Myrtle Ryan
He passionately called on them to forge closer bonds with the black community, to acquire at least a speaking knowledge of ethnic languages.
“For its continual survival in South Africa, the Indian community must make itself acceptable by the majority group,” he said in one of his many speeches.
A coffee table book, Glimpses of Rural Chatsworth, pays tribute to Devan’s vision.
Despite all these accolades, Devan often proudly referred to his humble heritage. Love of the land and farming was rooted deep in him.
He rose early every morning to assist his father, a market gardener in the Cavendish (now Kharwastan) area. Bananas were a staple crop, but so were other fruits and vegetables. Maybe it was healthy eating which gave him the vitality to achieve all that he did.
While still a young boy, he lost his mother, so caring for his younger siblings fell on his shoulders.
Early rising was a norm throughout his life – about 5am – and he rarely went to bed before 10pm. He read extensively and was usually surrounded by books.
He loved to recount the tale of how the battle for Indian languages in schools was won. A meeting was arranged with Gabriel Krog, director of Indian Education in South
Africa. There was a stalemate on the question of introducing Indian languages into schools.
“Mr Krog, in which language do you pray?” asked Devan. The answer given was Afrikaans. Devan went on to ask him in what language members of the Indian community should pray. “In their own, of course,” responded Krog.
“Precisely,” countered Devan. “But how would they pray in their language if their mother tongue is not taught to them?” pointing out that the younger generation did not know any of their Indian languages.
A discomfited Krog suggested a meeting of Indian leaders to discuss the issue. This was done and it was suggested that Devan carry out a referendum among school principals – 99% voted in favour. In 1984, Krog gave his stamp of approval.
History was made. Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Arabic, Urdu and Gujarati entered the curriculum.