The Ekta Mandir- A True Symbol Of Unity, Durban, South Africa
Hon Ben Ngubane, Union Minister for Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Government of South Africa, officially opened the Sanskruti Kendra consisting of Community and recreation Hall adjourning Ekta Mandir at Durban on 16th April 2001. Originally His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela was expected to grace the occasion but due to sudden family commitment, he could not come and Hon Ngubane did the honors.
The Hon. Minister called ‘the temple of Unity and cultural center a living proof of the power of culture and shared values in mobilizing community with self help.’He complimented members of the Gujarati community, who happened to be the smallest sector of the Indian community in South Africa for raising over fifteen million South African Rands for the construction of this unique complex. He complimented the foresight of the inception leaders like Pujya Bhaishri and the team of Shree Gujrati Hindu Sanskruti Kendra for not only conceiving the idea but also completing the Project for the benefit of the community.
He further said, ‘unlike the indentured Indians, the Gujarati community came to South Africa as traders, merchants and professional people. Mahatma Gandhi, who belonged to the Gujarati community spent twenty-two years of his life in South Africa and in this period created a lasting legacy for all people struggling for their self-dignity and freedom. He hoped the Center would underline Bapu’s universal message of ‘manav seva – madhava seva’ which means service to humanity is service to God.
Dr. Prabakant Patel, current President of Shree Gujarati Hindu Sanskruti Kendra thanked Pujya Bhaishri for his continued guidance in achieving the unification of the community, which made construction of Ekta Mandir a reality. He further said that it was a unique occasion for everybody in the community as it will live in their memories forever and be an inspiration to pass on the heritage of our Hindu culture as well as serving others.
Indian High Commissioner to The Republic of South Africa His Excellency S. Mukerjee also paid great tribute to the work of the local community and the South African Government for their support at all levels. Pujya Muniji, Mr. Rueben Tukhu of Theosophical Society from East Africa, Shri Krishnakant Vakharia of Ahmedabad as President of Vishwa Gujrati Samaj, Shri Mooljibhai Pindolia as President of All Africa Hindu Council and several other local and foreign dignitaries attended this function.
Pujya Bhaishri said it was like the fulfillment of the dream of a farmer, who sees his crop ready for harvesting in the field. He further said it took over eight years for the seed to germinate into a beautiful Center and complimented the Executive Committee for a job well done. He thanked Thakurji for inspiring this wonderful Project and said that once one dream is fulfilled, new dreams start taking shape and if dreams are for the good of the community, Thakurji certainly helps to fulfill them.