By SAMUEL ROHIT
INTERNATIONAL and local media fraternity, academics, civil society organisations and members of the diplomatic corps paid tribute to the former editor of The Fiji Times, late Vijendra Kumar at the 2024 Pacific International Media Conference.
More than 100 attendees observed a minute’s silence for the late Mr. Kumar, at the opening ceremony of the three-day conference from 4-6 July, co-hosted by The University of the South Pacific, the Pacific Islands News Association and the Asia Pacific Media Network, at the Holiday Inn, Suva.
The first non-European and first Fiji born editor of a daily English language newspaper in Fiji in 1976 – Mr. Kumar had trained and mentored many Fiji journalists, including the conference chairperson Associate Professor Shailendra Singh.
“A Fiji and Pacific media giant has fallen. Mr. Vijendra Kumar was trainer and mentor to many of us. He was the finest editor of our time, and it was his astute leadership that saw The Fiji Times survive the 1987 coups and live to fight another day,” said Dr. Singh.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad also paid tribute to the late Mr. Kumar.
Professor Prasad was at the 2024 Pacific International Media conference to launch the book “Waves of Change: Media, Peace, and Development in the Pacific”, that he co-edited with Dr Singh and Dr Amit Sarwal.
He expressed his deepest condolences and appreciation for Mr. Kumar’s contributions to Fiji’s media landscape.
“To the media fraternity, my sincere tribute to this gentle giant of our region. The late Vijendra Kumar inspired many, especially during those challenging years when newly independent Pacific countries were establishing their national media outlets,” he said.
The book launch highlighted the importance of Mr. Kumar’s legacy.
Professor Prasad also took the opportunity to congratulate his former colleague, Dr David Robie, on receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit and celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Pacific Journalism Review (PJR).
“His recognition is well-deserved, a lifetime of service to our region, developing talent, and inspiring our community,” he said.
Professor Prasad emphasised the significance of the book “Waves of Change: Media, Peace, and Development in the Pacific”, which brings together leaders to address foundational challenges in the Pacific region.
Published under a joint collaboration of Australia’s Kula Press and India’s Shhalaj Publishing House, the book features nine chapters authored by researchers and academics, including Dr David Robie, John Rabuogi Ahere, Sanjay Ramesh, Dr Kalinga Seneviratne, Dr Kylie Navuku, Narayan Gopalkrishnan, Hurriyet Babacan, Dr Usha Sundar Harris, and Dr Asha Chand.
Professor Prasad stressed that academic research was crucial for regional progress, providing essential ideas, truths, and data to solve pressing problems.
However, he also noted the challenges posed by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and the internet age.
He urged his former academic colleagues to adapt and ensure their work reached the broader Pacific societies directly, without misinterpretation.
Professor Prasad highlighted that “Waves of Change: Media, Peace, and Development in the Pacific” combined experiential wisdom with research to discuss development and progress in the region, reflecting on peace, stability, and democracy challenges.
Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea Minister for Information, Communication and Technology, Timothy Masiu was the guest of honor at the book launch.
He emphasised that the development of the Pacific media industry should be grounded in the region’s original and authentic value systems.
According to Mr. Masiu, media practices and objectives should reflect the unique Pacific way of life and focus on critical issues such as climate change, environmental preservation, and the protection of endangered languages and traditions, as well as the political landscape.
Mr. Masiu called for a media industry that is truly independent and reflective of the Pacific’s unique identity and challenges, free from external manipulation.
Samuel Rohit is a final year journalism student at The University of the South Pacific.
