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India and Republic of Fiji share historical and cultural linkages. On 14 May 1879, "Leonidas", the ship with the first indentured workers from India, reached the shores of Fiji. Their numbers subsequently increased with the arrival of more ships from India. The descendants of these workers, now in their fifth generation, form nearly 38% of the population and are part of the economic, political and social fabric of the country. They have maintained their traditional Indian cultural links. Presence of the Indian Diaspora has contributed greatly to bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Indian Cultural Centre [ICC], Suva was the first Cultural Centre abroad established by ICCR in 1972. ICC, Suva offers courses in Carnatic Vocal Music, Kathak and Bharatanatyam Dance, Indian Classical Instrumental -- Tabla, Harmonium with Vocal, Yoga and Hindi. ICC Sub-Centre, Lautoka offers courses in Bharatanatyam Dance, Indian Classical Instrumental -Tabla/ Harmonium with Vocal and Yoga. All disciplines are conducted by part-time local teachers in three groups: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced, each with a standardized syllabus. All the classes are free.
Along with regular class activities, ICC also organizes Cultural Evenings, Exhibitions, Film shows, performance of Dance & Music, Seminars and Workshops. ICC Suva also has outreach activities such as gifting of books as well as musical instruments and lecture cum demonstration on aspects of Indian culture and heritage.
2011 marks 40 years of the Indian Cultural Centre’s existence in Fiji. A year-long festival has been organized by ICC to commemorate this occasion: 40 YEARS OF ICC IN FIJI -- FESTIVAL OF INDIA 2011-12.
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre High Commission of India
Director Ms. Nishi Bala (Second Secretary)
LICI Building Level 6, Butt Street, Suva,
P O Box 471, Fiji Islands.
Tel: (Mob.) +(679) 2203000 +(679) 3301150,
Mob:-679 9989065 + 679 3301125
Email: culture[dot]suva[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in,
hoc[dot]suva[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in
