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03/17/2008

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Amarjeet Singh Bains recently wrote to me from Fiji informing me of the existence of a dedicated Sikh community there. People of Indian descent have since setted in Fiji for over 130 years and now constitute over 350,000 people. Most Punjabis arrived in Fiji during early 1900's.

In Fiji however, the earliest Indians were brought over to the Fiji islands in 1879 not by English people. They were brought to the Fiji Islands by the British Raj in India under 5 year term agreements, but when they arrived in Fiji they were forced to work labouriously for the Europeans. From 1900- 1930 Sikhs from Punjab came to Fiji Islands. The Punjabis have established themselves irreversibly, firmly and successfully in Fiji. The colorful and and distinctive culture of the Punjabis have indeed contributed to the variety and attractiveness of Fiji.

There are five Gurdwaras in different parts of Fiji having one Kindergarten, three Primary schools and one Khalsa College. They have accomodations available for 25-50 visitors. There are about 800 members in the Sikh community in Lakoutta and about 1,500 in Fiji.




Tagi Tagi Sikh Temple


Link: South Asians in Fiji: a bibliography

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