The Indian High Commission in Fiji, together with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, has rolled out a series of events to mark World Hindi Day, celebrating Hindi as a vibrant cultural link between India and Fiji.
Speaking to Fiji Village News, Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta said the roots of Hindi in Fiji date back more than 146 years to the arrival of the girmitiyas, who safeguarded the language, culture and traditions despite difficult conditions. He said their legacy continues to shape Fiji’s cultural landscape today.
Mehta also reflected on the World Hindi Conference hosted in Nadi in 2023, which he said drew international attention to Fiji’s significant contribution to the promotion of Hindi.
As part of this year’s programme, a kavi sammelan, or poetry gathering, was held at the Indian High Commission’s office on Butt Street. For the first time, poets from across the country were invited to submit three-minute video recordings of their work, allowing organisers to shortlist poets from different regions and ensure broader representation.
Celebrations are continuing today at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka, enabling participation from western centres including Nadi, Ba and Lautoka. The programme features poetry recitations, cultural performances and interactive sessions exploring the role of Hindi in Fiji’s social and educational life.
A Hindi essay competition has also been organised, with entries received from a wide range of participants. Winners and contributors are being recognised during the World Hindi Day events.
The Suva programme was attended by Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agnidev Singh, as the chief guest, who spoke on the richness of the Hindi language, Indian culture and the strong historical ties between India and Fiji.
The High Commissioner has invited members of the public, along with poets, writers and language enthusiasts, to attend the events and support ongoing efforts to strengthen Hindi in Fiji.
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