Girmit commemoration functions were held on a large scale in Labasa and Lautoka (13/5/24) to mark the arrival of indentured labourers in Fiji.
Moving and highly emotional scenes were enacted to recall the ordeal of the girmitiyas.
These scenes sent shivers down our spine as the surviving descendents of girmitiyas were recognised and honoured.
A 109-year-old girmitiya stole the show as she still appeared to be physically frail but mentally very alert. This is nothing short of a miracle!
At Fiji Girmit Centre, the President, Ratu Williame Kotonivere, stood tall and towering above all in acknowledging the contributions made by the girmitiyas in the development of Fiji.
We can justly be proud of their sacrifice through blood, sweat and tears.
They toiled under extremely difficult circumstances to survive and fend for their families.
There was little time for socialisation or religious activities.
Weekly Ramayan recital brought the labourers together and momentarily they forgot their pain inflicted by the brutality of life then.
The organisers had organised a number of floats depicting various aspects of life during the indenture period.
Scenes of farmers harvesting sugarcane and an overseer whipping them if they slowed down was heartbreaking.
This was no figment of imagination: it had actually happened.
Girmit women dressed in their traditional attire were seen grinding grain on “chakia” and performing other domestic chores while children played around or clung to their apron strings.
Yes, the girmit commemoration functions evoked many painful memories for the descendants of the indentured labourers.
Many cried that it should not be celebrated.
However, the facts of history cannot be swept under the carpet.
It must be taught in schools and preserved for posterity.
Generations of Indo-Fijians have received education and prospered.
They control the economy of the country and are found in all professional sectors.
Many have moved abroad and are serving in other countries.
My friend Indar Nair (former Principal of Saraswati College and now lives in Sydney) has composed and sung a very beautiful song on the life of girmitiya.
It is emotionally very moving. It can be found on Facebook.
Let us rejoice that our ancestors came, saw and conquered all odds to make Fiji what it is today: the Paradise of the Pacific!
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