ESTABLISHED 1984
In 1925 the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of South Africa was formed, Many Arya Samajes and other Hindu religious organization had already been organized. The central body of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha was able to bring into focus the religious and cultural needs of the Hindu community. The social and religious reforms of the Arya Samaj movement strongly influenced the Hindus of South A
frica, and many dedicated adherents of the Vedic ideals appear on the scene. On 25 February 1985 the Arya Pritinidhi Sabha was set to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee. The Jubilee year echoed in the midst of the various affiliated institution of the Sabha. It was in 1984 the President of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Mr s. Rambharos decided to have Regional Council in different areas. The Arya Samaj is a World –wide movement and it is constituted on democratic lines starting from grass-roots level of single units which are than organized into regional councils. It was July 1984 our parent body the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha launched the Regional Council in the Midlands Area , South Coast, Central Durban and North coast. This was done because our parent body wanted all its affiliates in different centre to be affiliated to the regional Council and work under one body in promoting religious awakening that was ushered by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. It was at the End of July 1984 when all the Affiliates in Pietermaritzburg met to inaugurate the Regional Council in the Midlands Region. The very first meeting was held at the Nohar Road Ved Mandir in 1984. At this meeting Mr Rambharos who was president of APS was present at this very first regional meeting with APS officials. The first Chairman elected was Mr S. Satgoor, Vice Chairman Pundit Chedie Secretary was Mr Roy Beekrum and the Treasurer Mr P. Mohan
Mr Satgoor held this post for 10 YEARS. In 1994 Mr Baker Ramessur was elected Chairman, Pundit Chedie Vice Chairman, Mr Sewbhajan was elected Secretary treasurer was Mr Suresh Ramsundar. The Regional Council therefore played a very significant role in contributing towards peace and harmony among all peoples in Pietermaritzburg. Its democratic structure is well suited of spiritually –orientated policies that could involve all units in spreading the ancient Vedic teachings for the attainment of Dharma (righteousness), artha (material) well being), K**a (fulfilment of desirable action) and moksha (realisation of the ultimate aim of life). BAHUKUND YAJNA IN PIETERMARITZBURG
1. In July 1991 a huge bahukund yajna was held – for peace – we had 100 hawan kund – Guest speaker was Swami Shardanand. This was held at the Raisethorpe High School grounds.
2. 1st January 2000 midlands held a bhakund yajna – with 50 hawan kund at A***n hall grounds in Khan Road, Raisethorpe.
3. In 2008 We again held a huge Bahukund Yajna at the Raisethorpe High School grounds. We had 100 hawan kund. This was a huge success.
4. On 15 April 2012 we observed swami Dayanand founders day . To celebrate this event we again had a bahukund Yajna with 50 hawan kund. – with Swami Aryavesh as our guest. This was held at the A***n Grounds in Khan road, Raisethorpe. DIWALI CELEBRATION –ARYAN BENEVOLENT HOMES –PIETERMARITZBURG 2012
This was held in November 2012. The youths addressed the gathering. Professor Usha Desai was the guest speaker. The entire function was organised by the Plessislaer Arya Samaj. Golden oldies show – raise funds for Dr. Satish Prakash
A golden oldies show was held on September 2014 to raise funds to pay air tickets for Dr Satish Prakash. R5000 was given to ASSA as part of expenses for his air ticket. Dr Satish arrived in Pietermaritzburg on the 12 October 2014. He spent 5 days in Pietermaritzburg, and gave lectures in the following centres:
1. Veda Dharma Sabha, Raisethorpe Arya Samaj, PMB Sanathan Veda Dharma Sabha, Sai Centre in Copesville and the Plessislaer Arya Samaj. Dr Satish Prakash comes from Guyana, South America. He is very learned and well versed in the Vedic Mantras. On the last day at Plessislaer Arya Samaj Mandir the Midlands Region presented him with a cheque of R1000. THE ARYA SAMAJ WORLD HINDU INTERNATIONAL VEDIC CONFERENCE 13 JULY 1985
One of the highlights of the celebration was a procession of delegates and others interested. It took place on Friday 13 to 17 December 1985, and it was the first that such a grand procession had been organised. With the flag of “Aum” fluttering in the air, the procession started from the A***n Benevolent Home in Chatsworth . Songs and sweets music was played. Every now and then shouts of “Vedic Dharma Ki Jay” were heard. The procession, providing a spectacular sight to the onlookers, terminated at the ABH. The Midlands Region played an important role in this procession. Midlands rendered Bhajans Plessislaer Youth played an important role in helping with the decoration, serving meals and helping the cooks cleaning vegs. We also played a important role in the making of floats. Delegated stayed at the ABH in chatsworth for 3 nights. We stayed in hall was supplied with blankets etc.. Members of the Midlands Regional was presented with certificates for the role played. OTHER CELEBRATION REGIONAL COUNCIL MIDLANDS HELPED WITH
1. Swami Dayanand Founders day and Arya Samaj Legacy Celebration (150 years arrival of Indians in South Africa. This was held on 10 April 2011.
2. Arya Samaj Vedic conference – held on the 30 November 1, 2, 3 December 2013 – held at the City Hall Durban. We also attended fund raising Dinner held in June 2013 at the Kendra Hall. Affiliate from Pietermaritzburg gave a substantial donation towards the Vedic Conference.
3. Mini conference held in June 2013- 32 seater bus was hired members of the Regional attended. Conference was held at the Kendra Hall. HINDU MISSIONARIES
From time to time the many Hindu missionary visited our centre
1. Swami Sanjeevani in 1985
2. Swami Agnivesh –
4. Swami Aryavesh
5. Swami Rangarajan
OFFICIALS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL SINCE 1984 - 2015
YEAR CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER
1984- Mr Satgoor Pundit Chedie Roy Beekrum Mr. P Mohan
1994 -2004 Mr.B. Ramessur Pundit Chedie Mr Sewbhajan Suresh Ramsundar
2004-2006 Suresh Ramsundar Baker Ramessur Trini Krishnan S. Harrichandparsad
2006- 2008 B. Ramessur Suresh Ramsundar Vijay Bandu Sabitha Harrichandparsad
2008 -2010 Kirun Satgoor Salo Rabikisson Sabitha Harrichandpersad
2010-2015 Kirun Satgoor Vijay Bandu Dharam Chedie
2015- Anitha Singh Rakesh Ramsuran Zarina Pillay Dharam Chedie
The Regional Councils encouragement led to many grand celebration of Deepavali , Ramnaumi , Swami Dayanand founders day and Krishna Astmi jointly with all affiliates. This year in 20 September 2015 we will be celebrating jointly with the Midlands Hindu Society their 20 anniversary. We are having a Bahukund YAJNA with 50 or more hawan kunds. Congratulations Midlands Hindu Society in reaching your 20 Anniversary. Pt K Satgoor initiated the Yajak and Yajika programme of Arya Prathinidhi Sabha conducted by Acharya Radesh Singh and at least 25 members of the affiliates were ordained. This process created an incentive for further Vedic Study thus Pt Kirun Satgoor has continued with Yajak training and the 1st batch of students will graduate as priests from the College of Vedic Studies Pietermaritzburg Campus early next yeaṛ
In 1989 Pt. Chedie produced 4 Lady Priests namely: Pta S Seeth, S Sukkhu, K Beekarun & U Hanuman
Seva : The affiliates always worked together in response to calls made by APS towards the Arya Samaj conference and calls for donation for crises and disasters most recently the earthquake in Nepal. Individual affiliates do their seva projects amongst it's people in areas close to their satsang. Mandela Day – 17 July 2015 – Affiliates donated blankets to destitute familieṣ. This was a great effort made by our affiliates in a short space of time. We have also held many Rangeen Mela as a social gathering of the samajs
The Midlands Region annually observes 10 April -Arya Samaj Founders Day. The affiliates share the hosting of the functions. We have undertaken to host a joint observance of Krishna Asthmee which was held at Plessislaer Arya Samaj and this was a success. The Midlands Region has had an exciting opportunity to host the dynamic Pracharak Dr Satish Prakash who made a great impact on our community with his profound knowledge. Recently we participated in the Hindu Dharma Campaign hosted by the Divine Life Society and today we co-host the Bahukund Yajna with Midlands Hindu Society in celebrating their 20 years of service in Pietermaritzburg in yajna to bring blessings, harmony and peace to our community. Since the beginning of the Regional council the affiliates found itself in difficulties but it managed to tide over them and came out victorious. The history of all its affiliates is a history of sacrifice. Inspired by the spirit and teachings of its founder, the great Swami Dayanand Saraswati, it worked hard for the good of mankind, eradication of evils, dissemination of knowledge, in serving the down-trodden and destitute, restoration of justice to the neglected. The Vedas are the scriptures of all true knowledge. “ the great enemy of humanity is ignorance which can be uprooted by the diffusion of the Vedic Knowledge. Humanity is tired of material things and it is thirsty for spiritualism, Vedic philosophy and culture. It has certain sets of codes of conduct. Non- violence, truth, non- covetousness, non –attachment to wordly things, purity, self-study and dedication to God are the principles which should be translated into practice.
