The 125th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi being thrown off a firstclass train compartment at the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station was commemorated in Pietermaritzburg last week. The incident gave birth to Satyagraha, the concept of non-violent resistance he later practised. Dozens of invited guests, including youth from India, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa, took part in a re-enactment of the historic train journey, which was one of several events held over two days.
Part of the crowd at the event at the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station.
PICTURES: KRISENDRA BISETTY
An old steam train decked out in marigold garlands.
Satish Dhupelia, left, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and AB Moosa, whose forefather Dada Abdulla brought Gandhi to South Africa on a legal matter in 1893, with the newly unveiled two-sided bust of the world peace icon.
The plaque marking the spot near where Gandhi was thrown off a train 125 years ago.
A fusion dance experience at a banquet at Pietermaritzburg City Hall.
Adarsh Prabhu, from Mozambique, Millan Kotecha (Malawi) and Bhavinkumar Patel (Zambia) were flown in by the Indian High Commission for the festivities. They also participated in a MandelaGandhi Youth Summit.