The Reptile Sanctuary in Drakensberg, which is a World Heritage site in KwaZulu-Natal, recently unveiled an historic four-ton granite Peace Pillar (heritage monument) that will tower an impressive 3.5m high and be inscribed with prayers from the world’s major religions. It was officially unveiled on April 10.
The Sivananda Peace Pillar is one of 18 that are being erected in KwaZulu-Natal and in South Africa at large.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Peace Pillars have already been unveiled in Kwa Dukuza, Empangeni, Phoenix and Tongaat, Richards Bay, Phoenix, Ulundi, Gingindlovu, Pietermaritzburg, Greytown, Durban, and Ladysmith.
This project is the initiative of philanthropist, humanitarian and businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman.
“The Sivananda Peace Pillars are a beacon of unity in diversity. They are a source of inspiration and a reminder that peace and love should transcend our human limitations. They are a tribute to Swami Sivananda, the founder of the Divine Life Society Worldwide, and his disciple Swami Sahajananda,” says Ramlutchman.
“When I presented our former president Nelson Mandela, who himself is a symbol of peace, with a replica Peace Pillar in Houghton, Gauteng, for his 92nd birthday, he remarked to me that the pillars would go a long way towards promoting peace in our country.”
ALSO SEE: Spiritual oasis in the Drakensberg
His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet also praised Ramlutchman for this noble initiative and gave his unconditional support for the project.
Ramlutchman made a commitment to the late Swami Sahajananda to undertake the installation of at least eight Sivananda Peace Pillars across SA, but has gone on to surpass the figure promised.
“The Sivananda Peace Pillar is a source of inspiration. In the run-up to our local government elections, peace and unity is crucial. Political and social stability is a sign of a united province and we must work hard at preserving the peace among all our citizens. The Pietermaritzburg launch is especially significant given the region’s troubled political past in the 80s. It is a time for peace.”
Dignitaries including the world president of the Divine Life Society, Sri Swami Vimalanananda; KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize; Zulu King Goodwill Zwelethini; IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and other leading political and community leaders have attended and supported the unveiling of peace pillars in other centres of the province.
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