Launch of Tamil Language teaching program in Fiji – 27 November 2024
The High Commissioner of India to Fiji, His Excellency Sh. P.S. Karthigeyan today launched the Government of India funded Tamil language teaching program in Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki (Fiji).
Under this program being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Government of Fiji and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (SANGAM), a major diaspora community organization in Fiji, two Tamil teachers from India will be deployed in the Penang Sangam school in Rakiraki and the Sangam Primary school in Labasa to conduct Tamil classes for the school students and interested community members.
Revival of Tamil language, one of the oldest classical languages in the world had been a long pending demand of the Fiji Indian community, especially the descendants of Girmitiyas who came to Fiji from the present day Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
Subsequent to the visit of Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar to Fiji in February 2023 for the 12th World Hindi Conference and his meeting with the diaspora representatives, the Government of India approved the proposal to depute Tamil Teachers from India to Fiji. Thanks to this initiative, Tamil language, which had almost disappeared in Fiji, will be taught again in the country after about 80 years.
Speaking at the launch event, HC Karthigeyan emphasized on the important role of a language in preserving and shaping culture and also in fostering greater understanding between various communities. Highlighting the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Tamil, a vibrant global language spoken by more than 80 million people, he encouraged the people of Fiji to make use of the opportunity to learn Tamil language.
Conveying his sincere appreciation for the assistance received from the Fijian government and the SANGAM leadership in launching the program, HC Karthigeyan hoped that the people centric initiative would lead to further strengthening of the special and enduring bond between India and Fiji.
On the occasion, HC Karthigeyan also briefed the gathering on the ongoing efforts of the Government of India to strengthen its engagement with the diaspora around the world.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion included the National Secretary General (SANGAM) Mr. Gyaneshwar Rao, Representative of the Permanent Secretary (Education) Mr. Vunisa, Group CEO of R.C. Manubhai & Co. Dr. Uppilliappan Gopalan, Chief Executive Officer (SANGAM) Mr. Jai Narayan and senior leaders of the diaspora community.
SANGAM Secretary General Mr. Gyaneshwar Rao thanked the Government of India for its assistance to revive Tamil language in Fiji and assured all support from the community to make the program a grand success.
A large number of students, teachers, staff of the Penang sangam school also joined the event. The students also enthusiastically participated in the flash quiz organized by the High Commission of India under the ongoing Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz contest.
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