Peace pillar unveiled in Umkomaas
The unveiling was held at the Umkomaas Hindu Society Ashram in Craigieburn
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli was welcomed to Umkomaas last Saturday for the unveiling of the country’s 20th Sivananda Peace Pillar. This is a monumental four-ton granite structure inscribed with prayers from the world’s major religions.
The unveiling was held at the Umkomaas Hindu Society Ashram in Craigieburn. The premier was joined by IFP chief whip, MP and deputy minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Narend Singh, and other dignitaries.
The commission, costing and erecting of the 3,5m high peace pillars honour the legend and legacy of Swami Sivananda and Swami Sahajananda (who contributed extensively towards social projects and community refinement – especially in deep-lying rural areas of the province) and was started by one of their leading disciples, Ishwar Ramlutchman.
He has erected 19 monuments since the 2010s, including a replica of SA’s founding president, Nelson Mandela, at his residence in Houghton, Johannesburg.
Aside from promoting peace, cultural diversity, social cohesion and community upliftment under the Sivananda World Peace Foundation umbrella (which he founded and heads as its national president), Ramlutchman is a member of the Zulu Royal household as Prince Mabheke Zulu, a symbolic name given to him by the late King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekazulu.
“The peace pillars are a source of inspiration and a reminder that peace and love should transcend our human limitations,” said Ramlutchman. “We are living in extremely difficult times and turmoil in the world, and with the raging war between Israel and the Middle-East enclaves of Palestine, the Gaza Strip, and now in Lebanon, we need peace, and we have to pray for peace. The erecting of another peace pillar (in Umkomaas) is a symbolic move to send a strong message both at home and abroad that the world’s people must give peace a chance.”
He also mentioned that the unveiling in Umkomaas recognised one of the town’s pioneering community and spiritual leaders, SR Padayachie, a disciple of Swami Sivananda who was credited locally for launching the Divine Life Society of South Africa, a renowned socio-religious movement that has delivered many education, community and social projects in KZN.
Ntuli was also awarded the prestigious Sivananda Humanitarian Award by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in recognition of his contributions to promoting global peace, compassion, justice, and culture and fostering unity in diversity both locally and internationally. This award is dedicated to individuals who exemplify the values taught by Swami Sivananda, advocating for peaceful coexistence, social harmony and uplifting humanity through acts of compassion and unity.
“This recognition is not mine alone, but a reflection of the collective efforts of the people of KZN and South Africa in promoting peace, justice and unity in our communities,” said Ntuli. “We are determined to continue building bridges and fostering solidarity among all people, regardless of race, culture or religion.”
The unveiling of the mid-South Coast’s first peace pillar was an overall success, and the erection of the 21st Sivananda Peace Pillar will be in Port Shepstone later this year.
(Source: Marlan Padayachee)
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