Facebook user apologises to Hindus
DANIEL Naicker, the man who was accused of degrading the Shivalingum, has apologised.
In a letter sent to the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha a week ago, he wrote: “I, Daniel Naicker, through the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha, do apologise to the Hindu community of South Africa for the hurtful post regarding the Shivalingum. I unreservedly withdraw my statements.”
He added: “I further undertake not to demean Hindu religion in any way in future, and sincerely apologise for my actions.”
When contacted, Naicker declined to comment but confirmed he had issued the letter of apology.
Sabha president Ram Maharaj said that in the spirit of good faith, Naicker’s apology had been accepted.
It had also withdrawn the complaints it lodged against him at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Commission for the Promotion of the Rights of Cultural Religious and Linguistic Communities.
Maharaj said the sabha’s national executive council would launch a campaign aimed at enlightening Hindus and other faith groups about the significance of the Shivalingum, other symbols, practices and principles in order to enhance the Hindu Renaissance and promote interfaith understanding, appreciation and harmony.
Facebook users had threatened to report Naicker to the SAHRC after he wrote: “The Shivalingum is a Holy Word… It Means “Fu… makes U Think doesnt It (sic).”
His profile was later deactivated. Naicker told at the time that his family had done so.
When asked about the Shivalinum, he had said: “The Shivalingum is a holy word. It comprises the male component, which is the lingum, and the female component, which is the yoni.”
He added that the union, the Shivalingum, was a concept from the East.
“When our forefathers arrived from India in search of work and fortune they brought this Holy Shivalingum with them.
“The West, struggling with their own enlightenment, did not understand the holiness of this Shivaligum.”
At the time, the SAHRC said it would look into the comment.