In a historic move to preserve and promote Tamil, one of the world’s oldest classical languages, the Indian government has launched the Tamil Teaching Programme in Fiji. This initiative, funded by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is being implemented in partnership with the Fijian Ministry of Education, the Fiji Government, and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam).
The programme aims to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties between India and Fiji, home to a vibrant South Indian diaspora. Two Tamil teachers from India will be stationed at Sangam schools in Rakiraki and Labasa to teach and inspire future generations. This marks a major milestone in preserving Tamil culture and language in the Pacific region.
A historic day for Tamil Language in Fiji and the wider #Pacific region.
Immensely honored to launch today, the #Tamil Teaching Program in Fiji, funded by the @MEAIndia Government of India and implemented in partnership with @FijianEducation @FijiGovernment and @SangamFiji, a… pic.twitter.com/nGmuLxkiqG
— India in Fiji (@HCI_Suva) November 27, 2024
TISI Sangam, founded in 1926 by Sadhu Kuppuswamy in Nadi, has been at the forefront of promoting South Indian cultural and linguistic heritage in Fiji. An indentured laborer turned spiritual leader, Sadhu Kuppuswamy was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda and other Indian saints. He dedicated his life to uniting Fiji’s South Indian community through education, religion, and cultural preservation, with the iconic Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi serving as a focal point for these efforts.
The programme is a direct outcome of discussions held during Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Fiji last year. During his visit to the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, Dr. Jaishankar pledged India’s support for cultural preservation in the region.
Visited the Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami temple in Nadi and had a darshan.
Along with my Parliamentary colleagues, could see first hand our vibrant culture and traditions flourishing in Fiji. pic.twitter.com/tTzGhmkVeQ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 15, 2023
This initiative highlights the Modi government’s commitment to promoting India’s linguistic and cultural heritage globally. By facilitating Tamil education in Fiji, the programme ensures the survival and growth of the Tamil language and culture among future generations in the Pacific.
(With inputs from Australia Today)
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