Budget Forum at Derrick CampusHoli Celebration ReportsEarth Hour

FNUSA HQ: Quarters 30, FNU Nasinu Campus, Nasinu. Ph: 343 2455 Email: pro@fnusa.com.fj

To run any country smoothly there is a need for a carefully strategized budget from the Government. Like all countries, the Fijian Government had made their budget allocation for all the various ministries. The Attorney-General and Minister of Economy, Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, like the previous year, had visited the DERRICK campus to discuss the year’s budget and how the country’s economy had changed over the lapse of time with the current government in power.The date of the forum was set on the 20th of March, 2018. However, due to the Attorney-General’s arrival back to the country on the same day the forum date was set. It began at 9:30 and ended at 12. The 3 Hour forum began with the honorable Minister discussing in detail the 2017-2018 Budget, The amount of money that was used in the various ministries that contributed to the growth of the economy and factual data from around the world in comparison to Fiji with the aid of a PowerPoint Presentation. Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum took his time in clearly interpreting the slides to the audience to avoid ambiguity, With the Conclusion of his presentation an email address was provided by the Ministry of Economy whereby students are free to write and inquire further information he also gave time to the students who had questions about the budget presentation and other issues that they may face as students and members of the faculty.

All queries that were raised by the students and members of the faculty were answered by the Attorney-General and Minister of Economy. Recommendations were raised by students such as assumption of tuition fees for students as well as to abolish the payment of interests in TSLB loan scheme for students whose families earn a low income. Such recommendations were taken note of by the Members of the Ministry of Economy who were present. The Attorney-General and Minister of Economy’s team thanked the Derrick Students Association (DSA) for the massive turnout as well as informing the students prior to the event. The Forum was a success whereby members of the audience were satisfied with the information that was relayed to them in the forum.

Attorney-General and Minister of Economy Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with members of the Derrick Students Association (DSA). Picture: DSA

Attorney-General and Minister of Economy Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum listens as DSA President Mr. Rizwan Asgar asks his question on clarifyimg free education. Photo: DSA

Attorney-General and Minister of Economy Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum thoroughly explains the PowerPoint Presentation as Students, Members of the Faculty and Vice Chancellor Mr. Nigel Healey looks on. Photo: DSA

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Holi- is a Hindu spring festival not only is it celebrated in India but throughout the world. It is known as the festival of colors

There are various aspects of Holi which makes it so significant. Though it might not be so apparent but a closer look and a little thought will reveal the significance of Holi in more ways than what meets the eyes. Ranging from social-cultural, religious to biological, there is every reason why we must heartily enjoy the festival and cherish the reasons for its celebration.

The Executive members of Fiji National University Students Association who are part of the Ba campus had organized a Holi celebration at its campus. The celebration was held on the 2nd of March, 2018. The ceremony was conducted from 11.30am to 1.00pm. The President of Fiji National University Students Association Mr. Ketan Kirit Lal served as the chief guest and was accompanied by his executive team.

The Holi Celebration was a success as staff and students of Ba Campus enjoyed immensely with the Executive Members of the Fiji National University Students Association. Refreshments were also provided for those who attended the celebration.

FNU Student Association President Mr. Ketan Lal with Ba Student Association President Mr. Divyesh Maharaj. Picture: Ba.SA

FNUSA Executive Members with students of Ba Campus. Picture: Ba.SA Students of Ba Campus with their item, Picture: Ba.SA

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Holi being a very important event in the Indian calendar we, the DSA, thought that the students of the university should get a chance to celebrate this with each other. This was also a chance for the regional students to experience different culture and cultural practices.The event was held on 9th of March from 7pm to 10pm. The preparations of this event had begun one week earlier. Every member of the association had been given different tasks to carry out. The posters and advocating on the celebration was carried out by the association PRO. The host for the event was chosen to be the associations VP. The chief guest for the event was chosen to be Dr Rao.

The celebrations began with a bang by a performance by Desi Beats Dance Crew. They also performed two other items on different timings during the event. There was traditional Holi song (Faag) singing presentation by an invited group, SKYSAA Mandli. The event lasted for two and a half hour.

All guests present were served with dinner by members of the association. Food was prepared by Mohammad Dhaba. There was also color provided for playing since Holi is the festival of colors.

At the end of the day, the initiative taken by the DSA to celebrated Holi with staffs and students of FNU Samabula was acknowledged by all that were present. The event being a success has motivated the association in carrying out more events as such.

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” ~Wassily Kandinsky

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HOLI CELEBRATION - A FESTIVAL OF COLORS

Holi is known as the “festival of colors” and is celebrated by Hindus in Fiji and all over the world. It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many, a festive day to meet others play and laugh, forgive and forget, and repair broken relationships. It is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. Holi was celebrated by the Indian Cultural Students Association (ICRA) on Monday 5th March, 2018 at the FNU Natabua foyer. There were around 200 students present for this special event, which consisted of not only Indian Students, but also students from other cultural groups such as i-Taukei students. The students of our campus danced and sang to celebrate this special occasion. This is also an event that brings Indian students together and for them to be able to know one another and put aside their differences. The Indian Cultural Students Association (ICRA) invited the Acting Dean of the College of Humanities and Education, Professor Unaisi Nabobo, as the chief guest for the day. Other lecturers and staff of the campus also turned up to witness the program. Professor Nabobo highlighted that “Holi is about bringing people together”. ICRA also provided sweets and juice as refreshments for the students to enjoy as part of the celebration. The i-Taukei students got to enjoy the refreshments just like their Hindu brothers and sisters. After the formal aspects of the event were done, students splashed colors and water for an hour after which the program endedProfessor Nabobo delivers her speech to students and lecturers present at the

Celebration. Picture: ICRA

Mrs. Vidya Singh introduces the chief Guest Acting Dean of College of Humanities and Chief Guest Professor Unaisi Nabobo. Picture: ICRA

Acting Dean of College of Humanities and Educatio Professor Unaisi Nabobo as she delivers her speech at the nCelebration. Picture: ICRA

Staff and students of FNU Natabua Campus enjoys theEntertainment. Photo: ICRA

Students sing and play with colors as the Celebration Continues in Natabua. Photo: ICRA

FNU Natabua Students Association President Margeret Gabriel wasalso part of the Holi Celebrations that was conducted in theirSchool’s Foyer. Picture: ICRA

Master of Ceremony and FNUSAN Treasurer

Members of ICRA with FNUSA NSA President MargaretGabriel and FNUSAN Treasurer Salvin Kumar.

Photo: ICRA

Students of Natabua celebrating Holi with songs.Photo: ICRA

Students of FNU Natabua Campus celebrate Holi by singing And playing instruments. Photo: ICRA

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The FNUSA had its first Annual General Meeting on the 24th of March, 2018. This function was held at the FNU Ba Campus.However, aside from going over the main agenda for the AGM, FNUSA had also incorporated the commemoration of the global eventknown as Earth Hour, which fell on the same date as the AGM, at 8.30pm.Each of the voting members of the AGM had received reusable bags from the SA, containing a notepad and pen. The bags werebranded with the FNUSA logo, the logo of earth hour (60+) and the logo for the World Wide Fund for Nature (panda bear), which isthe body that established the Earth Hour practice.Additionally, the Vice President Communications of FSMed, Melissa Sami, gave an elaborate speech on the definition of Earth Hour,its foundation and its significance. It was an enlightening experience for all those who were present, including the Nationalexecutives, association presidents and the voting members of the 11 FNU campuses.The AGM concluded with a photo session, during which the students held up their Earth Hour reusable bags and posed with smileson their faces.

Students with their Earth Hour Reusable bags. Photo: FNUSA

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