Suva to host World Hindi convention in June

Author: Shailendra Singh
Publication: India Abroad
Date: April 6, 2001

SUVA -- The capital of the Pacific island nation of Fiji is to play host to the World Millennium Hindi Convention from June 21 to 23.

Suruj Pal, the national treasurer of the Fiji Hindi Sahitya Samiti, which is organizing the event, said it would essentially be a gathering of local and overseas Hindi scholars to discuss and share work and ideas. At least 100 overseas scholars are expected to take part in the convention.

Indigenous Fijians, who take Hindi classes, will also participate in the convention. Across Fiji, several thousand indigenous Fijians attend Indian schools and many of them take Hindi classes. Many indigenous Fijian students excel in Hindi and they would be showcased at the convention, Pal said.

He said one of the major aims of organizing such an event is to promote multiculturalism and understanding in the country among indigenous Fijians and ethnic Indians. About 42 percent of Fiji's population is made up of ethnic Indians and 53 percent of indigenous Fijians. Political and racial tensions have led to three coups in the country in the last 15 years.
 


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