Vashist Muni

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Vashist Muni assumed the leadership of the strike in the north-western districts of Fiji in 1921. He was born in Banaras, India in 1888 and arrived in Fiji, via Australia in May 1920. He was an orthodox Hindu (Sanatani) and spoke Hindi and English fluently.

Initially he carried out educational work in areas where Indians were concentrated and is reputed to have doubled the attendance of a school in Lautoka by walking through the settlements and talking to parents.He built a school in Navua, enrolling boys to study Hindi, as he wanted children to be proud of their heritage. He discouraged Indians from attending Christian schools. He donated books to schools and stated that his mission was religious. He came to the attention of the Government in November 1920 when it became aware of his non-political educational work. The Government wanted to have discussions with him on Indian education but did not manage to arrange a meeting with him.

ALthough he was apalled at the treatment of Indians in Fiji he publically stated his intention of working through constitutional means. He did not agree with those who were encouraging Indians to return to India.

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