Six Generations Apart: Fiji Family Returns to Ancestral Village in Basti After 115 Years

Basti, Uttar Pradesh:
In an emotional reunion that bridged 115 years and thousands of miles, Ravindra Dutt and his wife Keshni Hare arrived in Kabra village of the Bankati development block, tracing the roots of a family story that began in 1910. Their ancestors had left India as girmitiya labourers during the British era and settled permanently in Fiji. On Friday, the couple finally stood on the soil their forefathers once called home.

A Journey Rooted in History

Ravindra Dutt’s great-grandfather, Gareeb Ram, was among the many Indians taken to Fiji in 1910 as indentured labourers under the British “girmit” system. Forced into hard labour and denied the opportunity to return home, he and his descendants built their lives in Fiji.
After decades, the family managed to recover an old immigration pass containing crucial details about their ancestor—an important clue that helped them trace their Indian lineage.

A Promise Made in Ayodhya

Ravindra first travelled to India in 2019 in search of his ancestral family. During the visit, he went to Ayodhya and prayed to Lord Ram to help him reunite with his long-lost relatives.
Years of internet research and communication with locals finally led him to Kabra village in Basti district.

Tears of Joy as Generations Reunite

As Ravindra and Keshni stepped into the village, emotions ran high. Awaiting them were the descendants of Gareeb Ram’s brothers—Bhola Chaudhary, Gorkhanath, Vishwanath, Dinesh, Umesh, Ramugrah and several other family members.
Villagers welcomed them warmly, taking photographs, sharing stories, and celebrating the return of their lost family after more than a century. Ravindra also interacted with children at the primary school and captured the memories on camera.

Invitation to Fiji for the Sixth Generation

Overwhelmed by the love and hospitality, Ravindra Dutt invited the sixth generation of his extended family to visit Fiji. He said the trip had strengthened his bond with India forever and promised to return often to share their joys and sorrows.
Village representative Ravi Prakash Chaudhary said the visit brought immense excitement to the entire village, becoming a moment of history for Kabra.