Mount Edgecombe Mariammen Temple

By Marimuthu Subramoney A temple started by an indentured woman labourer at Mount Edgcombe on the North Coast in 1891 has progressed to become one of the most popular religious institutions today. The Shri Mariammen Hindu Temple, which at one time faced demolition by the sugar bosses, today, nearly 120 years later, attracts more 300 000 devotees and visitors annually during the Easter period. The woman, who was identified as Velatchee, was working in the area as a gardener when she discovered a Puthoo or sacred mound. "Our information is that the woman wrapped the mound with a saree and thereafter the community built a tin shanty around it," said 67-year-old Ruthnam Veeran, who was secretary general of the temple in 1980. "The site was called the Mariammen Temple and the woman became the priest. Thereafter once a year in July the Mariammen or porridge prayer used to be observed at the make-shift temple," said Mr Veeran, whose indentured grand-father hailed from the state of Kerala in south India. The "tin shanty" temple served the community until the 1920s when the owners of the sugar estate, Natal Estates, helped the community to build a wood and iron building and a road to the temple. Some of the early pioneers who helped in the temple work included Harilall(chairman); Vadi, K. Nagapan, Short Peru, Dorasamy, Peri Boy, P. Ramsamy, Kadai Perie, and Sam Pillay, who taught Tamil and acted as a priest. In the late 1970s and early 1980s the number of devotees visiting the temple began to increase dramatically following the establishment of the Phoenix township. But the future of the temple was threatened in the early 1980s when the Tongaat-Hulett Group, which took over ownership of the estate from Natal Estates, decided to close down the barracks and move the people. Mr P. Dixon Chinsamy, who was another senior official at that time, said Tongaat-Hulett wanted the temple officials to breakdown the temple and move it to Campbells Town. "But the temple officials refused and informed the white bosses that if they wanted to demolish the temple they should do it themselves," said Mr Chinsamy. "They told us they will give us two weeks to change our minds because as far as they were concerned 'the temple is only an ant-heap'. Our officials, led by K. Nagappa, insisted that we will not bow to any pressures. "They then told us that they will bring in a bulldozer and smash the wood and iron building. One of the bosses, Van Rooyen, said he would drive the bulldozer himself. When he was just about to drive the bulldozer, he collapsed and died of heart-attack on the spot. "The personnel manager, Des Brewer, who was there at the time phoned his boss and told him of what had just taken place. Brewer then tried to intimidate us. He pulled off his shoes and went inside the temple. He found two eggs that we had offered as prayer. "When he broke the eggs and found that they were empty he took fright and told us that we would be informed in two weeks about the future of the temple. After two weeks he telephoned to tell us that we can keep the temple," said Mr Chinsamy. Over the next two decades the temple underwent major improvements and renovation under the leadership of Mr Arumagum Archary, Mr Ruthnam Veeran, Mr Dixon Chinsamy and other officials. Today the temple boasts facilities for both Hindi and Tamil-speaking devotees, offices and a modern hall. One of the officials who assists in the running of the temple today is Mr Pat Palliam, a Tamil scholar and cultural leader. "This temple has become a major place of spirituality because the people experience the divine power of the mother," said Palliam in fluent Tamil. "The powers of the mother is all embracing and the devotees feel her presence. That is why we have devotees here everyday and during Easter more than 300 000 visit the temple. All of us who help here are the mother's servants." The chairman of the Temple, Gonaseelan Archary, said they promote the temple as a spiritual insititution for all people and for all faiths. "We want the temple to be a place of spirituality for all people. But at the same time we take great pride in acknowledging our roots and promoting our cultures, traditions and languages. Our forefathers have sacrificed a great deal for us and we have to keep alive their legacy," said Archary. "In addition to the religious activities, we also become involved in social upliftment and community development. We are part and parcel of the community we serve." ends

Mount Edgecombe Mariammen Temple

By Marimuthu Subramoney A temple started by an indentured woman labourer at Mount Edgcombe on the North Coast in 1891 has progressed to become one of the most popular religious institutions today. The Shri Mariammen Hindu Temple, which at one time faced demolition by the sugar bosses, today, nearly 120 years later, attracts more 300 000 devotees and visitors annually during the Easter period. The woman, who was identified as Velatchee, was working in the area as a gardener when she discovered a Puthoo or sacred mound. "Our information is that the woman wrapped the mound with a saree and thereafter the community built a tin shanty around it," said 67-year-old Ruthnam Veeran, who was secretary general of the temple in 1980. "The site was called the Mariammen Temple and the woman became the priest. Thereafter once a year in July the Mariammen or porridge prayer used to be observed at the make-shift temple," said Mr Veeran, whose indentured grand-father hailed from the state of Kerala in south India. The "tin shanty" temple served the community until the 1920s when the owners of the sugar estate, Natal Estates, helped the community to build a wood and iron building and a road to the temple. Some of the early pioneers who helped in the temple work included Harilall(chairman); Vadi, K. Nagapan, Short Peru, Dorasamy, Peri Boy, P. Ramsamy, Kadai Perie, and Sam Pillay, who taught Tamil and acted as a priest. In the late 1970s and early 1980s the number of devotees visiting the temple began to increase dramatically following the establishment of the Phoenix township. But the future of the temple was threatened in the early 1980s when the Tongaat-Hulett Group, which took over ownership of the estate from Natal Estates, decided to close down the barracks and move the people. Mr P. Dixon Chinsamy, who was another senior official at that time, said Tongaat-Hulett wanted the temple officials to breakdown the temple and move it to Campbells Town. "But the temple officials refused and informed the white bosses that if they wanted to demolish the temple they should do it themselves," said Mr Chinsamy. "They told us they will give us two weeks to change our minds because as far as they were concerned 'the temple is only an ant-heap'. Our officials, led by K. Nagappa, insisted that we will not bow to any pressures. "They then told us that they will bring in a bulldozer and smash the wood and iron building. One of the bosses, Van Rooyen, said he would drive the bulldozer himself. When he was just about to drive the bulldozer, he collapsed and died of heart-attack on the spot. "The personnel manager, Des Brewer, who was there at the time phoned his boss and told him of what had just taken place. Brewer then tried to intimidate us. He pulled off his shoes and went inside the temple. He found two eggs that we had offered as prayer. "When he broke the eggs and found that they were empty he took fright and told us that we would be informed in two weeks about the future of the temple. After two weeks he telephoned to tell us that we can keep the temple," said Mr Chinsamy. Over the next two decades the temple underwent major improvements and renovation under the leadership of Mr Arumagum Archary, Mr Ruthnam Veeran, Mr Dixon Chinsamy and other officials. Today the temple boasts facilities for both Hindi and Tamil-speaking devotees, offices and a modern hall. One of the officials who assists in the running of the temple today is Mr Pat Palliam, a Tamil scholar and cultural leader. "This temple has become a major place of spirituality because the people experience the divine power of the mother," said Palliam in fluent Tamil. "The powers of the mother is all embracing and the devotees feel her presence. That is why we have devotees here everyday and during Easter more than 300 000 visit the temple. All of us who help here are the mother's servants." The chairman of the Temple, Gonaseelan Archary, said they promote the temple as a spiritual insititution for all people and for all faiths. "We want the temple to be a place of spirituality for all people. But at the same time we take great pride in acknowledging our roots and promoting our cultures, traditions and languages. Our forefathers have sacrificed a great deal for us and we have to keep alive their legacy," said Archary. "In addition to the religious activities, we also become involved in social upliftment and community development. We are part and parcel of the community we serve." ends

ROY PADAYCHIE -" A TRUE SON OF THE SOIL"

"As a community that obviously sometimes regard itself as a minority community in the situation in South Africa we must not allow ourselves to be marginalised. It is in the interests of this community that we become part and parcel of the mainstream of political development in the new South Africa." These were the wise and noble words of the late Minister Roy Padaychie in an interview with this correspondent four years ago in Durban. Mr Padaychie, who was the Minister of Communications at that time, was supporting the initiative of a number of former political activists and leaders who were discussing the possibility of the establishment of a Forum or Lobby Group to tackle socio-economic issues affecting the poor and the under-privileged. As a former political activist himself for more than 28 years, I wanted to get his views on the initiative. Despite his busy schedule, the Minister readily allocated some time for the interview during one of his assignments in Durban. "Beneath all these discussions," he said, "there are many many people who have emerged genuinely concerned about the future of this community and concerned about many of the problems affecting this community, particularly those who come from the indentured part of the community who have found it extremely difficult to cope with the transition and some of the social and economic problems affecting this community." He added: "The most important thing is that we must establish regular contact between the ANC leadership at all levels, the provincial structures, the leadership in various communities, and all those members who see themselves more keen to participate in this forum and address the problems wherever they are." He was of the view that South Africans of Indian origin must guard against marginalising or isolating themselves from the mainstream of South African politics and life. "This view has been supported by various leaders of the community and even the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlall Nehru, who said that Indians in South Africa were South Africans first and foremost and they become fully involve in the socio-economic-political life of the country." Padaychie said the sacrifices of the forefathers of indentured labourers should not be overlooked. "The new generation must take advantage of the opportunities created in the new South Africa. Our forefathers who emigrated from India to come here had a vision that they were laying roots, they were planting seeds in the soil of Africa so that generations that came after them could have a better life in this part of the world, in this continent. "And in a very interesting way I think we constitute the chosen generation of the successive layers of Indian people since 1860. We have come to actualise the freedom envisaged by our forefathers. They edged their bets, they took their courage and sailed across the seas as indentured labourers so that they could sow the seeds and lay the foundations for future generations. "We are the lucky generation, we are growing in the freedom that they had envisaged." As a descendant of indentured labourers, Mr Padaychie, who passed away on Friday, May 4 in the Ethiopean capital of Addis Ababa while on government duty, also experienced the oppression of the former white regime. In the late 1970s, Padaychie, his parents, brothers and sisters were forced to move to Chatsworth from Clairwood after they were affected by the notorious Group Areas Act. (The Group Areas Act was introduced by the former National Party Government to separate the residential areas of whites, coloured people, Africans and Indians.) It was in Chatsworth that Padaychie became involved in the revival of the Natal Indian Congress, and later in organisations such as the Chatsworth Housing Action Committee, the United Democratic Front, the Release Mandela Committee, the Anti-South African Indian Council Committee and finally the ANC. After his schooling, he studied at the University of Durban-Westville where he joined activists like Pravin Gordhan, Zac Yacoob, Yunus Mahomed and others, to confront the apartheid state. Despite his involvement in student politics, he managed to complete his Bachelor of Science degree and later, after finding work at the Shell Company, he was granted a scholarship to study for his Masters at the University of London. Here he further heightened his anti-apartheid struggles and worked closely with leaders of the calibre of Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Aziz Pahad, Frene Ginwala, Oliver Tambo, the president of the ANC at that time, and many others. After his return he continued with his anti-apartheid work, especially in Chatsworth, and established a non-government organisation to foster early childhood education. After the ANC was unbanned in 1990 and Nelson Mandela was released from prison, Padaychie joined other activists in promoting the ANC and establishing branches all over the place. He was inducted into the new non-racial Government when he was appointed Deputy Minister of Communications in 2004 by former President Thabo Mbeki. He was later appointed Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration in 2009 by President Jacob Zuma. In 2010 he was appointed Minister of Communications and in 2011 he was appointed to the position of Minister of Public Service and Administration. In paying tribute to Minister Padaychie at his official funeral service at the Sahara Kingsmead Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, President Zuma said the Minister was not only a dedicated and committed comrade but also a very hard-working Minister. "He was concerned about the well-being of the people and went the extra mile to ensure that the lives of the people were improved," said President Zuma. "He has left a legacy and I hope others will follow in his footsteps." President Zuma was the main speaker at the funeral service. The others included Bishop Reuben Philip, leader of the Anglican Church in KwaZulu-Natal; Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosana Dlamini Zuma; Padaychie's daughter, Mrs Trevana Moodley; Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan; KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Zweli Mkhize; and World Tamil leader, Suren Surendiran. There was also a speaker from Kenya, who represented the African Peer Review. The master of ceremonies was Minister Trevor Manuel, who read out messages of tribute from many organisations, governments and leaders. After the official ceremony, Minister Padaychie's body was driven in a convoy to the Claire Estate Crematorium, where his last rites took place. Minister Padaychie has been described as a "true son of the soil" and at this hour of grief, our solidarity is with Mrs Sally Padaychie, children and other family members. Hambe Kahle Comrade Roy. Ends Subry Govender

Lack of commitment by law agencies

Why is crime so high? By Subry Govender In the village of Tea Estate near the North Coast town of Verulam in South Africa a man, only known as Bhakabhaka, is butchered by a gang of thugs on January 28. Six days later on February 3 at Everest Heights in the Verulam town Verulam itself, 82-year-old Mrs Minambal Baker is strangled to death in her home by callous and vicious criminals.
About 10km further north in the town of Tongaat, a 20-year-old youth, Kriben Moodley, is shot dead by armed gunmen in a senseless murder on February 19 while trying to protect his sister and girl-friend in the local suburb of Belvedere.
Then we have groups of thugs raiding the home of Mrs J H Mtungwa in Verulam town on February 10, the home of Mr A M Debipersad in Buffelsdraai, near the town of Verulam, on February 11, one the same day they break into the local Zenzeleni Primary School; in Tongaat they hold up the Krish Suredin family in the suburb of Watsonia on February 2.
In all the break-ins, the violent thugs use firearms and other weapons to kill, threaten to kill, and tie-up homeowners before escapaing with tv sets, jewellery, cash, and other valuables.
What is even more frightening is that the armed criminals and bandits spare no one, not even those who have been part and parcel of bringing about our new non-racial democracy and police officers as well.
Anti-apartheid political activist and stalwart, Siva Naidoo, and his son, were held up at their home in the suburbs Watsonia in Tongaat recently. The armed thugs got away with jewellery and other valuables.
Then last week, criminals broke into the home of Tongaat SAPF media liaison officer, Warrant Officer Mandy Govender, and escaped with goods worth thousands of rand.
The criminals have become so fearless that they even make their way into people's homes in broad day light and in full view of the public. This is what happened in Redcliffe in Verulam last week when criminals got into the home of an elderly couple, held them up at knife-point and demanded that the couple hand over jewellery and other goods.
These are just some of the latest incidents that one is aware of. There are still countless other incidents that are not reported to the police or the police just don't bother to release to the media.
The crime rate, especially violent crime, has become a cause for concern over the past 20 years or so. It's reported that more people have been killed during incidents of violent crime than at any time before.
According to sources, the crime rate in Phoenix, Verulam, Tongaat, Stanger, Chakas Rock and Ballito on the North Coast, other areas of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa in general has just escalated over the past few months and "gone out of control".
What's the reason for this atrocity? Are these areas on the North Coast being targeted for a specific reason?
Are the police not doing their work?
While the national police commissioner, General Bheki Cele; the Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa; and President Jacob Zuma have called on the police "to loose their bellies" in the fight against criminals, the crime rate just escalates.
There may be many honest and hard-working police officers around, but it seems they are just too overwhelmed by the run-away crime wave.
At the same time the impression given is that the some police officers just "don't care" because they receive their salaries at the end of each month and they don't have to put in the extra effort. Whether the police are committed or not they will still be paid. The image is that they only take down complaints and thereafter leave the reports to gather dust in their files.
Many residents believe that private security pesonnel are more on the job and effective than police officers. They point out if the police were doing their jobs properly, then there would be no need for private security companies in almost every town and locality of the country.
When we fought for our freedom from white minority rule and domination, we were committed to the ideal of a free society where people would live without any fear of criminals or other members of society. Sadly now we have to live like prisoners in our own homes. And even living behind high walls, electrified fences, alarm systems and armed response boards don't seem to be a deterrent to the criminals.
There's no doubt that socio-economic conditions like unemployment and poverty also contribute to the crime situation. But the question that boggles the mind is this: If you are in need of food, why don't you register with the social welfare department or ask for help from charitable institutions, religious organisations or welfare agencies?
Why does one have to resort to breaking into people's homes, hold up the residents, open fire and kill, and steal goods that taxpayers and ratepayers have purchased through their hard-earned income?
Have we lost all sense of morality and concern for other people's lives and properties? Has stealing and killing become the culture among the miscreants and misfits? The message must go out to the police and the government - national, provincial and local - that enough is enough. This is the limit and we cannot take it any longer.
If they cannot do the job, then they must vacate their positions. We cannot allow our country to be reduced to the status of a failed, corrupt and miserable third world state. - Subry Govender, Political Journalist and Editor

Mount Edgcombe Shri Mariammen Temple – an institution steeped in history

Mount Edgcombe Shri Mariammen Temple – an institution steeped in history By Subry Govender A temple started by an indentured woman labourer at Mount Edgcombe on the North Coast in 1891 has progressed to become one of the most popular religious institutions today. The Shri Mariammen Hindu Temple, which at one time faced demolition by the sugar bosses, today, nearly 122 years later, attracts more 300 000 devotees and visitors annually during the Easter period. The woman, who was identified as Velatchee, was working in the area as a gardener when she discovered a Puthoo or sacred mound. "Our information is that the woman wrapped the mound with a saree and thereafter the community built a tin shanty around it," said 67-year-old Ruthnam Veeran, who was secretary general of the temple in 1980. "The site was called the Mariammen Temple and the woman became the priest. Thereafter once a year in July the Mariammen or porridge prayer used to be observed at the make-shift temple," said Mr Veeran, whose indentured grand-father hailed from the state of Kerala in south India. The "tin shanty" temple served the community until the 1920s when the owners of the sugar estate, Natal Estates, helped the community to build a wood and iron building and a road to the temple. Some of the early pioneers who helped in the temple work included Harilall(chairman); Vadi, K. Nagapan, Short Peru, Dorasamy, Peri Boy, P. Ramsamy, Kadai Perie, and Sam Pillay, who taught Tamil and acted as a priest. In the late 1970s and early 1980s the number of devotees visiting the temple began to increase dramatically following the establishment of the Phoenix township. But the future of the temple was threatened in the early 1980s when the Tongaat-Hulett Group, which took over ownership of the estate from Natal Estates, decided to close down the barracks and move the people. Mr P. Dixon Chinsamy, who was another senior official at that time, said Tongaat-Hulett wanted the temple officials to breakdown the temple and move it to Campbells Town. "But the temple officials refused and informed the white bosses that if they wanted to demolish the temple they should do it themselves," said Mr Chinsamy. "They told us they will give us two weeks to change our minds because as far as they were concerned 'the temple is only an ant-heap'. Our officials, led by K. Nagappa, insisted that we will not bow to any pressures. "They then told us that they will bring in a bulldozer and smash the wood and iron building. One of the bosses, Van Rooyen, said he would drive the bulldozer himself. When he was just about to drive the bulldozer, he collapsed and died of heart-attack on the spot. "The personnel manager, Des Brewer, who was there at the time phoned his boss and told him of what had just taken place. Brewer then tried to intimidate us. He pulled off his shoes and went inside the temple. He found two eggs that we had offered as prayer. "When he broke the eggs and found that they were empty he took fright and told us that we would be informed in two weeks about the future of the temple. After two weeks he telephoned to tell us that we can keep the temple," said Mr Chinsamy. Over the next two decades the temple underwent major improvements and renovation under the leadership of Mr Arumagum Archary, Mr Ruthnam Veeran, Mr Dixon Chinsamy and other officials. Today the temple boasts facilities for both Hindi and Tamil-speaking devotees, offices and a modern hall. One of the officials who assists in the running of the temple today is Mr Pat Palliam, a Tamil scholar and cultural leader. "This temple has become a major place of spirituality because the people experience the divine power of the mother," said Palliam in fluent Tamil. "The powers of the mother is all embracing and the devotees feel her presence. That is why we have devotees here everyday and during Easter more than 300 000 visit the temple. All of us who help here are the mother's servants." The chairman of the Temple, Gonaseelan Archary, said they promote the temple as a spiritual insititution for all people and for all faiths. "We want the temple to be a place of spirituality for all people. But at the same time we take great pride in acknowledging our roots and promoting our cultures, traditions and languages. Our forefathers have sacrificed a great deal for us and we have to keep alive their legacy," said Archary. "In addition to the religious activities, we also become involved in social upliftment and community development. We are part and parcel of the community we serve." ends

Southside FM Radio Update delivered at SATF musical festival on Sunday, July 8 2012

SOUTHSIDE FM RADIO (NPO No: 089 - 426) P.O. Box 486 Verulam 4340 Tel: 031 - 568 1309/082 376 9053 email: ptsa@global.co.za/subrygovender@gmail.com July 8 2012 UPDATE PRESENTATION AT SATF MUSIC FESTIVAL IN WOODHURST, CHATSWORTH SUNDAY, JULY 8 2012 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vanakkam and Namaskaram. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and boys and girls. I want to thank Mr Richard Govender and his team for giving an opportunity to brief you about the latest developments regarding the establishment of our south Indian radio station - Southside FM. When Richard telephoned me and asked me to give an update about the radio station, I agreed without any hesitation because I felt that it wasvitally important for us to keep the people informed of our progress. When we first initiated the project about three years, we thought that it would be an easy process - just obtaining the licence and frequency from ICASA. But, unfortunately, we were seriously mistaken. After a great deal of communications ICASA and Sentech, we were granted a five-year community class licence in September last year. We then thought it would be a formality before ICASA would grant us a frequency so that we could launch the radio station. We, therefore, organised a very successful cultural programme and fund-raising function at the MTSS in Merebank on February 27. But since our function, ICASA has been pushing us around for our request for a frequency in our main target market area of Durban, North Coast, South Coast and Pietermaritzburg. ICASA said they had no frequency in the Durban area and only granted us a frequency in the Port Shepstone area from Port Edward to Umkomaas. After several months of frustration, our Management Committee then decided that we must have a meeting with ICASA to sort out the problem. Together with Ms Poomanie Pauline Naidoo, president of the SATF, Mr Micky Chetty, former president of SATF and current president of the International Organisation for the Promotion of Tamil, Mr Navesh Chetty, PRO of SATF, and Mr Savesh Pather of Pretoria, we held a very successful meeting with ICASA in Johannesburg on June 21. We pointed out that we are a very important cultural community and that we should not be treated with contempt by the authorities. We pointed out very strongly that our main target market is situated in and around the Durban area and that they must do everything in their power to grant us a frequency in this area. After a great deal of discussions, the ICASA officials finally said they could help us if we gave them several premises of where we could broadcast from in the Durban area. They said once this was sent to them they would select one address with best coverage and grant us a frequency. Since returning from the meeting, we held discussions with several role players and our Management Committee and with Sentech in Durban. We have now submitted seven premises in the Merebank, Chatsworth, Mount Edgcombe and North Coast areas. The documents were faxed to ICASA this past Friday and we are hoping that they would now make a proper decision in favour of us. We have informed ICASA once they have granted us a frequency in the Durban area we would also utilise the Port Shepstone and Pietermaritzburg areas. Once this is done the real work would start. We have to embark on several projects: 1. We would have to build and equip our studio with the necessary sound equipments. 2. We would have to recruit and train our presenters. 3. We initially need six presenters to present our programmes from 6am to 9pm at night during weekdays and weekends. 4. We would also recruit junior reporters to present our news items and current affairs programmes. 5. We also would want to recruit and train a manager. 6. Most of the people would be recruited on a voluntary basis. 7. We envisage that once the frequency is granted we would take about three months to start broadcasting. I sincerely hope that this latest update would give you a clear picture of where Southside is and where we are heading to. Once again we want to point out that our radio station will be a progressive force - promoting not only the linguistic, musical, and cultural needs of the south-Indian origin community but also promoting the culture of our people being full South Africans in a multi-cultural society. In this regard, we will also have a programme to teach isiZulu along with Tamil and Telugu. We would also be an independent entity – not linked to any organisation or association. Our independence will be paramount. If any young person is interested in joining the Southside broadcasting team - he or she must get in touch with the speaker on Subrygovender@gmail.com or ptsa@global.co.za Once again I want to thank Richard Govender and his team for giving me this opportunity to inform you about the latest developments regarding Southside FM Radio. Nandri and regards. Subry

Muniamma Social Club

Dear All Vanakam and Namaskaram to all. The Muniamma Social Club, an organisation that was started nearly 27 years ago in honour of our matriarch, Mrs Muniamma Coopoosamy Govender, is of immense cultural and historical significance to all the descendants of our ancestors. Over the past three decades only a few dozen people have taken a keen interest in the club and have paid their subscriptions on a regular basis. They went the extra mile to build the MSC into a solid foundation that now has a bank balance of nearly R95 000. The club, in addition, recently took the wonderful and humanitarian step of establishing the Muniamma Social Club Bursary Fund. This account stands at nearly R56 000. To reach this stage it has been due to a lot of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and commitment by a few officials, whose names are known to all. But one member of the family who has always come to our assistance is Mr Nanda Subramoney, the second son of the late Munien and Salatchi Subramoney. We will always be grateful to his generosity. Mr Nanda Subramoney had always dug into his pockets without asking for anything in return. We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr Subramoney and other unsung heroes and heroines who have kept the colours of our extended family flag flying high. At the same time most descendants have not become active members, although a lot of people have attended our biennial gatherings. We want to make it absolutely clear that our club is a cultural organisation that promotes our heritage, culture, history and languages. We have to be very proud of our roots - descendants of indentured labourers. I want to take this opportunity of extending an invitation to all our descendants to join our family social club, not because we offer monetary benefits, but because one want to strengthen our extended family and keep in touch with the new generation. One must realise that in this day of nuclear families we are losing touch with not only our first cousins but also the members of our extended family. We have to take the extra step of becoming involved in our club. We have created a Facebook site under the name of Muniamma Social Club and I will be posting this piece on the Facebook site. I would be very grateful if those who receive this email will also use the Facebook and post their family news about births, functions, weddings and other events. I would also be grateful if you could take a few minutes to supply me with the email addresses of as many extended family members as possible. Those who would like to join as members, the membership fee is R20 a month or R240 a year. Our banking details are as follows: Name of Account : Muniamma Social Club Bank : Standard Branch : Kingsmead Account : 055 700 357 Please note that the bank charges us bank fees of nearly R5 for cash deposits of R20 and about R27 for cash deposits of R240. It will, therefore, be of assistance if members could resist from making cash deposits and instead make transfers from your bank to our account. Our Muniamma Social Club Bursary Fund Account details are as follows: Name of account : Muniamma Social Club Bursary Fund Bank : Standard Branch : Verulam Account No. : 254 692 982 I want to invite family members to make donations to this Fund as we want to assist the under-privileged in our extended family to continue with their tertiary education. Some of our third generation and fourth generation descendants have aleady made donations to this account. They are as follows: 1. Mr Nanda Subramoney : R2 000 2. Mrs Vanessa Naidu(nee Nair) : R250 3. Kennedy Subranoney : R300 4. Koogendran Govender : R300 5. Seshini Subramoney : R300 We want to say a big thank you to all these wondeful people. I conclusion, I want to quote what Mahatma Gandhi once wrote: "We pass this world only once. So whatever good we can do let's do it now, because we will not pass this way again." Let me hear from you, other descendants and their families. Let us also use the Facebook site. Kind regards. M. Subramoney Chairman ------------------------------​-