2023 Fiji Girmit Legacy Awards

Ram Dulari was born in 1921 in Vuniyasi, Nadi, to Girmitiya parents, who settled as cane farmers after completing indentured labour at CSR Company’s Lautoka sugar mill. She grew up in a large family and attended Andrews Government School for five years. She was married at 15 to a suitable husband named Ram Dulare, who was the son of another Girmitiya couple. They had a happy marriage and moved to Australia in 1983. Her husband passed away in 2010, just short of his 91st birthday, after celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. Ram Dulari is grateful for the excellent healthcare provided to the elderly people by the Australian Government. She is the author of two books, “Meri Kahani” in 1995 and “101 year journey” in 2021. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren now reside in different parts of the world.

Bach Raj was born in 1930. His father’s grandparents were from Nepal, and his father was a farmer with three children. Recalling back, his father and grandparents were some of the first to Fiji, coming across on the 1st or 2nd boat and spending their time in Vitandra, Labasa, Fiji. Bach Raj married in 1946 and worked at Burns Phillips (B.P.) South Seas Limited from 1949. Working in many roles, he was promoted to Foreman in 1970 and then Service Supervisor until his retirement in 1985. B.P. recognised his work ethic and honesty with an all-expense trip in 1975 to New Zealand, which spurred him to migrate to Australia with his wife in 1992 and have eight children. He has served in many religious and community organisations.

Shiu Shankar was born in 1932 in Navua, and he grew up in Suva. Despite facing financial challenges and having to work from a young age, he has actively participated in community service. While in Fiji, he volunteered with charitable organisations and helped with cultural events and celebrations to promote the Fiji Indian heritage. After migrating to Brisbane, he continued serving his community by being an active member of the Fiji Indian Community, participating in cultural events, and volunteering with Fiji Senior Citizens Association. His dedication and generosity have inspired many others to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

Ram Harak Maharaj was born in Fiji in 1934 to Ram Dutt Maharaj. His grandfather, Jagessar Maharaj, had come to Fiji from India in the early 1900s as an Indentured labourer. He worked part-time as a carpenter and was taught by his father-in-law. Ram Harak went to New Zealand four times from 1960 to 1964 to earn money by clearing bushland. He received recognition for the second-highest yield of rice production and pioneered a drainage system in his rice fields, which impressed the Fiji Agriculture Department. From 1969 to 1995, he farmed rice and vegetables and tended to cows and horses before migrating to Australia. At the age of 89, Ram Harak still sells his produce at the Sunday market near Woodridge train station in Australia, along with his eldest son, Davendra Maharaj, and customers come from all over to buy his fresh produce.

Born on 30 July 1937, Chandra Wati Ram was a health worker in Muaniweni and Advisory Councillor for Muaniweni, Baulevu, and Viria for 15 years, from 1979 to 1994. She built a Kindergarten and Police post in Muaniweni with the help of the general public and a public fundraiser when a government grant was denied in 1979 but was later supported by the government when she added the health centre to her project. Her contribution to the Fiji-Indian Diaspora’s culture and heritage has been paramount in keeping the culture alive in Brisbane. Her religious activities and cultural activities have bridged the connection to younger generations. Chandra Wati Ram and her husband Jai Ram have been living in Brisbane, Australia, since 1994 and have been Joyti Women’s Club members since 1999.

Subhadra Mishra was born in 1933 at her grandmother’s house in Nadi. She completed her primary education in 1946 but could not attend high school due to the death of her father Pt. Mata Prasad Mishra. She did a year of provisioning(teaching) before being called up to join the nursing school. But she couldn’t join the course because there was a proposal for her marriage. In January 1955, she married Rudra Datt Mishra, who became a famous Police Officer in the Royal Fiji Police Force. She recorded a number of Lok Geet in Fiji with South Pacific Recording and Procera Music Shop. She currently resides in Sunnybank Hill and enjoys a productive lifestyle at the age of 90.

From Solovi, Nadi is now living in Ipswich, Queensland, aged 85with wife, Radhamani Rao (82 years), as a second-generation Girmitiya of sugarcane and rice farms. In the 1960s-1970, he was the secretary of Mulomulo Primary School and President of Solovi TIV Sangam, expanding their presence through temples and activities. He worked with the Late Honourable Jai Ram Reddy on many occasions. His contribution to supporting the Fiji-Indian people in the Fijian political landscape is notably profound. He is a regular contributor on Radio Brisvaani and inspires the audience with his knowledgeable wisdom on the value of human life. He has three sons & daughters-in-law, one daughter & son-in-law, eight grandchildren & partners and four great-grandchildren.

Rahim Zullah, born in Suva, Fiji, started his music career at nine and is now a well-known musician in Brisbane. He has performed at numerous fundraising events for the Indian community in Fiji and Brisbane. He has become a household name in Fiji by singing on Radio Fiji, including Lok Geet. He has performed in various countries and was invited by Habitat International Centre for seven years to perform in India. He established the Urdu Teaching Academy and the “SA RE GA MA“ School of Music in Brisbane. He won a gold medal representing Fiji in tennis at the First South Pacific Games in 1963 and was the first Honorary Consul of the Republic of Pakistan in Fiji.

Abdul Jalal was born in Lautoka, Fiji, in 1934 and became an orphan at the age of seven. He moved between Suva and Nadi and received his education at Nausori Muslim School and Andrews Government School. He worked as a carpenter and eventually became a director and shareholder of Caines Janiff Limited in Suva. He also served on various public boards and was elected president of Rotary International, Suva Chapter. In 1988, he migrated to Australia and became involved in the Holland Park Islamic Society, where he was elected President. He also played a key role in constructing a new mosque in Oxley and is currently involved in a building committee for constructing 12 self-contained apartments.

Cee Hanuman started singing bhajans, Ramayan and Qawali from 1962 onwards. Recorded popular ghazals and light songs with Radio Fiji, such as Man Teerchi, Rang de Rangde Re Rang Ranguwa. Recorded a number of bhajans with South Pacific Recording and Procera Music Shop. As of late, I have completed eight bhajans with a professional Indian orchestra in India with Surbi Multy track Sound Digital Studio. Composed and sang Faag as part of Indian Independence Day. Mechanical works by profession and did community work helping to build the Sangam Temple and Justice of Peace (Qualified). Pioneer member of the Sangam Association, Vice President of Gayatri Bhawan and pioneer member & ex-patron of Sanatan Dharam.

Prabha Mishra was born in Fiji in 1942, and despite her parents not believing in educating girls, she became a teacher at a kindergarten. She married Krishna Datt Mishra in 1960 and had three daughters. In 1964, she joined Burns Philip and later joined Motibhais at Nadi International Airport. Prabha was the first to introduce Chanel and Gucci perfumes to Fiji. She was also a model at Denarau Island, Nadi. In 1981, she became a radio presenter of a women’s programme called Baheno Ka Karikram at Radio Fiji, where she empowered women towards social independence and academic qualifications. She also performed as a singer and did many charity shows. Prabha moved to Wellington, Melbourne, and finally, Brisbane, where she continued her radio shows and became a radio presenter in 2022.

The Certificate of Appreciation was presented to:

Mrs Dayawati and Pundit Raj Kumar Mishra