The Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) has issued a firm condemnation of recent derogatory remarks made by a pastor, targeting both Hindu and Muslim communities in Fiji. The organization expressed deep disappointment over the spread of a video that features inflammatory comments, which undermine the essence of Fiji’s renowned multicultural and multi-religious identity.
In a statement, TISI Sangam President Parveen Bala articulated that such rhetoric is not only offensive to followers of both faiths but also constitutes a serious affront to the values of respect and unity that form the bedrock of Fijian society. Bala highlighted key values such as harmony, understanding, and humanitarian service, which align with the teachings of the organization’s founder, Sadhu Kuppuswamy.
TISI Sangam has urged the people of Fiji to reject any calls for retribution in favor of forgiveness, while supporting the ongoing investigation by the Fiji Police Force into this situation. Bala conveyed a powerful message of solidarity, underscoring that Fiji’s strength lies in its diversity. He encouraged citizens to respond with love and commitment to peaceful dialogue rather than anger.
This incident resonates with broader concerns regarding rising religious intolerance in Fiji, a sentiment echoed by other organizations, including the Fiji Muslim League and the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha, both of which have condemned the derogatory remarks aimed at their faiths. These organizations highlight the necessity for compassion and mutual respect among various communities.
In light of the ongoing tensions, community leaders express hope that these challenges may foster more profound discussions about understanding and respect among different religions. This collective response illustrates a strong commitment among various groups to unite and address the divisions that threaten Fiji’s long-standing tradition of tolerance and coexistence. By promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding, there is an opportunity for the nation to reaffirm its dedication to unity in diversity, even amid current challenges.