| Description |
Naselai, Nausori
Hindi, both sides
Ram Dulare from Kanpur is interviewed about his life as a “Girmit” working and living in Navua, Fiji.
A young Dulare is approached by a man who offers to take him on a trip to Bombay. Subsequent of this trip he is taken to Kolkata depot where he is sold for ten pounds. Without any explanation of where he’s being taken Dulare is shipped to Navua, Fiji to work on a plantation.
The interviewer and Dulare discuss the languages spoken in Navua, the harsh living conditions of the “Girmit” camp and racial tensions. During his “Girmit” term, Navua experienced an epidemic that decimated the community. Coincidentally he had been sent away with six men to drive a tractor and work in the jungle, which saved his life.
The harsh living conditions of plantation life and racial tension between the communities fueled widespread violence. Dulare recounts the “Girmit” community being targeted by the indigenous Fijians in acts of cannibalism. In another instance he mentions an entire family of whites being locked in a house and slaughtered by Indians.
(Prash Krishnan, March 2019) |
