Sharfa Nisha

Cultural Publication Design

“Phir Milenge”, translating to “We’ll Meet Again”, introduces the historical journey that accompanies the cultural identity of being Fijian-Indian. An implication that we will see each other one way or another, I see it as an assuring statement. Despite no specification of when, where, and how, our paths would cross again. My project explored a collage-based visual narrative focused on the Fijian-Indian diaspora and their journey from the past to the present, cultural dislocation to reconnection.

Considering the significant colonial impact on Girmitiyas' (Indian indentured workers) struggles of preserving their heritage, the generational shifts shape how I define my lineage.  As an immigrant raised in a westernised nation, it is relevant for other younger generations exploring their cultural roots, as every step of the journey contributes to a complex relationship with cultural identity.

I integrated aspects of historical and personal archival images with modern elements through photo-collage. Each chapter in my publication evokes connections across time, layering textures, documentations, and motifs to visualise the complexity of cultural memory.

My design offers a personal perspective on cultural storytelling, making the Fijian-Indian history accessible and visually compelling. “Phir Milenge” invites viewers to reflect on the past while seeing its influence on contemporary identities and anticipation on cultural preservation. This direction serves as a comfort and validation for myself and others, that there is always a connection back to our ancestors, piece by piece.