Professor Anil Sooklal receives peace award for contribution to South Africa
Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman honoured South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, with the Sivananda Peace Award on Sunday.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
The Sivananda World Peace Foundation honoured Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, with the Sivananda Peace Award in recognition of his contributions to development within South Africa.
Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman made the gesture during a yoga event held by the foundation in Inanda on Sunday, ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21.
Ramlutchman told Sooklal they wanted to pay special tribute to him because they know he has been doing great and silent work in the country for decades.
'I recall in 2009 when I accompanied the President to India on the President's delegation. We'd seen you, how you interact with your counterparts, Professor Sharma in India, forging partnerships,' Ramlutchman said.
'That silent work that you've been continuously doing on behalf of our country, we say a big thank you.'
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
He said that due to his commitment and quiet demeanour, Sooklal's contributions may be unfamiliar to many.
'Today, we want to bestow this Sivananda Peace Award to our Professor Anil Sooklal,' Ramlutchman said.
'The Sivananda Peace Award was also given to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in India, our Dr Nelson Mandela, our mother of the nation, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini, uMntwana wakwaPhindangene Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and today, we feel honoured to present it to you.
'On behalf of the entire community of South Africa, we say a big thank you and keep going. And the Sivananda World Peace Foundation will always be proud of you.'
Speaking on the sidelines, Ramlutchman described Sooklal as a silent worker and networker, and he was struck by his commitment towards building South Africa through development.
He said the Sivananda World Peace Foundation always acknowledged stalwarts like Sooklal, because they have stood out in the community.
Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, and KwaZulu-Natal International Business Association President Omi Singh are pictured with the Sivananda Peace Award.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
'It is apt that while they are living that we honour them and we say thank you to them for their contribution, and we urge them to continue. Ultimately, whatever these names I mentioned, they've contributed towards the success of our nation,' Ramlutchman said.
A humbled Sooklal said the award was not about him.
Sooklal said he has been in government for over 30 years, working in the Department of International Relations and had the privilege of representing South Africa internationally.
He said the government gave him the opportunity and privilege to work with the international community for South Africa's benefit.
'I'm extremely grateful that I'm being acknowledged for the work I do. I'm the fortunate one to be given this opportunity to go out into the world and to promote South Africa and to strengthen our relations with countries of the world for the benefit of our people,' Sooklal said.
'Being an ambassador of South Africa and India is a privilege for me, and that comes with great responsibility. It's not about me. It's about the trust the government has placed in me to ensure that I bring benefits through this placement in New Delhi, to the people of South Africa. Bringing in more investments, getting greater job opportunities and skills development.'
Sooklal said about 150 Indian companies were in South Africa, the largest being Vedanta, mining in the Northern Cape and employing about 6,500 people.
'This is what we are constantly doing at the High Commission. To get more and more Indian investments into our economy, to create jobs and also to help build skills,' Sooklal said.
He said India has a program offering skills development to South Africans. They developed a skills centre in Tshwane and are building one in KwaZulu-Natal. They are providing the expertise and providing opportunities to skill South Africans.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Honouring Rashid Lombard: The South African photographer who shaped the jazz scene
Rashid Lombard passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74. Image: Brenton Geach/Independent Newspapers Sekunjalo Group and espAfrika extended their condolences on the passing of Rashid Lombard, an acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter. Lombard passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones. Sekunjalo Group and espAfrika said Lombard's passing is a profound loss to South Africa and the global arts community because his work is etched across multiple spheres. "From his work as a courageous photojournalist during the anti-apartheid struggle, to his pioneering role in founding espAfrika and conceptualising the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CPIJF), now ranked among the four largest jazz festivals in the world," the organisations said in a statement. In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, which orchestrated one of his most notable accomplishments: the CPIJF. Launched in 2000, he directed the festival until his retirement in 2014, leaving a profound influence on South Africa's jazz scene and its global recognition. After stepping away from the festival, he dedicated time to digitising his extensive archives, a task previously overseen by his wife, Colleen. Partnering with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), he aimed to make his vast collection publicly accessible as a national heritage resource. "As we pay tribute to his life and legacy, we extend our deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Colleen, his sister Fazoe Sydow, his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, and his cherished grandchildren Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, AmirUccio, and Stella Ahed," read the statement. Born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard's family moved to Cape Town in 1962. Initially trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career at the construction giant Murray & Roberts. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During the tumultuous years of the anti-apartheid struggle, Lombard worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist, capturing moments of unrest, resilience, and hope for international media including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC. His work immortalised pivotal events in South Africa's transition to democracy, from the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s to Nelson Mandela's historic release in 1990 and the first democratic elections in 1994. With the dawn of democracy came Rashid's opportunity to fully embrace another of his great passions: jazz. He served as the station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as the programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio Image: Phando Jikelo
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Mkhwanazi is a great example of servant leadership
KZN Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers KWAZULU-NATAL Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi must be extraordinarily proud and elated with his work and that of the men in blue he proudly leads. Who can not? Rarely does the whole country agree on one thing. If there is a person who is respected, admired and loved by the majority of South Africans, it definitely has to be the KZN commissioner. It is selfless dedication to his work that has endeared him to millions of South Africans. Jackie Robinson puts it aptly when he says, 'A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.' Undoubtedly, Mkhwanazi has impacted people's lives positively. Mkhwanazi is a leader that inspires respect and admiration for his ability to grasp and work through complex issues. He is a leader who is revered for being smart, articulate and forthright. He stands out as a voice of reason, who listens rather than arousing emotions and mediates rather than infuriates. In the cauldron of politics, Mkhwanazi has earned respect across party lines and commands respect across the political spectrum. Indeed, Mkhwanazi is, in Dante's words, maestro and autore: mentor, exemplar and a leader. A transcendent quality of Mkhwanazi's is his personal humility and support for the raising up of others. He takes care to mentor those he leads and creates opportunities for their leadership, recognition, and advancement. He has his own way of both exercising and demonstrating what it meant to lead. Mkhwanazi is known for his gentle disposition, a quality that makes him a very agreeable colleague and an influential mentor. His trademark ability to engage directly with respect and optimism are qualities that make him a rare public official. He understands that one of his fundamental responsibilities as a leader is to treat all those he works with and leads with respect. Never to denigrate or humiliate his subordinates, because to do so is much more a reflection on one's lack of personal discipline than it is on the shortcomings of someone one mistreats. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanzi Image: Archives Mkhwanazi is a visionary in understanding the role that Saps could play at this critical moment in our country where crime is rampant. I have watched Mkhwanazi observe numerous contentious debates with volleys of conflicting ideas and opinions flying back and forth, then raising his hand to quietly move the discussion in a positive direction. I have also witnessed time and again the persuasive power of Mkhwanazi's intellect and the respect afforded him by the others assembled. His skills of bringing the relevant parties together and achieving agreement on what is important are what have made him successful and endeared him to millions of South Africans. For me, Mkhwanazi is a rare cocktail of brilliance, dogged determination and foresight, compassion and respect, and tolerance. Armed with an imperturbable demeanour and self-effacing humility, Shamase, which is Mkhwanazi's clan name, is also the epitome of architect Wies von Ludwig's aphorism, "Build, don't talk." What distinguishes Mkhwanazi is his sharp mind and remarkable skill at making good arguments. He has a rare gift – an intuitive ability to distinguish good arguments from silly ones. Together with countless men and women in blue, they are a formidable team that share the passion for the welfare and safety of the residents of KwaZulu-Natal. Simply put, Mkhwanazi and the police force are on a mission to make KwaZulu-Natal a better place. What they are doing is just fundamental but comprehensive. Mkhwanazi has come to enjoy great success and well-deserved admiration as one of the best-performing and no-nonsense provincial commissioners. His career has many deserving milestones. There is one quality of Mkhwanazi that impresses one. It is his preternatural ability to nurture and inspire everyone he works with. It is an open secret that the police in KwaZulu-Natal at some stage did not inspire confidence. They did not always operate as a well-oiled machine. The great Mkhwanazi has since changed that perception. He has energised the police, seen the value in what others bring to the team, and worked effectively together. He has encouraged and challenged all the police, teaching them to focus on the real objective and always strive to do their best. And when their best isn't good enough, their first concern is that you would have let Mkhwanazi down. Indeed, Mkhwanazi has an ability to take the personal out of disagreements. I don't know how he does it, but he could make differences of opinion not about one or about me, but about the organisation and getting the job done. He inspires us on a daily basis. Mkhwanazi's secret, I think, is that, while a proud man, he is without guile or gall. A bright, quick study, he could home in on what is important and never, ever, find it necessary to build himself up at the expense of others. He is, quite simply, utterly at home in his own skin. He is an excellent boss--and a better person. I firmly believe Mkhwanazi is not just the by-product of being the consummate "people person" that he is. It's the mark of a leader, a manager, a guiding star to one and all. It's the essence of a unique person who is always present. I hope and pray the men and women in blue are learning from Mkhwanazi the value of 'being exact, being prepared, being careful – all things that are important to what I do now.' What we need today is to provide servant leader role models for our young so that they realise that celebrity status is not a substitute for knowledge, service, or community building. Our world needs servant leadership practitioners more than ever. Deepening economic woes threaten the American dream for far too many working people. There are precious few servant leaders in our current political environment. Many elected officials are more interested in personal power, individual legacy, and financial gain than in the sacrifice and commitment that servant leadership requires. It is people like Mkhwanazi that the nation expects to empower the youth to purchase the future by the present. Today's leaders have what is called the power to 'empower' others. The author, Henry Miller, expressed this concept best when he wrote: 'No one is great enough or wise enough for any of us to surrender our destiny to. The only way in which anyone can lead us is to restore to us the belief in our own guidance.' Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi's leadership is precisely doing just that, to 'lead us to restore to us the belief in our own guidance.' In the words of Robert F. Kennedy, 'Some men see things as they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and ask, 'Why not?' Why not, Mkhwanazi? May you ignite the spark that will provide the needed and better leadership that our country desperately needs. Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and writes in his personal capacity. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or IOL SUNDAY TRIBUNE
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Community rallies in grief for Likhona Fose as officials confront rising violence
Scores of community members of Durban Deep, Roodepoort, and anti-GBV organisations came out in their numbers to support the grieving family of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, who was brutally mutilated and killed in the area this past week. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers On Tuesday, City of Joburg Speaker, Nobuhle Mthembu and Executive Strategic Advisor to the MMC for Public Safety, David Tembe, visited the family of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, who was brutally murdered and violated in Durban Deep, Roodepoort. Following the harrowing murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, Joburg residents woke up on Sunday to news that Likhona's lifeless body was discovered by a passer-by in the veld in Durban Deep, on the West Rand, with her genitals removed. Reports indicate that the family suspects hate crime to be the motive in the murder of the Grade 8 pupil, who identified as a lesbian. Tembe, who was greeted to protesting community members and anti-GBV activists, extended his condolences to the bereaved family, stating: "Her tragic and brutal killing, suspected to be linked to occult practices, has shaken the community. The city stands with the family during this time of immense grief, reaffirming its commitment to fighting heinous crimes and protecting the most vulnerable." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Speaking to the grieving family, Mthembu decried the increase in the number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the country. "What laws need to be changed in this country so that we can feel protected? Every day, we wake up to something. Who must we apologise to so that this can stop? We can celebrate the country's democracy, but this democracy is not working for us women because we are the ones who are being killed," she said. MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, also extended his support to the family and the entire Durban Deep community, saying the city stands with them following Tembe's visit to the family. "We reaffirm our commitment to fighting heinous crimes and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. The Strategic Advisor to the MMC for Public Safety, David Tembe, visited the family to offer support and condolences. The city will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice," Tshwaku said.
