Address by the High Commissioner on 147th Girmit Day Commemoration

Saturday, 23 May 2026, Wellington

Namaskar, Kia ora, and Good evening to everyone,

It is an honour for me to join you today for the Girmit Commemoration event here in Wellington and I congratulate Wellington Fiji Indian Collective, led by Mr. Divesh Prakash, its Chairperson and its members for organizing this very important occasion.

We recall the arduous journey across the seas on which over sixty thousand men, women and children embarked from India to Fiji. Their dream for better prospects were dashed by the bitter hardship and suffering they faced under the brutal indenture system. Their tremendous resilience even in such trying circumstances can be seen as they sought strength from their values, language, faith, culture, music, and traditions. Through hard work and determination, they built new lives for future generations.Because of their sacrifices, future generations were able to grow, succeed, and contribute to societies across the world including Fiji and here in New Zealand.

We celebrate the rich contribution of the Indo-Fijian community to New Zealand’s multicultural society. Your contributions in education, business, public service, arts, culture, and community leadership are deeply valued.

India shares a special and lasting connection with the Indo-Fijians and with the global Indian diaspora. We are proud of the way Indo-Fijian communities continue to preserve their heritage while also contributing strongly to the countries they now call home. During his visit to Fiji in 2023, External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar inaugurated the renovated Girmit Gallery in Fiji Museum which showcases the journey of the Girmits in Fiji. It has been supported by the Government of India under bilateral grant-in-aid. 

Luminaries from the Fiji Indian community in New Zealand have been bestowed the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honor conferred by the President of India on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin, such as former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, Dr Ajit Swaran Singh and Dr Satendra Singh.

I appreciate this commemorative event held today and the involvement of both youth and seniors alike. Younger generations are able to reflect and understand their history and remain connected to their roots and identity. We must continue to remember the Girmitiyas- their struggles, their dreams, and their spirit of perseverance. Their journey teaches us important lessons about dignity, humanity, courage and unity.

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation to the Government of Fiji for declaring Girmit Day, a national holiday. He said quote “This is a tribute to our shared history. It is a tribute to the memories of our past generations.” end quote.

Congratulations to all those who are receiving awards and making cultural performances. May this evening be a joyful celebration. 

Thank you

Namaste & Jai Hind !