Plessislaer Arya Samaj

Plessislaer Arya Samaj

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Promoting Indian Language & Culture|Non-governmental | Non-Profit Community Based Organisation in Pmb S.A

Our Origins - Where it all began...A brief look at how the Plessislaer Arya Samaj organisation was born

Plessislaer Arya Samaj was established on 30 June 1924, in Plessislaer Imbali. Due to the Group Areas Act, the entire community was relocated to Pietermaritzburg. The organisation although now relocated, retained its original name. It was officially inaugurated in 1977 at 32 Madurai Road, Northdale, Pietermaritzburg where it currently stands.

Founding Members

To date Plessislaer Arya Samaj has been the cultural home of many stalwart families. These include:the Atwarus, Bandus, Bishoons, Bundhoos, Chedies, Dookrans, Jadoos, Satyapals and many others.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Plessislaer Arya Samaj: Est. 30 June 1924

(RECORDED AS PER BABUJI DASRATH BUNDHOO IN 1995)...

“This history of the Plessislaer Arya Samaj is dedicated to the gallant, men and women who, inspired by the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, were its foundation members. Today despite many obstacles, the Samaj stands as a beacon of light in our South African setting.

Over the years the Samaj has produced many men and women who have been actively engaged in promoting the welfare of the community in various fields of work and some of their achievements have received national and international recognition. These men and women serve the needs of people irrespective of class, colour or creed. And at all times the very name of Swami Dayanand inspires them for they regarded him as one of the greatest reformers of our times.

The Plessislaer Arya Samaj was established by the Mr F.Satyapal on 30 June 1924. The main objectives being social, educational and religious, to promote the Vedic way of life and to assist families in need. The first name of the Samaj was ‘Nagri Hithaishi Sabha’ but later, on the recommendation of Dr Bhagatram Sahagal of India it was changed to Plessislaer Arya Samaj. The first president of the Samaj was Mr G.Bishoon with Mr Sookraj Jadoo as secretary and the Mr T.N. Bhoola as treasurer. Pt S.Dookran and Mr S.Chedie were the first Hindi School teachers. They were succeeded by several other dedicated men and women who served diligently.

Pt S.Dookran succeeded Mr G.Bishoon as president in 1934 and held this position until his death in 1977. Mr K.Pardesi also played a very important role during the early years especially in organisational work.

Through concerts and dramas produced by Mr F Satyapal, the Samaj raised sufficient funds to purchase land (2,5 acres ) in extent at Plessislaer where the Samaj’s first Hall was built. This Hall was officially opened to co-incide with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Samaj. Until then the Samaj had carried out its activities in premises kindly made available free of rental by Mr G.Bishoon, the Bhoola family, the Ramkissoon family and the Sutherlands Indian School. New life was given to the Society when Pt S. Jugmohan Singh (Vidyaratan) arrived in South Africa after graduating at the D.A.V.College, Lahore. It was through his efforts that the Arya Stree Samaj was formed in 1942. With its formation the activities of the Samaj were intensified. The Recital of Vedic mantras and the performance of the yajna became a routine feature at the homes of members and the name of Swami Dayanand Saraswati echoed through the village and its surroundings. It was also through Panditjee’s hard work and sacrifice that several members of the Arya Samaj were initiated as Vedic priests.

The peace of the village was then disturbed through the enactment of the Group Areas Act. The Indians living at Plessislaer were forced to leave their hearths and homes and settle in a new area 16 kilometres from here. This caused a great set- back not only to the residents but also to the work of the Samaj. However, undaunted, the Samaj launched its new programme of work in Northdale, and with God’s grace within 12 months of the approval of building plans the new project comprising the Samaj and a cultural centre, was completed. This project was made possible through dedicated members and well-wishers.

The official opening of the new buildings coincided with the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Samaj. Swami Deekshanand Saraswati spent over six months at this centre teaching Hindi and Sanskrit.

The Arya Veer Dal (Youth Group) was formed in 1976. The younger members are showing great interest in the work of the Samaj and are actively engaged in field work. Cottage services are encouraged. The Veer Dal has also formed a Seva Samiti to assist the poor and needy with food parcels whilst the Stree Samaj has been assisting many families with clothing and other necessities.

The membership of the Samaj is increasing and so has the attendance at all functions, satsangs and religious gatherings. The members of the Samaj played a very important role during the Gandhi Centenary Celebrations in 1993 and was named as one of the Grand Benefactors of the Gandhi Statue Project. The Samaj also took a leading role to raise funds for the India Earthquake Relief Fund when an amount of R56000 was raised. 

A place of worship at Ashdown is another landmark of the Samaj’s contribution to assist the community of that township. This augurs well for the future, and to those who would be here at the turn of the century it will no doubt be their crowning glory"

OFFICIALS 1995:

PRESIDENT: Mr D.Bundhoo

HON. JOINT SECRETARIES:

Mr H. Ramessur and Mr Vijay H.Bandu

HON. TREASURER: Mr Rugbeer Harkhu

PLESSISLAER ARYA STREE SAMAJ

Plessislaer Arya Samaj was instrumental in the formation of The Stree Samaj which took place on the 13 September, 1942. Pt. Jugmohan Singh also encouraged the formation and it was he who did the formal opening. 

Initially, the women of Plessislaer were in a state of stagnation, with little awareness or empowerment. The leaders of the Stree Samaj had to first educate themselves on how to perform daily prayers (Sandhya) and fire rituals (havan), before they could promote these practices among the local women. This effort paved the way for the successful organization of weekly services, festivals, and other events. The Stree Samaj and the local Arya Samaj worked in harmony, particularly in supporting the Hindi School. Additionally, the Stree Samaj provided crucial assistance to those affected by the Indo-African riots of 1947. 

The officials at that time were Mrs. L. Dookran (Chairlady), Mrs H. Arjoon and Miss Champavati (joint secretaries) and Miss Savimati Bundhoo (treasurer). Later Mrs D. Bundhoo was elected the chairlady and Mrs H. Ajoon continued being secretary. Mrs Gaytri Sewpersadh was elected secretary in 1977. Mrs H. Arjoon and Mrs Jay Bharat Harkhu continued being secretary and treasurer until their demise.

Due to implementation of the Group Areas Act, the Stree Samaj moved to Northdale in the 1960's.

At Plessislaer Arya Samaj in Northdale the Stree Samaj celebrated their 50th Anniversary. They worked very closely with the Samaj and the Veer Dal which was established in 1976. As members of the Stree Samaj passed on, the Stree Samaj eventually became inactive in 1996.

PLESSISLAER ARYA SAMAJ WOMEN'S FORUM 

With the intention of promoting the Principles of the Arya Samaj, on 5th November 2011, The Plessislaer Arya Stree Samaj was revived under the name of 'Plessislaer Arya Samaj Women's Forum'. The Executive committee was as follows:

CHAIRPERSON: Mrs Shamola Dasrath

SECRETARY: Mrs Anuradha Bandu

TREASURER: Mrs Urasha Budhai

(ACTING SECRETARIES: Mrs Anitha Harilal & Mrs Celia Jadoo)

The members of the PAS Women's Forum under the leadership of Mrs Shamola Dasrath (current president of Plessislaer Arya Samaj) are actively involved in the various undertakings of the Samaj and are ever willing to assist as and when required. 

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