Sydney, June 5 (Indian Abroad Newsdesk)
The 2025 Girmit Diwas celebrations were held on May 31 in Glenwood, Sydney, drawing community members of all ages to honour the legacy and contributions of the Girmitiyas—indentured labourers of Indian origin who played a key role in shaping modern Fiji.
The event was attended by Consul General of India in Sydney, Janakiraman, who joined community leaders, elders, youth, and cultural performers in paying tribute to the resilience and struggles of the Girmitiyas.
Organised as a community-led initiative, the program featured cultural performances, historical reflections, and storytelling sessions highlighting the journey of the Indian indentured workers who arrived in Fiji more than a century ago under the British colonial system.
In his address, Janakiraman acknowledged the significance of Girmit Diwas in preserving the historical memory of the Indo-Fijian community and their enduring contributions to Fijian society and the global Indian diaspora. He praised the community’s efforts in passing this legacy on to younger generations in Australia.
Speakers and participants reflected on the importance of recognising the sacrifices and achievements of the Girmitiyas, and emphasised the need to keep their stories alive through education, culture, and continued dialogue.
The event concluded with a cultural showcase and a call for unity and remembrance across generations of the Indo-Fijian diaspora.