By Fakir Hassen, IANS
Durban : Thousands of people attended the funeral of an Indian spiritual leader here Tuesday.
Religious leaders described the huge attendance at the ritual services of Sri Swami Sahajananda, spiritual head of the Divine Life Society of South Africa, as an “unprecedented” mark of respect for the deceased.
From the Premier of Kwazulu-Natal province, Sibusiso Ndebele, to leaders from almost every field, people thronged to pay their respects to the Swami who died Monday morning.
He had initiated more than 600 projects, including schools, old-age homes, clinics, peace and skills training centres and hydroponic gardens for nearly six decades in South Africa.
In keeping with his wishes, some of his ashes were scattered at the first Ghat in South Africa, which he had helped start up a few years ago for use by Hindus here, while the rest is to be sent to India for immersion in the Ganga.
“Swamiji dedicated himself to uplifting disadvantaged communities in the deep rural areas of our country for the past 58 years,” Ndebele said in his tribute.
“His unassuming nature, humility, dynamic but silent leadership style and his unwavering commitment and contribution to the poor and needy, irrespective of race, colour or creed, will always be remembered.”
Former education minister of the province, Narend Singh, recalled how a partnership between the former chief minister of Kwazulu, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the Swami had eventually led to the establishment of 120 schools in rural areas in the province during the apartheid era, when the minority white government provided little or no funding.