Consul General of India pays special visit to Ladysmith
Local religious leaders, business owners and ward councillors were guests at the event
A mayoral reception was held at the Crown Hotel on Friday to honour the newly-appointed Consul General of India, Durban, Mr Rajagopalan Raghunathan. Local religious leaders, business owners and ward councillors were guests at the event, and were afforded the opportunity of meeting and networking with the other attendees.
The evening’s programme included opening prayers by three different religious leaders, namely Guru Krishna
moorthy, Moulana Aleem Akleker and Pastor Garridegan, which highlighted the diversity (‘Rainbow Nation’) South Africa is renowned for. Programme director Rosheila Thomas fulfilled her duty excellently by introducing other speakers such as Councillor Zehra Rassool, who officially welcomed the guests, and Mr TB Xaba, who provided an insightful presentation on an economic development plan in Ladysmith.
Mayor Vincent Madlala mirrored the sentiments of the guests by saying to distinguished guest Mr Raghunathan, “May God be with you for being with us today.” The keynote address, which was delivered by Mr Raghunathan himself, began on a light-hearted note when he said, “Besides their cricket, South Africa and India are no different.” He said he is impressed with the potential of Ladysmith in terms of development, and the potential of the town as a tourism industry and an agricultural powerhouse.
After the programme concluded, guests were treated to a delicious meal. It was an enjoyable evening for all, as everyone was allowed to interact with prestigious guest Mr Raghunathan.
