The Telugu of Fiji have ancestral origins in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states of South India. The Telugu who migrated to Fiji were mostly farmers from the lower caste (a pattern of social classes in Hinduism). India and Fiji were both parts of the British Empire. The British needed cheap labor to work on Fijian plantations, so in the 1870s they recruited people from all over India, including Andhra Pradesh. They came as indentured servants. Their living and working conditions were so poor that the scheme was abolished. Eventually, more arrived in the early 1900s as free workers. They served the needs of the British Empire during both world wars and after. They became more populous than native Fijians for a couple of years. Later, the best and brightest of the Telugus began to leave Fiji for better opportunities elsewhere.
Telugus in Fiji are blended in with all other ethnic groups from South Asia. Some have tried to describe them as “Indo-Fijian,” but that term is controversial. Many Telugus are professionals and have middle-level occupations in commerce and government service. They have made their mark in Fiji not only in the business sector but also in professional athletics, acting and politics.
The Telugu are mainly followers of Hinduism. For the Hindu majority, their "Hinduism" is as much a lifestyle as it is a religion. Telugu are mainly Vaishnavites (followers of the deity Vishna). Telugu participate in festivals celebrated by most Indian Hin
Telugus in Fiji have health needs that need more attention. They are especially prone to get type 2 diabetes.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out loving and committed workers to Telegu speakers in Fiji.
Pray for Telegu-speaking disciples to make more disciples and plant churches.
Pray for spiritual hunger for Telugu-speaking people in Fiji.
Scripture Prayers for the South Asian, Telugu-speaking in Fiji.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Fijians
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
