Community marks Girmit Diwas 2025 in Sydney, honours Indo-Fijian legacy

Sydney, June 5 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Girmit Diwas 2025 was observed on May 31 in Glenwood, Sydney, with a community-led event that honoured the history and contributions of the Girmitiyas— Indian indentured labourers who migrated to Fiji in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The program was attended by Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney, along with members of the Indo-Fijian community, local leaders, and young Australians of Fijian-Indian heritage.

Cultural performances, historical presentations, and intergenerational conversations formed the core of the evening, reflecting on the journey, resilience, and identity of the Girmitiyas and their descendants.

Speaking at the event, Janakiraman highlighted the importance of remembering the struggles of early migrants and recognising their role in building multicultural societies. He commended the organisers for keeping the stories of the Girmit generation alive.

Participants noted that Girmit Diwas is not only a day of remembrance but also a platform to celebrate survival, culture, and community. The gathering concluded with a message of unity and cultural pride.