Fiji celebrates Hindi and Tamil with run for unity and wellbeing

Image: Members of the Indian diaspora, Friends of India and the wider local community at the International Mother Language Day five-kilometre walk and run (Source: Facebook - HCI Suva)

A colourful community run at My Suva Park brought together language, culture and fitness as the High Commission of India, Suva and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations marked International Mother Language Day with a five-kilometre walk and run.

Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Koliniwai Ravunawa, attended as chief guest, joining India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, and scores of early morning participants from across the community.

Image: Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Koliniwai Ravunawa (Source: Facebook – HCI Suva)

Addressing the gathering, Ravunawa said International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder that language is far more than a tool for communication.

“Language carries identity, history and values. Our mother tongues are the foundation of who we are. They connect generations and preserve traditions.”

Ravunawa noted that Fiji is blessed with rich cultural and linguistic diversity, adding that the Indo-Fijian community has played a significant role in preserving Hindi and other Indian languages, strengthening the nation’s identity in the process.

“These languages are living expressions of resilience, heritage and contribution to our country’s development,” Ravunawa said.

“When we respect each other’s languages, we build deeper understanding and unity. When we encourage young people to learn and speak their mother tongue, we give them confidence and pride in their identity.”

Image: India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta (Source: Facebook – HCI Suva)

High Commissioner Mehta said the event uniquely combined the celebration of language with the promotion of physical wellbeing, demonstrating that both are vital to a strong and vibrant society.

Mehta highlighted that Fiji is home to many languages, including Fiji Hindi, brought by Indian indentured labourers more than a century ago and carefully preserved across generations. He added that efforts are continuing to support Indian languages in Fiji, including the introduction of two Tamil teachers from India in 2024 to help revive Tamil in Labasa and Rakiraki, where it is now taught in Sangam schools.

Mehta also pointed to the organisation of Tamil Day last year as an example of growing interest in language learning, noting that children from both the Indian and iTaukei communities have shown enthusiasm for studying Tamil.

Image: Amit Ahlawat leading members of the Indian diaspora, Friends of India and the wider local community at the International Mother Language Day five-kilometre walk and run (Source: Facebook – HCI Suva)

The event drew strong participation from members of the Indian diaspora, Friends of India and the wider local community, reflecting shared values of unity, wellness and service.

Through a blend of sport and cultural celebration, the gathering at My Suva Park underscored Fiji’s enduring commitment to linguistic diversity and community spirit, reinforcing the message that the nation’s diversity remains its greatest strength.

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