Latest news with #GirmitDay
India Gazette
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
MoS Pabitra Margherita attends Girmit Day celebrations of Fiji as Guest of Honour
Suva [Fiji], May 13 (ANI): Union Minister Pabitra Margherita was the guest of honour at the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji. Through a series of posts on X, the Union Minister of State of External Affairs and Textiles on Monday shared several engagements he was part of during his visit to Fiji. In his address during the 146th Girmit Day celebrations, Margherita paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas -- whose resilience, sacrifice, and spirit laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji. 'Honoured to join the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji as Guest of Honour, alongside Chief Guest H.E. @slrabuka, Hon. @FijianPM. In my address, I paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas -- whose resilience, sacrifice, and spirit laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji.' In his engagements, he joined the Prime Minsiter of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka in presenting awards to the descendants of Girmityas. MoS Margherita thanked the Government of Fiji for recognising their contributions by declaring Girmit Day a National Holiday 'It was a privilege to join H.E. @slrabuka, Hon. @FijianPM in presenting awards to the proud descendants of Girmitiyas. My heartfelt thanks to the @FijiGovernment for recognising their invaluable contributions by declaring Girmit Day a National Holiday. Also pleased to know that the captivating performances by the ICCR-sponsored cultural troupe contributed to the celebrations. ' On Monday he virtually participated in the inaugration of the Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa. The centre is representative of the strong historical cultural ties of India and Fiji and will promote holistic health and wellness. The MoS wrote on X, 'It was also a pleasure to virtually inaugurate the Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa along with Hon. Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations of Fiji. The centre reflects our strong historical cultural ties and will promote holistic health and wellness.' He had also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora. In his post on X, MoS Margherita said, 'Interacted with the vibrant Indian Diaspora and Friends of India in Nadi. The Indian diaspora continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the India-Fiji partnership.' MoS Margherita was on a visit to New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12. India's links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian labourers were brought here under the indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916, around 60,553 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with the early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. In 1920, the indenture system was abolished. Before Fiji's independence in 1970, India had a Commissioner since 1948, who was later upgraded to High Commissioner after independence. (ANI)
India Gazette
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
MoS Pabitra Margherita calls on Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka
Labasa [Fiji], May 13 (ANI): Union Minister of State of External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, called on the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, after having participated in the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji as the Guest of Honour. The two leaders held discussions on the deepening of ties and cooperation across key sectors. In a post on X, the MoS said, 'Honoured to call on H.E. @slrabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji, in Labasa following the Girmit Day celebrations. Had meaningful discussions on deepening India-Fiji bilateral cooperation across key sectors.' Through a series of posts on X, he shared several engagements he was a part of during his visit to Fiji. In his address as the Guest of Honour for the 146th Girmit Day celebrations, MoS Margherita paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas-- whose resilience, sacrifice, and spirit laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji. 'Honoured to join the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji as Guest of Honour, alongside Chief Guest H.E. @slrabuka, Hon. @FijianPM. In my address, I paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas -- whose resilience, sacrifice, and spirit laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji.' Along with PM Sitiveni Rabuka, he also presented awards to the descendants of Girmityas. MoS Margherita thanked the Government of Fiji for recognising their contributions by declaring Girmit Day a National Holiday On Monday, he virtually participated in the inauguration of the Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa. The centre is representative of the strong historical and cultural ties of India and Fiji and will promote holistic health and wellness. He had also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora. MoS Margherita was on a visit to New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an earlier statement. India's links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian labourers were brought here under the indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916, around 60,553 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with the early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. In 1920, the indenture system was abolished. Before Fiji's independence in 1970, India had a Commissioner since 1948, who was later upgraded to High Commissioner after independence. (ANI)
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Navigating Development With Traditional Wisdom: Pasifika Futures Report Launched In Fiji
Press Release – UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji The Pasifika Futures Report builds upon the pioneering work of regional institutions such as the Pacific Community (SPC) and other CROP agencies, reaffirming the Pacific as a region of large ocean states not small island nations. Suva, Fiji: The Pasifika Futures Report has been launched in Suva at the opening of the inaugural Pasifika Futures Forum, marking a significant milestone in efforts to advance the collective ambition of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The report – a partnership between the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji and the Pacific Islands Forum, and supported by the Government of Australia – aims to strengthen inquiry into how foresight methods can work in harmony with Pacific Island epistemologies – centering traditional knowledge systems that emphasise the need for intergenerational thinking, collective interdependence, and deep connection to place. This approach celebrates that Pacific ways of knowing are essential in shaping resilient relationships, guiding effective development partnerships, and envisioning a future where the Pacific continues to thrive on its own terms. The report brought together government officials, policy makers, academic and thematic experts alongside traditional navigators, theologists, youth, and community representatives from across the Pacific to explore a shared vision for sustainable growth, ocean governance, technological innovation, and the revitalisation of Pacific knowledge systems. Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, on launching the report said: 'As we consider what it means to envision Pacific futures in the age of climate change, we must confront the reality of a planetary polycrisis – what many are calling the new abnormal. But let us be clear: the futures we seek are not those prescribed to us, but those we define for ourselves.' UNDP Pacific Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, reflected on the regional symbolism of launching the report on Girmit Day, noting the importance of honouring the past while steering together toward a shared future. She said: 'The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent outlines a shared vision: a region where all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy, and productive lives. This report contributes to that vision; we are simply the platform, and we will treat the knowledge entrusted to us with the care and respect it deserves.' The Pasifika Futures Report builds upon the pioneering work of regional institutions such as the Pacific Community (SPC) and other CROP agencies, reaffirming the Pacific as a region of large ocean states – not small island nations. The report covers 10 key themes that are pertinent to the Pacific at present, and into the future, such as oceans governance, migration and diaspora, technology, the changing nature of statehood, youth and future generations, and deglobalisation. The launch event featured performances representing Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, alongside a creative showcase by WonderLab, offering a futuristic glimpse into the Pacific of 2050 and beyond. The Pasifika Futures Forum continues this week, providing a space for inclusive dialogue across government, community, and development partners to co-create a resilient, innovative, and unified future for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Navigating Development With Traditional Wisdom: Pasifika Futures Report Launched In Fiji
Press Release – UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji The Pasifika Futures Report builds upon the pioneering work of regional institutions such as the Pacific Community (SPC) and other CROP agencies, reaffirming the Pacific as a region of large ocean states not small island nations. Suva, Fiji: The Pasifika Futures Report has been launched in Suva at the opening of the inaugural Pasifika Futures Forum, marking a significant milestone in efforts to advance the collective ambition of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The report – a partnership between the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji and the Pacific Islands Forum, and supported by the Government of Australia – aims to strengthen inquiry into how foresight methods can work in harmony with Pacific Island epistemologies – centering traditional knowledge systems that emphasise the need for intergenerational thinking, collective interdependence, and deep connection to place. This approach celebrates that Pacific ways of knowing are essential in shaping resilient relationships, guiding effective development partnerships, and envisioning a future where the Pacific continues to thrive on its own terms. The report brought together government officials, policy makers, academic and thematic experts alongside traditional navigators, theologists, youth, and community representatives from across the Pacific to explore a shared vision for sustainable growth, ocean governance, technological innovation, and the revitalisation of Pacific knowledge systems. Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, on launching the report said: 'As we consider what it means to envision Pacific futures in the age of climate change, we must confront the reality of a planetary polycrisis – what many are calling the new abnormal. But let us be clear: the futures we seek are not those prescribed to us, but those we define for ourselves.' UNDP Pacific Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, reflected on the regional symbolism of launching the report on Girmit Day, noting the importance of honouring the past while steering together toward a shared future. She said: 'The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent outlines a shared vision: a region where all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy, and productive lives. This report contributes to that vision; we are simply the platform, and we will treat the knowledge entrusted to us with the care and respect it deserves.' The Pasifika Futures Report builds upon the pioneering work of regional institutions such as the Pacific Community (SPC) and other CROP agencies, reaffirming the Pacific as a region of large ocean states – not small island nations. The report covers 10 key themes that are pertinent to the Pacific at present, and into the future, such as oceans governance, migration and diaspora, technology, the changing nature of statehood, youth and future generations, and deglobalisation. The launch event featured performances representing Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, alongside a creative showcase by WonderLab, offering a futuristic glimpse into the Pacific of 2050 and beyond. The Pasifika Futures Forum continues this week, providing a space for inclusive dialogue across government, community, and development partners to co-create a resilient, innovative, and unified future for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Navigating Development With Traditional Wisdom: Pasifika Futures Report Launched In Fiji
Suva, Fiji: The Pasifika Futures Report has been launched in Suva at the opening of the inaugural Pasifika Futures Forum, marking a significant milestone in efforts to advance the collective ambition of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The report – a partnership between the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji and the Pacific Islands Forum, and supported by the Government of Australia - aims to strengthen inquiry into how foresight methods can work in harmony with Pacific Island epistemologies – centering traditional knowledge systems that emphasise the need for intergenerational thinking, collective interdependence, and deep connection to place. This approach celebrates that Pacific ways of knowing are essential in shaping resilient relationships, guiding effective development partnerships, and envisioning a future where the Pacific continues to thrive on its own terms. The report brought together government officials, policy makers, academic and thematic experts alongside traditional navigators, theologists, youth, and community representatives from across the Pacific to explore a shared vision for sustainable growth, ocean governance, technological innovation, and the revitalisation of Pacific knowledge systems. Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, on launching the report said: 'As we consider what it means to envision Pacific futures in the age of climate change, we must confront the reality of a planetary polycrisis – what many are calling the new abnormal. But let us be clear: the futures we seek are not those prescribed to us, but those we define for ourselves.' UNDP Pacific Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, reflected on the regional symbolism of launching the report on Girmit Day, noting the importance of honouring the past while steering together toward a shared future. She said: 'The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent outlines a shared vision: a region where all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy, and productive lives. This report contributes to that vision; we are simply the platform, and we will treat the knowledge entrusted to us with the care and respect it deserves.' The Pasifika Futures Report builds upon the pioneering work of regional institutions such as the Pacific Community (SPC) and other CROP agencies, reaffirming the Pacific as a region of large ocean states – not small island nations. The report covers 10 key themes that are pertinent to the Pacific at present, and into the future, such as oceans governance, migration and diaspora, technology, the changing nature of statehood, youth and future generations, and deglobalisation. The launch event featured performances representing Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, alongside a creative showcase by WonderLab, offering a futuristic glimpse into the Pacific of 2050 and beyond. The Pasifika Futures Forum continues this week, providing a space for inclusive dialogue across government, community, and development partners to co-create a resilient, innovative, and unified future for the Blue Pacific Continent. The full Pasifika Futures Report can be found here.
