Historical 1860 Indian Museum launched in Durban
To commemorate the 165th anniversary since the arrival of Indian labourers in South Africa, the 1860 Indian Museum has been launched in Chatsworth - an area which accounts for a large Indian community in Durban.
Located in Unit 10, the Museum comprises of six viewing rooms all with it's own theme.
It's the first privately funded Indian museum which is part of the existing Hotel Savera. It will be open its doors to visitors daily.
Businessman Vivian Reddy, former eThekwini speaker Logie Naidoo, and Ashwin Desai were among those present at yesterday's celebration.
The chairman of the hotel who executed this initiative, Dhilosen Pillay says this museum will attract learners and families who will visit the hotel to gain an understanding of their ancestry and how this has shaped the country's history.
The rooms
- The Indus Room traces Indian civilisation. It describes key periods of history dating back to 9000BC and includes sections on key figures in Indian history like Mahatma Gandhi and Chandra Bose.
- The Lotus Room portrays the period of the arrival of Indian indentured workers in South Africa - 1860 to 1911. Using powerful imagery, the room outlines hardships experienced during these trying times and highlights key moments.
- The India Room covers the period post indenture to the present time. It incorporates “Pillars of Memory”, dedicated to several South African Indian legends, telling stories of struggle, hardship and achievement. The walls in this room also cover stories of Indian achievement in South Africa and include information on business, education and politics.
- SS Truro Room is dedicated to the various ships that brought Indians to SA. It incorporates a feature wall, outlining details of each arrival.
- Neos is part of the venue that covers sporting achievements of Indian community. Photography includes images from the heydays of the Federation Professional League. Several individuals are highlighted including the famous Govender families of Stanger and Chatsworth, who collectively produced seven Natal cricketers.
- Rooms at the hotel itself are dedicated to all towns where Indian settled in SA.
Some names featured in the rooms are Ahmed Kathrada, Lenny Naidu, Dr Yusuf Dadoo.
Addressing
the gathering, Vivian Reddy spoke of his admiration for the Indian
community.
Meanwhile, former eThekwini speaker, Logie Naidoo says hundreds of people committed suicide between 1860 and 1900 - citing their longing to return home (to India).
Naidoo says he’s saddened by these statistics.
He says with time though, there were active participation in the struggle for freedom and democracy.
LISTEN: Naidoo reflects on his journey – from the cane fields to the mayor’s office.
WATCH BELOW: The official opening celebration at the hotel.