The Cape Hindu Cultural Society celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday November 26 by honouring its former trustees and partner organisations at a ceremony on its premises in Rylands.
Although the society was established in 1973, its roots go back 120 years when the United Hindu Association was formed in 1903. This was the first formalised Hindu organisation in Cape Town.
The role of the organisation was to provide for the religious, cultural, educational, and social welfare needs of the Hindu community in Cape Town.
In 1951, the United Hindu Association bought land and built a school in Newlands. This school, the Gandhi Memorial School (in honour of Mahatma Gandhi), conducted classes in the Gujarati vernacular language. The school also served as a base for the activities of the United Hindu Association. In 1968, the property was expropriated under the Group Areas Act. The United Hindu Association went into liquidation and was forced to close down.
In order to continue providing for the needs of the community, the Cape Hindu Cultural Society was formed in 1973, and is the successor organisation of the United Hindu Association.
A donation of land in Rylands was received and a new complex was constructed to serve as the base for the Cape Hindu Cultural Society. This cultural centre consists of a school building (Gandhi Memorial School), a temple (Radha Krishna Mandir) and a priest’s residence.
On Sunday, former trustees, Bhagatsingh Govan, Bharat Bhikha, Ganesh Lalla, Jeram Patel, Kantielal Patel, Kanu Sukha, Khundoo Dayaram, Mohan Kalan and Nagin Patel, were honoured for the role they played in the society over the years.
Members of its three sister organisations – including Mohan Kalan from the Cape Hindu Bhajan Mandal, Urmila Patel and Devi Kalan from the Cape Hindu Mahila Mandal, and Harish Rama from the Cape Yuvak Sungh – were also honoured.
Mr Sukha, 73, said his role with the society started when he attended the Gujarati school from the then Sub A to Standard 5 (Grade 1 to Grade 7) from 1957 to 1963.
“I was appointed a general committee member in 1973, and because of my teaching background, I was tasked to establish the Wonderland Pre-school, of which I was also appointed as chairperson. I was a general committee member for about 40 years and was then nominated as a trustee more than 30 years ago.
“To me, the term ‘culture’ has many aspects to it, and my interest was in the language and the continuation of the Gujarati school in the afternoons. Children do their schooling as usual, but in the afternoons, they will learn Gujarati.”
Sangeeta Valodia was appointed chairperson of the society last year. She is the first woman to hold this position.
Addressing the guests on Sunday, Ms Valodia said: “It’s evident that we cannot, in any expression, show our appreciation and gratitude to all the visionary members who have laid a strong foundation of the Cape Hindu Cultural Society and who left a legacy for the future generations. This indeed came with many hurdles, huge sacrifices, selfless commitment, dedication and perseverance.”
She said her appointment as chairperson was “testament to the strides the organisation is making in promoting gender diversity and inclusivity”.
The consul general of India, PS Gangadhar, who was the guest speaker, encouraged collaboration between India and South Africa.
“You are the living bridge between the two countries, and none of us can achieve anything by doing it alone. There are always opportunities to explore. Let’s find it and harness it together,” he said.
The Cape Hindu Cultural Society is the largest Hindu organisation in the Western Cape, providing religious, cultural, educational and social welfare services to its members and to the broader community. It is a non-denominational organisation and welcomes all who are interested in participating in its activities.
Religious services are conducted every day in the Radha Krishna Mandir. Meditation and yoga sessions are held weekly. Other religious prayer groups conduct their activities at the centre, and classical Indian dance classes are also offered. The women’s group provides support and catering services to the community. The society also commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi and convenes the Gandhi Walk annually.
The society is a registered non-profit organisation and runs an outreach programme providing food and other support to the needy.