to do right things, I generally find myself ostracized by the rich, mighty and influential in our community, who like Ravan, get offended when they do not hear from me what they wish to hear. 

Some rich and powerful in our community hate Thakur for speaking boldly what he thinks is right. It is for this reason that some Indian media in Auckland used to black-ban Thakur. This is for the truth I spoke against these media organisations.  Their rich and influential proprietors, like Ravan, think they could also kick away this Vibhishan.

Even some of the elites have told some organisation I associate with, that they will not donate if Thakur is associated with them. Hence, we have the Ravans of Kaliyug lurking around us, kicking Vibhishans, who speak the truth. But Vibhishan keeps on keeping on.

Ravan tells Vibhishan to go and join Ram, if he so much loved him. Ravan humiliates and abuses him, and kicks his younger brother who was bold enough to speak the truth. He chases the one speaking the truth, at his peril, and the whole of Lanka perished.

We just hope, the pracharaks and pundits preaching Ramayan, and in particular, this episode, try to relate it to current times. We still have arrogant Ravans around us. And like Ravan’s Ministers and advisers, many still, for fear or hope of reward, (darr or lalach) advise and tell them what they wish to hear. 

What our society needs is more Vibhishans who can stand up to Ravans of modern times and make a difference by speaking the truth that many amongst us are afraid to do. Unfortunately, I personally find myself punished and side-lined for being the Vibhishan amongst us. And this is generally by those who purport to be disciples of Bhagwan Ram. Wah re prabhu ke bhakt (Hail hypocrisy of such prophets and followers of Lord Ram)

I hope you will learn from the teachings of Ramayan. Do not be a fearful bystander - speak the truth, be honest and liberate your loved ones by speaking the truth. Point them out, like Vibhishan, if they are wrong.

One learned philosopher said: FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH, IT ONLY TAKES GOOD PEOPLE TO DO NOTHING - Be like Bhakt Prahalad - speak up truth against evil, even if it happens to be your father. May you be like Thakur - speak boldly against injustice and evil you see, even if you become unpopular for doing so, or get a kicks like Vibhishan from Ravans of our community.

May you be blessed by Shri Ram in Ram Naumi - and always. 

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a blogger, a media scholar and a person who has been singing Ramayan since he started reading Hindi over six decades ago. He is former Secretary of Nasinu Branch of Sanatan Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. He advocates Ramayan pracharaks and those conducting discourse to IMPORTANTLY preach about the relevance of Ramayan to modern man, instead of repeating stories we already know about.]

RAM NAUMI - LESSON 1: AVOID “MANTHRAS” OF MODERN TIMES - GOSSIPERS AND BACKBITERS.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Ramayan for modern generation is full of teachings that are very relevant to us. But the lament is that in many cases, people sitting on vyas gaddi, or pracharaks, those delivering lectures, do not take this opportunity to make a link between Ramayan’s teachings and it relevance to us today for the modern man.

Many people tell the same old stories of Ramayan we have been hearing for decades. We all know it, BUT HOW ARE THEY RELEVANT TO US TODAY? FIJI PUNDIT will tell.

The relevance of Ramayan for modern men (new generation) is to be careful of an evil "Manthra" who plants seed of discord, disunity and infighting between peaceful and loving families and friends. So be warned against such Manthras, discover them before they can cause you misery. And do not fall for them. 

I will fill that vacuum over this period of Ram Naumi. The first lesson that I wish to speak on is the “Manthra”, the backbiter, the ‘chugalkhor”, the gossiper, the spoiler – the one very near to the family, but who does great damage to family unity. Yes, something that I have personally been through, being victims of people who belong to religious organisations, act as devoted people of Gods, but never learn anything from the real teachings of scriptures. There are many around us. Be careful of those who talk about others. They will start talking about you as soon as you leave. This brings discord in the family, between brothers, sons, sisters-in-law and many other relatives. Many of you may have been through this situation.

In Ramayan, Kekei was very loving “mother” to Ram, and Ram mutually loved her very much. So did Ram’s father, Dashrath, for whom this love for Kekei became a “fatal attraction” (as he loses his life in fulfilling the vows he gave her). She was one of the three Queens of King Dashrath. He lost his life for a “vachan”, promise or vow he had given her in time of vulnerability in a war. Kekei was almost unaware of it, till her servant from her father’s place, Manthra, reminded her of this on the last night before Ram's coronation. 

Manthra” filled the ears” of a hitherto loving mother, Kekei, with false situations that she would be rendered as a slave queen and Kaushalya (Ram’s biological mother) would become the Queen Mother. In the greed to become Queen Mother, at insistence and “filling the ear” by Manthra with evil thoughts in a loving family, Kekei halts Ram’s coronation and had him banished and exiled to forest for 14 years, while announcing coronation for her son Bharat. However Bharat (also called Dharam Raj or the righteous one) rejects this, insisting that the eldest brother, Ram should rightfully be the king. He oversees the kingdom of Ayodhya in trust for Ram, till his return 14 years after the exile. (One of the reasons for which we celebrate Diwali)

Be careful of modern-day Manthra spreading the seeds of disunity in families.

But the problem we have in Kaliyug, our modern times, is that we stopped producing righteous and selfless brothers like Bharat. We are full of selfish people, brothers, who have been singing Ramayan for decades, but still failing to learn much from the half-brotherly love depicted in Ramayan – the sacrifices that a half-brother Bharat does for his elder brother Ram. Ramayan is full of very noble and good teachings for modern men, but unfortunately, much of these are not practiced, or imparted by those preaching Ramayan. Most often, they tell the story only, and abstract teachings with little relation and relevance to current times.

Hence, the lesson we should learn from Ramayan is to be careful of people like “Manthra” –the modern day Manthra, masquerading as your friend and relative, but in reality, holding much malice against you and your family, and spreading false rumours or feeding others with gossip that causes rift in the family. 

Some audience may feel bad and assume that such teachings and lessons refer to them. Too bad, if the hat fits you, and you happen to be acting like “Manthra”, the gossiper and backbiter, then put the hat on.

Improve yourselves from lessons and morale delivered by Ramayan. No use going to the Katha, eating prashaad and food, (and some consuming grog) and going home. It is a waste of time-you have been doing this for many years, in fact decades. Abse sudhar jaao - improve from now.

Manthra feeding the evil thoughts in the mind of Queen Kekei - the type of people we need to be wary of in modern times who feed us with lies, distortions and divisive information which ultimately results in destroying peace and family unity.

We have a Fiji-Indian saying that if somebody tells you that a crow has flown away with your ears, DO NOT RUN AFTER THE CROW- FIRST FEEL YOUR EARS AND SEE THAT THEY ARE INTACT. What that means is that do not fall for such rumours and unfounded second-hand gossips.

ESTABLISH THE FACTS BEFORE MAKING ANY RASH DECISIONS. 

Kekei -the face of good turned evil by a backbiter Manthra, in 'the latest Ramayan serial, "Siya Ke Ram"

Please I hope you will learn from the teachings of Ramayan to be careful to avoid falling victims to “Manthra” of modern times. They are lurking around you, both as males and females, as friends. Many may be your  relatives. I know some of them, but they do not know that I know - but I remain careful-and do not give a damn to what they say.

A tell tale sign is, they will say -"koi se batana nahin"..do not tell others. So, be warned and be blessed by Shri Ram. 

This has been the first lesson from FIJI PUNDIT.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a blogger, a media scholar and a person who has been singing Ramayan since he started reading Hindi over six decades ago. He is former Secretary of Nasinu Branch of Sanatan Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. He advocates Ramayan pracharaks and those conducting discourse to IMPORTANTLY preach about the relevance of Ramayan to modern man, instead of repeating stories we already know about.]

Waitakere Ethnic Board AGM hears of Multiculturalism, and praised for promoting it

Thakur Ranjit Singh

On a very pleasant morning of Saturday, 5 March, 2016, I found myself at Kelston Community Centre in West Auckland. It was the occasion of 12th Annual General Meeting of Waitakere Ethnic Board (WEB). We were to get an update on achievements of WEB. It was notable for another reason, as the present and future of Auckland Council were the keynote speakers. Council’s Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse and Mayor-in-Waiting, Phil Goff graced the occasion with their presence. At this Kelston Community Centre, I got a bout of nostalgia. Some ten years ago I had a dose of multiculturalism at the same venue by an ethnic person in a seminar organised by WEB on concerns of ethnic communities.

Faces of diversity at Waitakere Ethnic Board AGM

In an Ethnic Board workshop in 2006 at the same venue, I had the opportunity to listen to an interesting anecdote from an Asian speaker. This migrant had an uncanny ability to laugh at his own predicament, which is a great human virtue lacking in many today.

He said that if a pregnant woman had to give birth while in an Auckland taxi, she would be safe. And that you would be luckier to have a heart attack in one of Auckland's public buses. This is because the chances are that the Indian taxi driver is doctor, or the Chinese, Malaysian or Singaporean bus driver is a cardiologist.

Both these classes of people and similar professionals are forced to give up their profession which they had practised for most of their lives in their home country. Their qualifications allow them to migrate to New Zealand in the general skills category but when they get here the reality of job market in Auckland hits them. This was covered in a New Zealand Herald opinion piece by this writer.

Patron of WEB and Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse: She says that DNA of diversity promoted by former Waitakere City Council is being emulated at the Super City.

Therefore it was nice to hear Councillor Penny Hulse speak about multiculturalism, and it appears that much needs to be done, while much has also been done in the last decade. As an export of former Waitakere City Council to the Super (Auckland) City, she spoke about the practices of the Westy Council which always tended to celebrate diversity. “We are proud that the DNA that our former Waitakere City Council possess has been taken on board by the Super City. And we are proud of Waitakere Ethnic Board to have always lighted the flame of diversity,” she said. She spoke about many instance and forums WEB held to promote understanding and goodwill.

The next speaker, MP for Mt Roskill, Phil Goff, also spoke about diversity in Auckland, and so many diverse community festivals, notably Lantern festival and Diwali, and how the cultural landscape of New Zealand was made more colourful by resourceful migrants. 

Mayor-in-Waiting, Phil Goff: Ethnic communities can have some comfort with somebody who represents Mt Albert Electorate with some 40% of people being non Anglo Saxons (Non-Europeans). They can be assured of an Ethnic -Community -friendly Mayor in him. This especially is good news for WEB, who are good friends with Phil Goff.

“Auckland has changed by us embracing diversity and respect for other cultures where we happily celebrate Chinese New year and Indian festival Diwali and other ethnic festivals. The city today is richer for the migrants we have,” the future Mayor said (Phil Goff has thrown his name in the mayoral election to be held next year, and FIJI PUNDIT him to win.) For an MP who comes from Mt Albert electorate which boasts a large percentage of ethnic and non-Anglo Saxon (Non-European) voters, Phil Goff is well placed to silence the critics (including your truly) who claim Auckland Council to be too White. Phil Goff’s ability to work with various communities, and his acceptance by National Party movers and shakers is a plus Auckland Council needs. Especially its ability to work in partnership with government to address crucial issues such as housing and transport. (So much for campaigning for the next Mayor)

Now, coming back to reality of WEB AGM. The current president of Waitakere Ethnic Board has gone through apprenticeship in this job, as he tagged along with his father, Reverend Amail Habib, when he used to be the president. So Habib Junior (Boaz) is well-placed to have a vision for WEB.

Face of diversity and Ladies Power at WEB AGM

“Going forward we will continue to build on our strong relationships with the Council and the Local Boards and representing our ethnic communities. Our message to the Council and Local Boards is 'Trust, Engage and Communicate' with your ethnic communities. The Waitakere Ethnic Board is committed to doing this by championing the causes of ethnic diversity, inclusion, fairness and equality,' he said

He further stated that he believed the Waitakere Ethnic Board has tremendous potential to do good for the community as it has demonstrated till now. “We continue to stand in the gap for our ethnic communities. The future of the Waitakere Ethnic Board is its ethnic communities and our future direction is intimately linked with them” the president, Boaz said.

The following nine executives were confirmed as elected: Boaz Habib, Shirley Freeman, Malvindar Pal Singh, Andy Cawston, Derek Lim, Mehzabeen Aziz, Cristina Pitas, Melissa Inouye and Francisco Hernandez. At the same time, Rajeev Vasudeva, Kwan Lim and yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh retired as executives.

Current Executives of WEB present at AGM. From Left:Cristina Pitas (Romania), Andy Cawston (Canadian),  Dr. Melissa Inouye (Chinese/Japanese), Francisco Hernandez (Philippines), Malvinder Pal Singh (Acting Treasurer-India), Shirley Freeman (Acting Vice President WEB-Guyana), and Dr Boaz Habib, (President, WEB (Missing- Derek Lim and Mehzabeen Aziz)

On the future direction of WEB, Boaz outlined the following major strategies for the coming year. These, among others included:

--   Building WEB presence in the Whau region especially New Lynn area

-    Building on our existing relationship base with Local boards and Auckland Council 
      and getting greater involvement in ethnic issues so they remain well informed 
      on the currency and importance of ethnic-centric issues, and

-     Continue to have more ethnic community relevant forums to raise awareness 
       and continue to be the voice for the marginalised.

With firm and strong leadership at WEB, there is no doubt they will achieve their goals. We wish all the best to the new executives. But very importantly, we pray that the leadership of the next Auckland Council can walk its talk on inculcating real multiculturalism in the Super City – there has been much lip service-now is the time for some genuine action. Thanks to Waitakere Ethnic Board in being our Marshalls in hoisting the flag of diversity. 

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a former executive of WEB and served in the position of Media and Community Liaison Officer. He runs his blog site FIJI PUNDIT and still aims to fill the vacuum of media eclipse on ethnic issues by the mainstream and side stream media. He strives to cover ethnic issues, especially the controversial ones, swept under the carpet by a predominantly White media]

Is Fiji ready for same-sex marriage?

Frank Bainimarama, Fiji’s Prime Minister has indeed been very frank on the issue of same-sex marriage, which reflects the opinion and mood of Fiji people on this controversial subject. His comments followed an FBC TV news on calls for gay marriage, and this has ruffled a few feathers. Bainimarama vehemently claimed that gay marriage would not take place in Fiji in his lifetime, and claimed that “Fiji does not need that rubbish”. He further stated that if a woman wanted to marry another woman, "they should go and have it done in Iceland and stay and live there." On calls of constitutional equality, Bainimarama said that” the constitution did not refer to equality as the opportunity for same sex marriage or love for all as love by Sakaraia for Ropate ending at the altar.”

Does Constitutional equality in Fiji mean that love of Sakaraia and Ropate will end at altar as MARRIAGE?

Shamima Ali, the head of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, on a news programme is reported to have said that Fiji should consider allowing same-sex marriage. In response to the Prime Minister’s statement, she said it was totally regressive against gay and lesbian community in Fiji who have been struggling with discrimination. She accused PM of being homophobic and said acceptance of the gay community has slowly been increasing, and leaders should instead be encouraging tolerance. Yes, I agree – give recognition, encourage tolerance, give equality in law and promote acceptance. However for it to end in marriage, and in Fiji, is indeed a tall order. High on heels of this, a Fiji lawyer, one Aman Ravindra Singh, jumped in the furore and accused the Prime Minister of breaking the law through his statements. Singh is reported to have said that the comments breach section 65 of the constitution, which contains an offence called inciting communal antagonism.

Let us view this in the context of the so-called Western civilisation and human rights issues. When some of the Western countries which have this legislation were ‘civilised,’ Fiji was still in Stone Age. At the dawn of civilization, Fijians still lived in caves, wore grass skirts and Chiefs relished on meals including meat of fellow human beings from the defeated tribes. Hence any comparison of Fiji to these long “Civilised” western countries with predominantly Anglo Saxon (European) population is misplaced. And Singh and Ali need to be informed that even today, in the country of their forefathers (India), sexual relations between same sexes is still illegal, let alone marriage. This was so in Fiji as well till very recent past where it was referred to as “unnatural” act. 

As a product of that Girmitiya culture, I do not care what gays and lesbians do behind closed doors. I show and support acceptance and tolerance. They have their rights to practice their sexual orientation, and I agree with the law to give them rights to be different, and allow acceptance, in line with global movements and pressures. But to give this relationship equality with marriage is indeed a tall order. This, especially in a very conservative and religious country which is founded on Christianity, and deeply rooted with other religions, including Hinduism and Islam. All these religions see marriage as union of a man and a woman. Fiji saw civilization quite late to beat all other ‘civilised’ countries for same sex marriage. Our religious priests, Pundits and Maulvis will faint at the thought of marrying Adam and Steve, Sakaraia and Ropate, Ram and Shyam and Rafiq and Safiq.

For those who think Fiji should follow its near neighbour in adopting gay marriages need to realise that despite being less than 3 hours flight away, New Zealand is miles away from Fiji in all respects. It is a First World (Developed) Country which saw Western civilisation many miles ahead of Fiji. Unlike Fiji, it has got some forty (40) per cent of people who are atheists-they do not believe in God. Fiji cannot be compared with them. 

Despite its seemingly liberal laws and policies on gender equality, people need to realise that New Zealand, still classed union of same sex as “Civil Union”, and did not call it “marriage” till very recently. Like Fiji, it is a country founded on Christianity, and there are still large sections of its community who resent laws allowing “marriage’ between same sexes.
Perhaps this letter in the Herald on Sunday recently by a reader sums up the sentiment of a large portion of its population, who still believe in God, the biology of reproduction and the law of nature. It sums up my views as well:

“Opposing same sex marriage is not depriving homosexuals of any legal rights, social standing or status. It is merely confirming the traditional and universally accepted definition of marriage, a union between a man and a woman. This is not just biblical authority or Christianity, it is a concept held by all cultures and peoples since the dawn of civilisation for the procreation and preservation of species.”

Thank God for Shamima Ali, lawyer Aman Ravindra Singh, and others advocating same-sex marriage in Fiji - that their fathers did not decide to enter into a gay- marriage. Had they done so, today, instead of advocating for something that is alien to our culture, they would still be hanging loosely somewhere craving to come into human life through the Creator’s rule of union of a man and a woman.

Reviving Fiji Girmit Awareness:A Small trip by a Fiji Minister - a Milestone for Girmit History

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Fiji Girmit Foundation in New Zealand was formed by a passionate group of people interested in promoting awareness of Girmit, especially in the new generation, who appear to have lost pride in their heritage. A recent visit to Fiji has created some milestones:

1) Thanksgiving visit to Nasilai Village, and partnership in village developments
2) Discussion on inclusion of Girmit History in Fiji School curriculum..
3) Discussion initiated for 14 May to be declared as Public Holiday in Fiji.
4) Schools assistance projects initiated.
5) Library book drive in New Zealand for Fiji schools to be undertaken.
6) Translation of Rajendra Prasad's "Tears in Paradise" into ITaukei language. 

Read a detailed analysis of achievements and future direction of the organisation.

Master Shiu Charan, President of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand with Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, who was the Chief Guest at Girmit Day in Auckland in May, 2015.

As the Fiji Airways Boeing 737-800 glided in descent-mode to Auckland International Airport early Sunday morning on 18 October, 2015 the memories of an eventful trip to Nasilai Village came flooding in. After having that good airline meal of chicken pasta, I was reminded of all the delicious nice food that was served to us by the village ladies - so tasty, cooked, with so much love for the visitors, and served with so much hospitality. We salute Nasilai Villagers of Nausori, Fiji.

Our delegation from Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand was overall satisfied with the success of a memorable and effective pilgrimage to Fiji. When the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was chosen and invited as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker for Girmit Commemoration on 17 May 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand, some objected. But we reminded them that our history and mythologies show that people do change, and the path that Fiji Government has taken is historic in itself.

While commemorating Girmit on the theme of Syria Ship tragedy, we expressed our desire to Minister Kubuabola that we wished to visit and honour the descendants of the villagers at Nasilai Village. He agreed to facilitate and echoed that milk of human kindness tend to ooze out in times of adversity. He applauded the plan of the Girmit Foundation to present a plaque to the people of Nasilai, the descendants of those villagers 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.

In reply 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’s Fiji First Government of forging a new hope for all the citizens of Fiji, with equality, fairness and social justice for all. He alluded to the fact that the biggest issue with lack of knowledge on Girmit (indenture) was 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 is requesting the Minister for his government to consider including Girmit History in Fiji’s education curriculum, and to declare 14 May, the anniversary date 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 author Rajendra Prasad requested the Minister, who promised to take these requests to the government.

Meeting the Minister: New Zealand delegation meeting Minister Kubuabola on 13 October, 2015 in his office. From left: Vijendra Prasad, Viren Lal, Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Head of Girmit Delegation, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, Secretary of NZ Girmit Foundation and author of this article, Thakur Ranjit Singh, and Shashi Kala Singh.

One small gesture by the Minister by attending a Girmit function in Auckland has eventuated into a milestone, and working for benefit of all towards that. A delegation from New Zealand made a thanksgiving trip to Nasilai Village on 14 October, 2015 and presented the villagers with gifts and a commemorative plaque. The villagers were also promised assistance through New Zealand and Indian High Commissions of some village projects that needed to be completed.

The delegation also met Minister Kubuabola to follow up on the request for May 14 to be declared a Public Holiday. This is under discussion and some positive outcomes are expected on this request.

Meeting Minister of Education: From left, Viren Lal, Minister for Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy, Vijendra Prasad, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian, Shashi Kala Singh and Thakur Ranjit Singh

The delegation, while in Fiji, also visited Minister of Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy.  “The Ministry is now looking at the curriculum and Girmit History is something that we hope to include in our curriculum, “Minister Reddy told the delegation. And some positive steps have already been taken. There was discussion on some rural school projects that were to be undertaken with assistance from some New Zealand Trusts. A suggestion was also made to commence a book drive whereby library books and other similar items would be collected in New Zealand and shipped to Fiji to be distributed in its schools, especially in the rural and maritime ones that need assistance. Girmit Foundation would work with the Ministry to bring this to reality in 2016.

During Minister’s visit during Girmit Commemoration, a suggestion was mooted where the book on Girmit history and events, “Tears in Paradise Sacrifices and Suffering, 1879- 2004” was to be translated into ITaukei (Fijian) language. This has now been facilitated by cooperation between Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indian High Commission in Fiji, and the book is in the process of translation by a Fijian scholar.

The book, authored by  Rajendra Prasad, Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand is being translated into ITaukei Language by a Fijian scholar, with assistance from Indian High Commission in Fiji

Finally, this revival of Girmit movement in Auckland was intended to inspire Fiji Girmit Council to get back to its old form and take a cue from Indo-Fijian Diaspora in New Zealand. As a result, a part of the delegation also made a courtesy call to Fiji Girmit Council’s Girmit Centre in Lautoka, where talks were held between the delegation and committee members of Fiji Girmit Council to work together for benefit of Girmit history.

As the early morning Fiji Airways flight number FJ415 hit the tarmac at Auckland International Airport on the night flight from Fiji at around 2am on a Sunday morning, I was jolted back, and appreciated Fiji Airways for the night flights, which have double benefits. While it makes maximum utilisation of its asset, the planes, with overnight and short-haul flights, it also gives the travellers on short Fiji trips that extra time back home with friends and relatives. No longer are two days wasted in travelling to and fro - they are undertaken in the depth of the night. Very nice gesture from Fiji Airways. I suppose I could make a good overseas Fijian Travel writer for Fiji Airways. I wished to be that, but it seems they still believe you need to be a White man to write well. Perhaps like Girmit, a colonial hangover.

But, yes, this was not the last trip. As Nasilai Villagers lamented that many people visited them but never came back, the New Zealand delegation has found a very good ally in Fiji Government, especially its Minister for Foreign Affair, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola. Hence the above-mentioned projects and initiatives would end up bearing fruits in fertile vision. And we promise to fly Fiji Airways again. Thanks for the nice friendly service, and that midnight double can of Fiji Gold. Isa lei Fiji. Nasilai Village, we will visit again, and relish that crab curry I longed to eat more of. Vinaka Vaka Levu, Nasilai Villagers, and Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, and your very effective team in Suva, Fiji. We will come again.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a Founding Trustee and the Secretary of Fiji Girmit Foundation, New Zealand. He was part of the delegation that visited Fiji and Nasilai Village. He runs blog site, FIJI PUNDIT, and Indian Media Watch, NZ, and is a media scholar, specialising in social media and covering Fiji news bypassed by the Indian mainstream media in New Zealand.]