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AUGUST

Published & Edited by Arun Maharaj—Hayward, California

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Contents

Editorial /

Fiji Community in USA

Perspectives

Indian Film World

Fiji Today

India in Pictures

India Feature

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

AUGUST

2011

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India Fiji Today

Publisher & Editor

Arun Maharaj Hayward, California

510 : 875 0568 indiafijitoday@gmail.com

Sacramento Correspondent

Kristeen Prakash

Contributing Writer Jai P. Narayan

Correspondents

Mahesh Bharadwaj Delhi, India

Indar Nair

Sydney, Australia

Subhash Chandra Auckland, New Zealand

Indar Mudaliar

Toronto, Canada

Dear Reader—Welcome to ‘India Fiji Today’ AUGUST issue . This is a monthly electronic maga-

zine 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 inter-est in the affairs of Fiji. Almost thirty thousand former Fijians are settled in America and the majority are set-tled 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’S PROFILE

Arun Maharaj

Publisher/Editor

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Disclaimer Fiji Today/India Feature

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 regret-ted 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 LIAB ILITY, CRITICISM, ANNOYANCE or ADVERSE REACTION

what so ever, to the contrary of its intention caus ed by any misinterpretation, miss-understanding or non-

acceptance of the same.

Advertisements The claims made by the advertisers is entirely their own and the editor / publisher does not necessarily

support or endorse these claims.

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FIJI FACTS

GAINED INDEPENDENCE FROM BRITAIN—1970

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

\\FIJIANS SETTLED ABROAD Australia –48,000—(2006 Figures)

New Zealand -37,000-(2006 Figures) Canada –24,000-(2000 Figures)

PRIME MINISTERS OF FIJI 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

PRESIDENTS OF FIJI Late Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau

Late Ratu Sir K. Mara Late Ratu Josefa I. Uluivuda

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

NUMBER OF ISLANDS More Than 300—ABOUT 100 ARE IN HABITAT

Government Buildings

Suva, Fiji

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FIJI FEATURE EDITORIAL/FIJI FEATURE

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 coun-try saw many of these voluntary organiza-tions 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 ex-tension to the government’s development plans. There were also many self—help pro-jects carried out by groups of people particu-larly in rural areas. As a former president of the ‘Fiji Jaycees’ , it is heartening for me to see the Bula Festival serving the needy.

FI J I LANDMARK

Government Buildings Suva

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South Bay Football Club Wins Paradigm Compa-nies –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. 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 inau-gural “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 Champi-onship, South Bay F.C. qualified as expected by the coaches and officials. However, on the sec-ond day, it was faced with some fierce competi-tion. 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 tal-ented 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 stun-ning 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 disal-lowed but this did not dampen the team’s

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. Congratula-tions 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: Mo-hammed Muffin, Samson Prasad, Sam Singh, Ash-niel 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, Ak-lesh Chandra and Avinesh Reddy. Narendra Narayan– President

FIJI COMMUNITY IN USA — FIJI FESTIVAL 2011

Narendra Narayan Behind the Success of the Team Narendra Narayan

7

TUNE UPS

MAINTENANCE

BRAKE SERVICE

OIL CHANGE

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PEOPLE

2011

JULY

MISS FIJ I 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’.

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2011

AUGUST

A Perspective

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

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 knowl-edge 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...

Pt. Rajendra Maharaj

KARMIC LAW OF BIRTH AND RE-BIRTH

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 ADVER SE RE-ACTION what so ever, to the contrary of its intention caused by any misinterpreta-

tion, miss-understanding or non-acceptance of the same.

13

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14

True love stands out whenever it is displayed in this materialistic world where money seems to be the only truth. We need to cleanse our inner selves and love will automatically find its way in our hearts.. Only if we have something, we can share it, therefore only if we have love we can share it and sharing makes it grow more and more. It is said, when we share love or happiness, it grows and when we share sorrow it decreases. Love is a very powerful element that can overcome and conquer all barriers regardless of how complex they may be. When we show love to an animal it re-sponds positively without under-standing our language and if we do the same to a human being, who very well understands our language, we can imagine what the response can be like.

The presence of God is believed to be in all living things as he is the creator. We need to love others as love is godly. It is accepted that we live in a world full of material things and we need to have those things such as food, clothing, housing etc. To acquire these basic needs we have to work and earn money

but this will only help us to survive and satisfy our temporary pleasures of life. We are born to lead a meaningful life and love is the major ingredient of a meaningful life and a life devoid of love is nothing but survival only. We posses dif-ferent qualities as we are all different, like other animals but the animals are not gifted with the ‘power of choice’ , which we have and as such regardless of what genetic qualities or background we pos-sess, using the ‘power of choice’, we can amend our lives and fill it with love, and

taste the joy it provides. Being a highly academic or religious person does not automatically qualify one to be a loveable person. Religious knowledge alone does not give birth to love but it can help us to cleanse our inner – selves may be faster than others. Devoting a lot of time daily, praying without a heart of love may not make one godly.

We need to understand the simple no-tion, that god is present only where there is love, regardless of how huge or beauti-ful a house may be or how rich a person

may be or how religious a person may think to be.

Money is very powerful and if used only for pro-viding all the luxuries and physical pleasures of life, that are only temporary, will not provide peace which is everlasting while wealth if used for charitable purposes to brighten the lives of the needy, purely for sake of love, and not for the name and fame, can provide tremendous peace. The belief in my things such as my money, my house…….. distances people from love and time passes by and the distance be-tween love, our only true asset, and us gets bigger and bigger.

2011

August

A Perspective

Love is the Essence of Life By Arun Maharaj –Hayward-California

Arun Maharaj

15

INDIAN FILM STARS

PROFILE

AUGUST 2011

One of Indian Film Industry’s youngest hero-ines Divya Bharti was born in 1974. Having passion for acting she quit her college stud-ies 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 ca-reer 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 oth-ers were completed with substitute heroines as the films were under pro-duction. 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 In-dustry 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 Kar-tik and they acted in hits such as Bazi and Taxi Driver . Dev Anand has a pas-sion 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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DIVYA BHARTI — A STAR LOST BIT TOO EARLY

INDIAN FILM WORLD

2011 AUGUST

AISHWARYA RAI—THE NEW DREAM GIRL OF BOLLYWOOD

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 six-ties. 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 act-ing after her marriage speaks about her

BollywoodWorld.com—source

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 mar-riage. 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 pow-ered artist. Hema Malini’s recommenda-tion for the new dream girl will obviously be honored by the India film goers.

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 im-pact 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.

DHARMENDRA—FIFTY YEARS OF ACTING

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.

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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 uni-verse. Everything in nature comes, flourishes, decays and finally goes. Since our existence is ap-parently governed by the laws of this universe, our lives may be subject to some kind of universal programming. The question is to what ex-tent? We will never know the truth but can only speculate.

Generally, Hindus be-lieve that planetary influences have signifi-cant impact on human lives. Many other peo-ple also hold similar beliefs. In fact, Hindus believe that the Nava-graha need to be ap-peased to minimize pain and suffering that comes with their unfa-vorable positioning. In the Hindu system, the Navagraha comprise 5 visible Planets, Sun and the Moon, and two planets unique to Hindu astrology, named, Rahu and Ketu. Who would dispute that Sun does not have an effect on our existence; indeed it is central to our existence. And the Moon? Well, about 55% to 75% of human bodies are composed of

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 ef-fect on us, although we do not know how much, for sure.

Despite the possibility that our lives are programmed to s

ome extent, I believe that our Creator has not doomed us by bringing us in this world. He has given us the ability to think and shape our lives. Perhaps, he presented some obstacles in our way to make us understand that life will not always be plain-sailing. Perhaps, it was meant for

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 constitu-tional 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 achieve-ments gener-ate a sense of happiness and a feeling of usefulness and worth. Humans are supreme in the animal kingdom and are placed here to dem-onstrate that they are ca-pable of

higher things.

So regardless of the universal programming we may be subjected to, we are in a unique position; the only creatures of God who can make a discerni-ble impact on not only our lives but on the lives of others.

Jai P. Narayan

2011 August

A Perspective

By Jai P. Narayan—Union City-California

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MEMORIES TO CHERISH

HIBISCUS FESTIVALS OF THE PAST

It is festival time again in Suva. Fiji’s Hibiscus Festival, the most prestig-ious 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; Bou- gainvillea Festival in Ba; Tebara Festi- val in Nausori; Nasinu Festival in Nasinu. The history of Hibiscus Festival is very enriching. The tourists particu- larly 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 pa-rade consisting off marches and floats from various busi- ness 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 experi-ence. The Miss Hibiscus for different years became celebrities for Fiji.

2011

AUGUST

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2011

AUGUST

INDIA FEATURE

SHOCKING MUMBAI BOMB BLASTS—A CONCERN FOR THE

COMMERCIAL CAPITAL OF INDIA 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 produc-ers have committed

to assist the victims of the blast from the proceeds of the film screenings in Mumbai. Bollywood offered support in the past too.

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The commercial capital of India, Mumbai seems to have become a constant target of ter-rorism. The recent bomb blasts that shook the city is highly dis-tressing, kill-ing some and injuring many. In the past similar blasts tore parts of two major ho-tels in the city and took many innocent lives. The recent blast is believed to have taken place in three busy spots of the city.

JUHU BEACH MUMBAI

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RAJESHWAR SINGH OF SACRAMENTO—CA

AT THE FIJI HIGH COMMIS-SION IN NEW DELHI

Volume 1, Issue 1

INDIA IN PICTURES

FIJI HIGH COMMISSIONER TO INDIA—MR. SAVENACA KAUNISELA WITH INDIA FIJI

TODAY PUBLISHER– ARUN MAHARAJ IN NEW DELHI

ROADSIDE SCENE IN RURAL INDIA

IN UTTAR PRADESH STATE

DRIVING ALONG A RURAL AREA IN

BIHAR STATE

THE HILLY VIEW OF SHIMLA AT AN ELEVATION OF AROUND

7,000 FEET. A MAGNIFICENT VIEW

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Volume 1, Issue 1

INDIA IN PICTURES

SHIMLA—THE HILL STATION CITY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

VISITED BY MILLIONS LOCALS AND FOREIGNERS ANNUALLY.

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2011

AUGUST

FIJI TODAY

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 employ-ers. It seems the union leaders benefit plays a major role in these days un-ionism. The re-cent findings claiming some union executives receiving sub-stantial amount of money while being directors of Fiji National Provident Fund seems appall-ing. 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

union leaders first. There was a time when there were union leaders like the late Shiu Narayan Kanhai, the former na-tional 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 to-gether. The union members felt the sense of security

that their hard earned money will be theirs. The union dues paid by the mem-bers 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 un-ion leaders of the past.

A SUVA CITY SCENE

FIJI TODAY

27

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2011

AUGUST

FIJI TODAY

Thomas Baker Apology Seeking apology has always been a humble act and when done in a traditional way adds lots of impor-tance and emotion to it. The Naitasiri vil-lagers, near Nausoriseem to be seeking apology for the killing of a Methodist missionary Reverend Thomas Baker about 150 years ago. A pil-grimage type apology seeking by a group of Naitasiri vil-lage 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 pro-mote Chris-tianity. He was alleg-edly killed for insulting a chief. The Naitasiri Province’s belief that the prov-ince has a curse on it 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.

COASTAL SCENE SUVA

FIJI TODAY

29

2011

FIJI TODAY

FIJI TODAY

WESTPAC BANK– SUVA

One of the few remaining politicians of the yesteryear, Irene Jai Narayan’s death would be felt by Fiji. Though not in active politics 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 Na-tional 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 Nara-yan, a school teacher who later be-came the principal of Indian

College, now called Jai Narayan College in Suva.

Late Mrs Narayan’s political con-temporaries were A.D. Patel; S.M. Koya; K.C. Ramrakha; Ujagar Singh, M.T. Khan in the Fedration Party and Late Ratu

Mara, Penaia Ganilau and other vet-eran politicians of Fiji, many of them are deceased. Fiji’s politics is no longer on party basis today but the contribution of politicians of her cali-ber will always be remembered by Fiji. Former Fiji Prime Ministers Si-tiveni Rabuka and Mahendra Chaudhary and a long time politician Filipe Bole along with Fiji’s President were believed to be at the funeral.

The Passing Away of Veteran Political Leader—Irene Jai Narayan

FIJI TODAY

WESTPAC, SUVA

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Shocking Death of a Fiji University Lecturer in India

In a unfortunate case a Univer-sity of the South Pacific lecturer Yenteshwar Ram is be-lieved to have died in a car acci-dent 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

with his mother. Mr. Ram is believed to have died in-

stantly while his mother died later at a hos-pital. He is sur-vived by his wife.

The couple were married for a year only. The lecturer was buried in New Delhi and me-morial service was held in Suva.

FIJI TODAY

FIJI TODAY

SUVA WATERFRONT

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Mysterious Find of Skulls in Yasawas

Fiji has some fascinating things like the Tagimocia flower in Tavueni, which does not grow any-where else in Fiji; the date-line that di-vides Taveuni in two days. ‘YEATERDAY and TODAY, a fascinating site; the Float-ing Island in Labasa and the Hot Water springs in Vanua Levu. The recent findings of about one hundred skulls and bones in a Yasawa village has added to the natural mysteries of the coun-try. 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

men in the mass burial.

The bones were later buried in another grave by the villager. Reportedly there is no clue and the villag-ers 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.

FIJI TODAY

FIJI TODAY

THE FAVORITE SPOT AT SUVA POINT

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FIJI TODAY

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 hun-dred islands that are in habi-tat out of about three hun-dred islands. The govern-ment 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 fe-male 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 vil-lages and schools without medical as-sistance. The safety of govern-ment offi-

cials 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.

FIJI TODAY

MH—SUVA

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The Magical Drink Kava Top Earner in Fiji

2011

JULY

FIJI TODAY

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 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 perma-nent crops of Fiji fetching millions of dollars to the country annually. Sur-prisingly 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, par-ticularly the Indian commu-nity. Fiji’s migrant commu-nity has a special

place for Kava in their society. The weddings and other social gather-ings are not complete without the magical drink. Particularly in Amer-ica a lot of individual groups have Kava sittings during the weekends.

CENTRAL SUVA

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