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Living the Legacy

Living the Legacy

Date: 2017-09-22

The month of September is significant in many aspects not only to the country but to Hindus as well. Heritage month has been set aside since our democracy to celebrate the rich heritage and multitude of cultures that make up the boisterous rainbow nation.

The beauty of South Africa lies in its unity amidst the pronounced diversity. For Hindus, the time of Puratassi/ Mahalaya Pacham is quite significant in that it is dedicated to the remembrance and worship of our ancestors who played an inextricable role in our progress and success.

It was with that in mind that the Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple in concluding its centenary celebrations dedicated a special heritage garden on the premises which was unveiled by the late Dr Ahmed Kathrada.

The cherry on the top was the publication of the book "Living the Legacy" authored by Ms Tholsi Mudly and officially launched by MEC Ravi Pillay. The book is a nostalgic journey down memory lane, to a time when community meant a family that lived together (barracks) and worked together for their collective growth and development which seems to be very difficult to achieve now.

The story scripted in a conversational style narrates beautifully the simplicity, humility and most importantly the selfless attitude of people who did whatever they did with no expectation of rewards, name or fame. Today 157 years later, seated on the lap of increased comforts and luxuries there is a trend of increased unhappiness. The converse was found to be true earlier where the forbears had so little but enjoyed happiness and contentment.

The book is a wonderful read especially for our youth who may want to understand a bit more about the kind of lives our forefathers lived. It is also an important contributor to our current social cohesion project.

The book illustrates how our communities both Black and Indian lived cheek by jowl sharing pastimes and resources to sustain themselves during the darkest days of exploitation.

The narrative is palpable and draws on the emotion of the reader who at times may shed a tear or two at the hardships, pain and suffering experienced by people who came to a foreign land that was promised to be paved with gold.

The theme explores adventurously the perseverance, courage, compassion, humility, love, forthrightness, integrity and honour that defined a legacy that is nonpareil. In celebrating Heritage Month and the special time dedicated to ancestor worship we bow our heads in utmost reverence to the great ancestors for their invaluable contributions towards a free and democratic South Africa.

Copies of the book are still available on sale from the Temple. Contact the office during office hours on 032 - 945 1496 or email info@svet.org.za