The Andhra Maha Sabha of South Africa recently celebrated a milestone anniversary commemorating 90 years of keeping the ‘Andhra Jyothi, the Torch of Andhraism,’ glowing.
According to the PRO, Charmaine Chetty, the AMSSA is aimed at a closer unity of the Telugus by promoting, preserving and propagating the Telugu language and Andhra culture. “It caters for all the educational, spiritual, social and cultural needs of the Andhra community. It is the only National Body for the Telugu-speaking people in South Africa and is registered with the Department of Social Development as a non-profit organisation. AMSSA is affiliated to the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, actively participating in all its activities.” Chetty said that the creation of the organisation stemmed as far the arrival of indentured labourers to South Africa. “Since their arrival in South Africa, the Indian immigrants led a life of rejection and restriction. They were made to feel alien. There was an urgent need for the development of cultural institutions and through determination and resolution, simple cultural institutions were created in the Telugu community. Informal teaching of Telugu began where the children were taught their socio-cultural habits, religious rituals, Hindu Dharma and Andhra traditions through oral communication. The Andhras realised that Telugu literacy was essential to keep their customs and practices alive. This led to the formation of Telugu Paatashalas (schools) in Natal, a colossal task but the end result was soul satisfying, enjoyable and enlightening.”
At a mass meeting of the Andhras held on Thursday, 14 May 1931 at 10am at the Hindu Tamil Institute in Cross Street, Durban, the proposal for the organisation was submitted. Four years later in 1936, the Andhra Maha Sabha of South Africa was constitutionally declared. Chetty said that the celebrations will have to stay online this year since the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major effect on the manner in which events will be hosted for the foreseeable future. “Although we are in stage one, AMSSA is observing all protocols and ensuring that our members are safe. We will continue with virtual meetings and live-stream all our activities until we feel it is safe to do so.” The organisation’s headquarters is based at 92 Camper Drive, Havenside. For more information on the organisation, follow them on social media. To access a full history information document on AMSSA email chatsworthtabloid@gmail.com.
