Voices of the Girmitiyas
- girmitnet
- Jun 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Inspiring Testimonials and Thought-Provoking Speeches by Judge Ray Singh, Sue Tranka, and Professor Keshav
The speeches presented at the event provided a profound exploration of the experiences of the Girmitiyas and their descendants. They shed light on the journey of indentured laborers from India to various parts of the world, particularly Fiji and South Africa, and the challenges they faced upon arrival. Despite enduring hardships, discrimination, and broken promises, the Girmitiyas exhibited resilience and determination, contributing significantly to the economies and cultures of their adopted homelands.
Judge Ray Singh shared his family's story of being indentured laborers in Fiji, highlighting the tragic realities of their journey and the struggles they faced to build a life in a foreign land. His emotional recounting underscored the resilience and strength of the Girmitiyas in the face of adversity.
Sue Tranka also shared her personal journey of discovery, reflecting on the lack of information about her family's history and the importance of preserving and understanding one's heritage. She expressed a commitment to documenting her ancestry for future generations, emphasizing the significance of knowing one's roots.
Overall, the speeches provided a poignant reminder of the legacy of the Girmitiyas and the importance of recognizing and honoring their contributions to history. They underscored the need for preserving and sharing these stories for present and future generations.
To listen to the complete discussion, click the following link:
Key points of the discussion
Introduction
The conference was organized by Perminder, featuring speakers like Judge Ray Singh, Sue Tranka, and Professor Keshav.
The event aims to shed light on the history and experiences of the Girmitiyas and their descendants.
Sue Tranka's Speech
Sue shares her personal journey of discovering her family's history as descendants of Girmitiyas.
Growing up in South Africa, she reflects on the lack of openness about ancestry and heritage within families.
Despite the challenges and struggles faced by her family, she acknowledges their resilience and success.
Sue expresses her determination to document her ancestry and leave a legacy for future generations.
Judge Ray Singh's Speech
Judge Ray recounts the tragic journey of his ancestors from India to Fiji as indentured laborers.
He describes the harsh conditions they faced on sugar cane plantations and the discrimination they endured.
Despite the challenges, he highlights the resilience and contributions of the Girmitiyas to Fiji's development.
Judge Ray emphasizes the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
Conclusion
Perminder expresses gratitude to the speakers for sharing their powerful stories.
The event concludes with a commitment to continue exploring and preserving the history of Girmitiyas.
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