A week-long program was held to commemorate the 145th anniversary of the arrival of indentured laborers from India. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Journey of Girmit Descendants in Building a New Fiji.” Campus staff and students gathered Girmit artifacts, which were displayed in the Girmit exhibition, bringing the Girmit experience to life. The exhibition was open for a week.
On Tuesday, the campus organized a ‘Language Appreciation Day: Speak like the Girmitiyas’ to create awareness and acknowledge the rich linguistic heritage of the Girmitiyas. Students participated in a language translation quiz competition. Wednesday featured an ‘Open Mic Day’, where students delivered monologues, recited poems, and sang ‘Bidesia,’ a Girmit folksong. This event allowed students to express the cultural richness of the Girmit experience.
The highlight of the week was the full-fledged program on Friday. The guest of honor, Mrs. Margaret Reddy, a retired school teacher and community leader, poignantly reflected on the Girmit experience and its enduring significance, illuminating the struggles and triumphs of the Girmitiyas and highlighting their contributions. Other guests included Mr. Vishwa, an author, performer, and advocate of Indian culture and heritage. His team staged a spectacular performance that vividly portrayed the sorrowful narratives of the Girmit experience, leaving a profound impact on the audience.
Throughout the program, various aspects of Girmit were explored, from insightful presentations to captivating performances that encapsulated the very essence of the Girmit heritage. The program also included student orators, cultural displays, and other cultural performances, each serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of the Girmitiyas.
