South Africa holds walk in honour of Mahatma Gandhi

By NewsGram Staff Writer

Mahatma Gandhi has his share of followers not only in India but in South Africa, the place where he practised law and formulated the philosophy of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance.

This was aptly clear from the horde of crowd, close to 3000 people that turned up for the annual charity walk organised in commemoration of the Mahatma in Johannesburg.

The latest edition of the walk marked the double celebration of the 30th anniversary of the walk and the centenary of Gandhi's return to India from South Africa.

The celebrations of the Gandhi Walk hosted in the sprawling Indian township of Lenasia, south of here, saw participation from ministers, beauty queens and media personalities.

The Mayor of Johannesburg, Parks Tau, and Indian High Commissioner Ruchi Ghanashyam were also in attendance.

The star attraction at the event, however, were two Gandhi look-alikes clad in the traditional dhoti worn by the iconic Indian leader. Looking the perfect picture of the aged Gandhi, 80-year-old Thakor Ramjee travelled 600 km to join the event.

Two trees were also planted on the premise of the Gandhi Hall in Lenasia to mark the milestone events.

The walk was originally started as a fundraiser to complete the community hall named after the iconic leader.After the completion of the project, the event continued to raise funds for a variety of charitable and welfare organisations.

The walk was followed by an all-day entertainment Mela of Indian and South African dance and songs.