Civil society, religious groups vital for education sector growth
The lack of contributions from civil society, religious or cultural organisations and committees will hinder the government’s role in providing quality education.
This Minister for Finance Biman Prasad raised the sentiment while officiating at the opening of the three-day Dakshina India Andhra Sangam of Fiji 80th Annual Convention at the Penang Sangam High School in Rakiraki on Friday.
More than 400 branch members from throughout Fiji marked the occasion .
The event will include committee meetings, sporting tournaments and cultural performances.
“The Education Summit held last year plus the planned Education Commission are testimony of our government’s commitment to working in partnership with the pillars of education providers like this organisation to change our education landscape for the better,” he said.
Andhra Sangam is an exemplary example of uniting people to advance common goals and interests.
Its work in the community creates a strong presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of members. He commended the immense contribution of the founders of Dakshina India Andhra Sangam to Fiji for their foresight and vision towards establishing the organization.
“It is also befitting that this 80th Annual Convention is held in Rakiraki. This is where the roots are for Dakshina India Andhra Sangam of Fiji,” he said.
“It was formed on April 20, 1941 under the leadership of Alparti Tataiya with the first meeting, conducted at the Gallau Temple in Rakiraki, chaired by Goru Appala Swamy, who was inaugurated as the first president.
“For the founders who were the Girmitiya, , language was important for spiritual, cultural and emotional development. When a language is lost, part of, if not most, of that culture is,” he said. Dakshina India Andhra Sangam to Fiji national president Rajendra Raghlu said: “The organisation also looks after the welfare of its members in time in the families and difficulties.”
He asked the young members to dedicate their services to the organisation and carry the legacy of dedicated, hardworking pioneers.