 |  |
*Meanwhile, USP Vice-Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia is yet to respond to us whether he was aware that RAJNI CHAND, the wife of former USP Professor and his buddy BIMAN PRASAD, and a paid employee of the USP, was a TRUSTEE of GGI, when USP hosted the two-day girmit conference.
Fijileaks: We call for the suspension of Biman Prasad from Coalition Cabinet and the matter be referred to FICAC and Police for PROBE.
*BIMAN PRASAD is refusing to answer whether HIS WIFE was aware (via Pillow Talk) that the Coalition Cabinet was going to set aside $500,000 for Girmit Celebrations, hence Rajni and Ganesh Chand ran and re-registered the defunct Global Girmit Institute.
*The GGI was approved the next day, and it went on to organise the two-day international girmit conference at USP.
*Was Prasad aware that his wife was running around, registering the de-registered GGI, which had failed to submit its audited accounts.
*Ahluwalia, who was the Chief Speaker, is yet to answer questions (see below) regarding the famous Nixonian question: When did he know that Rajni was a GGI trustee, and what did he know about the GGI?
*Was USP paid to host the conference? How much?
Fijileaks to USP Vice-Chancellor PAL AHLUWALIA, 15 May 2023
Apologies dost.
1. Were you aware when you accepted the invitation from GGI that Biman's wife Rajni was one of three trustees who registered the de-registered GGI on 23 February 2023 shortly after Biman announced the $500,000 for the Girmit celebrations?
2. Did the USP charge the GGI to host the conference, and if so, how much will be billed to the GGI?
3. What is the explanation for such a magnanimous gesture if it was free?
4. What action will USP take against Rajni or will you launch your own separate inquiry into her association with the Global Girmit Institute?
Most people, especially Indo-Fijians, are appalled by my revelations, and more to follow later.
Regards
Victor
Girmitiyas:
Documenting, Researching, Writing, and Communication of Histories and Lives
An International Conference
16-17 May 2023, Suva, Fiji.
Introduction:
'Girmitiyas', defined as all those who trace their ancestry to the Indian Indenture System (1834-1921), now number an estimated 12-15m in the world. No confirmed figures are available on this. Girmitiyas now reside, either permanently or temporarily, in almost all countries of the world. But what binds them together is a shared history.
While Girmit and Girmityas have been the subject of academic research since the 1930’s, the number of such works and their prominence remained relatively weak until the recent decade. 2017 marked a turning point. In 2017, the 100th year of the end of Indenture, was commemorated globally.
Since then, there has been an escalated interest in Girmit. Conference papers, articles, books and monograph numbers have increased significantly since then. Even two high quality international academic journals have also commenced publishing. In the UK, Ameena Gafoor Institute commenced publication of the Journal of Indentureship and its Legacies in 2021 (https://ameenagafoorinstitute.org/journals). In the same year, Indenture Papers: Studies on Girmitiyas (https://girmit.ac.fj/), a journal by a consortium of 6 institutions – Global Girmit Institute, University of the South pacific, NCIC-heritage Centre, IIT Patna, BHU, and Tata Institute of Social Science, commenced publication.In Mauritius, following the Slave Route Project, UNESCO has paid homage to the dislocation of 1.2m Girmitiyas through indenture by the endorsement of the Indentured Labour Routes Project. The ILRP has major projects on documenting, researching and writing Girmitiyas.
Given the rising interest in Girmitiys, this trans-disciplinary conference will focus on documenting, researching, writing, and communication of Girmitiya lives and histories.
Objective: The primary objective of the conference is to facilitate discourse on all aspects related to documenting, researching, writing and communication of histories and lives of Girmitiyas, past and present. The conference aims to create a dialogue between scholars from different disciplines on the themes listed below.
Core Themes
The following core themes are suggested:
Core Theme 1: Indenture Database
Core Theme 2: Documenting families and family histories
Core Theme 3: Academic Research on Indenture
Core Theme 4: Girmitiya Fiction
Core Theme 5: Academic Publishing of Girmitiya materials
Core Theme 6: Music, Dance, Drama, Movies as medium of Communication
Core Theme 7: Binding Themes – Identity formation and significance of Girmitiya Identity(ies)
Core Theme 8: General – Other papers related to Girmitiyas
Presentation Format
Language: English.
Who Should Attend?: All researchers, writers and activists whose interest is on Girmityas and/or on research, publication and production of expressive arts materials.
Academic Paper Submission
Abstract details: Word limit for abstracts - no more than 300 words, including keywords. Abstracts must include the proposed title of the paper, author full name(s), address(es) and email address(es) of all authors. Authors are encouraged to indicate the session in which they wish their paper to be placed. The final decision on paper placement shall be that of the Conference Convener.
File type: Word for Windows.
Full paper: This is required for papers whose abstracts are accepted. Selected papers shall be published in our journals Indenture Papers: Studies on Girmitiyas or Fijian Studies: A Journal of Contemporary Fiji.. There is no word limit for the papers, but papers must be of publishable standard. Those not able to submit full papers, but whose abstracts have been accepted can still make presentations at the conference as long as they are registered; these authors will need to make their own arrangements for copying and circulating their speaking notes, ppts or completed papers.
Abstract and Paper Reviews: A selection panel shall assess all abstracts received and advise authors of the outcomes. The key criteria would be relevance to the theme of the Conference. All final papers shall be blind reviewed to ensure standards.
Submission Address: [email protected] . An electronic submission board is being established; details shall be circulated.
Film, Art, Drama Proposal Submission
Proposal details: Submittees should provide an abstract of the activity they propose in no more than 300 words. Details to be included are: (a) creator (s); (b) copyrights, (c) censor details (if films), (d) formats, and (e) equipment, etc., requirements if accepted for the conference.
Important Dates:
The following are the critical dates (these are the last dates; earlier submission is preferred):
1. Submission of Abstract: 31 March 2023
2. Notification of acceptance: 2 weeks from submission
3. Full paper submission: 1 May 2023
4. Early Registration: 1 May 2023
5. Late Registration: 16 May 2023
6. Daily Registration: 16 May, 17 May, 18 May
Social Events
Conference Dinner: 16 May 2023
Networking Dinner: 17 May 2023
Related Event 15 May 2023: Launch of Girmit Day at Albert Park, Suva.
Registration Fee:
[* Full Registration Fee allows for conference materials, session fees, cocktail, and all teas and dinners. (The rates are subsidised by sponsors).]
Logistics
The conference city, Suva, is located 4 hours drive from the Nadi International Airport, or a 20 minute local flight from Nadi Airport to Nausori Airport. There are two international airports in Fiji: Nadi and Nausori. International participants are advised to consider travel by road from Nausori to Suva. Organisers may arrange of special transportation if numbers and arrival/departure schedules permit.
Travel
Fiji is well serviced with international flights. Airlines which fly to Fiji include: Aircalin, Air Kiribati, Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu, Jetstar, Korean Air, Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways, Qantas, Air Niugini, Solomon Airlines, United Airlines (code share with Air New Zealand). There are multiple fights a day from Australia, New Zealand and the US. Fiji Airways also flies to Singapore and Hongkong. Korean Airlines flies to Fiji from Seoul twice a week. Air Niugini, Vanuatu Air and Solomon Airlines fly to Fiji from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Other countries in the Pacific are serviced by Fiji Airways and a number of regional airlines.
Conference Committee
Conference Convener: Dr. Ganesh Chand, Global Girmit Institute (GGI)
Conference Organising Secretary: Mr. Satya Nand Shandil, Head of School of Business, Pacific Polytech.
Conference Deputy Organising Secretary: Ms. Manpreet Kaur, Associate, GGI
Conference Advisory Committee
To be finalized:
Dr. Amba Pande, JNU, India.
Dr. Mosmi Bhim, Fiji National University
Dr. Rajni Chand, University of the South Pacific
Dr. Ramchandra Joshi, A.P.J A Kalam GCol, India
Dr. Subhash Appana, University of the South Pacific
Dr. Vishnu Bisram, Commentator, New York
Mr. Nadesa Goundar, Unitec, Auckland, New Zealand
Mr. Praneil Chandra, Broadcaster, New Zealand.
Mr. Ravi Dev, former MP, Guyana
Mr. Robin Nair, Member of Council, Fiji National University
Mr. Vijendra Prasad, Chairman of Girmit Museum Committee
Ms Bhavika Naidu, Fiji National University
Ms Vandhana Nath, University of Fiji, Lautoka
Professor A.B.M. Shawkat Ali, University of Fiji, Lautoka
Professor Anand Chand, University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Professor Biman C. Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji
Professor Dharmendra Sharma, University of Canberra, Australia
Professor Mumtaz Alam, Fiji National University, Lautoka
Professor Satish Chand, School of Business, UNSW Canberra, Australia
Professor Shaista Shameem, University of Fiji
Professor Subramani, University of Fiji, Lautoka.
Professor Vijay Naidu, Suva.
Conference Contact Details:
Chief Convener: [email protected]: (679) 9955709
Organising Secretary: [email protected] @gmail.com ; mobile: 9353369
Offices:
Global Girmit Institute, Saweni Shopping Centre, Queens Road, Lautoka
Pacific Polytech, Lautoka Campus, Ajodhya Prasad Road, Lautoka
Pacific Polytech, Suva Campus, Nabua Road, Suva
Website: http://girmit.ac.fj/ www.globalgirmitinstitute.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fijigirmit/?fref=ts
Financial Support: Limited funds are available for partial financial support for travel and/or accommodation for international and local participants. The extent of support depends on financial sponsorship secured by the date of conference, and the submission of quality papers.
Primary Sponsors: Government of Fiji; University of the South pacific, Fiji National University; Pacific Polytech; Global Girmit Institute.
Logos go here
Conference Sponsors Confirmed to Date: TBA
Documenting, Researching, Writing, and Communication of Histories and Lives
An International Conference
16-17 May 2023, Suva, Fiji.
Introduction:
'Girmitiyas', defined as all those who trace their ancestry to the Indian Indenture System (1834-1921), now number an estimated 12-15m in the world. No confirmed figures are available on this. Girmitiyas now reside, either permanently or temporarily, in almost all countries of the world. But what binds them together is a shared history.
While Girmit and Girmityas have been the subject of academic research since the 1930’s, the number of such works and their prominence remained relatively weak until the recent decade. 2017 marked a turning point. In 2017, the 100th year of the end of Indenture, was commemorated globally.
Since then, there has been an escalated interest in Girmit. Conference papers, articles, books and monograph numbers have increased significantly since then. Even two high quality international academic journals have also commenced publishing. In the UK, Ameena Gafoor Institute commenced publication of the Journal of Indentureship and its Legacies in 2021 (https://ameenagafoorinstitute.org/journals). In the same year, Indenture Papers: Studies on Girmitiyas (https://girmit.ac.fj/), a journal by a consortium of 6 institutions – Global Girmit Institute, University of the South pacific, NCIC-heritage Centre, IIT Patna, BHU, and Tata Institute of Social Science, commenced publication.In Mauritius, following the Slave Route Project, UNESCO has paid homage to the dislocation of 1.2m Girmitiyas through indenture by the endorsement of the Indentured Labour Routes Project. The ILRP has major projects on documenting, researching and writing Girmitiyas.
Given the rising interest in Girmitiys, this trans-disciplinary conference will focus on documenting, researching, writing, and communication of Girmitiya lives and histories.
Objective: The primary objective of the conference is to facilitate discourse on all aspects related to documenting, researching, writing and communication of histories and lives of Girmitiyas, past and present. The conference aims to create a dialogue between scholars from different disciplines on the themes listed below.
Core Themes
The following core themes are suggested:
Core Theme 1: Indenture Database
Core Theme 2: Documenting families and family histories
Core Theme 3: Academic Research on Indenture
Core Theme 4: Girmitiya Fiction
Core Theme 5: Academic Publishing of Girmitiya materials
Core Theme 6: Music, Dance, Drama, Movies as medium of Communication
Core Theme 7: Binding Themes – Identity formation and significance of Girmitiya Identity(ies)
Core Theme 8: General – Other papers related to Girmitiyas
Presentation Format
- Posters
- Full Presentation sessions (length: 15 mins)
- Student presentation sessions (length: 10 mins)
- Lunchtime lightening sessions (length: 5 mins)
- Films - Screened parallely.
- Art - displayed in conference gallery
- Drama - performances in evenings.
Language: English.
Who Should Attend?: All researchers, writers and activists whose interest is on Girmityas and/or on research, publication and production of expressive arts materials.
Academic Paper Submission
Abstract details: Word limit for abstracts - no more than 300 words, including keywords. Abstracts must include the proposed title of the paper, author full name(s), address(es) and email address(es) of all authors. Authors are encouraged to indicate the session in which they wish their paper to be placed. The final decision on paper placement shall be that of the Conference Convener.
File type: Word for Windows.
Full paper: This is required for papers whose abstracts are accepted. Selected papers shall be published in our journals Indenture Papers: Studies on Girmitiyas or Fijian Studies: A Journal of Contemporary Fiji.. There is no word limit for the papers, but papers must be of publishable standard. Those not able to submit full papers, but whose abstracts have been accepted can still make presentations at the conference as long as they are registered; these authors will need to make their own arrangements for copying and circulating their speaking notes, ppts or completed papers.
Abstract and Paper Reviews: A selection panel shall assess all abstracts received and advise authors of the outcomes. The key criteria would be relevance to the theme of the Conference. All final papers shall be blind reviewed to ensure standards.
Submission Address: [email protected] . An electronic submission board is being established; details shall be circulated.
Film, Art, Drama Proposal Submission
Proposal details: Submittees should provide an abstract of the activity they propose in no more than 300 words. Details to be included are: (a) creator (s); (b) copyrights, (c) censor details (if films), (d) formats, and (e) equipment, etc., requirements if accepted for the conference.
Important Dates:
The following are the critical dates (these are the last dates; earlier submission is preferred):
1. Submission of Abstract: 31 March 2023
2. Notification of acceptance: 2 weeks from submission
3. Full paper submission: 1 May 2023
4. Early Registration: 1 May 2023
5. Late Registration: 16 May 2023
6. Daily Registration: 16 May, 17 May, 18 May
Social Events
Conference Dinner: 16 May 2023
Networking Dinner: 17 May 2023
Related Event 15 May 2023: Launch of Girmit Day at Albert Park, Suva.
Registration Fee:
- Pacific Island, Girmitiya Country Residents/India/Third World Residents: $F50 (USD25)
- Other Residents: $F200 (USD100)
- Students, Unemployed, Retired: $F5 per day
- Observers from Pacific Island, Third World Residents: $F50
- Observers - First World Residents: $F100
- Day Rates: $F40 (excludes dinners and transfers)
- All participants must register.
[* Full Registration Fee allows for conference materials, session fees, cocktail, and all teas and dinners. (The rates are subsidised by sponsors).]
Logistics
The conference city, Suva, is located 4 hours drive from the Nadi International Airport, or a 20 minute local flight from Nadi Airport to Nausori Airport. There are two international airports in Fiji: Nadi and Nausori. International participants are advised to consider travel by road from Nausori to Suva. Organisers may arrange of special transportation if numbers and arrival/departure schedules permit.
Travel
Fiji is well serviced with international flights. Airlines which fly to Fiji include: Aircalin, Air Kiribati, Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu, Jetstar, Korean Air, Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways, Qantas, Air Niugini, Solomon Airlines, United Airlines (code share with Air New Zealand). There are multiple fights a day from Australia, New Zealand and the US. Fiji Airways also flies to Singapore and Hongkong. Korean Airlines flies to Fiji from Seoul twice a week. Air Niugini, Vanuatu Air and Solomon Airlines fly to Fiji from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Other countries in the Pacific are serviced by Fiji Airways and a number of regional airlines.
Conference Committee
Conference Convener: Dr. Ganesh Chand, Global Girmit Institute (GGI)
Conference Organising Secretary: Mr. Satya Nand Shandil, Head of School of Business, Pacific Polytech.
Conference Deputy Organising Secretary: Ms. Manpreet Kaur, Associate, GGI
Conference Advisory Committee
To be finalized:
Dr. Amba Pande, JNU, India.
Dr. Mosmi Bhim, Fiji National University
Dr. Rajni Chand, University of the South Pacific
Dr. Ramchandra Joshi, A.P.J A Kalam GCol, India
Dr. Subhash Appana, University of the South Pacific
Dr. Vishnu Bisram, Commentator, New York
Mr. Nadesa Goundar, Unitec, Auckland, New Zealand
Mr. Praneil Chandra, Broadcaster, New Zealand.
Mr. Ravi Dev, former MP, Guyana
Mr. Robin Nair, Member of Council, Fiji National University
Mr. Vijendra Prasad, Chairman of Girmit Museum Committee
Ms Bhavika Naidu, Fiji National University
Ms Vandhana Nath, University of Fiji, Lautoka
Professor A.B.M. Shawkat Ali, University of Fiji, Lautoka
Professor Anand Chand, University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Professor Biman C. Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji
Professor Dharmendra Sharma, University of Canberra, Australia
Professor Mumtaz Alam, Fiji National University, Lautoka
Professor Satish Chand, School of Business, UNSW Canberra, Australia
Professor Shaista Shameem, University of Fiji
Professor Subramani, University of Fiji, Lautoka.
Professor Vijay Naidu, Suva.
Conference Contact Details:
Chief Convener: [email protected]: (679) 9955709
Organising Secretary: [email protected] @gmail.com ; mobile: 9353369
Offices:
Global Girmit Institute, Saweni Shopping Centre, Queens Road, Lautoka
Pacific Polytech, Lautoka Campus, Ajodhya Prasad Road, Lautoka
Pacific Polytech, Suva Campus, Nabua Road, Suva
Website: http://girmit.ac.fj/ www.globalgirmitinstitute.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fijigirmit/?fref=ts
Financial Support: Limited funds are available for partial financial support for travel and/or accommodation for international and local participants. The extent of support depends on financial sponsorship secured by the date of conference, and the submission of quality papers.
Primary Sponsors: Government of Fiji; University of the South pacific, Fiji National University; Pacific Polytech; Global Girmit Institute.
Logos go here
Conference Sponsors Confirmed to Date: TBA
