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Girmit: Fields of Sadness was premiered in Canada today. It reminded me the value of storytelling lies in its capacity to illuminate the experiences and perspectives present within our surroundings. Countless memories and insights remain unexplored simply because questions of our elders are not asked. The pace of daily life often leads to missed opportunities for engagement, particularly with elders whose knowledge of family history is invaluable. As time passes and elders depart, their untold stories risk being lost forever.

A key insight from viewing the documentary today, ‘Girmit: Fields of Sadness’ was the historical account of indentured labourers transported from India to Fiji between 1879 and 1916. Approximately 65,000 individuals arrived under misleading assurances and, at times, coercion. The so-called Girmit (Agreement), which promised eventual return to India, was disregarded, resulting in considerable hardship and punitive conditions imposed by colonial authorities who required labour in sugar cane plantations. The theatre today was full of Indo-Fijians, most of whom were ancestors of those who came under Grimit, highlighted the profound impact and enduring significance of the Girmit experience. Many sat in silence comprehending the journey that so many took many years ago on tall ships that was made up of lies and deceit.

My personal connection to this narrative is grounded in familial origins. My own parents and relatives were born in Fiji and grandparents migrated independently to Fiji, tracing roots to India and Nepal. While I possessed a general awareness of Girmit and its associated challenges, the documentary underscored the necessity of actively preserving these accounts. Unless efforts are made to engage with elders and record their stories, the history of Girmit will remain incomplete and potentially forgotten. Since many original participants are no longer alive, it is imperative to document narratives from their descendants to ensure continued understanding.

Comprehending the importance of storytelling and preservation is vital. My memoir, ‘Lost and Found: Seeking the Past and Finding Myself,’ recounts my own search for ancestral heritage in India, prompted by little more than a faded photograph. This endeavour was facilitated by gathering fragmented recollections from elders, gradually assembling the elements of my family’s past life a jigsaw puzzle. The process was challenging, especially when considering the intersection of my own identity as a British-born Canadian with direct ties to Fiji, India, and Nepal and questioning who I am.

In summary, today’s reflection reinforces the importance of honouring history and seeking out narratives from previous generations. Understanding the hardships faced in the past can inform and enrich our collective future, ensuring that lessons learned and sacrifices made are duly acknowledged. If there is one action from today, I encourage you to go and speak with elders and realize your own narrative because if you don’t act on this, the stories will never be realized. I am grateful that I took the time and it resulted in my memoir but so many share that they are at a loss because too much time has passed.

If you are interested in my own journey, you can purchase ‘Lost and Found: Seeking the Past and Finding Myself’ from Amazon.