Indian successes shared on CNN

TO CELEBRATE Heritage Month, key role players in the Indian community – among them Vivian Reddy, Ashwin Trikamjee and Ashwin Desai – have been featured on CNN’s Inside Africa on DSTV, channel 401.

The programme, which was screened on Saturday around 7:30pm, was viewed by almost 20 million people worldwide.

Its aim was to showcase the lifestyle and contribution of Indians in South Africa and talk about the 155 years since their arrival.

Reddy told POSTthat he was approached by CNN two weeks ago to speak about his success in business

“They interviewed me about how I grew my multi-billion business, starting with R500 in my pocket and a bakkie, to employing over 7 000 people.”

Reddy said that from his research, which he highlighted in the programme, Indian South Africans had among the highest disposable incomes, and their earning power had increased so rapidly that in the next five years they would outstrip their white counterparts.

“They are also the biggest buyers of property in areas like uMhlanga. I stated that it is through education, sheer hard work and determination that Indians were successful.” He said while Indians made up a mere 1.3% of the population, they controlled 8.4% of senior management positions in South Africa.

Ashwin Trikamjee, President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the programme which highlighted the successes, trials and tribulations of the Indian community, had included his views on interfaith relationships in the Indian community.

Trikamjee was also asked about his views on golfer Papwa Sewgolam.

“I was a great follower of Papwa from childhood, I recall standing in the rain and watching as he received the trophy after beating Gary Player.”

Sociologist and author Ashwin Desai spoke of the undeniable presence of Indians in South Africa 155 years after indenture. “Indians have a profound influence in the country if one looks at the food and architecture.”

One of the aspects Desai touched on was the love of many Indian folk for gambling.

“If you go to casinos, tattersalls and horse racing, most gamblers are Indian, despite the notion that Indians are thrifty and worry about money.”

Also showcased were photographer Ranjith Kally; Smeetha Maharaj, owner of the Nateshwar Dance Academy; and dancer Verushka Pather.