Former SA cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who was a guest and received a plaque, Dr Nelistra Sooklal Singh, and the High Commissioner, Professor Anil Sooklal.
Image: Supplied
South Africa’s High Commission in India hosted a diplomatic event celebrating Freedom Day and the Constitution's 30th anniversary, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two countries. More than 400 government, business, and diplomatic figures attended the event, which also honoured individuals who have strengthened South Africa’s international ties.
Major businesses were present, many sponsoring the event, which was also used to showcase South African products, like wines and fruit.
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, India’s Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Indian government, while Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the South African government.
The celebration began with the Bluebells School International band playing the South African and Indian national anthems, “Shosholoza”, two other isiZulu songs, and one English song.
Icons of Peace: A commissioned painting featuring Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi symbolises the shared ideals of freedom and human rights.
Image: Supplied
“Freedom Day is an important celebration for us, and to see the passion with which the Indians still relate to South Africa was a wonderful reminder of the strong partnership and friendship we enjoy not just with the government but across the spectrum of Indian society,” Sooklal said.
“For us, this celebration is also to thank our partners here in India with regard to the support we received during our struggle days and also to reaffirm the strong partnership we enjoy not just with the Indian government but the cross-section of Indian society, as was demonstrated by the high turnout.”
“We honoured our honorary consuls from Bangladesh (Solaiman Alam Seth) and Nepal (Pradeep Shresta), who have served South Africa for a number of years,” Sooklal said.
“We had a plaque, with our national emblem and wording showing appreciation, and Minister (Ronald) Lamola had issued a letter of appreciation for the services they provide as honorary consuls to South Africa. That letter was framed and presented to them.”
Sooklal said that Vikramjit Singh Sahney, who served for about 15 years but left after joining the Indian parliament, also received a plaque for the time he served South Africa as honorary consul for North India.
Also receiving a plaque was former Minister of Commerce in India, Dr Anand Sharma, who was at the forefront of leading the anti-apartheid struggle during the days of apartheid in India, Sooklal said.
“We also thought it was right for us to recognise the contribution he made in supporting our freedom."
Sooklal said former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes was a special guest, who also received a plaque.
“We also presented him with a plaque in appreciation for the role he played in strengthening relations between our two countries."
As part of South Africa’s Constitution’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, a painting was commissioned from local artist Aashima Malhotra, with Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi.
“My wife and I thought it would be very appropriate to have in one frame the three most iconic figures of recent times who symbolise peace, human rights, fundamental freedom, and global cooperation,” Sooklal said.
“We thought it was appropriate given the values of our Constitution, and the message these three global icons left for humanity, which is so relevant today, given all the wars that we are experiencing and the global challenges; we draw inspiration from these three figures. Both Mandela and Martin Luther King were influenced by Gandhi’s non-violent philosophy, and Mandela also drew on Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement struggle.”
Sooklal reported a high turnout of African and other regional ambassadors.
“Interestingly, the ambassador of the USA attended and the ambassador of Iran. Someone commented that it is only South Africa that would be able to have one under the same roof, the USA ambassador and the ambassador of Iran, given the current global tensions between these countries,” Sooklal said.
“I think it’s also symbolic of the moral standing of South Africa and our ability to be friends with everyone in the world. It was also significant that during this time of difficulties, we had diplomatic representation from across the world.”