“VRIDDHI”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 812, 5 November 1929, Page 14

“VRIDDHI”

NEWSPAPER IN INTERESTS OF FIJIAN INDIANS FINE EDUCATIONAL MEDIUM “1 have come to New Zealand to study the methods of living of the European people, and their various industries, and much that I have seen already has really amazed me,” said Pandit Durga Parsad, sub-editor of the newspaper "Vriddhi,” of Suva, who arrived by the Aorangi on Sunday. “No, I cannot say that I have found any real faults with your city, but there are certainly two things I have noticed. First, the methods of your customs officers, who kept me waiting two hours, which I consider was most unnecessary, and secondly,” mused Pandit Durga Parsad, “your city seems to be full of churches and theatres.” In being shown over the plant at The Sun office this morning, the visitor remarked that the various newspapers in Fiji were doing invaluable work in the educating of Indians, although more Government assistance in this direction was still required. The first paper in Fiji to cater for the Indians was established in 1925 by the Rev. Mr. MacMillan. Following this the Indians gathered together and formed the Indian Printing and Publishing Co., Ltd. The paper published was called "the “Samaehar” and is printed in both English and Hindi. The “Vriddhi” started about two years ago, and although it does not feature a great deal of advertising it is paying for itself at threepence a copy. Dr. I. H. Beattie is the editor, and the paper is published in both English and Hindi. Its purpose is to assist in the education of the Indians in Fiji and consequently to help them In their aims to become self-support-ing. Of 32 pages, the copy of the “Vriddhi” handed to the interviewer was indeed an example of fine printing and good journalism. It is printed on a good quality paper and the pages are brightened by various illustrations, while articles of political and general interest make most interesting reading. It is contemplated to publish a newspaper to have sections printed in the respective languages for Europeans, Indians and Fijians. “Yes, the ‘Vriddhi’ has a policy and it is to support the Indians in their urge for better representation on the council,” said Pandit Durga Parsad. “We have three Indian representatives on the council, but this number is inadequate, for it represents 70,000 people, while there are six Europeans to represent 6,000 people. This does not seem to be quite fair. “Then in 1921, the Fijian Government agreed with the Government of India that the Indians in Fiji should be placed on the same status as other subjects. This was in the light of a promise, but as yet it has not been fulfilled. There are also various laws In Fiji which are humiliating to the Indians and consequently unfair, while one of our complaints which we consider could be so easily rectified is that the Government has not provided sufficient competent Hindi interpreters. Then, could you believe that the Indians, some of whom are well educated and others keenly desirous of acquiring a knowledge, are not permitted to use the libraries?” continued the speaker.

Each year the Indians pay a direct poll-tax of about £17,000, which is in excess of that paid by any other people in Fiji, while up till now there had not been one Indian revenue officer appointed. At present, it was being requested that an agent of the Government of India be appointed to care for the interests of the Indians in Fiji. “We would certainly like more assistance from the Government in the educating of children. There is one primary school there which has an attendance of about 40, but the attendance is not compulsory,” said the visitor. But as a result of consistent agitation on the part of the people and the ‘Vriddhi’ the Government has now opened a training college which is being attended by 12 Indian students.”

After his stay in New Zealand Pandit Durga Parsad will leave for Australia, where he will also study the methods of living-and education.