Johannesburg. Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Trishul has arrived at the port of Durban on a three-day goodwill visit.
The warship is on a visit to Durban to mark 30 years of the restoration of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa and 130 years since Mahatma Gandhi was deboarded from a train at Pietermaritzburg Railway Station in South Africa .
It was only after this incident that Gandhi campaigned against racial discrimination. According to a statement issued by the Indian Navy, “Gandhi arrived in Durban in 1893 to work as a legal advisor to merchant Dada Abdullah. On 7 June 1893, during a visit to Pretoria in the Transvaal, he first arrived at Pietermaritzburg station.
The statement read, “Gandhi was seated in the first class compartment after purchasing the ticket, but was thrown out of the compartment at the behest of a European passenger, who according to him, ‘coolies’ and black people were not allowed in first class compartments. INS Trishul’s visit to Durban is also a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, a celebration of 75 years of India’s independence.
Dr. Thelma David, Consul General of India in Durban, said, “The ship’s band will play some of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite hymns at an event in Pietermaritzburg. The band members will also pay floral tributes at the station at the place where Gandhiji was pulled out of the train. “Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (an Indian sociologist and social entrepreneur) will also participate in the event,” he added.
He will also share ideas on spreading Gandhian ideas through Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. INS Trishul is undertaking this visit to mark 130 years of the 1893 incident at Pietermaritzburg as well as 30 years of restoration of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa. Before leaving, he will also take part in some programs like ‘Retreat’ ceremony and ‘Unity Walk’.
PC:Amrit Vichar
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