Vasudeva Datta Das: the selfless humanitarian who fed millions

A devastating building collapse at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Verulam has claimed the lives of three remarkable men whose legacy of service defined their existence: Food For Love Africa cook Vasudeva Datta Das (65), temple founder Vick Panday (52), and Kishore Hurribhujan (63), a generous farmer who supplied free vegetables to feed those in need.  Also killed in the tragedy was electrician Jayaseelan (Jayce) Perumal (58) and construction worker Adbul Prabhus

IN AN EXCLUSIVE interview on Monday, devotee and Food For Love Africa volunteer, Viresh Panday, said the tragedy that claimed the lives of his cousin, Vick Panday, and close friend of Vasudeva Datta Das, was like a “nightmare”.

“We are in shock. This is like a nightmare. I did not expect the catastrophe that greeted me at the scene. It looked like an earthquake had happened. At the time of the tragedy, a Ready Mix truck was pouring concrete on the roof of the structure. Vick and Vasudeva were inside overseeing the construction. Kishore was visiting with Vick. Sadly, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Panday.

He said when he arrived at the scene, he called out for the victims.

“I heard Vick’s voice for 10 seconds. We were just praying for a miracle, and that everyone trapped under the rubble was unconscious but alive. Unfortunately, due to the concrete slabs, it was difficult to get to them. They were trapped on the first floor of the four-storey building. The rescuers found it difficult to get through the concrete slabs,” said Panday.

“He wanted to feed the world”

Panday said Vasudeva lived with a singular mission: to feed the hungry.

“Despite his personal hardships and tragedy, this humble cook dedicated his life to nourishing millions across South Africa, from impoverished communities to royal mourners, leaving a legacy of selflessness that transcended race, culture and circumstance,” he said.

Panday said Vasudeva was a widower with two children.

“He lived a simple life and asked for nothing for himself while giving everything to others. He led his life as a selfless humanitarian. He served for a long period of time at the Hare Krishna temple in Chatsworth. He had served over 50 million plates of food over the last five decades,” said Panday.

He said Vasudeva’s service reached far beyond Durban.

“When King Goodwill Zwelithini died, Vasudeva travelled to Zululand and cooked for mourners for an entire week. He put up a tent and fed all the guests there. Our ethos is strictly vegetarian, but the mourners enjoyed his food more than the meat dishes. He was the type of person who looked beyond race and culture. Where there was a need, Vasudeva made his way there. His humility defined him,” he said.

“His heart could not match his budget because he wanted to feed the world. He never bothered about himself. He wore torn T-shirts and jeans but his heart was big and priceless,” said an emotional Panday.

He added that Vasudeva’s dedication was so great that Food For Love Africa always ensured that he had the means to serve.

“His heart could not match his budget. He wanted to feed the world, but he was a pauper. He did not have a cent to his name. So we facilitated what his heart wanted to do. Food For Love Africa provided him with a brand new bakkie so he could serve his community,” added Panday.

He told the POST that Vasudeva was known for personal acts of kindness which very few people ever saw or knew about.

“There were three homes which he personally took responsibility for. On his way home each day, he would keep half a bucket of food to deliver to these homes which had no electricity or water. He would go there at night and shine the lights from his van, and the kids would run to him. No matter how crazy his day was, he never forgot them. He would always say: ‘If I do not go, those kids will be waiting for me.’ He just loved serving,” Panday added.

He said even personal tragedy did not deter Vasudeva from his selfless service.

“Two years ago, his home in Westham, Phoenix, burned down. The response from the community spoke volumes. People who were poor and living hand-to-mouth brought a few bricks and blocks, and said: ‘Uncle Vasu, this is for you to rebuild your home.’ That is how much he was loved,” said Panday.

Vasudeva was living at the River Range Ranch with his son while his house was being rebuilt, Panday said.

His daughter, 30, who did not want to be named, said she was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

“My father worked very hard. Whenever he visited me, I would fill a dish with water so he could soak his tired feet. My father never complained. He was also happy and easy going,” she said.

“He was always helpful, never refusing anyone anything. In my 30 years of existence I never saw my father angry. He did his seva (service) with love and from his heart,” she added.

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