AUGUST
Published in USA
Fiji
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S T N E T N CO AUGUST 2011
Contents Editorial / Fiji Community in USA Perspectives Indian Film World Fiji Today India in Pictures India Feature
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PUBLISHER’S PROFILE ARUN MAHARAJ Publisher / Editor—India Fiji Today CALIFORNIA JAYCEES SENATOR JAYCEES INTERNATIONAL SENATOR PAST CO—CHAIRMAN CALIFORNIA BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL RECEIPIENT OF AMERICAN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD INVITED TO THE US PRESIDENTIAL DINNER IN WASHINGTON D.C PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT FIJI JAYCEES FORMER CHAIRMAN FIJI JAYCESS SENATE PAST PRESIDENT NASINU JAYCEES FORMER ADVISOR VALELEVU HOSPITAL CARNIVAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTED FIJI IN THE JAPAN JAYCEES YOUTH VOYAGE—1983 FIJI DELEGATE TO THE JAYCEES WORLD CONGRESS IN JAPAN—1986 FORMER SECRETARY OF THE ‘FIJI TEACHERS UNION CREDIT UNION’ FORMER TEACHER IN FIJI—TAUGHT AT VUNIMONO HIGH SCHOOL IN NAUSORI DAV COLLEGE IN SUVA AND RISHIKUL HIGH SCHOOL IN NASINU
India Fiji Today
Arun Maharaj Publisher/Editor
FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Reader—Welcome to ‘India Fiji Today’ AUGUST issue. This is a monthly electronic magazine and it has been set up to keep the Fiji community here in USA informed about the happenings back in their former home, Fiji and the Fiji community abroad. It is obvious that the Fiji community here has an interest in the affairs of Fiji. Almost thirty thousand former Fijians are settled in America and the majority are settled on the West Coast state of California. Since the majority of the former Fiji residents settled here are of Indian origin, materials and articles on India has been included for their interest.
Publisher & Editor Arun Maharaj Hayward, California 510 : 875 0568 indiafijitoday@gmail.com
Sacramento Correspondent
Disclaimer Fiji Today/India Feature
Kristeen Prakash
Fiji Today/India Feature is the editor’s review on the major happenings back in Fiji and India based on the information from Times of India, other Indian publications, Fiji Times; Fiji Sun; visitors to and from Fiji and other Fiji publications. These are editor’s own views based on the information from those sources. The articles are the editor’s original articles and any error/s and or misinterpretation are regretted and the editor / publisher is not responsible for any such error/s and or further discussions. The Publisher/ Editor of India Fiji Today will not accept any LIABILITY, CRITICISM, ANNOYANCE or ADVERSE REACTION what so ever, to the contrary of its intention caused by any misinterpretation, miss-understanding or nonacceptance of the same.
Contributing Writer Jai P. Narayan Correspondents Mahesh Bharadwaj Delhi, India Indar Nair Sydney, Australia Subhash Chandra Auckland, New Zealand
Advertisements The claims made by the advertisers is entirely their own and the editor / publisher does not necessarily support or endorse these claims.
Indar Mudaliar Toronto, Canada
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F IJI F ACTS
Government Buildings Suva, Fiji
PRIME MINISTERS OF FIJI
GAINED INDEPENDENCE FROM BRITAIN—1970
Late Ratu Sir K. Mara—1970-1987 Late Timoci Bavadra– 1987—1987 Sitiveni Rabuka—1987-1999 Mahendra P. Chaudhary-1999-2000 Laisenia Qarase-2000-2006 Frank Bainimarama-2006 to Date
FIRST MILITARY COUP—1987 SECOND COUP—2000 THIRD COUP—2006 POPULATION—850,000 ABOUT 67% Fijians and Other Minority Races Indians about 33% Prior to the First Military Coup Indians were in Majorit
PRESIDENTS OF FIJI Late Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau Late Ratu Sir K. Mara Late Ratu Josefa I. Uluivuda Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
FIJIANS SETTLED ABROAD Australia –48,000—(2006 Figures) New Zealand -37,000-(2006 Figures) Canada –24,000-(2000 Figures)
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NUMBER OF ISLANDS More Than 300—ABOUT 100 ARE IN HABITAT
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EDITORIAL/ F IJ I F EA TU RE F IJI F EATURE
CHARITY STILL THE WAY OF LIFE IN FIJI As said, ‘Old habits die hard’, charity is still the way of life in Fiji. The recent Bula Festival’s mission to assist the Nadi Market vendors’ with a new shelter to sleep at night, as they seem to be sleeping on the market corridor, is a kind gesture on part of the organizers of the Nadi based Bula Festival. The festival committee reportedly has plans to build an orphanage in Nadi from the funds raised by the 2011 Bula Festival. Such charity projects were seen in various parts of the country on regular basis by various voluntary organizations years back when Fiji was a real paradise.
The past political developments of the country saw many of these voluntary organizations disappear from Fiji. Organizations like Lions Club; Jaycees; Rotary Club; Apex Club and many others had a strong hold in Fiji serving the needy and developing the country on regular basis. They were an extension to the government’s development plans. There were also many self—help projects carried out by groups of people particularly in rural areas. As a former president of the ‘Fiji Jaycees’ , it is heartening for me to see the Bula Festival serving the needy.
FIJI LANDMARK
Government Buildings Suva
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FIJI COMMUNITY IN USA — FIJI FESTIVAL 2011
South Bay Football Club Wins Paradigm Companies –Battle of the Giants During Fiji Festival South Bay Football Club put its name on the Paradigm Companies Battle of the Giants Fiji Festival Trophy in the tournament finals held on July 3, 2011. What is remarkable about this sweet victory is that it came on the 10th Anniversary of the Fiji Festival.
Narendra Narayan
With their earlier strong performance in the FUSSA League, South Bay F.C. were one of the favorites to win the Championship. They came to the Tournament with victories in the FUSSA inaugural “ICE’ Soccer Tournament held on April 16, League Championship on June 4th and FUSSA Tournament on June 18th. On the first day of the Paradigm Companies – Battle of the Giants Fiji Festival Soccer Championship, South Bay F.C. qualified as expected by the coaches and officials. However, on the second day, it was faced with some fierce competition. In the Quarter Finals, South Bay. played the young and talented squad of Fiji All Blacks. South Bay prevailed but they had to earn the win. In the semi-finals, Norfolk Strikers put South Bay F.C. to a real test of skills. The two teams held to 0-0 even after extra time. South Bay emerged victorious in the penalty shoot out. The Grand Final of the Tournament brought even bigger challenges for South Bay when they got matched with Fiji Festival favorites, Combine Brothers of Sacramento. The pressure was on South Bay and expectations were very high from the Coach, officials and fans. This was the third year in a row that they were playing the finals and they had to put their name on the Trophy. As expected the final game was intense and filled with tense moments. Both teams had highly talented players and expectations were high from both coaches and officials. South Bay scored the first goal with a 30 yard kick from Javid Khan, but the talented Combine came back with two stunning goals in a row to take the lead. South Bay stayed calm and was determined to equalize the game. A goal by South Bay’s veteran player and former Fiji Rep, Ronald Chaudhary, was disallowed but this did not dampen the team’s
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Narendra Narayan Behind the Success of the Team
resolve to fight on. With less than a minute left, South Bay’s upcoming star, Dinesh Prasad Jr, got fouled in the Penalty Box and, Javid Khan, with a penalty kick, equalized the game. The game stayed 2-2 after 10 minutes of overtime. The teams then went to penalty shoot out and, with the brilliant save by goal keeper Kevin Dip, South Bay hoisted the Paradigm Companies Battle of Giants Fiji Festival Trophy. The credit for the well -deserved victory goes to the Coach Ismail Mohammed and the entire team of players, officials and the supporters. Congratulations to Kevin Dip for winning the Best Player of the Game , Dinesh Prasad Jr. for winning the Best Player of the Tournament, and Sagar Sammy for winning the Best Defender Trophy. Special thanks to FANA Sports Organizing Committee and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Singh of Paradigm Group of Companies for sponsoring this prestigious tournament for the past 10 years. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank the entire FUSSA organization, affiliated teams with FUSSA and all the spectators and fans that cheered South Bay F.C. to victory. South Bay F.C. Players: Mohammed Muffin, Samson Prasad, Sam Singh, Ashniel Naidu, Nikeel Maharaj, Muktar Buksh, Arvind Kumar, Kevin Dip, Dinesh Prasad Jr, Joshua Prasad, Anishanel Chand, Sean Gopalan, Pradeep Kumar, Ronald Chaudhary, Kuljindar Singh, Javid Khan, Sagar Sammy, Oniel Maharaj, Ritesh Prasad, Deepak Prasad, Mohammed Azim and Trishan Ram. South Bay F.C.Officials: Ismail Mohammed, Harry Prasad, Lakesh Dutt, Vinay Reddy, Kishore Pratap, Sammy Singh, Amit Kumar, Tony Prasad, Neville Narayan, John Prasad, Rajesh Naidu, Aklesh Chandra and Avinesh Reddy. Narendra Narayan– President
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JULY 2011
PEOPLE MISS FIJI USA 2010—KRISTEEN PRAKASH
Kristeen Reigns as Miss Fiji USA for 2010 / 2011 Kristeen Prakash of Sacramento, California was declared the Miss Fiji USA during 2010 Fiji Festival in Hayward. She appears on the cover of ‘India Fiji Today’. 9
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A Perspective AUGUST 2011
DISCLAIMER—PERSPECTIVES . These articles are the views and opinion of the writers. The writers and the publisher/ editor will not accept any; LIABILITY, CRITICISM, ANNOYANCE or ADVERSE REACTION what so ever, to the contrary of its intention caused by any misinterpretation, miss-understanding or non-acceptance of the same.
By Pt. Rajendra Maharaj-Seaside-California Hindu Priest & Peace Consultant, Ordained Clergy, Minister Of Religion & Marriage Celebrant, 1759 Hilton Street,Seaside, CA. 93955. Home Phone: (831) 393 0679.Cell Phone: *831) 521 8400. E-Mail- punditfijian@aol.com - rajendra@sbcglobal.net Pt. Rajendra Maharaj
KARMIC LAW OF BIRTH AND RE-BIRTH My attempt to answer questions in simple words in English may be found helpful and if worthy, we should bow our heads to His Almighty Lord in generous appreciation for his gift to Humankind in the form of intellectual Boon and I shall be pleased and honored if anyone will benefit from this composition. Find below the Questions and the answers related in the best of my capacity knowledge and ability. Q 1. May I ask you a few questions about Karmic Law and re-birth, Punditji? A.
Yes. But before you proceed, you should be clear on the point of Karmic Law. The Law of Karma is based purely on action. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, resound and reflection. It is only this which is the basis for Karmic Law.
B. You reap what you sow either in the same birth Or in a succeeding birth. When you die, you carry with you not your worldly possessions, assets, name and fame, but only your deeds and misdeeds into the other world. When you are born into this world you are born and only with the garland of your deeds and misdeeds around your neck (Karma-kantamala). Now, listen carefully. The karma of action and reaction determines whether or not you are going to be re-birthed. (Here, reaction refers to your attitude towards the fruits of action). The Law of Karma is based on action and result, performance and consequence which determines when, where, how and why you will have re-birth. Q 2: What about still born children, Punditji? A: They are so born because their karma stipulates that they have only a few months left in the physical world in which to work off their karmic debt. They are actually highly enlightened souls who finish their karma in these few months and depart. They will not be born again. The parents of such children should really consider themselves fortunate and blessed. TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE...
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A Perspective August 2011
By Arun Maharaj –Hayward-California
Love is the Essence of Life True love stands out whenever it is displayed in The presence of God is believed to be in all living this materialistic world where money seems to things as he is the creator. We need to love others be the only truth. We need to cleanse our as love is godly. It is accepted that we live in a world inner selves and love will automatically find its full of material things and we need to have those way in our hearts.. Only if we have something, things such as food, clothing, housing etc. To acquire we can share it, therefore only if we have love these basic needs we have to work and earn money we can share it and sharing but this will only help us to survive and makes it grow more and more. It satisfy our temporary pleasures of life. is said, when we share love or happiness, it grows and when We are born to lead a meaningful life we share sorrow it decreases. and love is the major ingredient of a Love is a very powerful element meaningful life and a life devoid of love is that can overcome and conquer nothing but survival only. We posses difall barriers regardless of how ferent qualities as we are all different, complex they may be. When we like other animals but the animals are not show love to an animal it regifted with the ‘power of choice’, which sponds positively without underwe have and as such regardless of what standing our language and if we genetic qualities or background we posdo the same to a human being, sess, using the ‘power of choice’, we can Arun Maharaj who very well understands our amend our lives and fill it with love, and language, we can imagine what the response taste the joy it provides. can be like. Being a highly academic or religious person does not automatically qualify one to be a loveable person. Money is very powerful and if used only for providing all the luxuries and physical pleasures of Religious knowledge alone does not give birth to love but it can help us to cleanse our inner – selves may life, that are only temporary, will not provide be faster than others. Devoting a lot of time daily, peace which is everlasting while wealth if used praying without a heart of love may not make one for charitable purposes to brighten the lives of godly. the needy, purely for sake of love, and not for the name and fame, can provide tremendous We need to understand the simple nopeace. The belief in my things such as my money, my house…….. distances people from love and time passes by and the distance between love, our only true asset, and us gets bigger and bigger.
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tion, that god is present only where there is love, regardless of how huge or beautiful a house may be or how rich a person may be or how religious a person may think to be.
INDIAN FILM STARS PROFILE AUGUST 2011
DIVYA BHARTI — A STAR LOST BIT TOO EARLY One of Indian Film Industry’s youngest heroines Divya Bharti was born in 1974. Having passion for acting she quit her college studies and made acting her short—lived career. A young artist with full of acting talent made her entry into the Indian Cinema with Dil Hi To Hai at age eighteen. She created record in the Indian Film Industry by completing nine films in the very first year of her acting. Divya Bharti became a household name in India and among the Indian community abroad. “It seems she came to the Indian
Film Industry just to complete a task and go away….” In her short film career she acted in almost twenty films with all leading heroes of that time, a record in the Indian Cinema. Some of her films were released after her death and some had to be shelved while others were completed with substitute heroines as the films were under production. She met her untimely death in 1993 leaving the film industry and her fans worldwide wondering about her
DEV ANAND—THE EVERGREEN STAR Dev Anand now 88 years old, born in 1923, has fascinated the Indian Film Industry for many decades as an artist. He started his film career with film Vidya in 1948 with Suraiya as his lead actress. The veteran star has not looked back and has millions of fans worldwide even today. He married actress Kalpana Kartik and they acted in hits such as Bazi and Taxi Driver. Dev Anand has a passion for films as he produced some films even at an elderly age. Age does not seem to deter him from work. In two of his films he was awarded the Best Actor award namely, Kala Pani– 1959 and Guide—1967.
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INDIAN FILM WORLD AUGUST
2011
AISHWARYA RAI—THE NEW DREAM GIRL OF BOLLYWOOD BollywoodWorld.com—source
The pioneer dream girl of Bollywood, Hema Malini seems to be passing her title to Aishwarya Rai. Veteran actress, Hema Malini is believed to have made the claim that Aishwarya Rai is the new dream girl of Bollywood. Both the actresses are highly honored in the Indian Film Industry. Hema Malini has acted in record number of films and still continues to act in her early sixties. Aishwarya Rai the current fore-runner in the Indian Film Industry undoubtedly has earned a position in Bollywood that will be hard to replace. Her continued acting after her marriage speaks about her
passion for films. While other actresses have somewhat taken restrained position on their acting career after marriage, Aishwarya Rai has continued with the same or even higher pace after her marriage. Her glamour undoubtedly is at her peak and the honor that she enjoys in Bollywood today is all because of her endurance. She is a phenomena in the Indian Film Industry and it is a blessing for the industry to have such a high powered artist. Hema Malini’s recommendation for the new dream girl will obviously be honored by the India film goers.
DHARMENDRA—FIFTY YEARS OF ACTING While Hema Malini was given the dream-girl title, Dharmendra was honored with the he-man title. His mighty roles in the films over the past many years justified his title. During the IIFA 2011 in July in Toronto Dharmendra seems to have made an impact on the three day film festival. At the conclusion of the IIFA Dharmendra was honored for his five decades of acting and contribution to the Indian Film Industry.
Veteran ActorAshok Kumar Would have Turned 100 Years this Year. Born in 1911 he died in 2001 at age 90.
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INDIA SITES
VISHNUPAD TEMPLE
GAYA—BIHAR A 16th century temple which was carved out of a single rock. In the far east state of Bihar the temple is visited by millions from India and abroad on yearly basis. A place of pilgrimage for the dead ancestors the temple has extreme beauty. 18
A Perspective August 2011
By Jai P. Narayan—Union City-California
Our Existence in this Physical Universe Our existence in this Universe is something we wonder about, from time to time. We are born and eventually die. Our existence as humans is very consistent with whatever exits in this physical universe. Everything in nature comes, flourishes, decays and finally goes. Since our existence is apparently governed by the laws of this universe, our lives may be subject to some kind of universal programming. The question is to what extent? We will never know the truth but can only speculate.
water, and water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface. Moon’s gravitational force exercises its effects on our bodies and water on this Earth. All nearby heavenly bodies must have some effect on us, although we do not know how much, for sure. Despite the possibility that our lives are programmed to
us to prove our worth as human beings. Imagine what kind of life we would have had if all good things were handed to us on a silver platter. Our constitutional make up is such that we derive satisfaction from achieving things. We are proud of what we achieve and have a sense of ownership of them. These achievements generate a sense of happiness and a feeling Generally, Hindus beof usefulness lieve that planetary and worth. influences have signifiHumans are cant impact on human supreme in lives. Many other peothe animal ple also hold similar kingdom and beliefs. In fact, Hindus are placed believe that the Navahere to demgraha need to be aponstrate that peased to minimize Jai P. Narayan they are capain and suffering that pable of comes with their unfahigher things. extent, I believe that our vorable positioning. In the Hindu system, the Navagraha comprise Creator has not doomed us So regardless of the by bringing us in this world. 5 visible Planets, Sun and the universal programming we Moon, and two planets unique to He has given us the ability to may be subjected to, we think and shape our lives. Hindu astrology, named, Rahu are in a unique position; and Ketu. Who would dispute that Perhaps, he presented some the only creatures of God obstacles in our way to make who can make a discerniSun does not have an effect on our existence; indeed it is central us understand that life will ble impact on not only our to our existence. And the Moon? not always be plain-sailing. lives but on the lives of Well, about 55% to 75% of human Perhaps, it was meant for others. bodies are composed of s
ome
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FIJI FLASHBACK AUGUST 2011
MEMORIES TO CHERISH
HIBISCUS FESTIVALS OF THE PAST It is festival time again in Suva. Fiji’s Hibiscus Festival, the most prestigious of all festivals held in Fiji has attracted many patrons over the last five decades. The festival started in 1957 by Suva Jaycees, came a long way. Jaycees in Fiji started festivals in most town such as Sugar Festival in Lautoka; Bougainvillea Festival in Ba; Tebara Festival in Nausori; Nasinu Festival in Nasinu. The history of Hibiscus Festival is very enriching. The tourists particularly came to Fiji at that time to witness the events of the festival. People from all parts of Fiji flocked to the capital Suva to watch the final day parade consisting off marches and floats from various business communities around Suva. It was a highly spectacular event for Suva. The whole city was decorated and the men wore shirts and the ladies wore skirts and dresses with Hibiscus flower prints on it. It seemed as if everyone around Suva and its suburb and the visitors were filled with joy. To get a glimpse of the contestants on the stage on night programs was an exciting experience. The Miss Hibiscus for different years became celebrities for Fiji.
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INDIA FEATURE AUGUST 2011
SHOCKING MUMBAI BOMB BLASTS—A CONCERN FOR THE COMMERCIAL CAPITAL OF INDIA The commercial capital of India, Mumbai seems to have become a constant target of terrorism. The recent bomb blasts that shook the city is highly distressing, killing some and injuring many. In the past similar blasts tore parts of two major hotels in the city and took many innocent lives. The recent blast is believed to have taken place in three busy spots of the city. 23
Apart from others support has come from the team of a latest film release in India, ‘Zindage Na Mile Gi Dobara’ which has Hritikh Roshan and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles. It is believed the producJUHU BEACH ers have MUMBAI committed to assist the victims of the blast from the proceeds of the film screenings in Mumbai. Bollywood offered support in the past too.
INDIA IN PICTURES Volume 1, Issue 1
SCENE FIJIROADSIDE HIGH COMMISSIONER IN RURAL TO INDIA—MR. INDIA SAVENACA IN UTTAR KAUNISELA WITH INDIA FIJI PRADESH STATE TODAY PUBLISHER– ARUN MAHARAJ IN NEW DELHI
DRIVING ALONG A RURAL RAJESHWAR AREA IN SINGH OF SACRAMENTO—CA BIHAR STATE AT THE FIJI HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI
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INDIA IN PICTURES Volume 1, Issue 1
SHIMLA—THE HILL STATION CITY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH VISITED BY MILLIONS LOCALS AND FOREIGNERS ANNUALLY.
THE HILLY VIEW OF SHIMLA AT AN ELEVATION OF AROUND 7,000 FEET. A MAGNIFICENT VIEW
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F IJI T ODAY AUGUST 2011
Fiji’s Union Leaders– Extra -Ordinary Benefits Some Fiji’s union leaders in the recent years seem to be enjoying extra– ordinary benefits. The union workers are there only to serve the workers and ensure that the workers get a good deal from their employers. It seems the union leaders benefit plays a FIJI TODAY major role in these days unionism. The recent findings claiming some union executives receiving substantial amount of money while being directors of Fiji National Provident Fund seems appalling. Also the controversy surrounding a top executive of the FPSA allegedly driving a car belonging to the union worth about 150,000 Fijian dollars seems quite horrendous. The whole process of unionism in some sectors in Fiji seems to have taken a trend to suit and satisfy the
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union leaders first. There was a time when there were union leaders like the late Shiu Narayan Kanhai, the former national president of the Fiji Teachers Union and others alike who fought for the rights of members without thinking of their benefits, they purely worked voluntarily receiving some genuine expense allowances. They truly justified the meaning of union, that is coming toA SUVA gether. The union CITY SCENE members felt the sense of security that their hard earned money will be theirs. The union dues paid by the members were a fixed allotment held by the union for the benefit of their members. The use of union funds for the executives extra—ordinary benefits today does not speak much about the concept of union in Fiji that was the vision of the veteran union leaders of the past.
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F IJI T ODAY AUGUST 2011
Thomas Baker Apology Seeking apology has always been a humble act and when done in a traditional way adds lots of importance and emotion to it. The Naitasiri villagers, near FIJI TODAY Nausoriseem to be seeking apology for the killing of a Methodist missionary Reverend Thomas Baker about 150 years ago. A pilgrimage type apology seeking by a group of Naitasiri village elders and church ministers are believed to be on their way, with soil from the spot where Reverand Thomas Baker was killed, to the Davuilevu Methodist center. The weeks long journey is to conclude with apology seeking
from the Methodist church. Reverand Baker was among the early days missionaries who went to Fiji to promote Christianity. He was allegedly killed for insulting a chief. The Naitasiri Province’s belief that the province has a COASTAL SCENE curse on it SUVA is believed to cleared after the apology is taken from the Methodist church. A community hall, Baker Hall, was built at Davuilevu Nausori in the memory of the late missionary who was killed in 1867. The hall has been used for church and educational purposes.
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F IJI T ODAY 2011
The Passing Away of Veteran Political Leader—Irene Jai Narayan One of the few remaining politicians of the yesteryear, Irene Jai Narayan’s death would FIJI TODAY be felt by Fiji. Though not in active politics FIJI TODAY for some years, she was a veteran leader. It is believed she passed away at her home in Fiji in late July. A leader of the Ratu Mara and A.D. Patel era she was the first and only woman elected to the Fiji’s Legislative Council prior to Fiji’s Independence under the National Federation Party banner. Later she was elected to the House of Representatives for many terms. Born in Luckhnow, India she came to Fiji after marrying Mr. Jai Narayan, a school teacher who later became the principal of Indian
College, now called Jai Narayan College in Suva. Late Mrs Narayan’s political contemporaries were A.D. Patel; S.M. Koya; K.C. Ramrakha; Ujagar Singh, M.T. Khan in the WESTPAC, SUVA Fedration Party and Late Ratu Mara, Penaia Ganilau and other veteran politicians of Fiji, many of them WESTPAC BANK– SUVApolitics is no are deceased. Fiji’s longer on party basis today but the contribution of politicians of her caliber will always be remembered by Fiji. Former Fiji Prime Ministers Sitiveni Rabuka and Mahendra Chaudhary and a long time politician Filipe Bole along with Fiji’s President were believed to be at the funeral. 30
F IJI T ODAY Shocking Death of a Fiji University Lecturer in India In a unfortunate case a University of the South Pacific lecturer Yenteshwar FIJI TODAY Ram is believed to have died in a car accident in Delhi, India in mid July. The 32 year old lecturer was on a trip to India on some fact finding mission to further his studies in India. Reportedly he died in a car crash soon upon his arrival. He is believed to have been traveling 31
with his mother. Mr. Ram is believed to have died instantly while his mother died later at a hospital. He is survived SUVA WATERFRONT by his wife. The couple were married for a year only. The lecturer was buried in New Delhi and memorial service was held in Suva.
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F IJI T ODAY Mysterious Find of Skulls in Yasawas Fiji has some fascinating things like the Tagimocia flower in Tavueni, which does not grow anywhere else in Fiji; the dateFIJI TODAY line that divides Taveuni in two days. 窶郎EATERDAY and TODAY, a fascinating site; the Floating Island in Labasa and the Hot Water springs in Vanua Levu.
men in the mass burial.
The recent findings of about one hundred skulls and bones in a Yasawa village has added to the natural mysteries of the country. It is believed the skulls and bones were discovered by a villager while he was digging the grounds for building his house. An amazed villager called on the police and the news reporters to witness the findings. The bones seem to be of huge
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THE FAVORITE SPOT AT SUVA POINT
The bones were later buried in another grave by the villager. Reportedly there is no clue and the villagers are not aware of the history of the mass burial. A boat buried nearby on the coast could be linked to
the mystery. In addition to the mysterious finding, there are reports of over one hundred cows gone missing from the village in one day, a few years back and their whereabouts have not been known to date.
F IJI T ODAY Doctor and Nurse’s Escape— Villagers Left Without Services Fiji’s various remote settlements have completely different lifestyles as compared to Suva. There are thousands of people still living in far remote islands in Fiji’s over one hundred FIJI TODAY islands that are in habitat out of about three hundred islands. The government officers such as doctors; nurses; teachers and other government officials who are posted there do not enjoy the same life there as compared to the mainland but their commitment to serve people take them there.
The recent sexual attack on a female doctor in Yasawa Group seems to have created a chaotic situation there. The only doctor and nurse at the medical site reportedly fled the medical post leaving hundreds of villagers in many villages and schools without medical assistance. The safety MH—SUVA of government officials in remote areas is at stake and other remote government centers can be at risk of similar dangers. It may be difficult to find replacement at the Yasawa center because of the incident. 34
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F IJI T ODAY JULY 2011
The Magical Drink Kava Top Earner in Fiji While sugar cane industry is on its decline, Kava seems to be taking an upward path in Fiji’s economy. The crop that is sacred to Fiji is not among those that are used FIJI TODAY as a food supply. Traditional to Fiji Kava has its own myth going back to the pre—colonial days. Reportedly it is the top earner among the permanent crops of Fiji fetching millions of dollars to the country annually. Surprisingly most Kava is produced in Fiji’s central division. A considerable amount of the product is exported to countries where Fijians are settled. There is a huge consumption in
America alone, along with Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The drink sacred to the Fiji natives has been adopted by others living in Fiji, particularly the Indian community. Fiji’s migrant CENTRAL commuSUVA nity has a special place for Kava in their society. The weddings and other social gatherings are not complete without the magical drink. Particularly in America a lot of individual groups have Kava sittings during the weekends.
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