The Port Shepstone and Andhra Maha Sabha community suffered a devastating loss when its religious and cultural icon, Kanthaluxmi Dolly Chellan died last week, at the age of 71.
Having lost her life partner and soulmate, Mickey ‘Moneyboy’ Chellan about three months ago, sadly her own health deteriorated.
As a nationally renowned Telugu linguist, she regularly featured on Radio Lotus FM’s Prerana Inspirational Programme over the last three years.
‘Aunty Dolly’ as she was popularly known was regarded as a Telugu Port Shepstone nightingale whose eloquent melodious voice will not be heard again.
Lotus FM Prerana Inspirational Programme producer and founder, Guru Pravindra Adari paid a moving tribute on radio to the late icon: “Kantha Guru made an indelible contribution to the learning and development of the Prerana Inspirational Programme and participated extensively in the online programmes”.
In paying special tribute to her, the national organisation, the Andhra Maha Sabha of South Africa (AMSSA) said: “She left us with a renewed love for the Telugu language and for music that comes from the soul, and became an inspiration to many children that she mentored”.
During the two-year lockdown period, she got involved in the training of children, to participate in activities organised by AMSSA via Zoom
As one of the patrons of the Port Shepstone Andhra Sabha, she led the local Sabha groups, sacrificed and volunteered her time and rendered devotional songs and bhajans at funerals and ceremonies, giving comfort to bereaved families. Furthermore her contribution and participation at Andhra National Eisteddfods over the decades resulted in her winning numerous awards and accolades.
Chairperson of the local Port Shepstone Andhra Sabha, Reggie Kistamurthy praised Kantha for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the propagation of the Andhra and Telugu culture and language over the many decades. Delivering the keynote address at her funeral last Saturday, Kistamurthy described her as a “living legend and a doyen within the Andhra community whose contribution to the Andhra community and Telugu language will be difficult to replicate in a period when indigenous languages are under threat”.
Known for her humility and simplicity, many prominent speakers and organisations paid sterling tributes to her, as she left a legacy and mark in society.

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