Honouring the legacy of Indian indentured labourers at the Girmit Centre launch
Dual event
Anand Jayrajh (wearing a hat) with the executive members of the foundation and trustees of Shree Gopal Lal Hind Temple Trust.
Image: Supplied
THE 1860 Indentured Labourers Foundation held a dual occasion on Saturday - the 165th year commemoration of the arrival of the first group of Indian Indentured Labourers in Natal and the launch of the foundation's newly-acquired headquarters, the Girmit Centre.
In his inaugural address as the foundation's newly-elected president, Anand Jayrajh paid tribute to the Indian indentured labourers, acknowledging their journeys marked by hardship, dedication, and sacrifice, so that present descendants are able to reap and enjoy the fruits and benefits.
Jayrajh also paid tribute to the late Jaisingh S Singh, 95, who established the foundation in December 2008. Singh died in August after serving as the president for almost 17 years.
"With his wealth of knowledge and acumen, he served the foundation with aplomb and dignity. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition of the Girmit Centre, but sadly, he was not around to witness its official launch," said Jayrajh.
The foundation also paid tribute to retired deputy-president Maggie Achary, who was presented with a plaque of gratitude.
The centre, jointly launched and officially opened by Jayrajh and trustees of the Shree Gopal Lal Hindu Temple Trust, Balram Folly and Pradeep Maharaj, will serve as the operational hub for the foundation. It was made available under a nominal lease by the trustees, who own the adjoining property where the Talwantsing School used to operate.
Sunday marked the 165th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured workers to Natal.