Deevina Diksha Prasad.

Following the end of the Girmit Remembrance Day celebrations, Deevina Diksha Prasad, a proud Girmit descendant, continues to reflect on the enduring strength and values passed down to her through generations.

These are values that continue to shape her identity and vision for the future. One of which is respect.

Originally from Lautoka, Prasad stands a proud graduate of the Fiji National University (FNU) with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Physics, driven by her growing interest in renewable energy and its potential to offer sustainable solutions, particularly within local communities.

She also serves as an administrator at the Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at FNU’s Natabua Campus under the College of Humanities, Law and Education in Lautoka.

For her, Girmit Remembrance Day is not merely a moment in the national calendar, it is a deeply personal tribute to her descendants.

“This day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of my ancestors who came to Fiji under the indenture system,” she shared.

“As a Girmit descendant, anything I know today about my identity, culture, and values has been passed down to me through generations.”

Her maternal grandfather, a second-generation Girmitiya, played a key role in preserving and passing on family history through stories of hardship, resilience, and hope.

“Growing up, I would listen to the stories he shared about our ancestors, how they left everything behind, endured tremendous hardship, and helped build this country from the ground up. I didn’t meet those who came on the ships, but I feel connected to them through the values my grandfather passed on – honesty, hard work, and respect,” Prasad added.

“It’s because of their sacrifices that I have the life I do today. Their legacy makes me want to be a better person and a good citizen of this beautiful country.”

Prasad urges the younger generation to not only acknowledge the past but use it as a foundation to build a more united and informed Fiji.

“To the youth, I encourage you to honour Girmit Remembrance Day by learning and embracing the history and sacrifices of our ancestors. Their struggles laid the foundation for the opportunities we have today. By understanding and valuing their legacy, we strengthen our identity and our sense of community,” Prasad highlighted.