Promoting peace and unity
TO HONOUR their contributions towards peace and stability, two bronze busts of King Goodwill Zwelithini and Nelson Mandela as well as a Sivananda Peace Pillar will be unveiled at Mitchell Park on Saturday by Durban philanthropist and businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman.
The initiative, during Heritage Month, was made possible courtesy of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, which Ramlutchman launched to promote the message of peace by Hindu spiritual teacher and a proponent of yoga and Vedanta, Swami Sivananda.
Lutchman said it would be the first time the busts and pillar would be installed in a public place together and that it would further entrench the importance of social cohesion and nation-building.
“I have been associated with the Zulu monarch since the age of 20. I was touched by the simplicity and the contribution of his majesty and that of Dr Nelson Mandela towards society… (and) decided to honour them by commissioning this monument of peace,” said Lutchman, who added that the Zulu monarch had also immensely contributed towards nation-building in the country.
He said the Sivananda Peace Pillars, which were also installed in areas including
oThongathi, Phoenix, Clare Estate and Pietermaritzburg, were beacons of unity in diversity.
“They are a source of inspiration and a reminder that peace and love should transcend human limitations.”
The busts and pillar, he said, would serve as a symbol of reconciliation and tolerance.
“It will also highlight the heritage of the pioneers, the courage and commitment of the freedom fighters, the wisdom
and the passion and determination of the visionaries of a non-racial and democratic South Africa.”
He has already embarked on another project, a “historic monument” that will be installed in the city, which depicts nation-building and the country’s rich heritage.
In a statement, King Zwelithini said that over the years several monuments had been built in honour of “my people” and that with last year
marking the 200th year of the founding of the Zulu nation by King Shaka and 46 years of his reign as monarch, it was befitting that “Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu has honoured the monarch and the Zulu nation by this historic monuments”.
“We salute him for having the vision to serve mankind in all spheres of life, especially my people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Saturday’s event will start at 11am.