President Ramaphosa and ANC Pay Tribute to South African Hindu Maha Sabha Leader

Synopsis

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC express deep condolences for Ashwin Trikamjee, leader of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, who passed away at 80. His legacy includes significant contributions to justice and interfaith unity.

Key Takeaways

Ashwin Trikamjee was a prominent legal and religious figure.
He advocated for interfaith collaboration and community upliftment.
Trikamjee was a trailblazer in the legal profession.
His work reflected a commitment to justice and equality.
The ANC mourns his passing as a significant loss.

Cape Town, March 19 (NationPress) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his heartfelt condolences on Thursday to the family, friends, and associates of Ashwin Trikamjee, the esteemed President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum, who sadly passed away at the age of 80 in a Johannesburg hospital earlier that day.

"The loss of Mr. Ashwin Trikamjee, President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum, fills me with deep sorrow," Ramaphosa shared on X.

"An attorney by profession, he held the position of President of the former Natal Law Society, President of the Association of Law Societies of SA, Chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association, and was a member of the Human Rights Committee of the IBA. As a Black Consciousness activist, he played a significant role in leading the Durban Central faction of the Natal Indian Congress and served as Vice-President of the South African Football Association," the President remarked.

"Ashwin's profound spiritual commitment transcended his Hindu ties as he championed tolerance and cooperation among the various religious communities in our nation. We will deeply miss his gentle demeanor, wise advice, and his humble yet diligent contributions to many sectors of our society. May his soul find eternal peace," stated the South African President.

Trikamjee was actively involved in South Africa's social and cultural evolution. As President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, he was a prominent voice on matters of faith and ethics. In addition to his official roles, he was recognized for his steadfast dedication to justice, community empowerment, and mentoring young legal practitioners. As a non-white lawyer in a system that traditionally marginalized non-whites from leadership roles, Trikamjee forged a remarkable career in law, becoming a pioneer.

"My condolences to the family and friends on the passing of Mr. Ashwin Trikamjee. He was the President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum," the High Commission of India in Pretoria noted on X.

The African National Congress (ANC) also expressed grief over Trikamjee's passing, deeming it a "significant loss" for South Africa.

"Trikamjee was a prominent legal expert, a devoted activist, and a venerated religious leader whose life was devoted to justice, transformation, and interfaith harmony. As an attorney, he distinguished himself in the legal community, holding key leadership roles, including that of President of the former Natal Law Society, President of the Association of Law Societies of South Africa, and Chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association. His contributions to the Human Rights Committee of the IBA showcased his steadfast commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law," stated a release from the ANC.