Context:
During her landmark visit to Fiji—the first ever by an Indian President—President Droupadi Murmu has been honored with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest civilian award of the nation. This prestigious accolade is in recognition of the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Fiji, highlighting the importance of their bilateral relationship on the global stage.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Indian Girmitiya Legacy and Fiji’s Cultural Tapestry
- Girmitiya Contributions: The President of India has recently highlighted the significant role of the Girmitiya laborers in the Indian diaspora. Originating from the Hindi word ‘girmit’, meaning ‘agreement’, these laborers were essentially indentured servants sent to regions like Fiji and Mauritius under harsh conditions disguised as employment agreements.
- Challenges Faced by Girmitiyas: Although not classified as slaves, Girmitiyas often faced conditions similar to slavery through deceitful practices known as “blackbirding”, which involved coercing them into labor under extremely poor conditions.
- Fiji’s Diverse Ecosystem: Fiji, situated in the South Pacific Ocean and encompassing over 300 islands, of which around 100 are inhabited, is renowned for its expansive coral reefs, spanning over 4,000 square kilometers and known as the “soft coral capital of the world.”
- Economic and Cultural Landscape: Historically, sugarcane farming has been a pivotal economic activity in Fiji. Today, Fiji operates as a parliamentary democracy, housing a diverse population that includes Indigenous Fijians, Indians, Europeans, and other groups. A notable cultural landmark is the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, symbolizing the deep-rooted Indian influence in the region.
-Source: The Hindu
