Fiji National University (FNU) students and staff participated in vibrant and engaging week-long activities to commemorate the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.

Art exhibitions, public lectures, poetry, songs, basket weaving, coconut scraping, and various other cultural practices were organised for students and staff in the Central, Western and Northern campuses.

The activities culminated in the public lecture hosted at the Nasinu Campus and featured retired ambassador, Emitai Boladuadua as the Keynote Speaker.

The respondents were the Principal of the Pacific Theological College, Reverend Professor Upolu Luma Vaai, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Dr Jimaima Lako, Lecturer in Education, Sereima Baleisomi, and Honourable Filimoni Vosarogo, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, who all spoke on the life of the father of modern Fiji, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.

FNU Chancellor and Chair of Council, Semesa Karavaki described Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna as a visionary leader, a trailblazer, and a symbol of unity and progress.

“His contributions to Fiji’s history are immeasurable, and his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who strive for a better and more equitable future. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come,” Karavaki said.

“As we reflect on his remarkable journey and the profound impact he made, let us strive to uphold the ideals of unity, fairness, and progress that Ratu Sukuna stood for. May his legacy continue to guide and inspire us in our collective pursuit of a brighter and more inclusive future for Fiji.”

FNU Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching Jimaima Lako said the University was thankful to the Coalition Government for their foresight.

“First, in returning our freedom and allowing us to gather and celebrate this occasion, the life and achievements of one of our very own visionary leaders of all times,” she said.

“This event has brought us together as one people, uniting and celebrating cultural diversity and differences. What a blessing!”

“FNU, a dual sector University, is indeed proud to host this event to showcase and share the many beautiful gifts and blessings God has bestowed on our very own local artists and painters with their amazing talents and artistic skill sets, knowledge, and passion, adding to their distinction and great reputation.”

“As we celebrate and marvel at their creation and handiwork, we should also appreciate art in its varied form and learn to acknowledge other peoples’ perspectives, and take every opportunity to learn from each other’s life journey.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata said the Public Art Exhibition held at the Main Hall was a historic event honouring Ratu Sukuna’s extraordinary legacy. He added that the commemoration of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna’s great contributions to education and cultural preservation in Fiji on this day of meditation, appreciation, and remembering.

“At Fiji National University, we proudly uphold the concepts and values that Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna deeply believes in,” he said.

“His unwavering commitment to education, intellectual advancement, and cultural legacy is palpable throughout our institution. We’d want to take advantage of this opportunity to honour his tremendous accomplishments and his enduring influence on our country.”

First-year Bachelor of Information System and Management student, Litiana Tavo, attended the Public Art Exhibition and said the event encouraged youths to learn from the life of the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.

“We are happy that the Government is recognising Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, and it is good that we get to celebrate our history,” she said.

Another student, Ilisapeci Navuni, said, “One thing that I have learned from Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna is to continue our tradition and live in unity and harmony.”