Dynamic Era of Fijian Writing

In an article published recently (Fiji Times 04/08/2017) Dr. Joseph Veramu, a policy analyst consultant argues that “apart from the prolific internationally renowned writer Dr. Satendra Nandan, the Fijian writing scene appears dormant”. It might be prudent to imply that the writer is not aware of the number of writers that have emerged in the last few decades. Then again the article is quite contradicting when the author concludes “it appears that a lot of creative works are being produced locally”. In fact, there is a new vigour in Fijian writing as evident from an online publication New Fijian Writing (http://fijianstudies.net/2014-21/) which has significant mix of established and new writers, among them 10 old writers such as Subramani, Teresia Teiawa, Senoa Smiles, Satish Rai, Mohit Prasad, Larry Thomas, Joini Madraiwiwi, Satendra Nandan, Sudesh Mishra, and Brij Lal, with more than 15 new writers such as Bhim Singh, Satvick Dass, Anna Rarasea, Afsana Anzeg, Pauline Reyland, Praveen Chandra, Pranesh Prasad, Sakiusa Viaviaturaga, Seruwaia Vukivou, Anurag Subramani, Izaz Khan, Kelera Tuvou, Shyamendra Shrama and Harish Sharma. The notion of writing in Fiji has always been an ongoing pursuit and there seems to be a thrust in writing as more writers have joined in to continue the legacy.