Four-day Hindu Congress in Fiji.

SOUTH Indians jam-packed the the National Stadium in Suva yesterday to attend the inaugural 84th convention of one of the biggest Hindu religious and charitable organizations in the country.

The ‘Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) started its four-day convention with cultural dance items and the opening of the Sangam soccer tournament yesterday.

TISI Sangam Convention chairman Sadasivan Naicker said an estimated 12,000 members attended, which included those from the Western Division and outside of Suva.

Mr Naicker said they also had members from Australia and New Zealand present, including the Indian High Commissioner Professor Prabhakara Jha as chief guest.

Addressing the crowd in his opening speech, Mr Naicker said Sangam had become a household name for the South Indians in Fiji.

He said the Sangam aimed to render valuable services to the community in various fields of education and cultural activities.

“The lifespan of a human being is very short, we should therefore have a legacy behind us, let us not follow where the path may lead, but let’s make our own path and leave a trail instead, he said.

Mr Naicker said one such legacy whose footprints were still imprinted in the history of Sangam was their patron saint Sadhu Kuppuswamy, better known as the father of Sangam.

Mr Naicker said he hoped the convention would bring together all Sangam members in a stronger bond of fellowship and advised members learnt more about their rich cultural heritage and language.

The Sangam runs a number of schools around the country and also has an institution for student nurses.