We need to ensure that we capture our true history and not just base things on western and political influences - Narayan
We have learnt to live side by side - Wesley

We need to ensure that we capture our true history and not just base things on western and political influences - Narayan

We have learnt to live side by side - Wesley

By Monishka Pratap
10/12/2024
Communications Fiji Limited News Director Vijay Narayan and Fiji Times Chief Editor-in-Chief, Fred Wesley

We need to ensure that we capture our true history, make sure everyone's voices are heard and ensure that we value our cultures, traditions and languages - not just base it on western and political influences.

This has been highlighted by Communications Fiji Limited News Director Vijay Narayan during the Asia Foundation Cultural Heritage and Tolerance Symposium.

Narayan says Fiji must preserve its languages and traditions.

He says it is difficult to find broadcasters fluent in languages like iTaukei and Hindustani, a challenge rooted in historical stigma against these languages.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Narayan says preserving one's language, culture and tradition also does not mean that you impede on others' rights, and he stresses that we need to practice tolerance.

He adds that Fiji’s education system needs an overhaul as we need to urgently address issues like indiscipline, lack of respect, and our growing social challenges which include issues like drugs, mental health and Non Communicable Diseases.

Narayan says it is crucial to ensure that whatever is written reflects an actual account of what happened.

He says from 2006 to 2022, facts were often twisted, information was even doctored through the then government's hired Public Relations firms to drive a certain narrative, creating significant political issues.

He adds that the country really needs to have media literacy programs as during the censorship period in 2009, only a few people spoke out for freedom of speech and expression, leaving the media to stand alone.

Narayan says as the media, they are dealing with so many issues that affect the people which include water supply issues, health, education and drugs, to name a few.

He says to put things into perspective - people just want a good quality of life.

Meanwhile, Fiji Times Chief Editor-in-Chief, Fred Wesley says

He says Fiji has gone through a long history of ethnic divisions and tensions, but over time, the nation has made significant strides toward embracing diversity and tolerance.

He says the different ethnic groups in Fiji were often sources of conflict, especially during the colonial period, when they were brought together.

Wesley says however, the country has evolved, with people now learning to live side by side and accept one another.

He says while challenges remain, Fiji’s progress in fostering tolerance is something to be proud of.

The symposium aims to promote cultural and religious diversity through the creation of over 10 children's storybooks under the Let’s Read project, which will foster inter-generational dialogue and understanding.

The books will serve as a vehicle for these discussions, helping children, parents and other community members celebrate differences and understand the importance of tolerance and freedom.

FEATURE NEWS
Body found along Princes Road near Sawani this morning
A body was found along Princes Road near Sawani this morning. Body found along Princes Road near Sawani this morninghttps://t.co/M26cZY2reC pic.twi...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
FHL Group conducts clean-up campaign along Suva foreshore
Staff from Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) and its subsidiaries- Merchant Finance Limited, FHL Properties Limited, and Fijian Holdings Unit Trust— ...
12 minutes ago

Woman raises concerns about safety and security in neighbourhoods after stoning of the car she was driving
A woman is raising concerns about the safety and security in our neighbourhoods after the rental car she was driving was stoned and broken into at ...
26 minutes ago

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members celebrate diversity of culture, marking 70th Anniversary
Hundreds of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together at the FMF Gymnasium last night to celebrate the different ...
30 minutes ago

47 families in Narere PRB Estate handed offer letters to become official homeowners
47 families living in the PRB Estate in Narere were filled with joy and emotions after they were handed their offer letters from the Public Rental ...
30 minutes ago

Supreme Court blocks Trump from restarting Alien Enemies Act deportations
The Supreme Court yesterday blocked President Donald Trump from moving forward with deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for a group of ...
4 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
12 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
25 days ago

TOP