WATCH: Durban residents rock their support for uplifting project

TWO north Durban residents, Vilasa Ramlakhan and Praveshni Harkhu, are celebrating kindness, one rock at a time.

The duo are part of the ‘Umhlanga Rocks On’ project, which was started in 2020 by former Durban North resident, Sonia de Fleuriot.

The idea behind the project is tied to the global Kindness Rocks Project, where people paint pebbles, rocks or stones with pictures or messages of encouragement and leave them for others to find.

Both Harkhu and Ramlakhan place their colourful hand-painted rocks along the uMhlanga Promenade.

“My daughter Verusha was the person who sent me a few rocks to paint, and it quickly became a passion of mine,” Ramlakhan said. “At least twice a week, my friend and I walk along the promenade from Durban View Park to the new Forest Café, and I place the hand-painted rocks in certain spots in the hopes of inspiring others.

“My rocks range from scenic backdrops to fun characters to inspiring messages. Whenever I saw people taking a photo or posting it on the Umhlanga Rocks On Facebook page, my face would light up. It was really heart-warming to see those interactions,” she said.

Ramlakhan also enjoys painting rocks with and for her grandson, Uddhav. She is currently painting rocks for his enchanted garden.

Fellow contributor Harkhu said her goal is to make people smile.

“I think you need to be attuned to the universe when spreading kindness and positivity. Much of my inspiration comes from words of hope, and along with various other members of the group, we coordinate for themed days, like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. I find painting rocks therapeutic, and it’s something my family enjoys doing together.

“We normally encourage residents to take photos of rocks they find and post them to the Facebook page. However, should someone pick up a rock that speaks to them to take home, it would be wonderful for them to ‘pay it forward’ by replacing it with one of their own painted-rock messages or pictures,” she said.

If you would like to contribute or join, visit ‘Umhlanga Rocks On’ Facebook page.