SA Indians celebrate their legacy
The steering committee of expatriates from South Africa now residing in Sydney marked the 150th anniversary commemorating the arrival of indentured Indians to South Africa, their former homeland through an event called the ‘1860 Legacy’. The event was held in Bowman Hall, Blacktown on April 16, and was well-attended by members of the South African expat community and other well wishers. The event also offered an opportunity for attendees to remember not just the arrival of those brave Indian labourers, but also to pay homage and celebrate the contributions and achievements of the South African Indian community to the overall development of the country.
In remembrance of their legacy, the foyer leading to the main hall was adorned with depictions of canefields, coalmines and railways, including replicated pictures of indentured labourers, both men and women. Indian artifacts and saris were a part of the décor and video clips of the earliest settlers to those of the present day were viewed by attendees.
Among the dignitaries that attended were Mr Naglin Moodley, President of the Indian Cultural Advancement Society Australia (ICASA); Mr Camalasagaran Mudely: Former General Secretary Natal Indian Cane Growers Association, Mr D J Thomas: Educationist and retired High School Principal; Dr Indira Naidoo, Medical Practitioner and Mr R K Naidoo: Former V/President for Professional Matters Teachers Association of South Africa (TASA)
Guest of Honour Mr Kajan Mudeliar, Educator and Community Leader, delivered the keynote address. He spoke about paying tribute to the forefathers who set foot on South African soil 150 years ago and their instinctive sense of justice, community solidarity, self-help and the proud legacy they left behind. He then began an overview of events that shaped the destiny of those present, bringing back nostalgic memories which are now in the annals of history.
Mr Mudeliar honoured those courageous, adventurous and enterprising men and women and their spirit of sacrifice, hard work and perseverance. Early Indian labourers had to endure harsh working conditions that were reminiscent of slavery, and after toiling their way out of its yoke, today they and their successive descendants have achieved excellence in different fields of endeavour. They positively contributed and continue to do so in the fields of education, business, sport, religion, politics and broadly in the reconstruction and development of South African society as a whole. The story of indentured Indians, he said, is best told by Ashwin Desai and Goolam Vahed in their recent book entitled Inside Indian Indenture - A South African Story.
Almost from their earliest arrival, Indians have been politically involved and fought for equal rights, the most notable one being Mahatma Gandhi. Other outstanding leaders and activists like Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Dr Mogamberry Naicker, Nana Sita and others contributed to the historic birth of a post-apartheid South Africa. The first democratic parliament after the 1994 elections had Indians in the cabinet and presently, Mr Pravin Gordhan holds an important cabinet post as Minister of Finance.
Mr Mudeliar averred that everyone should learn from these indentured labourers who implemented a simple, yet highly effective ethos under which they lived, namely a strong focus on education and a solid family value system. Indians, he said, have excelled in the fields of education, law, medecine, sports, the arts and social services, citing examples of exemplary citizenship.
“Today the Indian community in South Africa has inherited the optimism and enterprise of their forefathers who had a burning desire to ensure a better life for their families,” stated Mr Mudeliar. The Indian community now possesses a good education, entrepreneurial flair, capital and a work ethic, and is ideally suited to boost economic growth.
Said Mr Mudeliar, “The150th Anniversary celebration would make all proud as we share and honour those that came before us, and shape the kind of society we should leave for those that will follow.” He also congratulated and thanked Chairman, Dr Poobalan Naidoo and his the steering committee for their initiative and effort in putting together this programme.
Mr Krish and Mrs Saroj Padyachee lit the Torch of Remembrance and of Triumphs, followed by entertaining dances comprising of Bharatnatyam, Bollywood and modern Indian. The music from Mixed Vibrations had people on the dance floor.
The evening ended on a positive note with all members and attendees enjoying the programme and expressing satisfaction at all aspects of the event.
