Function held to commemorate Satyagaraha centenary

DURBAN: A function to commemorate the centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Satyagraha' was held in the Free State province of South Africa.

The event, hosted by the Indian Consul General in Durban Harsh V Shringla, was of special significance because until 13 years ago when democracy was established in South Africa, Indians were not allowed to settle in this province.

An exhibition featuring rare photographs on Mahatma Gandhi and the Satyagraha movement in South Africa provided by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) was organized as part of the programme.

Besides Shyam Benegal's acclaimed film 'Making of the Mahatma' was screened.

Images of the places of tourist interest in India were also put on display.

Free State Premier FB Marshoff, Mahatma Gandhi's grand daughter Ela Gandhi, the Indian High Commissioner-designate to South Africa RK Bhatia attended the gathering named 'Indian Evening'.

Bhatia, in his address, invited Marshoff to visit India before the end of the year to see the vast progress and development that India had achieved in the concerned areas of cooperation.

Consul General Shringla, thanked the Free State Premier and Government for undertaking this extraordinary initiative to mark the beginning of an era of cooperation between India and the Free State Province.

India would be one of the 'Focus Countries' at the Business Week organised by the Free State Department of Tourism and Economic Affairs from February 26-28.

A number of Indian companies, including the National Small Industries Corporation, the ICICI Bank and the Indian Tourist Office, will participate, he informed.