Ramlutchman affirmed Gopio VP
RICHARDS Bay resident, philanthropist Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu was recently sworn in as the executive vice president of the international executive council of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio).
Gopio, which was founded in 1989 with its headquarters in New York, was formed with the intention of combating human rights violations against people of Indian origin.
Ramlutchman, who was sworn in via a telecon from Bahrain last week, said he had the support of five countries: South Africa, New Zealand, France, Mauritius and the Netherlands.
“To have the majority vote of the Indian diaspora shows the trust these countries have in me and my leadership abilities to take this phenomenal organisation forward,” he said.
Ramlutchman, a Gopio member since 2012, said he was attracted to the values it promoted.
“I have been a big supporter of the organisation and its initiatives in the country. I also believe in protecting and promoting the rich heritage we as Indians have since our forefathers arrived and made the country home. We owe it to our forefathers, who left India for South Africa.”
Since his appointment, the 41-year-old said he started engaging with various stakeholders around the globe.
“I will be responsible for all the councils, including culture, youth, human rights, health, women empowerment, skills development and business. I plan to unite the diaspora and engage businessmen to invest in smaller countries. I also want to ensure women empowerment and women abuse is brought to the fore as well as introduce additional health awareness programmes and youth entrepreneurship.”
He also intends partnering with India to ensure a skills exchange and more especially to connect people to network globally.
Since his swearing in, congratulatory messages have been flowing in.
King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuZulu, who “adopted” Ramlutchman as his son and a member of the royal family, said: “This appointment will surely bring glory to South Africa and the world at large.”
He said Ramlutchman’s appointment would unite various ethnic groups in the country.
Lord Diljit Rana , Barone of Malone and British politician, wrote: “Your contributions to peace initiatives are praiseworthy and mentioned highly in local, government and international circles. The various awards, accolades and recognition received during your lifetime and in your service to mankind are a testimony to the fact that your dedication in serving the poor, needy and disadvantaged remains firm and unchanged. As a pillar of peace you have inspired and motivated others to follow your path and help those who are in need and less fortunate.”
Prior to his appointment, Ramlutchman was the organisation’s Africa co-ordinator.