The Hindi Parishad Fiji’s Western branch, in collaboration with the High Commission of India and the Girmit Multicultural Centre, recently celebrated World Hindi Day at the Girmit Multicultural Centre in Lautoka. This event emphasized the importance of promoting the Hindi language and its cultural significance within Fiji’s diverse society.
Dr. Subashni Kumar, an associate professor at Fiji National University, articulated the event’s aim to preserve and valorize the Hindi language, encouraging participation from the community and the Indian diaspora in Fiji as well as globally. “We come together as one to promote our mother tongue and its cultural importance,” she stated, stressing the collective effort to celebrate Hindi and foster deeper connections within the community.
The program attracted participants from regions such as Sigatoka, Ba, Nadi, and Lautoka, including students who showcased their talents through poetry, dance, oratory, and storytelling. As recognition for their efforts, these students were awarded certificates for their presentations.
Dr. Kumar expressed gratitude towards the Indian High Commission in Fiji for their financial support, which plays a crucial role in motivating youth engagement in Hindi language and culture by providing awards and prizes. Looking ahead, she revealed that they have plans for five additional celebrations throughout the year, including Holi and Girmit celebrations, and will honor students achieving top marks in Hindi across various grade levels.
This ongoing commitment to celebrating Hindi and its cultural legacy exemplifies the vibrant diversity of Fiji’s multicultural society, fostering a sense of pride and community cohesion.