ENTRANCE TO NAUSORI AIRPORT
TRIBUTE TO 2015 AND WELCOME 2016...
PUBLISHED & EDITED by ARUN MAHARAJ—HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA—USA 510—875 0568— indiafijitoday@gmail.com Facebook.com/Arun Maharaj A MAGAZINE ABOUT INDIA AND FIJI LIFESTYLES PUBLISHED IN USA
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FIJI COMMUNITY IN AMERICA COMMUNITY NEWS FROM FIJI COMMUNITY LIVING ABROAD...
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FORMER SCHOOLTEACHER—FIJI 1
FIJI TODAY– FLASHBACK—2015 TRIBUTE TO 2015 AND WELCOME 2016... As a year passes by, it leaves behind a period which will never come back as it turns into history and memories. Some memories are good and cherished whereas others may not be worth thinking about. They all are past which can not be changed and we have no control over them. The year 2015 may also be leaving some good and bad memories but it is a period of time which has been a part of our lives. The year has also seen some tragedies around the world, which will be history now. People have resolutions, wishes and hopes with which they live on day to day basis and 2015 may have fulfilled the wishes, hopes and resolutions of some while others may not have succeeded. We can only do our best and the rest is our destiny on which we may not have control however it is hope that allows us to live our lives on daily basis. The world revolves on the phenomena of hope and it is hope that gives us strength to deal with our lives on continuous basis. Let us welcome the year 2016 and hope the year fulfills our wishes, hopes and resolutions.
‘INDIA FIJI TODAY’ WISHES A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL ITS READERS!
A REMOTE SITE IN BA, FIJI 2
PEOPLE
FIJI TODAY FLASHBACK—2015
IN FIJI COMMUNITY IN FIJI AND ABROAD
September — 2015
MR. and MRS. NAIR
HELICOPTER RIDE DURING SUGAR FESTIVAL
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Former Teachers in Fiji
It is festival time in Fiji now, as Hibiscus Festival in Suva just got over in August and the big western festival, Sugar Festival is believed to be scheduled for this month. Festivals in Fiji have been providing entertainment and collecting funds for charity, in some cases for a long time. Sugar Festival has been a big event for the residents of western Fiji for many NEWthis FIJI FLAG years. It is believed year, helicopter A contest for newfor Fiji the Flagentertaindesign seems ride has been added in place in Fiji for thebring people to ment to of be the public.now This should Fiji flag in hasthe been in place about participate. lots of excitement public. Source—Fiji sinceTimes, independence, forty—five years ago. Wherever the flag is seen or raised the Fiji citizens around the globe give it respect. There seems to a plan by the November—2015 government to replace the flag. The thoughts of the government related to Mr. and Mrs. Nair MONTFORT BOYS TOWNis IN the present time in Fiji and the relevance SAVUSAVU-GRADUATION The Nairs have been high school teachof the flag to today’s Fiji. There seems ers in Fiji. Mr. Indar Nair was also the As December approaches, many thouto be both sides of thoughts presented principal of Saraswati College in Nausori, sands by of students graduate the people of Fiji, from somevarious in support after serving as vice principal of Rishikul schools and and some educational not in favor. institutions It is a sensitive College in Nasinu. They migrated to aroundissue the as country. Boys peopleThe haveMontfort lived with the curAustralia in mid 1990’s and settle in SydTown in Savusavu seems to years have but gradrent flag for forty—five change uated for around forty students who are ney where are are residing today. The th ready to enter into their working life in var- Nairs are teachers in Sydney. Mr. Nair ious fields. The institution has been is a past President of Fiji Jaycees and a providing vocational education from its former senior official of the Fiji Teachers Suva based center for many decades. Union. He is a renowned gazal and keertan singer in Sydney. Many high school, college and university graduates would be looking to enter into INDIA FIJI TODAY wishes them success in 2016 and future. their careers. Source—Fiji Times 3
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FIJI FEATURE
MANY STEPS LEADING TO VARIOUS DIETIES
A UNIQUE TEMPLE ON A HILLTOP IN RARALEVU, NAUSORI A Unique temple founded not too long ago is a fascinating site to visit. It is believed to be the site of an old and abandoned temple which existed there decades ago during the ‘indenture system.’ Newly set—up, the temple has many small statues and small temples scattered in a wide area going down and upwards many steps. It is a full pilgrimage type set—up which is extremely unique in its structure. The only temple of that nature in Fiji, is worth visiting. Tremendous satisfaction and peace is felt as it provides you an atmosphere of undisturbed nature. 7
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FIJI COMMUNITY FLASHBACK
JAYCEES MEMBERS AND THEIR WIVES WITH THE AWARDS
A LOOK AT ‘FIJI JAYCEES’ AWARDS— NIGHT IN THE LATE 1980’S… During the active days of FIJI JAYCEES there were many functions held throughout the year in different parts of the country. The eighties were a period of high membership, stretching from the Central Division to the Western and to the Northern with Jaycees Chapters in every town and major suburbs. The AWARDS NIGHT held annually was the highlight of the year, looked forward to by all members. THE PICTURE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COURTESY OF INDAR NAIR—SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—PAST PRESIDENT, FIJI JAYCEES 9
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A LOOK AT FIJI’S PAST TAKING A JOURNEY BACK TO THE DAYS OF ….
LIFE IN SAMABULA IN THE SIXTIES ... THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN REPEATED AS WAS LIKED BY MANY READERS IN A PREVIOUS ISSUE.
Samabula, one of the major residential areas of Suva today, has been probably the most densely populated area in Suva even in the sixties. The serenity in the settlement, within a few miles of the city proper, was enjoyed by everyone. A life full of fellowship was seen everywhere as sharing happiREWA STREET ness and sorrow and caring for one another SAMABULA had been the lifestyle TODAY there. Almost every family was known to each other. Samabula, supposed to be one of the most developed and modern places to live in Fiji, shared a taste of the country style living then, when it came to interacting with neighbors. Religious festivals, bazaars and sporting activities provided key attractions and the real joy of community living. Watching movies in theatres was a priority for many, in those days. The popular ‘Samabula Theatre’ was there to serve for the people’s needs. The settlement was known for Kite flying and friendly ‘kite competitions’ during the kite—flying seasons. Rewa Street, and Waimanu Road, also called the Hospital Road, in those days, were the popular roads then. Dhanji Street, a densely populated street today was not there in the early sixties. Today most of the residents of that era may not be there because of their passing away or migration and even their descendants may not be there in significant numbers because of migration but memories of the good, peaceful times remain. Born and lived there as a child and being part of the lifestyle then, recalling some of the occasions and instances, seems to me, like beautiful dreams today. 11
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INDIAN CINEMA
FILMFARE AWARD 1970 1970 FILMFARE AWARD held for the films released in 1969 saw Sharmila Tagore taking away the BEST ACTRESS award for the year. The award was given for her outstanding performance in film ARADHNA. The film was also awarded the BEST FILM of the year award. Aradhna has the great team work of Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. As a popular star—pair they gave numerous other hits including, the popular- Safar and Amar Prem. The BEST ACTOR award was awarded to veteran actor Ashok Kumar for his role in film ASHIRWAD. Information source—https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/17th_Filmfare_Awards
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INDIA TODAY
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SUNDAY IN PUNJAB
AMRITSAR PUNJAB 14
INDIA FEATURE
BUS TRAVEKING TO SHIMLA THIS IS A SCENE ON THE WINDING ROAD LEADING TO SHIMLA. THE CROWDED BUS IS ABOUT TO CLIMB A HIILY ROAD WITH PEOPLE EVEN SITTING ON THE ROOF TOP. SHIMLA IS THE CAPITAL OF HIMACHAL PRADESH IN THE NORTHERN INDIA . THE CITY IS SITUATED ON HIGH LOCATION MAKING IT A FAVORITE SPOT TO VISIT IN THE SUMMER, TO COOL OFF FROM THE HEAT OF THE SEASON. THE WINTER BRINGS SNOW, A WONDERFUL SITE EVEN SUITABLE FOR FILM SHOOTINGS. THE FULLY LOADED BUS SCENE IS SEEN IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY TOO. ACCIDENTS ON THE HIILY, WINDING ROAD IS NOT VERY COMMON AS THIS IS THE DAILY ACTIVITY.
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FIJI
SHIMLA HIMACHAL PRADESH A LUNCH—HOUR SCENE IN CENTRAL SUVA
FIJI TODAY– FLASHBACK—2015 February—2015
FNU HOSTEL IN NORTHERN FIJI The Fiji National University, formed not too long ago, controlled by the Fiji Government is a combination of the government tertiary organizations which used to function separately. The Fiji School of Medicine, The Fiji Nurses School, The Lautoka Teachers’ College, The Fiji College of Medicine, The Fiji National Training Council, Fiji Institute of Technology have all been combined to form the Fiji National University. The Northern campus caters for students living in the North and they travel long distances to attend to their classes. It is believed the FNU’s plan to build hostel in the North will eliminate the difficulty of traveling long distances or having accommodation problems. A lot of students from the North used to study in Suva and the FNU Northern campus must be very helpful to them. Source of Information—Online Fiji Times 17
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FIJI TODAY– FLASHBACK—2015 September —2015
SAVING A SPECIAL VARIETY OF REED FROM EXTINCTION Fiji had many plants of different varieties growing naturally in many parts of the country. One such plant is a special type of reed growing in Vanualevu, used for mat making. It is believed the plant is decreasing in growth, and efforts are being made to save it from the loss. There have been other plants that have suffered the loss of growth. One such plant is guava, which was in abundance in the Central Division but is not much seen now. Climate changes and changes to land could be the contributing factors of the loss. Source—Fiji Times, 19
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FIJI TODAY– FLASHBACK—2015 July—2015
FIVE –YEAR OLD IN FIREWALKING Faith in religious activities seem to have no barriers and no age limits, it simply comes to people who are devoted to it. It is believed a five—year old child took part in a fire—walking ceremony in Lautoka recently. The ceremony held annually is a highly religious one and has been conducted by the Hindus. People turn in large numbers to watch the actual fire—walking where devotees walk on fire as per their devotion. The five—year old boy seems to have followed all the requirements, that is, worship for days before the ceremony. The innocent child proved that it is devotion that matters, regardless of age or other barriers. The fire—walking is held in temples in other parts of Fiji on annual basis. Even tourists get attracted to watch the unique ceremony. Former Fiji residents, even travel from abroad, to participate in the ceremony as a means of worship. Source of Information—Online Fiji Times 21
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OBJECTIVES OF ‘INDIA FIJI TODAY’ ‘To highlight the activities within the Fiji Community in America and abroad’ ‘To give review on major happenings in Fiji—An opinion only’‘ - FIJI TODAY—To enlighten issues on Fiji—past & present’ ‘To entertain people by pictures of Fiji’ ‘Inform and entertain Fiji Community about India through articles and pictures’ ‘To recognize people in Fiji Community’
Disclaimer—Fiji Today/Fiji Feature FIJI TODAYis the editor’s REVIEW on the major happenings back in Fiji based on the information from - Online Fiji Times; Fiji Live, Fiji Village, Fiji Sun; visitors to and from Fiji and other Fiji publications. These are editor’s own views based on the information from those sources. FIJI COMMUNITY articles are news items created and compiled by the editor. Any error/s and or misinterpretation are regretted and the editor / publisher is not responsible for any such error/s and or further discussions and or any liability. India Feature is the sharing of the editor’s own experience on visits to India. INDIAN FILM WORLD is a researched article .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 non-acceptance of the same.—Advertisements The claims made by the advertisers are entirely their own and the editor / publisher does not necessarily support or endorse these claims.
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