In the early years, around the 1850’s, the government of Natal sought labourers from India to work in the sugar cane plantations that were growing along the costal belt of Natal now called KwaZulu, Natal (KZN).

Indians came into the British colony of Natal under an indentured labour scheme, a part of which stated they could either remain in the colony after their indenture had expired after 5 years or return to India.

Most chose the former as free men. Disturbed by the growing number of Indian residents, and by their affluence, for they were hard working, able and thrifty, the whites changed the regulations in 1894; thenceforth and an indentured person had to return to India at the expiration of his first five year term of service or become a serf in South Africa for life.

An escape clause provided that he might remain as a free working man by paying an annual tax of 3 pounds for himself and each of his dependents, but since this was prohibitively high, the real alternatives were repatriation or permanent slavery.

In 1894, the Natal legislature passed a law explicitly disfranchising “Asiatics”. In the Transvaal, Indians had no right to own land, and in addition, they had to pay a 3 pound tax for a residence permit – but residence was limited to the slums.

No representation ever was given to the Indians at the municipal, provincial or federal levels of government. Anti-Indian rhetoric continued unabated culminating with the Nationalists Party coming into power in 1948. The cornerstone of their policy was apartheid which forbade all interracial contact. Said the Minister of “Indian” affairs – “When the effects of the Group Areas Act are felt by the Indians, they will only be too glad to go back to India.” Expropriation of Indian property was a done deal. “Compensation” was decided by the state.

Amid this horror which was condemned world wide as an international crime, and crime against humanity, we survived.

Some of us decided on emigration. The trickle began in 1968 at the height of apartheid. Canada opened its doors when Pierre Trudeau became Prime Minister. As more and more came into the country, the need for cultural, social, and religious outlets were sought. The beginnings of the Nirvana Cultural Society began to unfold. That small group which began 35 years ago is very much active, alive and well ever seeking to widen its horizon and seeking to make new conquests for the common good of all.
Our belief that “Service to Humanity is Service to God” has never wavered.

May we continue to grow stronger and bolder.

There’s still
 MUCH TO BE DONE!