Chatsworth police recently hosted their Festival of Lights Diwali celebration at the Chatsworth Police Station, where the lighthouse symbolically guided valued stakeholders and the community to embrace the rich Indian tradition of sharing love and light.
Coming together as one, Jeremy Deokynarian of Pelican Pharmacy, Shaun Chetty from Prosecure, Chatsworth Centre, Pinetown Funerals, and the Chatsworth Anti-Drug Forum showed their commitment to the elderly in the Chatsworth and Bayview Policing Precinct by supporting this special pensioners’ celebration.
Captain Cheryl Pillay, Chatsworth SAPS communications officer, shared that the event was directed by Shaista Govender of the Chatsworth Police Station, with police expressing their Agape Love for the elderly in the community.
“The management, along with stakeholders, participated in a candle and clay lamp lighting ceremony, pledging to create warmth and dispel negativity. The lights symbolise the SAPS members’ commitment to being a beacon of hope and loyalty for the people of South Africa. May we take this light and spread the beautiful flame of love,” she said.
Pillay added that Diwali represents the victory of ‘dharma’ over ‘adharma’—righteousness over unrighteousness.
“The height of candles may differ, but they yield the same brightness. All the lights of the world cannot compare to the ray of inner light within each person. Diwali reminds us to awaken this light of goodness within ourselves, transforming our work environment and community. This celebration brought together SAPS personnel, stakeholders, and the community, who shared diverse spiritualities and the essence of Diwali, which fosters unity and togetherness,” she said.
Special guests Beena Deokynarian and Reverend Cyril Pillay, both celebrating October birthdays, graced the occasion.
Pastor Anita Ramdhanie, Deputy Chairperson of the Chatsworth Community Policing Forum, expressed gratitude to the station and its partners for their dedication to protecting and supporting the elderly. She reaffirmed the Chatsworth CPF’s commitment to joining stakeholders in their mission and wished the entire community a blessed Diwali. Reverend Cyril Pillay, Chairman of the South African Police Chatsworth Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, also addressed the gathering on the importance of supporting the SAPS, referring to them as the “angels in blue.”
Reverend Pillay added, “Life is a loan and a lease given to celebrate joys and face sorrows. While the world is made up of diverse religions and cultures, humanity itself is a shared bond. In times of conflict and hardship, each faith brings a message. The Festival of Lights, with its lamps, symbolises hope and blessing—a celebration of success, knowledge, and good fortune. May every home be lit to dispel darkness, despite load shedding, and may all South Africans enjoy a blessed Diwali.”
As part of the Diwali celebration, four compassionate and devoted men were honoured for their contributions to the South African Police Service and society. Pillay explained that gifting a shawl in Indian culture is a mark of respect and gratitude, symbolising selfless acts of service to the community. Deokynarian, Chetty, Brandon Pillay, Chairperson of the Bayview Community Policing Forum, and Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Arumugam were awarded this honour.
Pillay added, “The values these honourees embody—‘love all, serve all, help ever, hurt never’—and their acts of kindness towards the Chatsworth community inspire unity. This platform of recognition highlights the strength of diversity, religious respect, and the vibrant colours of our rainbow nation.”
The police also thanked Perfect Water, Reach for Recovery, Spar Chatsworth, Milky Lane Chatsworth, and Ridge Function Hire for their contributions to the day’s success.
