The University of Fiji has inaugurated the Bharat Corner, officially opened by His Excellency Suneet Mehta, Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, strengthening academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties between Fiji and India.
The Pro-Chancellor, Pandit Bhuwan Dutt Arya Ratna, welcomed the establishment of the Indian Corner at the University library, describing it as “a very special occasion in the history of the University of Fiji.”
He thanked the Government of India, noting that the initiative goes beyond the physical library doors and fosters cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections. Emphasizing the significance of language and identity.
“A nation that forgets its language risks losing its identity, encouraging students to use the facility for both academic work and personal growth,’’ he said.
Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Suneet Mehta, said the inauguration marked a significant step in strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries. He described universities as “temples of learning” where books and literature play a vital role in shaping critical, compassionate, and informed minds.
His Excellency, Mr. Mehta highlighted that the Bharat Corner would provide a permanent space for students to engage with India’s intellectual and cultural traditions while fostering dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, and collaboration.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Shaista Shameen highlighted the importance of the Bharat Corner in promoting learning, culture, and international collaboration. She described it as a valuable resource for students and scholars to explore India’s rich literary, intellectual, and cultural heritage.
‘This occasion and generous gesture on the part of the Government of India through His Excellency, the High Commissioner, strikes resonance with the University’s cultural and languages renaissance ambitions. Bharat Corner, established by the High Commissioner in the University’s Library, is a symbol of the enduring relationship between India and Fiji and represents a special privilege for the University of Fiji’, she said.
The establishment of the Bharat Corner reflects the growing partnership between the University of Fiji and the High Commission of India, built on shared values, historical ties, and enduring people-to-people connections. It is expected to serve as a vibrant hub for learning, research, and cultural engagement for students, staff, and the wider academic community for years to come.
