AN ONLINE MAGAZINE ABOUT FIJI AND INDIA LIFESTYLES
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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PUBLISHER’S PROFILE ‘Past Honorary Co-Chairman of Business Advisory Council ARUN MAHARAJ and in that capacity was invited to the United States Annual President’s Dinner in Washington D.C. in 2003, during President George W. Bush’s Presidency’
AN ONLINE MAGAZINE PUBLISHED & EDITED BY ARUN MAHARAJ
Attended Japan Jaycees Youth Voyage in Japan in 1983-
HAY-
Fiji Delegate to Jaycees World Congress in Nagoya, Japan in 1986Jaycees International SenatorPast National President Fiji JayceesFormer Advisor Fiji Festival USAFormer Director Nasinu Festival-FIJIPast President Nasinu Jaycees-FIJIFormer School Teacher in FijiRetired Para educator Tennyson High School, Hayward, California—USA
APPRECIATION TO THE READERS Thanks for reading the magazine which has attracted a lot of readers since it became online. The magazine is read here locally in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and Fiji. It has received highly positive comments from some readers and as the publisher of India Fiji Today, I show my gratitude to them and hope to receive more such comments/reviews from other readers too in future. Arun Maharaj—Publisher
A VISIT TO THE HOLY CITY OF AYODHYA IN INDIA IN 1986
INDIA FLASHBACK
This is a village settlement in the ancient holy city of Ayodhya. Located in Northern India in the state of Uttar Pradesh the city has the birth place of Lord Rama. It is visited by locals and visitors from abroad as a place of pilgrimage. This picture was taken in a village in Ayodhya in an early morning outing in 1986. During a visit from Fiji in 1986, I visited my maternal ancestral village of Ayodhya in India and met relatives and elders from there as seen in the picture. Article by Arun Maharaj-Publisher1
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FIJI COMMUNITY ABROAD… COMMUNITY NEWS FROM FIJI COMMUNITY LIVING ABROAD...
USA 7s RUGBY FANS FROM FIJI COMMUNITY IN USA TURN TO LAS VEGAS RECENTLY… The Sevens Rugby tournament in Las Vegas in America has lots of fans in USA. The tournament that was just held in Las Vegas, Nevada, again saw the presence of Fiji community living in USA. It has become an annual event for many as a weekend out in the glamorous, world renowned city of Las Vegas in Nevada, USA. The popular sporting event brings the Fiji community in America together in the spirit of sport. Also some fans from Fiji Community from neighboring Canada turn to Las Vegas. One such fan is SHARLIN UGRA Sharlin Ugra, (pictured) of Vancouver, Canada, who is a great fan of Sevens Rugby and she traveled to Las Vegas recently to cheer her favorite team. Originally from Suva, Sharlin takes keen interest in sports and social activities. With a pleasant and cheerful personality she enjoys life with her family and friends.
USA - ALL STARS TEAM’S STUNNING PERFORMANCE IN PACIFIC CUP 2016 HELD LAST NOVEMBER IN FIJI
SHARLIN UGRA
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The Pacific Cup tournament held in Fiji last November saw the USA-ALL STARS TEAM’S stunning performance. The team surprised the spectators by their great performance. According to Narendra Narayan—Chairman & President of America Fiji Sports Commission, the team played very well. In the semi-final the team lost to Nadi who went along to win the final. According to Narendra Narayan, USA-ALL STARS team beat popular teams like Rewa, New Zealand and Lautoka to qualify for the semi—final against Nadi.
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FIJI FEATURE FLOOD, FLOOD AND FLOOD‌ LIFE MISERABLE FOR PEOPLE AS CONSTANT RAIN CAUSES FLOODING Flooding in some parts of Fiji has become a common thing as people face the risk of damaging and losing their property on constant basis. The recent flooding in Rakiraki, Nadi, Ba and other parts of the West was not heard of in the past, except the rising of Ba River and flooding of the Ba Bridge along with Sigatoka Bridge was heard of only in severe rain. The recent natural catastrophe caused by excessive rain in the West seems to have caused lots of difficulties to the residents of Rakiraki and Nadi Towns along with their surroundings and other parts of the West. Life according to some, has become miserable for the affected people. It is difficult to continue life on daily routine with such disruptions. Businesses suffer as the goods get damaged and shops remain close. Flooding was comA KAVA SALON IN NAVUA TOWN OPPOSITE THE NAVUA RIVER mon to Navua and Rewa in the early past years as the severe floods of Rewa would be in the minds of people who witnessed it. As probably in the late sixties, a severe flood in Rewa River saw the surrounding of Nausori Town under water. The King’s Road along Koronivia stretch linking to Nausori and the areas along Waila next to the bank of Rewa River severely got flooded taking some lives. There have been other floods that have been disastrous to the Rewa area. Navua also had its share of flooding as the Navua River, close to the town burst its banks and made way into the town. In late seventies, a severe flooding caused the Navua Town and the greater Navua area lots of damages. The recent flooding in the West seems to be a major concern of the residents of the affected areas. The causes of flooding needs to be identified and necessary action needs to be taken to minimize or completely stop the flooding. It is the rivers, creeks and even drains that collect water and overflow into the land. The crops that get washed away and damaged, are the source of income to the farmers and when flooding takes place their livelihood is affected. 5
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PEOPLE IN FIJI COMMUNITY CHANDRA BHAN PANDE—SAN FRANCISCO, USA A PIONEER EMIGRANT FROM FIJI TO AMERICA Tracing His Journey From Fiji to America in the Fifties… and his Tremendous Success in the Land of Opportunity—America….. A young man of Samabula, Suva set forth to an adventure, along with a few friends from Samabula to become one of the pioneers to leave Fiji and settle in America in 1955. An energetic, Mr. Pande left behind his family and CHANDRA BHAN PANDE a large number of relatives and friends to settle permanently in the United States of America. He made success in settling in Oregon State and returned to Fiji a few years later to get married to a girl, from a prominent family of Samabula, and returned with her to America. Later his sisters and their families joined him to live in America. Mr. Pande worked tirelessly and became wealthy and moved to San Francisco and settled in the city of San Bruno. He worked for United Airlines for many years and alongside kept investing in real estate which gave him fortune. He owned a number of apartments around San Francisco. Later he ventured into hotel business by setting up Hotel San Bruno in Nadi. After years of running the hotel he sold it and set up another hotel, MAYA’S MAGNUSON HOTEL in Nadi, which he still owns. He also bought a hotel in Stockton, California. An entrepreneur, he still owns apartments around San Francisco and keeps traveling to Fiji to oversee his hotel. As a passion to travel world, he visited many countries. He has been to India many times and had contact with the Indian film stars of the past. He also wrote a few books which became popular. A person with a wealth of experience in life, he is simple, humble and easily approachable. He is one of the highly, financially successful person in the Fiji community in America today. The wisdom that he possesses and shares with people is highly valuable. As a cousin of mine, I had the opportunity to converse with him and experience the wise thoughts he has to share on many occasions. In his mid- eighties today, he still has CHANDRA BHAN PANDE IN BANKOK WITH VINAY SINGH the heart of a youth. I, along with AND ARUN MAHARAJ-PUBLISHER INDIA FIJI TODAY, INDIA FIJI TODAY wish him good DURING A TRIP TO INDIA VIA BANKOK health. 7
A LOOK AT FIJI TODAY A LOOK AT RARAWAI SUGAR MILL - BA THIS IS A SITE AT THE RARAWAI SUGAR MILL BELIEVED TO BE SET UP IN 1800’S. IT HAS BEEN SERVING FIJI FOR THE LAST MANY DECADES. BA HAVING A LARGE AREA MOSTLY OF CANE FARM HAS BEEN USING IT AND RELATING ITSELF WITH IT WHEN IT CAME TO SUGAR INDUSTRY. THE SUGAR INDUSTRY SAW ITS UP AND DOWNS BUT THE RARAWAI MILL STOOD THERE SERVING THE DEMANDS AND NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE. FARMERS AND MILL WORKERS HAVE COME AND GONE BUT THE HISTORY OF SUGAR INDUSTRY IN BA AND THE MILL STAYS REFLECTING ON THE YEARS AND DECADES GONE BY. THE MIGRATION AND INTERNAL RELOCATION TO THE CENTRAL DIVISION AND THE LAND LEASE ISSUES OBVIOUSLY HAD AN IMPACT ON THE CANE PRODUCTION IN THE BA AREA AT LARGE. TO THE VISITORS IT MAY BE JUST A SUGAR MILL BUT TO THE PAST AND PRESENT RESIDENTS OF BA,
CANE CARTING TO A SUGAR MILL IN THE WEST CANE HARVESTING PERIOD IN FIJI IS A MAJOR ACTIVITY IN THE WESTERN AND NORTHERN PARTS OF FIJI. MANY PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN THE PROCESSES RELATED TO CANE CRUSHING AT THE MILLS AROUND THE COUNTRY. THE HARVESTERS, FARM OWNERS, TRUCK DRIVERS, TRAIN OPERATORS AND THE MILL WORKERS ALL PLAY THEIR ROLES TO ENSHURE THE CANE CRUSHING IS DONE AS THEY ALL BENEFIT FROM THE PROCESS. CANE CARTING BY TRUCKS OR TRAINS ARE ONE PROCESS THAT IS WITNESSED BY THE PUBLIC ON CONSTANT BASIS DURING THE CRUSHING SEASON IN THE WEST AND NORTH. 8
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A LOOK AT FIJI TODAY THE POPULAR EDINBURGH DRIVE IN SUVA... THIS IS A SCENE AT THE POPULAR EDINBURGH DRIVE, CONNECTING SAMABULA TO SUVA. A MAJOR CONNECTOR FROM NAUSORI AND NASINU TO SUVA, THE SITE IS ALWAYS CROWDED WITH BUSES, TAXIS AND OTHER VEHICLES. TRAVELLING FROM SUVA END TOWARDS SAMABULA, ON THE HILL, THE THICK BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT OF SOME OF THE BUSES USED TO BE A COMMON SITE THERE. SITUATED IN CENTRAL AREA OVERLOOKING THE WALU BAY, THE ROAD HAS SERVED SUVA TRAFFIC AND IT MAY BE SYMBOLIC TO SOME WHO USED TO COMMUTE ON THE ROAD ON DAILY BASIS OR MAY STILL BE COMMUTTING ON IT TODAY.
THE LIFESTYLE ON DENARAU ISLAND... THIS IS A SITE ON DENARAU ISLAND, JUST MINUTES FROM NADI TOWN, WHERE A SHIP IS READY TO CRUISE IN FIJI WATER. DEVELOPED MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO THE ISLAND HAS SEEN LOTS OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS ON IT. THE DIFFERENT RESORTS ON THE ISLAND CATERS FOR HIGH QUALITY RECREATION. DENARAU ISLAND HAS FIJI LIFESTYLE BLENDED WITH WESTERN LIFESTYLE WITH THE SURROUNDING AND THE PRESENCE OF TOURISTS ON REGULAR BASIS. THE ATMOSPHERE THERE IS HIGHLY SATISFYING AND RECREATING. 9
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A LOOK AT FIJI’S PAST... TAKING A JOURNEY BACK TO THE DAYS OF ….
LIFE IN EARLY DAYS IN A SUVA SURBURB 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 happiness and sorrow and caring for one another had been the lifestyle there. Almost every family was known to each other. Samabula, supposed A HOUSE ON DHANJI ST. TODAY WHICH USED TO to be one of the most HAVE EXCESS FROM REWA STREET IN 1960... 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. 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 MOVIE STARS MAKE MOVE TO TV INDUSTRY ‘Indian Television Serials’ seem to be watched by the Indians and ‘people of Indian origin’ worldwide on a widely basis. There are numerous serials being telecasted on daily basis on many channels. T.V. Stars have their own identity and community different from the movie stars community and the Indian Film Industry. However, there are some artists who have been equally engaged in both the industries, the t.v. and the film industry. The trend wihich is being seen now is, the movie stars of the recent past who may not be very actively engaged in the film industry now, are making their way to the ‘t.v. industry’. There are stars, some of whom have been successful artists of their time and have very popular during their active ‘film days’ are seen in t.v. serials now. It seems the t.v. industry provides a long term engagement unlike the film industry which is short term based on film by film basis. The continuing trend may provide the viewers the opportunity of seeing more of the film artists of the recent past on their tv screens reminding the viewers of the artists film industry era. VIEWS AND AN OBSERVATION ONLY 13
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FIJI FLASHBACK VUNIMONO HIGH SCHOOL WALK-A-THON - 1978 Vunimono High School in Nausori was one of the leading secondary schools in Nausori during the period of seventies when I taught there. It had a student population of over a thousand and a good rate of passes in the external examinations. The school had a balanced program of academic and sporting activities. This picture was taken during a fundraising project-Walk-AThon, in 1978 at the school, a common fundraiser at that time. Seen in the picture are late Mr. Ram Sumeshwar Yadav(middle) Principal of Vunimono High School, Late Mr. Chattar Pal(left facing the camera) Head Teacher of Vunimono Sanatan Primary School and Late Mr. Ragho Nand, a teacher at the school. Late Mr. Yadav and late Mr. Nand both became members of Fiji Parliament. IF YOU HAVE SOME OLD PICTURES OF FIJI WHICH CAN BECOME NEWS AND WISH IT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO indiafijitoday@gmail.com. YOU WILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION.
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INDIA TODAY ChandgarhPunjab and Hariyana Capital The city of Chandigarh houses the capital of Punjab and Hariyana states. The city with modern structure portrays a modern lifestyle. The picture below speaks about the lifestyle there.
Sugar Cane Farming in Uttar Pradesh
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Being basically an agricultural country farms are seen in most parts of India. This is a flourishing cane farm along roadside in remote Uttar Pradesh— largest Indian state.
INDIA TODAY Downtown Mumbai The Film City The most populous city of India with a population of around twenty million it is one of the most populous cities of the world. The Film industry there makes it most popular city in India.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh College The college in Chandigarh was a popular choice of Fiji students studying abroad during the seventies. A lot of students graduated from this institute during that period. 17
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OBJECTIVES OF ‘INDIA FIJI TODAY’ TO ENTERTAIN READERS TROUGH ARTICLES AND PICTURES ON FIJI COMMUNITY ABROAD—PEOPLE IN FIJI COMMUNITY—A LOOK AT FIJI TODAY—FIJI FEATURE—A LOOK AT FIJI’S PAST—FIJI FLASHBACK— INDIAN CINEMA—INDIA TODAY
Disclaimer—Fiji Today/Fiji Feature THE ARICLES AND PICTURE ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY AND THE ARTICLES ARE THE EDITOR’S VIEWS AND OPINION ONLY. 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. 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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