The University of Fiji is commemorating Ratu Sukuna Memorial Day with innovative activities designed not only to recall Ratu Sukuna’s importance but also to showcase the diverse talents of UniFiji staff and students in appreciating his legacy.
The University has released an original song about Ratu Sukuna composed by its Music Director Sailasa Tora and produced by Simi Rova called ‘Ancient Lands and the Superstar’, set to a smooth jazz rhythm.
The single has its own cover and will be included in the UniFiji Jazz compilation to be released in June. The song is being dropped on the University of Fiji’s Vox Populi Radio Station on Thursday to start off the University’s Ratu Sukuna Day programme.
Other activities include a pictorial exhibition of Ratu Sukuna’s life from childhood to his war years with the French Foreign Legion and the Statesman period.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that the exhibition would be simultaneously launched on all three campuses of the University. “Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna was a friend of one of the stalwarts of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Pundit Vishnu Deo, and both leaders believed in the liberating power of education; hence it is fitting that the Saweni Campus exhibition is being displayed in our Pundit Vishnu Deo Memorial Hall,” she said.
The Levuka Campus exhibition is held at University House, Fiji’s first Governor Sir Arthur Gordron’s former residence, also appropriate, Professor Shameem said.
A video of Ratu Sukuna’s importance to young people, filmed by the University’s Centre for iTaukei Studies, will also be shown at all three campuses.
Students have organised speeches and commentary and the Students Association has taken responsibility for refreshments for the day.
Professor Shameem said that the University’s community and public good responsibility included an appreciation of Ratu Sukuna’s effective leadership style that has endured over time, setting standards and benchmarks for the next generations.
Students at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School in Nabua took part in painting, weaving and cultural activities this week as part of the 2026 Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day celebrations.
The week-long celebration brought together students, teachers and local artists to honour the legacy of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna through art and culture.
Vice Principal Mrs Kuini Vitukawalu said the celebrations were important because the school carries the name of Ratu Sukuna and his vision of embracing both traditional and modern cultures.
“This year we are concentrating on the other cultures in Fiji. That is what this man stood for in those years – the man of two worlds,” she said.
The school invited artists Mason Lee, Josaia McNamara, Anare Somumu and other painters through the Fiji Arts Council to work alongside students during the celebrations. Artist-in-Residence Mason Lee is from the University of Fiji Suva Central Campus.
Artist Josaia McNamara said working with students was rewarding because it gave young people a chance to learn artistic skills for free.
“For me, it’s a way of giving back to the community because it’s very expensive for students to pay for private art classes,” he said. “Through this opportunity, we’ve been able to tutor students on the job for free.”
Mr Anare said art played an important role in educating young people about culture and history.
“Art is a vehicle of transmitting information visually and expressively,” he said. “It is important that we educate our youngsters so that we can bridge the gap of our past art practices into the future.”
Students involved in the activities said the event helped them discover new talents and
learn more about Fiji’s culture and traditions. Year 11 student Tulia Vulivuli said the celebration inspired students to showcase their hidden talents.
“There’s a lot of students here who never know their great drawings, so we need more activities like this so they can showcase their talent,” she said.
Another Year 11 student, Rosi Ledua Seini, said the activities helped students learn skills they may not have learned at home.
“I feel so excited because we get to learn a few things that we didn’t learn from home,” she said. “Today I get to know how to do drawings.”
Year 11 student Isimeli Rasari said the artists motivated students to see art as a positive activity and future opportunity.
“They inspired me about this painting,” he said. “You can get a lot of money with this
kind of painting.”
Mrs Vitukawalu said the school planned to continue organising cultural and creative activities in the future to help students value their traditions and identities.
“The celebration of culture, regardless of your race, is something that we have to harness and keep as part of us,” she said.
The University of Fiji’s School of Business and Economics has achieved a significant milestone with two of its academics being awarded the prestigious DevNet Pacific Research Grant for their respective research projects.
Dr Navneel Prasad and Ms Priteshni Chand secured the highly competitive regional research funding for projects focusing on migration, labour participation and economic development in Fiji.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the achievement reflects the increasing quality and relevance of research being undertaken at the University of Fiji.
“We are gradually seeing an exponential increase in the quality and quantity of research outputs at the University of Fiji and this is due to the robustness of our Strategic Plan 2022-2026 structure which measures outputs and outcomes defining and encouraging public good research.”
Dr Prasad’s research project, “Beyond Income: A Multi-Factorial Analysis of Socio-Economic, Institutional and Environmental Determinants of Migration Intentions in Fiji”, will examine the broader social, institutional and environmental factors influencing migration intentions in Fiji.
Ms Chand’s project, “Low Female Labour Force Participation: Causes, Implications and Impacts on Economic Development of Developing Countries: The Case of Fiji”, will investigate the structural barriers affecting women’s workforce participation and the wider impacts on economic development.
Speaking on the award, Dr Prasad said research funding opportunities of this nature remain rare within Fiji.
“I am thrilled and honoured to receive this research grant from a regional body such as DevNet. Opportunities such as this are rare, as no such research funding is available in Fiji to conduct field research,” he said.
Ms Chand said the grant would provide important support for the successful implementation of her field research.
“I am incredibly honoured and deeply grateful to DevNet for investing in my research. This grant not only validates the direction of my thesis but also provides the crucial financial support needed to execute this fieldwork effectively,” she said.
Interim Dean Professor Murage Ranasinghe described the recognition of two academics from the same school by DevNet as a major achievement for the University and its research community.
DevNet, the Aotearoa New Zealand International Development Studies Network, connects researchers, development practitioners, NGOs and government agencies involved in international development across the region.
The research projects are expected to commence in July 2026.
As we celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity, the University of Fiji urged communities, governments, and institutions to continue working together to protect biodiversity and strengthen conservation efforts for future generations.
This year’s theme, “Acting locally for global change,” highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems, protecting natural resources, and strengthening the connection between people and nature.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said biodiversity conservation was essential for the future of Fiji, the Pacific region, and the world.
“Like the benefits of diversity in every human condition, the environment, similarly, is enriched by biodiversity not only to protect but also to promote and, in many cases, especially where damage is caused by carelessness or ignorance, to restore”.
Head of the Department of Science and Associate Professor, Dr Ramendra Prasad, said biodiversity remained one of the most important foundations of life and sustainable development, particularly for Pacific Island nations such as Fiji.
“Biodiversity is closely connected to our environment, economy, food security, health, and cultural identity. The Pacific region is recognised globally for its rich and unique biodiversity, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these ecosystems are protected for future generations,” Dr Prasad said.
Dr Prasad said increasing human activities such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation of natural resources continued to threaten ecosystems worldwide.
He said Fiji had continued to demonstrate leadership in biodiversity conservation through community-driven initiatives, environmental policies, and sustainable ecosystem management programmes.
“Fiji’s efforts in marine protected areas, mangrove restoration, blue carbon initiatives, ecosystem rehabilitation, and biodiversity policy development are positive examples of how local action can contribute towards global environmental change,” he said.
He added that education and research played a critical role in strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts and raising awareness among younger generations.
“At the University of Fiji, we continue to integrate biodiversity and conservation studies into our academic programmes to help students understand the relationship between biodiversity, climate resilience, culture, and sustainable development,” he said.
The University of Fiji’s Department of Science currently offers “Biodiversity and Conservation” courses within several programmes as part of its commitment to environmental education and sustainability.
The University also acknowledges Fiji’s ongoing work in strengthening national biodiversity strategies, community-based conservation programmes, and collaborative partnerships involving government agencies, civil society organisations, regional institutions, and local communities.
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The University of Fiji today unveiled a replica of the historic Leonidas during its Girmit Day commemoration, honouring the sacrifices and resilience of the Girmitiyas whose legacy continues to shape modern Fiji.
The memorial was unveiled by Chief Guest Ravneel Singh, a University of Fiji Council member. The replica ship, measuring approximately two meters in length, about 700 to 800 centimeters in width and 1.3 meters in height, symbolizes the historic journey of the 498 indentured labourers who departed from Calcutta on 3 March 1879 and arrived in Levuka on 14 May 1879.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the unveiling of the memorial served as an important reminder of the courage, perseverance and sacrifices of the Girmitiyas whose contributions continue to shape Fiji today.
“For every Fijian the day means different things. For us at Saweni Campus it reflected a voyage to a new educational experience. The symbol of Leonidas in our front yard at UniFiji is a symbol of the journey to Fiji, like that of Homer’s Odyssey. Leonidas was full of brave men and women embarking on a journey of surprise. And, indeed, it was a pretty big surprise’ Professor Shameem said.
Executive Director Human Resources Ashneel Singh said the theme of the 147th Girmit Day, “From Roots to Wings, Carrying the Girmit Flame Forward,” reminds Fijians of the extraordinary sacrifices and resilience of the Girmitiyas who arrived in Fiji with hope, courage and determination.
He said despite facing exploitation, displacement and hardship, the Girmitiyas laid the foundations for future generations through perseverance, unity and their belief in the transformative power of education and hard work.
Singh added that today’s youth represent the “wings” of those roots and must carry forward the Girmit flame with wisdom, humanity and purpose in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, digital transformation and global challenges.
He emphasised the role of universities in preserving history while empowering future generations with knowledge, innovation, leadership and social responsibility.
Chief Guest Mr Ravneel Singh reflected on the difficult journey faced by the Girmitiyas and acknowledged their contribution towards the social, cultural and economic development of Fiji.
“Despite the hardships they endured, the Girmitiyas showed remarkable resilience, building temples, mosques, schools and communities that laid the foundation for future generations,’’ he said.
Mr Singh added the legacy of the Girmitiyas continued to live on through the values of perseverance, cultural diversity and hard work that remain deeply embedded within Fiji’s society.
“Girmit Day is more than a remembrance of history, it is a powerful moment in our national journey to reflect on the sacrifices and resilience of the Girmitiyas who helped shape the Fiji we know today,’’ he said.
Acting President of the University of Fiji Students Association, Rodney Vakaloloma acknowledged the audience and expressed appreciation for everyone present at the event, noting the significance of the cultural celebration and the student-led initiative.
Rodney further emphasised that the exhibition and launch formed part of a wider effort to encourage students to engage with history in meaningful and creative ways. He encouraged participants to reflect on the stories behind the artworks and appreciate the deeper message of resilience and remembrance, particularly in relation to the legacy of the Girmitiyas.
The replica of the Leonidas was constructed by University of Fiji staff member Krishna Naidu, whose creativity and craftsmanship brought the historic vessel to life. Working quietly behind the scenes, Naidu transformed recycled and discarded materials into a detailed model that stands as a powerful symbol of endurance and remembrance. His contribution reflects both innovation and a deep respect for history, showing how meaningful storytelling can emerge through creativity and resourcefulness.
Speaking on the project, Krishna said the model was completed in about a day and a half, with each piece of discarded material coming together to form a symbol of endurance and struggle. He said the work was not just about building a structure, but about honouring the resilience of the Girmitiyas and ensuring their story is remembered through tangible creative expression.
The University of Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting Fiji’s history and cultural heritage through education, awareness and community engagement while encouraging students to continue honouring the legacy and sacrifices of the Girmitiyas.
