Historical International Ramayana Conference held in Fiji - A report
H E Mr Aiyaz Syed-Khaiyum, Acting Prime Minister, Attorney General & Minister of Economy of Fiji inaugurated the IRC on 14 Oct 2016 in a grand function organized at Civic Center of Suva from 14-16 October 2016. Fiji Seva Shram Sangh (FSSS), High Commission of India in Fiji, Ministry of Edcuation, Heritage & Arts of Fiji jointly organized First Ever 'International Ramayan Conference (IRC)' in Fiji at Civic Center of Suva on 14-16 October 2016.The conference was part of centenary celebrations of Bharat Sevashram Sangh. The theme of the conference was 'Universal Appeal of Ramayan’. The historic event, happened first time since the arrival of first Girmitya ship in 1879. Its significance has increased because it happened in the centenary year of arrival of last Girmit Ship (1916).
In his memorable and erudite speech Acting Prime Minister applauded the efforts to reinterpret ancient scriptures in contemporary terms . Quoting exhaustively from Ramayana he explained how and why there is lot to be learned from character of Ram for everybody. He also appreciated the efforts to translate the stories of Rama into I - Taukei language. Indian High Commissioner to Fiji H.E Mr Vishvas Sapkal speaking on the occasion lauded the role of Ramayan Mandlies in the social - cultural- educational development of Fiji. He also told about the support of High Commission of India to promote shared values and cultures in Fiji. He particularly emphasized upon the efforts to take these value to new generation. Swami Sanyuktanand of Fiji Sevasharma Sangh gave an account of the social and cultural work undertaken by Fiji Sevasharma Sangh and Bharat Sevashram Sangh. He also explained the inclusive approach of FSS. The opening ceremony was conducted by Sh . Akhilesh Prasad.
Twenty Five Ramayan experts from 8 countries including Dr Narendra Kohli,(India), Dr Rajendera Arun ( Mauritus), Parveen Kumar ( New Zealand ) , Shailesh Kumar ( Australia), Mr Balkrishna ( Malaysia) , Dr Indrani Parsad ( Trinidad) and other scholars from India like Dr Ramavatar Sharma, Dr Saroj Bala, Dr Malikarjun Rao, Dr Sitesh Aalok, Naryan Kumar, Rakesh Pandey etc participated fin the conference. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) sponsored six Indian experts and 15 member Ramlila group led by Dr Yogendera Pratap Singh of Ayodhya Sodh Sansthan for the event.
H E Mr Aiyaz Syed-Khaiyum, Acting Prime Minister also launched the following:
(i) iTaukei (Fijian language) translation of short stories of Ramayan done by Mr Nemani
(ii) Fiji Sevasram Sangh Souvenir
(iii) 'Pravasi Sansar' magazine (in Hindi) from Delhi on Fiji
The presentations and deliberations of the world renowned experts brought various facets of studies on Ramayana to the fore. These scholars discussed not only religious and cultural dimensions of the Ramayana but also enlightened audience with scientific, management, environment, nation-building & National Unity aspects of Ramayana.
Academic sessions started on 15th of October, 2016. Explaining the background of the conference Anil Sharma , Second Secretary , High Commission of India, who first put the idea for organizing International Ramayana Conference, said that Ramayana is essence of Indian Culture particularly in Fiji. He said that while organizing the conference we ensured the participation from Girmitiya countries like Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana and also pacific countries like Australia and New Zealand considering the strong linkage of these countries with Fiji.
The Keynote speaker of the academic session was renowned author on Indian Scripture - Dr Narendera Kohli .Dr Kohli provided a very balanced perspective on issues which are normally contentious amongst youths. He described how Sita’s character demonstrated the principles of Gender equality and how Lord Rama’s character provided the framework of an ideal being.
Dr Rajendra Arun (Ramayana Scholar, President Ramayana Centre, Mauritius) portrayed Ram’s character, philosophy and Ramayana as a way of life. He interpreted Ramayana and Ram as a source of inspiration, moral and social awakening tool. He presented to the devotees in very simple and practical terms Maryada Purshottam Ramchandraji’s principles of life and the values which made him Maryada Purshottam. Here it is pertinent to mention that Mauritius is the only country where Ramayana Centre is established through the act of Parliament. Dr Ram Aautar Sharma (Scholar, Retraced footstep of Lord Ram from Ayodhya to Lanka), talked about preserving the historical sites and monuments associated with Ramayana Era and constructing the path (with trees, temples, etc.) Ram spend his time during exile period so that the whole world can learn about Ram’s life and incorporate the values in their lives. Shri Sharma relived the journey he took to trace the footsteps of Lord Rama from Ayodhya to Shri Lanka. Dr Shrama described how he at times had put his life in danger and through the help of natives communities on the path and government officials he managed to retrace Ram’s journey and identify major landmarks and signs of Rama’s presence. Sh. Akhilesh Prasad moderated the inaugural academic session.
The next session was on the theme Ramayana and science.
Keynote speaker Dr. Thavarol P. Sasikumar (A Retired Space Scientist, Social Worker and Ramayan Scholar), presented his perspective of Ramayana He gave a very practical example of the distance and directions given in Ramayana demonstrates the fact that people knew how to measure time and distance during the Ramayana Era. Dr Abhas Panda ( Environmentalist and ADB Consultant) emphasized that even during Ramayana Era people knew about different species and their significance, medicinal values and biodiversity and therefore Ramayana also teaches us about protecting our environment. Dr. Shalesh Kumar Diwedi ( Ramayana Scholar, Australia) explained that the kathas of Devi Sita stand for ideal womanhood and the character of Ravana teaches us how a man can ruin himself, the family and entire society for his obsessive selfishness and unholy ambitions.
The most appreciated lecture was of Dr Saroj Bala (Eminent Science researcher, scholar and Ex Director Indian Revenue Service), who with her study proved that "Ram was and is for real”. He was born on January 10, 5114 BC, She went on to add that these astronomical dates of references in Rigveda, Ramayana and Mahabharata are corroborated by oceanographic, archaeological, geological, remote sensing, paleobotanical, ecological and anthropological evidences. She presented various evidences to prove her statement which included archaeological evidences form of utensils, ornaments, weapons, plants and infrastructure etc. All these support the astronomical dates of references in Ramayana. The moderator for the session was Dr Surendra Prasad (Chemistry Professor, University of South Pacific ).
Turning from one interesting field to another scholars discussed Ramayana and management in the next session. Dr Balakrishnan Muniapan (Senior HR and Management Lecturer (CUT) – Malaysia) suggested that Ramayan teaches a lot about good leadership and therefore it needs to be interpreted based on modern era so that values from Ramayan can be used to transform leaders, leadership and people. Dr Pramod Pathak (Professor, HOD,IIT,ISM,India), spoke about Managerial Implications of Ramayana. Based on the Ram – Bharat conversation, he related the conversation from Ramayan Era with modern day concept of HRM (Human Resource Management & HRD (Human Resource Development) . Dr. Malik Arjuna Rao (Former Professor in Ancient Indian Culture, history and Archeology), strongly believes that any leader of any country or organization should have moral values and Ramayana is a very good resource which has good leadership and management values. The moderator of the session was Mr Bhagwaanji Bhindi (Lecturer, Fiji National University).
On Saturday 15th of October, evening , a memorable Ramlila show from Ayodhya was presented. The Ramlila show , first in Fiji, was liked and enjoyed by the full packed house. Honbl. Minister of Health Mrs Roji Akbar was the chief guest on the occasion. She emphasized the importance of taking values to new generation. In the speech given in Fiji Hindi she underlined the importance of heritage and culture for any country. She also presented awards to school students ,who have participated in the Ramayana Competition.
The theme of the First session on 16th October was ‘ Tulsidas – “The Universally acclaimed poet”.Dr Chandra Kanta Kinra (Associate Hindi Professor, University of Delhi, India), speaking as keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of Tulsi Dass’s Ramayan which was able to connect people from all aspects of life through simple language. Dr. Indu Chandra (Hindi Lecturer, University of Fiji, gave example of Fiji when the girmitiyas came they brought Ramayana with them and that is the reason why we have temples, hind language and culture practiced here.
Pt. Markand Bhatt (Hindu Priest and Lecturer in Fiji), spoke about how Tulsi Dass interpreted Balmikhi Ramayan in simple language which has the sweetness, softeness, love and devotion which helps everyone to understand and appreciate Ramayana. Dr. Narayan Prasad Kumar (Director , Anat. Rastriya Sahyog Parishad , India), presented on how the language in Manas was able to connect people globally in that it does not discriminate any religion and status of people. Quoting various foreign scholars he explained the impact of Tulsi Ramayana worldwide.
Mr. Rakesh Pandey (Editor, Pravasi Sansar) emphasized that even during Girmit Era people tortured during the day were able to forget their pain in the evening when they read Ramayana after the days work.The Moderator of the session was Mrs Gowri Diwakar (NIOS, India).
The next session was about Ramayan and Bhasha.Dr Sitesh Aalok (Eminent Writer & Scholar on Ramayan scriptures, India), emphasized that Ram Charitra Manas was written with a purpose that values from Ramayana was universal and preserved . He explained many important incidents of Ramayana in contemporary terms. Mr. Navendu Kumar Bajpai (Senior Government Officer, India) and Dr Jawahar Karnawat (International Hindi Media, India), emphasized the use of ‘Devnagri’ which is very helpful for understanding the core of Indian Scriptures. Dr. Madhurima Kohli (Writer & Scholar, India), recited a poem of Shri HariAum Amber explaining the values of Ramayana. The moderator of the session was Mr. Anil Sharma (Second Secretary –Indian High Commission, Fiji)
The theme of the next session was ‘ Ramayana and Nation Building’. Dr. Indrani Rampersad (Eminent Scholar on Ramilila, Trinidad), described the tramsmission of traditional values through Ram Leela. She gave a detailed account of Ramleela outside India. She explained that Ramleela being a visual and narration medium was more effective in transmitting values and language to the younger generation. .Dr Mohit Prasad (Senior Lecturer, University of South Pacific, Fiji and a Girmit Scholar), explained transmigrations and preserving mother tongue contributes to National building. This has been done through formation of ‘mandalis’ and performing activities such as Ram leela. He presented a picture of Girmit era and how Girmitiyas sustained their language and culture through Ramayana. Mr. Rajendra Prasad (Lecturer, University of South Pacific, Fiji), talked about how indentured laborers during Girmit Era related their suffering with Ram’s exile period which gave them hope for better future. He described that different people from different parts of India whose language were different came together and propagated a new language known as ‘Fiji Hindi’ which enable them to communicate and work as a team which helped in National Building.
Pt. Jagmohan Persaud (Ramayan Scholar, Guyana) elaborated on the situations during Girmit Era where people were so culturally dominated at places , such as, Guyana that they had to change their names and language to survive. However, overtime, Hindus were able to fight against that discrimination by uniting and through consecutively approach to regain their identity.
Mrs Manisha Prakash (Former Principal, Fiji), expressed that the elements of Ram Raj like Ram and Ramayana can contribute to better national building through unity, hope, inspiration and character building, for example, translating Ramayan in the I-taukei language in Fiji will enable the I- Taukei population to read and understand Ramayan which will help close the gap between the two t ethnic communities.Dr Rampersad Parasram (Ramayan Scholar, Trinidad) said that prosperity can be achieved by Ramayana. Better health, wellness and good education helps build a better Nation and lawlessness can destroy a most developed Nation. There cannot be material progress without righteousness. The Moderator of the session was Pritika Sharma ( NZ).
The last academic session was about Ramayan and Hinduvta Dr Vinod Bala Arun (Ramayan Scholar, Mauritius), expressed that the sufferings of people during Girmit Era in Fiji is not unique to Fiji but Indians taken to Mauritius also went through the same treatment and they also took Ramayana with them which helped them overcome the tumultuous period. In Mauritius unlike Fiji, they have incorporated Ramayana in their formal education system to preserve the language and values of Ramayana.
Ms. Puja Kumar and Ms Kajal (Student, University of Auckland), discussed about how teachings of Ramayana is practiced in New Zealand. There are only around 90, 000 Hindus in New Zealand but they still are able to maintain their language and culture. They have Ramayana mandalis and temples where they have weekly religious activities and celebrate all Hindu festivals to keep preserve their culture and teach the culture and language to the new generation. The moderator of the session was Mrs Meenakshi Maharaj (Lecturer, University of Fiji)Session 8: Closing of the Conference.
All the Ramayan Scholars who spoke on the Universal appeal of Ramayan from different perspectives such as Spiritual, Scientific, Management, Nation Building, Good Governance, Leadership and the poet Tulsidas, have addressed the very essence of Ramayan in our daily and practical life situations. Their message has touched the very soul, mind and heart of the listeners. Their mode of delivery was new, well researched and personalized to give effect and change in the way we perceive Ramayan hereafter.
The main outcomes of the Conference were:
A network of International Ramayana Scholars, Writers, Scientists, Researchers, Historians and devotees have been created through which regular communication would be maintained on current issues relating to Ramayan in various countries which will provide an International forum for social, cultural, academic and spiritual deliberations on ‘Ramayana as universal teacher and healer’.
Participants would start working on putting together the result of their research and studies on the various facets of Ramayana which was presented at the conference such as science and Ramayana and Leadership and Ramayana to put together resource and reference Publications on these specialized areas. Participants to continue networking, knowledge sharing and discuss issues relating to Ramayana in their respective countries
The Chief Guest in the closing function was Dr Mahender Reddy , Minister of Heritage and Education . As a chief patron of the conference he presented momentos to all the scholars and sponsors. Swami Divyananda and Swami Ganeshananda of Bharat Sevashrama Sangh also addressed the gatherings. Virsukh Bhai of FSS presented formal thanks.
ICCR sponsored 15-member traditional Ram Leela Group from Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan, Ayodhya. The Ram Leela group performed and mesmerised Fijian audience in IRC, Suva (15 Oct), Nausouri (16 Oct-3000), Labasa (17 Oct-5000), Nadi (18 Oct-2500) & Ba (20 Oct).
Shri Lokesh, Shastriji and Ravi ji made excellent arrangments of Ram Leela group at all the places.
The shows were overwhelming success and thousands of people came to watch the performance of Ramlila group . Minister of Local -self government and environment Sh. Parveen Bala played a leading role in the organisation of the Ramlias shows. Everywhere the stadium was provided free of cost. It was a unique experience for Fiji. In Labasa more than 5000 people watched the programme inspite of the rain.Ramlila team led by its Director Yogendera Pratap Singh made and indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the country.
Side events included Reception given by High Commissioner of India by Mr. Vishvas Sapkal to scholars at India House, felicitation in the University of South Pacific after the conference, seminar at FSS , Latuka, visit to Fiji Museum, visit to National Archives., visit to FSS headquarter. Scholars also visited University of Fiji and had an interaction with the Vice Chancellor Dr Prem Mishra. A one day cruise and stay at an Island was also planned as excursion.
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