Eminent author and academician Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi released her book “Fiji Mein Bhartiyon Ka Itihas Tatha Unka Jeevan (1879 – 1947)” [(The Life and History of Indians in Fiji (1879 -1947)] based on her PhD Research on the momentous occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Day. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 9 January, 2025
Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi is the granddaughter of “late Shri Pandit Banarsi Das Chaturvedi “Rajya Sabha MP”. Shri Banarsidas Chaturvedi has done immense work on Pravasi Bharatiya.
Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi said, “Fiji main bhartiyon ka Itihas tatha unka Jeevan (1879 – 1947)” offers a deep insight into the lives and sufferings of indentured labour from India. Dr Chaturvedi’s historic publication exposes the plight of Indian Indentured Labour on the occasion of 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The book’s release on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas emphasizes its relevance to the Indian diaspora and serves as a tribute to their resilience and contributions. The book is a call to recognize and honor the sacrifices of the Indian diaspora, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.”
Indentured labour, also known as “Coolies” is a painful and shameful reality of the British Rule in India. South Africa, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana and Fiji have had a long and dark past for these “Girmitiyas” where they were forced to work in inhuman conditions performing hard, torturous taks.
This book published by Sasta Sahitya Mandal, brings to the light the indenture of these labour forces in services and their inhumane treatment and living conditions on the Island nation of Fiji. This issue was highlighted by Pandit Banarasi Das Chaturvedi in his Book “Fiji main mere 21 Varsh” based on the experiences of Shri Totaram Sanadhya, who was an indentured labour in Fiji.
Shri Banarsidas Chaturvedi spent several years in Fiji and wrote extensively about the predicament of Indians in Fiji. Inspired by her grandfather’s work, Dr. Rekha’s research sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Indian diaspora communities, particularly Girmitiyas. Despite personal and professional responsibilities, Dr. Rekha remained committed to her research. Her dedication reflects her deep connection to her heritage and her family’s advocacy for Girmitiya issues.
With the intervention of Reverend C. F. Andrews, the system of indentured labour in Fiji was formally ended in 1920.
The book’s publisher, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, has a history of supporting socially significant literature, aligning with the book’s aim to shed light on underrepresented historical narratives.
About the author
Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi, born on 21 April 1952 was born in Reewa, Uttar Pradesh to Professor Buddhi Prakash Chaturvedi and Mrs Shanti Chaturvedi. Under the guidance and influence of her father, who was a professor of history, and her grandfather Padmabhuhan Pt Banarsidas Chaturvedi, who had brought the issue of indentured labour in Fiji to light, Rekha ji developed an interest in the plight of indentured labour and immigrants in various countries.
Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi continued her profession as a post graduate professor, and post her marriage took up a job in the private sector as an educator. She carried on with her research even while carrying out her duties as a mother, wife and homemaker. She is married to Mr. VichitraVeer Chaturvedi and is a mother to a daughter, Swapnil, and a son, Saiyyam. Both her kids are doing well in their chosen fields of profession.
Dr. Rekha’s work continues her family’s legacy of advocating for justice and recognition for the Indian diaspora, particularly Girmitiyas.
