Hare Krishnas pay tribute to Tata
MIDRAND - It is a time of mixed emotions for South Africa, as the country both mourns and celebrates the life of its former President, and father of the nation, Nelson Mandela, who passed away at the age of 95 on 5 December.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness Midrand’s chairperson, Nrsimhananda Dasa (Nrsinga Dasa) explained that Madiba’s significant contribution to the downfall of the apartheid regime has played a pivotal role for freedom, human rights and respect for all in South Africa.
“We remain grateful to him for the morals and vision which he exemplified, especially being a strong advocate for forgiveness and peace, at a time when the world was not sure how the country would react to its first black president in 1994. But post-1994, the country emerged out of apartheid in the spirit of non-violence.”
“South Africa’s 19-year-old democracy, which is enjoyed today by all, has enabled a platform for all people – regardless of their race, creed, colour, religion, sex, community or nationality – to practice and express their religious and spiritual faith. His call to embrace the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ – embracing the essence of humanity – has enabled the bringing together of a rainbow nation under the Krishna Consciousness umbrella throughout South Africa.”
The society, which also identifies itself as the Hare Krishna Movement, has a Food For Life programme, which is the world’s largest vegetarian food relief programme that continues to make inroads in South Africa. Mandela was the guest of honour at their Festival for the Children of the Rainbow Nation, held in Durban in 1997.
Mandela visited the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath temple in Chatsworth, south of Durban in 1992, and re-visited the Krishna Consciousness temple in 1994 – becoming the first South African president to visit a Vedic temple.
Nrsinga Dasa, in paying tribute to Tata Madiba said, “We pray for Nelson Mandela; that he as a spiritual being, may reach an even greater destination that is closer to the Lord.”
