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Final Farewell to an Icon
Article and photos by WO 1 Manny Gounden |
On
Saturday, 30 January 2010 at sunrise SAS TEKWANE played
a significant role in a ceremony marking the 62nd
anniversary of the assassination Mahatma Gandhi.
A solemn moment. The ashes of late Mahatma Gandhi are
released into the waters of the Indian Ocean on the 30
January 2010 at sunrise
After prayers
and spiritual singing that was conducted by Pundit
(Hindu Priest) Maharaj, the ashes was scattered off
shore of uShaka Marine from SAS TEKWANE.
Invited
guests included:
• The
Acting Premier of Kwa Zulu Natal, Mr Willies Mchunu.
• The
Acting Indian High Commissioner, Mr Shambhu Kumaran.
• Consul
General for India, Mr Anil Kumar Sharan.
• Deputy
Mayor, City of Durban, Councillor Logie Naidoo.
• Flag
Office Fleet, Rear Admiral R.W. Higgs, representing the
Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Johannes Mudimu.
• Captain
(US Navy) James E. Tranoris, Commander, Task Force 63
Sea Lift Command Europe embarked on board visiting US
Navy ships, USS HSV 2 SWIFT and USS NICHOLAS alongside
the Port of Durban.
• Mr Cyril
Xaba, adviser to the Premier of Kwa Zulu Natal.
• Mr Paddy
Kearney, Chairman of the Gandhi Trust.
• Members
of the Gandhi family and invited guests.
• Programme
Director, Mr Vasu Gounden, CEO for the African Centre
for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD).
Ms Ela
Gandhi, a resident of South Africa and the granddaughter
of Mahatma Gandhi, chose to mark the 62 anniversary of
the death of the Father of the Indian nation by
immersing his ashes.
After the
ashes were immersed, Rear Admiral R.W. Higgs and
Captain (US Navy) James Tranoris were invited by Ms
Gandhi to place into the water a flame-lit clay lamp
that is a tradition of Hindus after ashes are immersed.
Flame and fire are synonymous with the Hindu way of
life. It signifies that the departed soul in the next
birth (reincarnation) will have light and brightness.
Flag
Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral R.W. Higgs addressed the
dignitaries and invited guests on when SAS TEKWANE came
alongside: “The SA Navy is honoured to have supported
this solemn and historic occasion. The SA Navy and the
Indian navies have strong naval ties. Today’s event
further strengthens the bonds of friendship that exist
between our two counties. The history of SA and India is
so inextricably intertwined with the human principles
and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela from
which we have learned so much. We have witnessed the
return to nature of Gandhi’s mortal remains but his
teachings will remain immortal”
When
Captain (US Navy) Tranoris, was requested to speak to
the seated dignitaries and guests he said: “I am
inspired and honoured to be here today. Mahatma Gandhi
is an icon of peace to the entire world. All generations
continue to learn about the teachings of this great man
and I look forward to telling my children of this day.”
On 30
January 1948 as Mahatma Gandhi was taking a stroll in
Delhi after his morning prayers, a man pointed a gun and
fired shots that would end the life of a great soul and
ironically a champion of non-violence. Gandhi was
cremated in Delhi. At the request of Mr Sorabhjee
Rustomjee, a prominent Durban citizen, who negotiated
with the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharla Nehru and
Devadas Gandhi (Gandhi’s son) for a portion of the ashes
to be immersed in to the waters of SA. Gandhi spent 21
years in South Africa.
They
acceded to his request and he returned to SA with a
portion of the ashes in a silver cask and handed the
ashes to Manilal Gandhi, son of Gandhi. A portion of the
ashes was immersed at Blue Lagoon off Durban and the
remaining ashes were given to Ms Ela Gandhi’s family.
Acting
Premier of Kwa Zulu-Natal, Mr Willie Mchunu, said when
interviewed by Ms Sharlene Packree of the Witness: “His
teachings were that we all love one another and to
uphold the truth. Through Gandhi’s teachings, the ANC
waged its struggle against apartheid.
At the post-immersion news brief, Ms Gandhi was quoted saying: “Today, as my grandfather’s ashes went into the sea, I
know, I cannot claim him to be just my grandfather when
he is the father of the Indian nation and many others.
The world has claimed him to be their icon. If we
remember what happened 62 years ago today. We learn from
it and remember what he stood for, we will all be better
for it.”
A chart of
the east coast with the coordinates 29º 51' 64" South
Latitude and 31º 3' 3"East Longitude indicated the exact
location of the immersion of the ashes was presented to
Ms Gandhi by OC of SAS TEKWANE on behalf of the SA Navy.
Television news journalists and cameramen
In the
function room in presence of dignitaries and guests Ms
Ela Gandhi said, "I am indeed grateful for the tremendous
assistance that I have received from the SA Navy’s Rear
Admiral 'Rusty' Higgs and the commander of Naval Station
Durban, Cdr Sifiso Mkhwanazi, and his naval team.
Special mention to Lt William Ntsibulani the captain of
SAS TEKWANE and his crew who took us out to sea and
returned us safely.
"The eternal
flame at Gandhi’s gravesite burns brightly in Delhi, a
reminder of the principles of Satyagraha (non violence)
and equal rights that he stood for and died for. May
this flame burn brighter so that it may light up this
world for us to live in peace. "
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