Indo-Fijians are a prominent ethnic group in Fiji, comprising descendants of indentured laborers brought from the Indian subcontinent during the colonial period. They have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, sports, literature, and entertainment. Here is a list of the top 10 famous Indo-Fijians:
- Anerood Jugnauth: Anerood Jugnauth is a prominent politician who served as the President and Prime Minister of Mauritius. He was born to Indo-Fijian parents in Fiji and later moved to Mauritius.
- Mahendra Chaudhry: Mahendra Chaudhry is a prominent Indo-Fijian politician and trade unionist. He served as the first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister of Fiji from 1999 to 2000 and has been a key figure in advocating for the rights of Indo-Fijians.
- Albert Wendt: Albert Wendt is a renowned Samoan novelist, poet, and academic. He was born in Fiji to Indo-Fijian parents and is known for his works that explore Pacific Islander identity and culture.
- Vijay Singh: Vijay Singh is a professional golfer who has achieved great success on the PGA Tour. Born in Fiji to Indo-Fijian parents, he has won three major championships and was ranked as the world’s number one golfer for 32 weeks.
- Padma Lakshmi: Padma Lakshmi is an acclaimed Indian-American author, actress, and television host. Born in Chennai, India, to an Indo-Fijian father and a Tamil mother, she gained popularity as the host of the cooking competition show “Top Chef.”
- Jimmy Snuka: Jimmy Snuka, also known as “Superfly,” was a professional wrestler who achieved fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Born in Fiji to Indo-Fijian parents, he became one of the most popular wrestlers of the 1980s.
- Sanjay Patel: Sanjay Patel is an accomplished filmmaker and animator. Born in Fiji to Indo-Fijian parents, he has worked on several Disney Pixar films, including “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” and “Toy Story 3.”
- Ashwin Raj: Ashwin Raj is a prominent human rights advocate and politician from Fiji. He served as the Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission and has been a vocal advocate for equality and justice.
- Shri Guruji: Shri Guruji is the spiritual and organizational leader of the Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. He is highly respected among Indo-Fijians and has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Hindu culture and values in Fiji.
- Abdul Lateef: Abdul Lateef is a well-known Indo-Fijian poet and writer. His works explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural preservation. He has been recognized for his contribution to literature and has won several awards.
Most Famous Indo-Fijians Celebrities
Indo-Fijians are an ethnic group in Fiji who trace their roots back to the indentured laborers who were brought from India by the British to work on sugarcane plantations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Indo-Fijians have achieved fame and success in various fields, including entertainment, sports, and politics. Here is a list of some famous celebrities from Indo-Fijian roots:
- Amitabh Bachchan: Born in Allahabad, India, Amitabh Bachchan is a legendary Bollywood actor, film producer, and television host. Known for his powerful performances, he is regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema. His father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was born in Allahabad to a Hindu Kayastha family that had roots in the village of Babupatti in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Sunil Dutt: Sunil Dutt was an acclaimed Indian film actor and politician. He was born in Khurd village, Jhelum district (now in Pakistan). Dutt’s family migrated to Delhi during the partition of India in 1947. Known for his roles in films like ‘Mother India’ and ‘Waqt’, he also served as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in the Indian government.
- Idrees Shah: Born in 1924 in Simla, British India (now Shimla, India), Idrees Shah is best known as a writer and teacher of Sufism. He authored several books on Eastern philosophy and spirituality, including “The Sufis” and “The Secret Lore of Magic.” Shah’s father, Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah, was from the village of Pir Paimal in the Yusufzai Pashtun tribe of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan).
- Vijay Singh: Vijay Singh is a Fijian professional golfer who has had a highly successful career on the PGA Tour. Born in Lautoka, Fiji, his father, Mohan Singh, was of Fijian-Indian descent. Singh has won numerous golf tournaments, including three major championships and was also ranked as the world’s number one golfer for a total of 32 weeks in 2004 and 2005.
- Shobha De: Shobha De is an Indian columnist, socialite, and novelist known for her outspoken views on various social issues. Born as Shobha Rajadhyaksha, she grew up in a Marathi-speaking family in Mumbai, India. De has written several popular novels, including “Socialite Evenings” and “Sultry Days,” and her columns have been published in leading newspapers and magazines in India.
Factsheet About Indo-Fijians People
| Demographic | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity | Indo-Fijians |
| Language | Hindi |
| Religion | Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism |
| Population | Approximately 313,798 (2007 census) |
| Percentage of Total Population | 37.6% |
| Island Distribution | Primarily in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu |
| Main Occupations | Agriculture, business, education, healthcare |
Indo-Fijians Ethnicity: References and Resources
-
The Fiji government’s official website provides information on the Indo-Fijian community and its history in Fiji. The website is a useful resource for understanding the background and experiences of Indo-Fijians. You can access it at: www.fiji.gov.fj.
-
The book “Girmitiyas: The Origins of the Fiji Indians” by Brij V. Lal delves into the history of the indentured laborers who arrived from India to work in Fiji’s sugarcane fields. It provides insights into the societal and cultural aspects of Indo-Fijians. More information about the book can be found at: https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/girmitiyas.
-
“Hinduism in Fiji” by Harshana Rambachan explores the religious practices and beliefs of the Indo-Fijian community. The book examines the unique ways in which Hinduism has adapted in the Fijian context. It provides a deeper understanding of the religious dimensions of Indo-Fijian culture. More information about the book can be found at: https://www.rowmaninternational.com/book/hinduism_in_fiji.
-
The documentary film “Fiji’s Indo-Fijians: Geographies of Generational Change” by Professor Crispin Bates sheds light on the experiences of Indo-Fijians across generations. The film explores issues of identity, migration, and the challenges faced by the community. Information about the film and how to access it can be found at: https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/33801/33802.
