Lotus Park temple honours loyal devotees for 40th anniversary
With the Lotus Park Cultural and Temple organisation celebrating its 40th anniversary, members decided to honour its longest-serving devotees.
MEMBERS of the Lotus Park Amman temple celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Lotus Park Cultural and Temple organisation on November 30.
The organisation was founded in 1985 by the late Pat Naicker, along with a group of community members. The organisation’s chairperson, Cindy Soobramoney, said that it began as a dream rooted in faith, unity and cultural preservation.
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During the event, a heartfelt tribute was paid to its founder members whose efforts made it possible for the Tamil community of Lotus Park to have a spiritual home.
As part of the celebration, two pillars of the temple were honoured, Bob and Thanga Pillay, who since the temple’s earliest days served the temple with unwavering dedication.
“Rain or shine, week after week they are present. Their commitment is both humbling and inspiring and their service extends far beyond just Lotus Park. With the same spirit of humility and devotion, they also assist at the Jooma Road Shree Siva Soobramoniar and the Isipingo Shree Vishnu temples. To uncle Bob and aunty Thanga, thank you for being shining examples of devotion,” said Soobramoney.
History and background
Over the years, the temple has served as a spiritual and cultural hub. Soobramoney added that it is a place where prayer, festivals and community life comes together.
“The cultural group, under the guidance of Piet Moodley, played a vital role in keeping Tamil culture alive in Lotus Park. Weekly bhajans were held at the community hall and open to all. Tamil classes were started by temple devotees at Kamalinee Primary School. After the foundation was laid, Sorojini Munsamy was nominated trustee and together with other members, organised concerts, shows, auctions and tuckshops, all of which helped fund the first stages of temple building,” said Soobramoney.
The next chapter
Soobramoney said that under her leadership, the temple follows the very values on which it was built, including humility, service, devotion, and inclusivity.
“Together with the current committee and volunteers, she continues the important work of preserving our culture, serving the community, and ensuring that the temple remains a place of peace and spiritual upliftment for future generations,” concluded Soobramoney.
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