Thursday, January 30, 2014

Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter honoured in South Africa


Screenshot_3Mahatma Gandhi’s grand daughter, Ms. Ela Gandhi honored with the Prestigious South African Award, ‘Amadelakupha’ by the South African Government. This award was also given to Sunny Singh and Mac Maharaj of Indian Decent. The South African Government stated that Ms. Gandhi selected for the award in recognition for her lifetime contribution to the freedom struggle in SouthAfrica.
  • She formed the trio of Indian-origin South Africans along with Sunny Singh and Mac Maharaj. These three played an active role in the Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). The Umkhonto we Sizwe was the armed struggle wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
  • Former Umkhonto we Sizwe members were incorporated into the South African defence force after the advent of democracy in 1994 following the release of Nelson Mandela to become the first democratically-elected president. Mr. Mandela was the first democratically-elected president of South Africa.
About Ms. Ela Gandhi
  • Born: July 1, 1940 in Durban, South Africa.
  • Peace activist and was a Member of Parliament in South Africa from 1994-2004
  • Awards: Community of Christ International Peace Award, Padma Bhushan award(2007), Pravasi Bhartiya Award (2014) and Umkhonto we Sizwe.
  • Developed a 24-hour program against domestic violence, founded the Gandhi Development Trust.
  • Chaired the Mahatma Gandhi Salt March Committee and the Mahatma Gandhi Development Trust.
  • And also served as the Chancellor of Durban University of Technology for many years.
Note: The award title, ‘Amadelakufa’ means ‘those who are prepared to make sacrifices’ in Zulu language and was hosted by the South African military.

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