Sikh man featured on a Fijian currency note

A $2 note issued by the Fijian government features a turban wearing Sikh man, acknowledging the contribution made by the Sikh community in Fiji, for over a century.

Sikh man featured on a Fijian note Source: Supplied

The obverse side of the Y2K Fijian $2 note features six different faces, including that of Islander children  in different costumes, but for the first time ever, a Sikh man's has been depicted on a Fijian currency note.

Both sides of the Fijian $2 note Source: Supplied

This maybe the first ever depiction of a turbaned Sikh on any currency note in the world. 

Fiji has a large population of Indian origin people. But unlike the majority of Fiji's Indian population, who are descendants of Girmitiyas -- the Indian indentured labourers  brought to Fiji between 1879 and 1916 -- most of the Sikhs are known to have come to Fiji as free immigrants. Most members of the Sikh community are known to have established themselves as farmers, or worked as policemen, teachers and preachers.

Source: Supplied

SBS Punjabi program has contaced the High Commissioner of Fiji to Australia, Hon Yogesh Punja about this, and will bring you that interview shortly!