The Aryan Benevolent Home celebrated its centenary gala dinner at the Durban ICC, with over 550 guests in attendance, recently.

The home, which cares for the frail and non-ambulant, elderly, children, women survivors of domestic violence, and physically challenged residents, turned 100 years in 2021.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID pandemic, the gala celebration had to be postponed until this year.

The Aryan Benevolent Home has been the pioneer of social welfare for non-whites in South Africa. The home has its humble beginning in 1921 when its founder, Mr DG Satyadeva, witnessed a homeless man being beaten by the police for taking shelter in a public toilet.

Inspired by the Arya Samaj Movement whose teachings are that ‘everyone must see his welfare in the welfare of others’, Mr Satyadeva and his colleagues, Pundit Nayanah Rajah and Mr SL Singh created a home for the city’s neediest.  

Over the 102 years, the ABH has grown to become the largest organisation of its kind in South Africa, with its work transcending the borders of South Africa. The ABH is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) and public benefit organisation (PBO).

Chairman of the ABH Council, Mohil Bandulal, said, “This moment in the history of the ABH is a moment of celebration, not only for the ABH. It is indeed a moment of celebration for every individual, who has in some way or the other contributed to the continuance of the organisation. Whether they be residents, staff, volunteers, professionals, or donors and sponsors, each has provided the myriad heartbeats we needed to keep our organisation and its core values alive for over a century.” 

The milestone event was hosted by the East Coast Radio celebrity, Darren Maule together with ABH’s own Aarti Dheda, and featured the iconic KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) with the keynote address being delivered by the honourable former president, Thabo Mbeki.

Former President Mbeki, congratulated the organisation on its rich history of service to the community and reminded the audience of the need for a social conscience and its obligation to fulfilling the social contract that each member of society makes with one another.

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He said, “To sustain its reputation, the ABH has a strong and effective governance system, financial and operational management system, and a staff truly dedicated to serving the marginalised, who come in through their doors.”

The absolute highlight of the evening was the Indian cinematic icon, Amitabh Bachchan, sharing a very personal and heartfelt tribute via a video message to the Aryan Benevolent Home. The icon made special mention of the humanitarian work undertaken at the ABH. He went on to acknowledge a true son of the ABH itself, Dr Shishupal Rambharos, who served the organisation for over 80 years of his lifetime.

Another son of the ABH, CEO, Naren Pattundeen, captivated the audience during his speech, sharing the challenges faced by the organisation and expressing his gratitude to the staff without whose commitment the ethos of the ABH will not be fulfilled. 

The ABH centenary gala also introduced the ABH centenary coffee table book to the public. The book, compiled by Dr Shamin Mahabeer and Dr Pravin Thakur, chronicles the 100-year legacy of the ABH.

The ABH centenary coffee table book is available from the ABH for a discretionary donation. All proceeds from the book will be directed to the organisations very worthy cause. 

The most gratifying part of the evening was the opening of hearts to the ABH by donors from all walks of life, helping them raise just under R2 million at the milestone event. This is a testament to the fact that the quality of leadership and work carried out by dedicated staff and volunteers, is appreciated by the community.

The ABH is today benchmarked as a beacon of hope as it empowers numerous children and supports scores of elderlies on its campus in Arena Park, Chatsworth.

The public is invited, at their convenience, onto the ABH campus to view the accomplishments of the organisation. Anyone interested in a campus cruise can contact the public relations desk via email at [email protected]  or call 031 404-9523.

The ABH is a registered NPO and PBO, and will issue Section 18A certificate for all donations as it cares, shares, and serves.

For more information, you can also visit www.abh.co.za

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