A special evening of remembrance and recognition is set to take place at Glenwood Community Hub on 31 May 2025, marking the 146th anniversary of Girmit Diwas and Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day. Organised by the Indian Diaspora Council of Australia (IDCA), the event will commemorate the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers—known as Girmitiyas—to Fiji in 1879.
The commemoration, which begins with a meet-and-greet at 5 PM, followed by a formal program and dinner, will highlight the enduring impact of the Indo-Fijian community, their struggles, resilience, and cultural contributions, both in Fiji and globally.
Dr S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India, will attend as guest of honour. The Fijian High Commissioner, Mr Ajay Amrit, will be represented by his deputy. Several federal and state MPs, councillors, and community leaders from both Australia and Fiji are expected to be present.
The cultural program includes performances, speeches, and tributes to Indo-Fijian heritage. A key feature of the evening will be the Girmit Ratna Award, which recognises outstanding service and contribution to the community. Another highlight will be the segment on Celebrating Excellence in Hindi Language Education, where top-performing HSC Hindi students from NSW (Class of 2024) will be honoured.
Organisers are encouraging the wider community to attend and support the occasion. “This is an opportunity to reflect on the history of the Girmitiyas and celebrate the legacy they have left behind,” said Pt Pramodh Rai, President of IDCA. “Their journey was one of hardship and sacrifice, and we owe it to them to ensure their stories are told and remembered.”
The evening is open to all and free to attend. Guests are requested to RSVP or register via Eventbrite by 15 May to assist with catering arrangements.
The event will be held at Marigold Hall, 72 Glenwood Park Drive, Glenwood. Dinner will be served following the formal proceedings.
For those seeking to learn more or attend, further information is available via the official Eventbrite listing.
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