AN OPEN LETTER TO FIJI PM: THE GREAT FIJI HINDI DEBATE - AN ASSAULT ON FIJI INDIAN CULTURE THROUGH STEALTH

AN OPEN LETTER TO FIJI PM: THE GREAT FIJI HINDI DEBATE - AN ASSAULT ON FIJI INDIAN CULTURE THROUGH STEALTH

Dear Prime Minster,

Bula and Happy and a Prosperous New Year.

I lost all avenues and decided to take this unprecedented means to write this open letter to you through my blog, FIJI PUNDIT

This was to get your attention on a very crucial matter affecting my community in Fiji. My blog is seen and read by thousands of your supporters in Fiji Indian Diaspora spread around the world, through social media.

Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was seen as a ray of hope, and savior for Fiji Indians in the doom and gloom of  past ethno-nationalist leaders and Fijian Governments. He was seen by some as a reincarnation, as promised by Lord Krishn in Gita, that he would come back when people are in strife. Therefore this act of assault on Fiji Indian culture is seen as something foreign from his Government.

The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain neutrality.

This was originally said by Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet, many centuries ago.

In our lifetime, Martin Luther King Jr, repeatedly quoted it with some addition: 

He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.

In fact this was also President John F Kennedy’s famous quote based on Dante’s Inferno (Hell), with a slight variation…”…: those who in time of moral crisis preserve their neutrality.

While initially uttered many centuries ago, they still ring true in case of Fiji today. 

This applies aptly to Radio Fiji’s unilateral decision to railroad Fiji Hindi in one of its stations, and many maintaining their neutrality in this time of moral crisis. And we do not know where this demolition of our culture will stop.

What I am questioning is not the fact that it has been done, but HOW and the manner of its implementation, and WHY.

Before I venture further, I have some questions, which themselves may be the answers to this sacrilege. Perhaps the public face of this desecration, CEO of FBC Riyaz Saiyad Khaiyum, Shammi Lochan and Roshika Deo can answer them.

It is time Radio Fiji grew up and became real voice of the nation and represents the people it serves. Is it worth for it to go against the majority wishes of its audience, assuming they ever cared to measure them at all?

Sir, I humbly pose these questions to you as well, as the last one refers to you directly.

And I also challenge those others with influence, power and authority who could have done something, but reserved their “hot places” by maintaining and preserving their “neutrality”.

Please, go ahead, make my day, and answer them:

1) Was such a crucial matter of cultural policy which has the potential to affect the life of a whole community now and into the future, debated in Parliament?

2) What do all those Fiji Indians on government benches think? Are they complicit in this arrant act of cultural vandalism and destruction?

3) Was there any wide public consultation from experts and interested parties instead of being railroaded in this unilateral fashion?

4) Who in and around FBC are even remotely experts in linguistics and effects and impacts of such “bastardization” of language on a culture?

5) And where is Fiji Broadcasting Commission Board? Were they ever consulted, and did they give their green light to fixing of something that was never broken? What are their priorities? Are they sleeping on the job?

6) Use of proper Hindi in Fiji Broadcasting Commission (FBC) was never questioned in its 66 years of existence by its highly QUALIFIED AND DESERVING (my emphasis) Board, CEO, celebrated management and announcers. In fact people studied Hindi to join Radio Fiji. Then who are these minnows to implement this controversial, questionable, unethical and immoral change?

7) And Sir, where are you? Sir, you projected yourself as the saviour of Fiji Indians when on 6 December, 2006, you deposed Laisenia Qarase because of SDL’s ethno nationalism that was hurting Fiji Indian community. Is not Radio Fiji repeating what an ITaukei ethno-nationalist government would have done?

Is there any monkeying around with Fiji Indian culture, with "bastardization" of Hindi in Mirchi FM?

Sir, the fact that Fiji tax-payer funded public broadcaster, FBC, running Mirchi FM has abandoned Hindi in favour of Fiji Hindi is not surprising at all. Many unilateral decisions taken in Fiji recently, without any consultation and discussion would raise some eyebrows.

Unfortunately Fiji Indians in general and Hindus in particular where this assault is directed seem to have lost the fight and vision that our forebears Girmitiyas possessed. One may question, where is Sanatan? Where is Arya Samaj? Where is Fiji Girmit Council, Brahman Sabha, Pundits and so-called guardians of Hindi Language? Have their respective leadership lost their manhood and become what we call impotent? Are people prepared to sell their souls for political favours, commercial gains and other self-interest through fear or favour? 

The lion-heart National President of TISI Sangam, Sadasivan Naicker, who did not mince his words when he rebuked Radio Fiji for this act, akin to blasphemy. He blamed them for "bastardization" of Hindi.

I must salute TISI Sangam, and its National President, Sadasivan Naicker who took the initiative and lead with a hard-hitting press statement without fear or favour. He delivered Radio Fiji a hard slap: 

This is unprofessional and unethical for any medium to promote Fiji Hindi. This is an insult and rape of Hindi language. Erosion of Hindi will have unprecedented negative effects on Hindu religion, and in effect is “standardization “of Hindi.

TISI Sangam was meekly followed by Sanatan, where its National Secretary took the platform of an International Hindi Conference to plead with Radio Fiji not to use a broken Hindi. Labour and NFP also opposed this move by Radio Fiji.

Unlike those who have imposed this unilateral decision to abandon Hindi for Fiji Hindi, I have experience in this matter. I was involved in promoting Fiji Hindi in Fiji media almost three decades ago. I wrote a weekly page in Fiji Times-owned Hindi Weekly, Shanti Dut, in Fiji Hindi, Lo Kar Lo Baat (Let’s talk) in 1990s.

Following popularity of that, Radio Fiji Two adopted that principle. I ran Fiji Hindi program in Radio Fiji in 1999 / 2000, Tanik humri bhi suno, (hey, dude, hear me out) and currently run similar programme, Lo Kar Lo Baat in APNA TV in Auckland. 

This was and is merely done to acknowledge FIJI HINDI as our mother tongue. We need to appreciate that in countries where Indian indentured labourers lost their mother tongue, they lost the umbilical cord to Hindi. Fiji was fortunate in that regard.

Fiji Broadcasting Commission which went of air in 1954, never had any complaints in its 66 years history from its Fiji Indian audience  that anybody had any difficulty in understanding Hindi. That appears to be an excuse for those behind the push for Fiji Hindi. The souls of its past departed management and some distinguished and honorable announcers like Pundit Devakar Prasad, Pundit Ambika Maharaj, Sami Mudaliar, Anirudh Diwakar, Bahenji Vaishnoi and Shabila Singh, among others, would be crying today seeing the gutter level to which their beloved station has degenerated into.

We had a different breed of Girmitiyas -ordinary people who did extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances. They preserved their language which in turn led to survival, and in fact, promotion of Hindi.

My use of Fiji Hindi in media was more for entertainment, and an acknowledgement and salute to our mother tongue, and also Hindi.

Eminent and distinguished Ba scholars and authors Jogindar Singh Kanwal and Rajendra Prasad reiterated the importance of Fiji Hindi in an earlier article. They likened Fiji Hindi as a jewel in the crown, Hindi. While a jewel adds colour, glitter and beauty to the crown, it itself can NEVER REPLACE THE CROWN.

Prime Minister Bainimarama has always been seen as somebody with a very huge heart for diversity and a sensitivity towards all people. Therefore what is happening at Radio Fiji seems odd. It appears,  he has been kept in the dark on this matter that could cost him election, as there is huge opposition to this controversial move.

I repeat the same thing, with an analogy to food. Fiji Hindi is chutney, condiments which add taste, texture, and flavour to the main course, HINDI. But, chutney cannot be the main course - hence, FIJI HINDI CAN NEVER BE THE MAIN FOOD. 

Sir, I plead that nobody has any business to replace Hindi as language in any public-owned radio station.

People of Fiji are worried about some controversial actions of your Government which appears to go against some objectives, intentions and promises you made when you displaced Qarase in 2006. One of them was to protect interests of Fiji Indians which the past ethno nationalist governments trashed on.
 

FIJI PUNDIT is reminding the Prime Minister Bainimarama that when he deposed and replaced SDL and Qarase in 2006, among others, he promised to rescue Fiji Indians from persecution of Fijian ethno-nationalist leaders and governments. Therefore, insensitivity shown to Fiji Indians in this Mirchi FM fiasco seems unusual - in fact, ironical.

Sir, as raised in the last question above, among other things, you removed Laisenia Qarase because of SDL’s ethno nationalism that was hurting Fiji Indian community.

Is not Radio Fiji repeating what an ITaukei ethno-nationalist government would have done?

Sir, I plead to you. Perhaps it is time you sat back into Fiji Government’s driver’s seat when it comes to such crucial national matters affecting Fiji and its community.

It cannot be left to amateurs – bereft of any vision. 

Sir, I remain a humble servant of the community.

Sincerely,

Thakur Ranjit Singh,
FIJI PUNDIT

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is an Auckland-based journalist and a media commentator, who runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. He also retains his Fijian citizenship. He has wide and long association with Fiji media, and is a former Publisher of Fiji’s Daily Post newspaper which Qarase’s SDL government closed down]

FIJI HINDI:A JEWEL IN THE CROWN THAT CANNOT, AND SHOULD NOT BE THE CROWN

Fiji Hindi: A Jewel in the Crown That Cannot, and should not be the Crown

Guest Writer - Rajendra Prasad

[First published in Fiji Sun in January, 2011]

Eminent educationist, author and poet, Jogindar Singh Kanwal of Ba gave his well-considered expose on Fiji Hindi debate on 16 December, 2010 in Fiji Sun. He emphatically maintained that Fiji Hindi is a jewel that can beautify the crown, but it in itself can never be the crown.

What he meant was that while it has its place in our everyday life, it has no place in formal occasion, or being formalized or taught. We are fortunate to have the good fortune of sharing the wisdom, knowledge and experience of a person of such repute and to make an informed decision on this sensitive issue. I share his sentiments.

JOGINDAR SINGH KANWAL- an author, educationist, philanthropist and supporter of both Fiji Hindi and Standard Hindi. He published an article a decade ago, and gave respect for the place of Fiji Hindi in our society. But unlike the action of Fiji Government, he believed that Fiji Hindi should never be formalized, and is not proper to be taught or replace Hindi. The decision by Radio Fiji to have Fiji Hindi in one of its stations would have really hurt him. He maintained, while Fiji Hindi is a jewel in the crown which adds value and beauty to  it, this jewel cannot itself replace the crown, Hindi, as Mirchi FM have implemented.

Indeed, Fiji Hindi is strongly rooted within Indo-Fijians and it is a robust language spoken across the world wherever Indo-Fijians live. They relish their language and they speak Fiji Hindi gleefully among themselves, particularly those who now live abroad because it evokes nostalgic memories and longing for the land of their birth. While it may lack dignity of Hindi and may be labelled as crude, however it is a treasure to our community that has given identity and dignity to our distinct Indo-Fijian culture.

Indeed, Fiji Hindi is embedded in our culture and is its official voice. What others say, how they perceive and react has really not bothered us because Fiji Hindi is a creation of our forebears that germinated in the turbulence of history, nurtured in poverty and today resonates as the badge of our identity. 

Historically, Fiji Hindi evolved in an environment that was both traumatic and chaotic. It was the hostile environment of Girmit where people from different parts of India, speaking different dialects and with different customs and traditions were herded together for a common purpose. For their masters, the British and the CSR Company, the Girmitiyas were nothing but units of labour that had to be exploited in the sugarcane fields of Fiji. It increased the profits of the CSR Company and maintained the economic viability of the colony. In this concept, the Girmitiyas were treated like the drought animals of the CSR Company and as serfs to the colonial Government. The atrocious conditions brought pressure on them to seek a middle ground to communicate with each other. 

In Fiji, the victims of pain and suffering united, as they leaned on each other for comfort, care and support. The only jewel in their possession was their culture and language of communication and when they could not understand each others dialect, they began sharing it.

Those that spoke Bhojpuri and Awadhi dialects comprised the majority and these dialects underwent a process of fusion, giving birth to Fiji Hindi. Essentially, it became a ‘kaam chalaao’ (make do) language through use and abuse but found refinement, as Hindi began to be taught in schools. However, it is not structured and will crumble when scrutinized for grammar and syntax.

RAJENDRA PRASAD is the Guest Writer for FIJI PUNDIT. This article was first published a decade ago, and he supports J.S Kanwal that this jewel, Fiji Hindi, cannot and should not be the Crown, which is Hindi. Rajendra is author of two books on Fiji's history.  tells the history from a non-academic angle, and hence told history without fear or favor, as his work did not depend on lucrative funding for politically correct history. His work, apart from numerous articles, includes TEARS IN PARADISE,  and ENSLAVED IN PARADISE

Interestingly, during the indenture period and up to the 1960s, people who originated from South India spoke their own dialects, namely Tamil, Telegu and Malayalam. It was even taught in schools established under the Sangam umbrella but the power of Hindi films, songs and dominance of North Indian dialects in Fiji gradually saw these dialects dissipate, as Fiji Hindi comprised of Bhojpuri, Awadhi and original Hindi consolidated. 

Historically, Fiji Hindi has considerably refined but is inextricably linked to the Hindi language. It cannot and must not be separated because Fiji Hindi is like a stream that will eventually end up in the river of Hindi language. It will be a natural consequence, as it grew out of it. But Fiji Hindi, within the foreseeable future, will retain its distinctiveness and remain part of our community. 

I agree that Fiji Hindi cannot and should not be taught in schools, as it also lacks the basics to capture emotions effectively. Items in English or any other language cannot be translated to give its emotional effect in Fiji Hindi. However, same can be most effectively translated in the Hindi language, echoing the heart-touching emotions.

Also, eulogies delivered at funerals are always delivered in proper Hindi and never in Fiji Hindi because Fiji Hindi lacks the essential texture to capture the dignity or solemnity of the occasion. Indeed, no one would have the courage to use Fiji Hindi on such occasions for fear of being reviled or ridiculed. 

Even on religious occasions or marriages the Pundits use proper Hindi and Fiji Hindi is never used and cannot be used because it is extremely shallow on impact. Indeed, any Pundit using  Fiji Hindi in conducting poojas is more likely to lose his punditry and would generally be regarded as shallow, illiterate and become object of ridicule.

Politicians too use proper Hindi when addressing public gatherings and any politician addressing such gatherings in Fiji Hindi would be assured to spend time outside and not inside the Parliament!

Further, few writers have tried to write in Fiji Hindi and the most notable work has been done by Professor Subramani who wrote ‘Dauka Puraan’. It is an outstanding attempt by a person whose proficiency in both Hindi and English is respected. However, most people found Dauka Puraan a difficult read and it did not ignite a desire in Indo-Fijians to take Fiji Hindi to the next level. The version of Fiji Hindi used in Dauka Puraan in Vanua Levu remarkably differed from that used in Viti Levu

DAUKA PURAAN was a mammoth effort by Professor Subramani of USP to write this 520-page novel in Fiji Hindi. As it was mostly in Vanua Levu version of Fiji Hindi, I, with others found difficulty in getting used to his version. While it was very commendable, no other huge work has been taken to write another novel in Fiji Hindi.

Other attempts by various writers, outside our community, have also failed to see Fiji Hindi established as a written language.

I strongly share the views of Mr. J.S. Kanwal and would like to see Fiji Hindi retain its place, as a ‘conversational language’ within our community. It is our heritage and a legacy to be left for successive generations. It is a beautiful language that is Fiji made and has served our community through every season and situation. We have an emotional attachment to it but this is not a reason for it to be de-linked from its origins. Hindi language will remain its solid anchor. 
Even many of our Fijian brothers and sisters have learnt it and it is a pleasure to hear them speak because they add a distinct flavor to it! Indeed, Fiji Hindi will not dissipate or diminish because it is firmly rooted in the fertile roots of our community. 

It is a treasure that needs to be promoted among the future generations so that we can retain our cultural distinctiveness. 

It is a historical treasure that must not be squandered. 

[Rajendra Prasad is the author of book, Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004. Subsequently he authored Enslaved in Paradise - A history of Mammoth Betrayals of Fijians by the British, Chiefs and Leaders of Fiji 1876-2006. This is an edited version of Fiji Sun article of January, 2011]

A SALUTE TO SIKH PIONEERS IN FIJI FOR THEIR VISION OF SEWA - SERVICE

 Guest Writer - Harnam Singh Golian

[Speech during Diamond Jubilee of Khalsa 

 College, Ba Fiji on 15 June, 2019, as Chief Guest]

I am greatly humbled and honoured to be a special invitee by virtue of being a co-founder of the Khalsa institution on the auspicious occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the reputed Khalsa Primary and Khalsa College founded in the early 1959. 

Khalsa College may be one of the earliest educational institution established by the Sikhs of Fiji outside India.

Our salute to JOGINDAR SINGH KANWAL (1927 -2017), pioneer principal of Khalsa College, Ba, Fiji (1960 -1987). A poet, a writer, a historian and an accomplished school administrator and teacher. Khalsa College without mention of Kanwal is incomplete. We salute you, Sardarji, for extremely rich heritage at Khalsa College, Ba. You were especially remembered and honoured during Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The concept of education (Viddia) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a very important subject because the educational tradition is deep rooted in Sikh beliefs and shapes the Sikh way of life. The very word Sikh means a learner – a disciple and a student who discovers the truth from the hymns of Gurbani. 

The Fiji Sikhs known as Punjabi’s particularly of the western districts of Lautoka, Ba and Tavua in the mid-1950s of British Era, although small in number, was a vibrant community. Because of the scarcity of schools many school-age children could not get admission hence deprived of formal education. Realising the importance of formal education, the Punjabi community seriously decided to do something as a service to the Indian community.

It was also a challenge for our martial community as well as their Girmitiya brethren who had experienced deprivation together were kept behind socially, economically and politically.

The Diamond Jubilee (60th Anniversary) plaque that Harnam Singh Golian unveiled on 15 June, 2019

In the post Girmit Era the majority of Fiji Indians merely lived on hand to mouth existence. There was no sustainable income of the Cane farmers, the labourers generally were dependent on Cane farms. Under these constraining circumstances there was a greater need of the community to educate their children in order to seek employment or advance themselves out of the sugar industry for their sustenance. 

The Sikhs all over the world are known for their hospitality, kindness and charity a practice that derives from the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji – The Gurmat- a Sikh is inspired with courage to uphold the traditional values in the service of the humanity. 

The Chief Guest and Khalsa Fiji stalwart, Sardar Harnam Singh Golian

Having all that in mind the elders congregated from time to time at the Tagi Tagi Gurdwara (temple) and resolved that children should get a balanced education to lead a meaningful life without any prejudices of colour, caste or religion or any other form of discrimination. 
Hence, they formed the Sikh education society of Fiji and established the Khalsa Primary and Khalsa College. 

At the plaque unveiling ceremony: From left, Chief Guest Harnam Singh Golian, School Manager, Dalabar Singh, School President, Prem Singh and Ranjit Singh Raagi (back)

It would be remiss if I do not mention: Late Mr. I.S. Walia, The Chief Education Officer secondary, who chaired and prudently advised the members of the steering committee on educational matters. 

I would also like to mention the names of my colleagues Late Mr. J. K. Singh, along with other members of the institution, Mr. Gurmej Singh Virk, who now lives in USA, Late Mr. Balwant Singh Chahal also lived in the USA –for their wisdom, hard work and togetherness with resolute commitments. 

I had the honour and privilege to serve as a secretory of the founders of the institution under the presidentship of: 

Late Bakshi Singh, known as Bassu 

Late Sardara Singh both at the Khalsa institution and Tagi Tagi Gurdwara.

And Late Bhagat Singh Dhadda 

Sardar Harnam Singh Golian (left) unveiling the Diamond Jubilee Plaque, while Khalsa College Manager, Dalabar Singh looks on.

Culture and religion play very important roles in our daily lives teaching morality, humanity and dignity of mankind. Fiji is very fortunate that all Fijians are God fearing and uphold religious values taught by various denominations are deeply entrenched in their outlook and respective cultures. 

It is true that these values and principles have played a fundamental role in enhancing Fiji’s progress and continued peace and prosperity in our beautiful Islands, maintaining harmonious relationship. In this respect the Punjabi community has played an integral part in building bridges among the races spreading the message of oneness that one light is the light of all. 

A quote from Gurbani 

Ek Purab Mai Tera Dekha
Thoo Sabhna Meh Rabanta
I Have Seen One Glory of Yours
That You Are Pervading and 
Permeating in All 

Sggs 596 
THE VALUE OF EDUCATION: Quotes and great thoughts

 Mahatma Gandhi: 
Education means all round drawing out the best in child and man body and spirit as such education becomes the basis of personality developments on all dimensions, moral, mental and emotional. Therefore, we can say that long run education forms foundation on which castles of peace and prosperity are built since ancient times. 

It is said: “Sa Vidyya Yavimukatye” which means that with education we finally attain liberation

Gurbani
Viddia – Vichari Tan Par Upkari
Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others. 

Swami Vivekananda
A nation is advanced in proportion to education and intelligence spread among messes”. 

Nelson Mandela
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. The power of education extends development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to Nation Building and Reconciliation. 

Achievements of College under Principal of Jogindar Singh Kanwal

Khalsa College under the principal-ship of Late Mr. J.S. Kanwal has produced many Accountants, Teachers, Doctors, Scientists, Journalists, Bureaucrats, Lawyers, a Magistrate, a Judge, numerous Community Leaders and members of parliament (MPs) 

In an old historical photo (supplied by Kanwal family), during visit of Bollywood star of his days and wrestler, Dara Singh to the school. On the left is a young Principal Kanwal and on the right is a young dashing and handsome Dara Singh. Both are deceased now and a hearty salutation to them.

Many of them are in Government services in Fiji as well as abroad, both in Government and in the private sector. 

Thanks to vision of our forefathers whose inclination towards education made their children and grandchildren successful, not only in Fiji but outside wider world in many corners of the World where they settled. This Fiji Indian Diaspora, wherever settled, they have retained and maintained their culture, tradition of hard work, and friendliness inculcated by their ancestors.   

The Khalsa Schools also taught Indian traditional Art, as well as exhilarating heart throbbing Punjabi Folk dance Bhangra which is a form of entertainment all over the world. 

Guests after unveiling of the plaque. Back, from left: Principal Khalsa College, Sanjesh Chandra, Harjeet Golian, Sunil Prakash, Girdhar Lal Raniga, Autar Singh Giarn, Nirmal Singh Bhati and Pyara Singh

Front (L -R),  President Khalsa College Institution, Prem Singh, Manager Dalabar Singh,  Chief Guest Harnam Singh Golian and Ranjit Singh Raagi

International Khalsa Reunion in Auckland in November, 2019

I bring greetings from a group of former Khalsa students who met in Auckland on 28 November 2018 and decided to form a Khalsa Ex-Students Association with the following office bearers. 

Chairman: Madhavan Raman
Vice-Chairman: Dinesh Chand 
Secretary: Satish Chand 
Assistance Secretary: Asha Singh 
Communications and Media Officer: Thakur Ranjit Singh 

The committee has decided to hold Khalsa Re-Union in Auckland on 23 November 2019 at the Mangere Centre Park Sports Stadium, 161 Robertson Road, Mangere, Auckland. 

All former students, former teachers and their respective spouses from around the world are invited and welcome to attend.

For inquiries please email: khaisabafijinz@gmail.com or call Thakur on +6421 235 4559  

This will also coincide with the Gurpurab the 550th celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 

On this auspicious occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebration, let us remember all those pioneers who contributed in one way or another in the establishment of these institutions. 

Let us pay our respect and pray for all those great souls who are no longer with us but have left the legacy behind for the current and future custodians to maintain the tempo and undertake future developments of our prestigious institution. We salute them for their vision.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, May Waheguru’s Blessings always prevail upon you. 

[About the Author: Harnam Singh Golian is a very well-known community leader and philanthropist, a Former Member of Parliament in Fiji (MP) and a successful businessman in Fiji (formerly Sardar Trading in Raiwaqa, Suva) and now Golian Consultants in Royal Oak, Auckland. He is also author of various publications. He was the Chief Guest at Khalsa College in Ba, Fiji for unveiling Golden Jubilee (60th Anniversary) Plaque. This is a slightly abridged version of his speech, edited by Thakur Ranjit Singh]

KHALSA COLLEGE, BA, FIJI REUNION ALL SET TO GO IN AUCKLAND

Thakur Ranjit Singh

There appears to be a common belief in Fiji that there is something in the dusts, the waters, the soils and environment of Ba that those coming from that district tend to excel in whatever they venture into.

The town has given most businessmen millionaires, number of writers and authors, scholars, politicians, and its biggest feat lies in its craze for soccer, and holding the unbeaten soccer records in Fiji. (We also have our large share of Ojhas!)

Lately secondary schools in Ba have been known to have held international school reunions. Xavier College, DAV College and Khalsa College have been in the news for its reunions.

Our salute to JOGINDAR SINGH KANWAL (1927 -2017), pioneer principal of Khalsa College, Ba, Fiji (1960 -1987). A poet, a writer, a historian and an accomplished school administrator and teacher. Khalsa College without mention of Kanwal is incomplete. We salute you, Sardarji, for an extremely rich heritage at Khalsa College, Ba. You were especially honored during school's diamond jubilee.

High decile non-Indian high schools in Fiji have been known to hold reunions like Suva Grammar, Natabua College, Jasper Williams and Xavier College, among others. However, Indian and Girmitiya-origin schools have almost been unheard of doing this. However, DAV College in Ba broke this drought with its three respective biennial reunions in Vancouver Canada in April 2015, Auckland New Zealand in 2017 and the latest one in Fiji in July, 2019. Khalsa College is also known to have held one locally-based reunion in Sacramento, USA in 2018.

Where did Khalsa Reunion in Auckland begin? Historically, DAV College and Khalsa College in Ba shared close bonds. In 1973 DAV College Ba had outstanding results in NZ School Certificated (Form 5) but had no facility for form six (University Entrance-UE). Khalsa College had form 6. Hence, a large group of students from DAV joined Khalsa College in 1974 to complete UE.  And in this group were two veterans behind the DAV Reunions - Sadasivan Naicker and (Thakur) Ranjit Singh. In late 2018, they mooted the idea of a Khalsa reunion to our current Secretary, Satish Chand and so rolled the initiation move for Khalsa reunion.

The venue, Mangere United Sports Club, VIP Lounge at Centre Park, Mangere, Auckland. This is where we will have our function, in a very attractive and different setting.

There was a desire to create an opportunity for Khalsa College ex-students to meet their old classmates, walk down memory lane, share life experiences and laugh and cry together, and have a great party before we pass on, as many of us are becoming sexagenarians (over 60)!

There was also a wish to salute the visionary leaders of the community who strived to provide this educational facility for us. Khalsa College, Ba, Fiji was established in 1959 by an enterprising group of Sikhs who saw education as a means to bringing success to their children and future generations. We honour those stalwarts and teachers particularly Mr Jogindar Singh Kanwal, the first substantive Principal whose dedication and hard work brought such lasting success to this erstwhile institution. We look forward to meeting our fellow mates we have not met for decades, spread around the globe. We wish to meet to walk down the memory lane, celebrate the legacy of Khalsa College, and salute those visionary leaders.

Mangere Centre Park Sports Stadium, the outside area outside the VIP Lounge where people can mingle, network and relax during long daylight hours, and see the sun set in the west, while enjoying their drinks - or yagona. Sun is scheduled to set at 8.16 pm on 23 November, 2019.

Therefore, with all this in mind, the organising committee has been in full gear. Initial meeting was held on 18 November 2018 in Te Atatu South, Auckland, and the organising Committee was finalised. We were fortunate to have the student of the formative year of 1959, and a former Senior Civil Servant to lead us. Madhavan Raman, the bright scholar from class of 1959 is our President, ably supported by an Auckland soccer personality Dinesh Chand as vice president. Satish Chand was elected Secretary while Asha Singh is supporting him as his assistant. Yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh was appointed Media and Communications Spokesperson, with a two team committee members of Samila Chand and Shashi Kala Singh. And this small team of committee and dedicated members have taken this mammoth task of bringing together scattered children of Khalsa College, Ba. 

The harworking Khalsa Reunion organizing Committee at VIP Lounge at Centre Park where reunion will take place. A very diverse group, with ladies equally represented:
Sitting from left: Dinesh Chand (Vice President), the big boss, President  Madhavan Raman and Secretary, Satish Chand.
Standing at the back, (L-R) Shashi Kala Singh (Committee), Asha Singh (Asst Secretary) and Samila Chand (Committee).
Missing is the photographer, your truly Thakur Ranjit Singh, the Media representative.

As has already been notified via Facebook, the Khalsa Reunion event will be held at Mangere United Football Club, (Mangere Centre Park), 101 Robertson Road, Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand on 23 November, 2019 from 6.30pm.

The venue is a good one, in the picturesque Mangere with open sprawling sports fields and very presentable hall, with opportunity for people to mix and mingle outside on the stadium for sharing and reliving on school secrets, those jokes and hilarious and serious events.

The entrance to the venue at 101 Robertson Road, Mangere with sun setting in the background. This will be the environment on 23 November 2019 when the sun will set at 8.16pm. 

The programme would include time for us to share our experience, it will be a night for the students, to have drinks, nice food and dance the night away. As for food, special attention is given to make sure overseas visitors and local have the best available in Auckland.

Tickets are already on sale online and details are already posted on Facebook. Those with any difficulties are to e-mail to our official e-mail or call Thakur on +6421 235 4559, if really stuck. 

[Here is the link for ticket purchase (PLEASE COPY AND PASTE TO YOUR BROWSER): 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/khalsa-college-ba-fiji-2019-reunion-new-zealand-tickets-67839583019

The venue at Centre Park from outside, with Sahil Shah Grand Stand in the background, where former Khalsa students will be able mix and mingle.

We are looking forward to meeting you all in Auckland on 23 November, 2019. Please buy your tickets online.

See you all on 23 November, 2019 in Auckland.

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and media commentator, and runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. He, with his wife, attended Khalsa College in 1974. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand. E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

BOOK REVIEW: “TEARS OF A FATHER” EXPOSES TEARS OF A COMMUNITY

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand

Former Member of Parliament from Ba, Satendra Singh has many achievements, but basically he is a very private family person. So much that when he wrote his first fiction ‘Tears of a Father’ he wrote it under a quasi, literary or as he calls it, poetic name of STAN.

The Book - TEARS OF A FATHER - a very readable short book with very enthralling fiction very much close to the heart of those from Fiji and looks like reality. A very pertinent book that relates to all Fiji Indian migrants all around the globe. A must reading for all as it is more about tears of a community that needs to put its house in order.

I always had a feeling, this Rarawai Wala Chora (the kid from Rarawai, Golflinks, Ba Fiji), Satendra would do something greater. One thing he never told me was that he was writing a fiction and what I never told him is that I would do a review of that book. So we both are even now.

His life has been full of experience and adventures. He has been a childhood singer- I sang ‘Goa’s duet...”do diwaane dil ke…” in Radio Fiji’s Mehfil programme in 1965 with him. He was a school orator and debater, an accomplished MC, an event organiser, a radio announcer, Ramayan parcharak, film Actor (heard of ‘Love in Ba?”), a bank officer with Westpac and had audacity to tell his boss to “stick his job” upon the Bank’s show of insensitivity towards his culture. He has also been a secondary school teacher, a Farm Advisor with FSC, a community leader, a Member of Parliament in Chaudhry’s Labour Party, a business proprietor and many more.

The Satendra Singh Royal Family photo of yesteryear, with wife, Shanti Devi Singh, three daughters and only son. With support of a loving family he has been able to achieve much, and will continue writing more books. 

Satendra Singh have had an illustrious career in his life. Indeed, somebody with these skills was expected to irrigate the community with his fountain of wisdom. He was expected to do what nobody else in Bansi clan dared do or has done - to secretly become an author of fiction, ek kalpit lekhak.

He is my “langotiya yaar’, a childhood friend, and hence readers may assume I will just paint a shiny picture of him and his book. Right? Wrong. If I ever again go to Calgary or meet him, I have quite a few confusing questions.

Firstly, why a nickname, or poetic name of author? Satendra is such a beautiful name. Okay agreed, but why an English name?  Why Stan? Stan? Why obsession of our people in Canada with Anglicised or English names? Why not Bansi, Bhlolai, Beni, Bhondu (even Bode) or some Girmitiya name? Why not some religious name? Vidur, Sanjay, Sudama, Vishwamitra or even my nickname, Shukni? And from which angle the cover photo looks like a rustic villager father Mahesh from Benai, Ba? It looks like a munda Sahib. 

Saten and Shanti Devi Singh - the school-days lovers who became partners in marriage. Shanti (left) has been the pillar of support for the family and an inspiration for the author. Here they are seen together at Radio launch and promotion of the book in Fiji.

And if the names in Ba are real, why the fictional name of Czekeland? Where is it? Why not Calgary, Edmonton, Christchurch, Melbourne, Manukau, Brisbane or any other city our people have gone to? This is because the plot covers events which is universal to virtually all cities Fiji Indian have migrated to, because they have gone with their excess luggage from Fiji.

Now to the real review. The plot is remarkable, and very relevant to Fiji Indian migrants in any city. The mind of the author has taken dive into ocean of thoughts and came up with pearls that comprise the plot and story line.

I think the title of the book should have been “Tears of a Community” This is because Satendra very ably weaves out the trip of Mahesh from dusty, rustic rural Benai, Ba to this fictional place which could well be my Auckland, Melbourne or even Calgary. While telling tales of the village, he also touches on many forms of dysfunction in our community, despite us being so religious - both in Fiji and in our adopted country overseas. 

It tells of trials and tribulations of this father in his this overseas country and his efforts to adjust to the new environment and the following adventure in a new environment. It touches on very deep hypocrisy - pakahand in our people. We appear to be very religious or have high positions in community, but basically remain chandaal - the villain, a Ravan, who portrays to be Ram. This book is also about some two-faced people.

It very ably exposes the sores that our involvement and politics of religion, Mandali and Mandir entail. We Fiji Indians have a habit of migrating with our poking stick, koche waala danda, and create kachkach or controversies in all religious places. The author very ably weaves the religious politics, our another vice of Ojhai, or witchcraft and to drug problems, westernised culture and elder abuse, the old dhong of caste system and even touches on remarriage of widow, vidhwa vivah. 

Most remarkable, he has guts to touch on the taboo subject on inter racial and inter-religious marriage. The story line very ably weaves all these into an ending plot where all come together up happily in the end, like some black and white Hindi movies of 1960s. In places, it explodes in emotions and you could feel tears oozing up in your eyes. Indeed this plots ends happily, after some violent encounters, but teaching us a great deal about how we need to improve our families –and community.

One problem with Fiji Indian community is that we are extremely poor readers. Many have not read any books in years. (My friend Jimmy Khan tells me he has bought the book but has not read it!) Thankfully, this is a small and relatively thin book of just some 133 pages, is not very frightening, and can be easily completed within a day. This is a huge contribution by Satendra (or Stan?) to encourage a non-reading Fiji Indian community to start reading.

Satendra Singh (right) with Mohinesh Sharma of Radio Fiji during official launch of the book. Nur Jahan was also involved in the official launch with Radio Fiji team. The event was coordinated by a long-term friend and well-wisher and Fiji coordinator, Pundit Manoj Sharma.

While in Fiji in July 2019, I bought this book from R. C Bali shop and started reading it on my flight to Auckland from Nadi. Hence, it is a history that reading for this review commenced some five miles above earth, while flying in Fiji Airways Airbus 330 that also flies to Los Angeles and San Francisco. The read is so easy and interesting that I completed half the book in the air.

 “Tears of a Father” exposes us Fiji Indians to our past and we would be able to relate to and relive in our similar experience while back in Fiji, or in your adopted country. Reading this book gives you a feeling of nostalgia – homesickness, old memories, purani yaadein and takes you back to those dusty villages in Ba.

I congratulate Satendra for his exemplary achievement that I cannot match - in his skills of story-telling, and pouring his very vast knowledge and his own experience of life into this book. His work is not only interesting, easy-reading and entertaining, but is an excellent beacon – patth pradarshak , a guide, direction and lesson for our people in how to improve and live a better life, in unity and harmony, adjusting in a newly-adopted country. 

I wish Satendra all the best and hope the next venture will surpass the excellence seen in this book. I may also wish to encourage him to write some old memories of short stories, non-fiction of our childhood in Rarawai like an encounter with Bacchu Lal, playing soccer in Golflinks while grazing cattle, Lacchi dari on pakar tree, fagua with Rarawai Bhaujis, Ram Naumi and other short stories that may rekindle memories of our childhood.

Is this Stan? Satendra Singh, author of Tears of a Father.

Tears of a Father is a must reading for those wishing to go back in time to Fiji, get to read a not-too intimidating short book with easy , interesting and entertaining reading on a subject they all can relate to. 

A highly recommended reading of tears which to the end dries out with eruption of smiles - with many lessons.

Happy reading.

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a media commentator, a community-worker and journalist. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand and runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. Among many things, they also have a common grandfather – Girmitiya Aaja Bansi. E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

REGRETS AND LESSON FROM DEATH BEDS: YOU LIVE ONLY ONCE - THERE MAY BE NO TOMORROW

                                     Thakur Ranjit Singh

As we age, we tend to commence viewing life with greater depth of philosophy. Organizing school reunions has been one way to meet older students we may not have met for many decades. 

Epics and history books are full of accounts of those who had regrets while on death beds. Here, Bhism Pitamah, on his death bed, mrityu shayya, bed of arrows, regrets things he could have done differently. This article is to make readers learn from mistakes and regrets of others.

D.A.V.College, Ba Fiji’s international reunions have been held biennially respectively in Canada (2015), Auckland (2017) and Fiji last month on 20 July, 2019. In recognition of age catching up, and death embracing many of our school mates, the 2017 Auckland reunion had appropriate philosophical theme, urging ageing mates to listen, be happy, smile and live life, as there may be no tomorrow - Suno, jiyo, khush raho, muskurao. Kya pata, kal ho na ho.

And the latest reunion in Ba, Fiji continued in similar theme – you live only once -yeh zindgi na milegi dobaara 

In my Ba reunion experience, it appeared many of our ageing mates from Ba did not reciprocate our desire to meet older students and share the love we had for our long-separated mates. Many did not seem to care, because they appear to be too engrossed with life and failed to take advantage of meeting old mates who may never again come to their hometown in another DAV reunion in Ba in their lifetime. Life is too short, hence we need to live life to full.

Live life while you can - too late to make mends on death bed. You will only have regrets.

I have echoed these sentiments in the new Fiji Hindi TV programme, LO KAR LO BAAT, on Apna TV in Auckland that runs on Channel 36 on Sundays at 5.30 pm. I just covered topic on elder abuse and gave inspiration for older people to enjoy stress-free life in their twilight years, without giving much thought to what others may think.

As I am also part of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) Seniors team, I wish to share some thoughts with my ageing DAV School mates and with friends and relatives in the community who are sliding down the ladder of life. 

Coincidentally, I was fortunate to come across a NZ Herald article by author Bronnie Ware, who shared thoughts that I also carry – thoughts coming from death beds of those at end of their lives.

Too late to leave things for very late. Still time for you to learn from this article.

Bronnie is an author, an inspirational speaker, songwriter and mama to her daughter, Elena. She lives in northern New South Wales, Australia. She has worked in palliative care, tending to those people who were dying. She has worked closely with those having little time to live and noted their most common regrets in life.

I wish to share this with younger ones and my elder friends, so they learn some lesson and do not die with great deal of regrets.

Below I have enumerated top 5 regrets from people on their death beds. This is intended to make us wiser, so we do not repeat their mistakes.

Her TOP FIVE REGRETS OF DYING are as follows:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was "by far the most common regret".

"People were astonished by how much power they had given to the opinions of others - friends or family or society."

Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made, at times depending on what others expected them to do. 

In Hindi, we say… log kya kahenge, what others will say. This is the biggest folly and fear we have.

Please break away from this and do not give a damn to what others think - LIVE YOUR LIFE, AND TO HELL WITH WHAT OTHERS MAY THINK.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

Men especially are used to putting too much of themselves into their jobs – missing treasured family moments and not developing other areas of their life. 

Most men spent so much time at work that they missed seeing their children grow up, and had not spent quality time with their partners.

On their death, the employer will fill their position within days, but the vacuum he leaves in a neglected family remains for a lifetime.

To those younger ones too engrossed with their career -DO NOT WORK YOURSELF TO DEATH AT COST OF QUALITY TIME FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY. You will be replaced within days of your death in your workplace. But the vacuum you leave behind in the neglected family will be there forever. So, please, SLOW DOWN -AND SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

Many had kept their true feelings to themselves over the years to not upset others. Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. 

As a result, they settled for a second-rate or mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

Friends are invaluable when you are on your death beds-and more so while young and healthy. They give you joys and pleasure, living in the days gone by. Unfortunate are those who fail to come to meet their friends in school or family reunions.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

"Dying people often want to have some laughter about good old memories. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. This applies to the ones who fail to attend school or family reunions and fail to come and meet their old loved ones and friends.

Unfortunately, many of our Ba friends who failed to come and meet us, will pass away never having those fun time memories of schooldays and walking down those memory lanes. One of the regrets dying people shared with author Bronnie Ware was wishing they had stayed in touch with their friends, as shared experiences bring joy.

There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

"A lot of [patients wished] they had access to their old friends, so that they could have a little bit of light reminiscing."

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip, and this they regret on their death beds, like those missing their school or family reunions.

5. I wish I had let myself be happier.

"When people were looking back, they realised they'd chosen to focus on dramas or problems or challenges, when [they could] have actually blessed themselves with more happiness." In family reunions or gatherings, some dwell on what separates us (conflicts) rather than having unity, good time and fun. They will feel and act bitter, to regret later on death bed.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits of being nasty and loud-voiced. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. 

Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. Some grumpy old ones always wish to remain that way. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

This is well-explained by this Hindi song..khushiyon ki har phool se maine gumm ka haar piroya, pyaar tamanna ki jeevan mein, pyaar ko paa ke khoya…jab tak humne samjha... jeevan kya hai..jeevan beet gaya..

Translated it means…from flowers of happiness I always wove a garland of grief and sadness, I always wished for affection and love, but always lost them when I found them. By the time I understood what life was, alas, life had already gone.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying. Alas, many do not have opportunity to learn it before death. This article gives you that opportunity.

Express your feeling and your love, and say what you feel. Keeping pent-up feelings make you sick. Live,laugh, smile, be happy and enjoy life while you can. Too late to regret on the death bed.

LESSON FOR ALL

Hope this article will at least inspire one elder, one sexagenarian, just one person, to change attitude to life.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, and choose honestly. Choose happiness – and learn from others when they were on their deathbed.

So when you are on death bed, mrityu shayyaa, there may be lesser regrets.

Best wishes for a HAPPY long life.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a community and media commentator, and speaks truth without fear or favour. He runs his blog FIJI PUNDIT and is also the anchor of APNA TV’s Fiji Hindi programme LO KAR LO BAAT]

Too late to regret things while on death beds