In a significant moment of recognition, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently acknowledged the initiative to teach Tamil in Fiji during his radio podcast program Mann Ki Baat.
Expressing pride in the global spread of Indian culture particularly Tamil teaching in Fiji, PM Modi remarked,
“It is a matter of great pride for us that Tamil is the oldest language in the world and every Indian is proud of it. The number of people learning it is constantly rising in countries around the world.”
The recognition from the Prime Minister has added momentum to the efforts to preserve and promote Tamil in Fiji. The High Commission of India (HCI) in Suva shared their excitement on Twitter, expressing immense honour at being recognised by Modi. The tweet from the High Commission read, “Immense honour to be recognised by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi in today’s #MannKiBaat for the new @mygovindia @MEAIndia @HCI_Suva initiative in #Fiji to promote #Tamil language. Sincere thanks to local partners @SangamFiji & @FijiGovernment and also our #தமிழ் teachers and dear students.”
The initiative, funded by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, is being carried out in partnership with the Fijian Ministry of Education, the Fijian Government, and TISI Sangam, one of the oldest and most influential South Indian diaspora organisations in Fiji.
Two Tamil teachers from India have been deployed to Sangam schools in Rakiraki and Labasa to teach and inspire students, aiming to preserve one of the world’s oldest classical languages and deepen the connection between the South Indian community in Fiji and their cultural roots.
The roots of Tamil in Fiji run deep, dating back to the arrival of indentured labourers from South India in the early 20th century. TISI Sangam, founded in 1926 by Sadhu Kuppuswamy, an indentured labourer and spiritual leader, has played a vital role in maintaining the cultural and linguistic heritage of the South Indian community in Fiji. The organisation, originally centred around the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi, continues to be a key force in preserving Tamil language, culture, and values in Fiji today.
This latest initiative is a step forward in ensuring that Tamil not only survives but thrives in Fiji. The involvement of Indian teachers is a significant part of India’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation in the diaspora, as exemplified by External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s support.
Dr Jaishankar’s visit to the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi last year highlighted the importance of promoting the language and culture of the Indian diaspora in Fiji.
Looking ahead, this initiative represents more than just an educational programme; it’s a revitalisation of identity and heritage. By strengthening the ties between Fiji and Tamil Nadu, it offers a future where Tamil language and culture will continue to flourish for generations to come, not just in Fiji but across the Pacific region.
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