Sikhs in Fiji: A Journey of Resilience and Contribution in Modern Oceania

Welcome to Global Sikhi Wiki! In this blog post, we explore the vibrant history and enduring legacy of the Sikh community in Fiji. Far from the bustling streets of Punjab, Sikhs have carved out a unique space in the Pacific islands, blending their rich cultural heritage with the spirit of aloha and communal harmony. From sugarcane fields to gurdwaras echoing with kirtan, the story of Sikhs in Fiji is one of migration, perseverance, and profound impact on a multicultural nation.

The Roots of Arrival: From Punjab to the Pacific

The Sikh journey to Fiji began in the late 19th century, distinct from the broader Indo-Fijian narrative. While most Indo-Fijians trace their ancestry to indentured ( forced to work by some contract ) laborers brought by British colonizers between 1879 and 1916 to work on sugarcane plantations, Sikhs arrived primarily as free immigrants seeking opportunity. The earliest arrivals under the indenture system came between 1882 and 1885, with a small group of Punjabis—many likely Sikhs due to their enterprising spirit—recruited as sugarcane cutters and shipped from Calcutta. Out of over 21,000 emigrants from Calcutta between 1879 and 1900, only about 369 hailed from Punjab, underscoring the modest yet pioneering nature of this influx.

Free migration gained momentum from 1904 onward, peaking between 1918 and 1930. A notable group of 70 Punjabis, including Sikhs, arrived in 1904 after fleeing harsh conditions in New Caledonia, though many returned to India disappointed by low wages. Regular shipping from Calcutta soon brought steady waves of young men from districts like Jullundur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar. These migrants, often from the Doaba region, worked as agriculturalists and established roots by marrying locally or returning to Punjab for arranged unions. Legal restrictions ended this flow in 1930, but by then, Sikhs had laid the foundation for a thriving community.

Sikhs also played a pivotal role in colonial administration. From 1900, Punjabi Sikhs were recruited as policemen from Hong Kong and Shanghai, forming the backbone of Fiji’s early law enforcement. A 1916 report praised their integrity and discipline, noting their resistance to bribery. wikipedia.org

Building a Community: Gurdwaras, Schools, and Cultural Anchors

Gurdwara Samabula near Suva,Fiji
The Gurdwara Sahib in Samabula, near Suva, Fiji, was established in either 1922 or 1923, and it is regarded as the oldest gurdwara in the South Pacific. The temple was built to serve Fiji's new Sikh migrant community, who primarily arrived as free immigrants during the early 20th century. centennial milestone was celebrated

Today, Fiji’s Sikh population stands at around 3,600, a small but resilient group concentrated in urban and rural hubs like Lautoka, Suva, Nasinu, Tagi Tagi in Tavua District, and Labasa. They speak a melodic mix of Punjabi, Fijian, Fiji Hindi, Hindi, and Urdu, reflecting their integrated yet distinct identity. Census data traces their growth: from 449 Punjab-born Indians in 1921 to about 3,000 Sikhs by 1966, though numbers have dipped to around 2,577 by 2007 due to emigration.

At the heart of this community are the gurdwaras—sacred spaces that double as community centers offering langar (communal meals) and shelter. The first, in Samabula near Suva, was established in 1922 by pioneer Spuran Singh. Others followed in Lautoka, Tagi Tagi, Nasinu (home to the Guru Ravidass Gurdwara, the first outside India in 1939), and Labasa. Funded by donations and managed by temple committees, these institutions foster not just worship but also social welfare.

Nasinu Gurdwara,Fiji
Nasinu Gurdwara (home to the Guru Ravidass Gurdwara, established in 1939, the first outside India in 1939).Starting in the early 1900s, followers of Guru Ravidas from the Punjab region of India began to migrate to Fiji. Many were from the Ad-Dharm/Ravidassia community and were brought to the country as indentured laborers for British plantations.

Education has been a cornerstone of Sikh contributions. In 1958, the community founded Khalsa High School in Ba District, initially teaching Gurmukhi script alongside secular subjects; by 1972, it had grown to 491 multi-racial students, with Sikhs comprising just 124. Additional schools include Guru Nanak Khalsa Primary in Ba and Labasa (opened 1970 with 47 students), and Naduri Bay Khalsa Primary near Sigatoka. These institutions have educated generations, promoting Sikh values like seva (selfless service) and equality.

Naidiri Bay Khalsa School_Fiji
Naduri Bay Khalsa Primary School is a small primary school located near Sigatoka, Fiji, that was built to serve the needs of the local Sikh community. It is one of several Khalsa schools established by Sikhs in Fiji and is named after the Khalsa Order. The school is a multi-racial and co-educational institution

Economic and Social Pillars: Farming, Politics, and Beyond

Sikhs have been instrumental in Fiji’s economic fabric, excelling in sugarcane and cane farming in fertile regions like Mataniqara, Sabeto Valley, and Vutualevu. Their hard work has bolstered the nation’s agriculture, with many prospering as independent farmers post-indenture era. Beyond the fields, they’ve influenced policing, unions, and politics. Mehar Singh, the first president of the Kisan Sangh union (1937–1944), later founded the Vishal Sangh, advocating for workers’ rights.

Sikhs in Fiji. Ai image
Mehar Singh (a.k.a. Padri Mehar Singh) was the first president of the first effective cane farmers union in Fiji, the Kisan Sangh. He was the President from 1937 to 1944 when, due to disagreement with the Secretary of the union, Ayodhya Prasad, he left the union and formed a rival union known as the Vishal Sangh. AI image

In politics, figures like Ujagar Singh (elected to the Legislative Council in 1968) and Sarvan Singh (MP from 1972–1979) broke barriers, while Kuar Battan Singh served as a Senator and excelled in soccer. Educators and authors such as Jogindar Singh Kanwal, principal of Khalsa College and chronicler of Hindi’s history in Fiji, have preserved cultural narratives. Veterans like Phuman Singh (WWI) and Jiwan Singh (WWII Defence Medal recipient) highlight their global service ethos.

The community’s broader impact includes building schools and institutions that benefit all Fijians, fostering economic growth and social cohesion. As one Fijian leader noted in 2023, “The country is grateful to the Sikh community who have influenced many Fijians in different ways.”

Ujagar Singh was a Fiji Indian politician
Ujagar Singh was a Fiji Indian politician who was elected to the Legislative Council in the 1968 by-election from the Nasinu Indian Communal Constituency. The death of National Federation Party founding member and stalwart, Ujagar Singh, August 4, 2021 , marks the end of an era of the period of transition of Fiji from a British Colony to an Independent nation.

Challenges and a Bright Horizon

Like many diaspora groups, Fijian Sikhs face emigration pressures, with many “twice migrants” relocating to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand for better prospects. This has led to declining local numbers, yet those who remain continue to thrive in farming, education, and community service. Gurdwaras and schools now serve diverse populations, embodying Guru Nanak’s vision of unity.

The tale of Sikhs in Fiji is a testament to cultural resilience, where Punjabi spirit meets island warmth. As Fiji navigates its multicultural future, the Sikh legacy—rooted in hard work, faith, and generosity—remains a beacon.

What are your thoughts on the Sikh diaspora? Share in the comments below! For more stories from Global Sikhi communities worldwide, explore our wiki pages. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Sources and further reading: sikhnet.com, pebblegalaxy, fijivillage.com

Today and Tomorrow: A Vibrant Minority

As Fiji navigates its multicultural future, Sikhs remind us that true belonging comes from contribution and compassion. Their story isn’t just one of survival—it’s a beacon of how faith can unite distant shores. Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal! If you’ve got Fijian Sikh tales or connections, drop them in the comments. What’s your favorite diaspora story?

Sources and further reading:  indiaempire.com

SIKHS IN FIJI POLICE ALLOWED TURBANS

Police Constable Sohata, 20, is a member of Batch 66 undergoing the Basic Recruits Course Training in Nasova, after being selected from the open market recruitment drive. A devout Sikh, Sohata had marched into the academy knowing the training requirements would require personal sacrifices on his part.

According to a book by Stanley Brown, ‘The History of the Fiji Police Force’, the first Sikh constables were recruited in force in the early 1910s. Sharing his experience as a recruit, Sohata, who hails from Dreketi village in Northern Division of Fiji, said it was difficult at first being away from his family. “I have a number of people in my life who I look up to as inspiration and role models, and it is my goal to make them proud and be just as good as them when it comes to my professional life,” Sohata said.

Navjeath Singh Sohata-Fiji
Navjeath Singh Sohata has become the first Sikh cop to don a turban with the official Fiji Police crown after the island nation’s police force approved changes to the uniform in a bid to promote diversity.

Sikh man featured on a Fijian currency note

A $2 note issued by the Fijian government in 2000, features a turban-wearing Sikh man, acknowledging the contribution made by the Sikh community in Fiji, for over a century.

The obverse side of the Y2K Fijian $2 note features six different faces, including that of Islander children in different costumes, but for the first time ever, a Sikh man has been depicted on a Fijian currency note.

This was a significant and historic first, as it was likely the first time a Sikh man was depicted on any currency note in the world. 

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