Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has recently highlighted a concerning rise in temple sacrilege, labeling these incidents as petty crimes stemming from a broader decline in societal values and not politically motivated attacks. Kiran pointed out that such acts are symptomatic of escalating hatred and anger clashing across various ethnic and religious lines. As part of their efforts to curb these issues, Kiran stated that her Ministry is collaborating with the Online Safety Commission to address hate speech, although she acknowledged the current limitations in the commission’s authority.
She emphasized the necessity of internal peace among individuals, suggesting that embracing peace within oneself reduces the tendency to spread hatred to others. Kiran’s message resonated with the belief that respect for all faiths, other people, and the environment is crucial. She urged people to approach their struggles through seeking help rather than manifesting them into public anger.
Earlier similar discussions led by Kiran reflected a pressing call for respect and compassion to be instilled within families and communities. She firmly believes that the root cause of negative behaviors, including vandalism and hate crimes, can be addressed by teaching and reinforcing strong values of peace and unity from home. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts that connect with community-driven engagement to tackle urgent social issues rooted in gender-based violence, substance abuse, and religious intolerance.
In addressing sacrilege and hate speech, Kiran’s broader advocacy focuses on values-driven education and community upliftment. She underscores the critical role of peaceful teachings intrinsic to all religions, thereby fostering a culture rooted in respect and compassion—principles that bring hope for a more unified and harmonious society.
By exploring collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and community organizations, there is potential for significant progress in fostering a societal ethos that rejects violence and promotes mutual respect. Kiran’s message offers a hopeful outlook that challenges faced today can be transformed into opportunities for growth and unity, nurturing a safer and more empathetic Fiji for future generations.