South Africa lost a major champion of the arts and the Indian community lost one of his foremost cultural icons when Dr Tholosiah Perumal (“TP”) Naidoo passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on the morning of Thursday, May 10.Dr Naidoo was widely known in the Durban Indian community and further afield throughout South Africa. He founded the Indian Academy of South Africa in 1960 and was steadfastly involved for more than five decades in the promotion and propagation of the Indian performing arts through song, music and dance in the academy’s Heritage Series.
Born on July 4, 1933, “TP” grew up in Tongaat, KZN, in a large extended family. His late father, Perumal Naidoo, was an executive member of the Andhra Maha Sabha of South Africa and the young “TP” was encouraged to be part of this organisation, having showed much interest from an early age. His early association with the Ramakrishna Centre and Divine Life Society inspired his lasting interest in Indian cultural values.
He attended Sastri College and Durham University in the UK and his first job was as a rep with Castle Wine & EK Green. He was actively involved in sporting activities and wrote regular articles for The Leader, Graphic and the then Drum magazine. His journalistic skills allowed him to start the first Black Sports Paper, The Sports Herald. He became a sports broadcaster at the SABC and presented various talk shows and musical programmes on Radio Truro, Radio Lotus, SABC & Eastern Mosaic, Sun TV, Jaya TV and also All India Radio.
For over 50 years, Dr Naidoo has been editor and publisher of the glossy journal, The Indian Annual, and the Heritage Series brochure in later years. His annual Diwali Hamper distribution surpassed thousands of food hampers. He has also raised hundreds of thousands of rands for many deserving causes.
A gifted orator and multi-talented impresario, Dr Naidoo pioneered the Nadaraja and Golden Peacock Achiever Awards which both recognize outstanding and selfless community service as well as business acumen. He has hosted numerous groups of visiting artistes whilst showcasing local talent in many prestigious concerts.
The Academy’s highly popular 32 year-old Heritage Series now tours to three provinces on an annual basis. The highlight of this production is the internationally acclaimed Swami Thyagaraja Music Festival.
Dr Naidoo has been recognized for his contribution with doctorates, trophies and citations as well as South African and international awards. Among his numerous accolades is the Legends of Durban Award from the Ethekwini Municipality. A further major recognition came in 2009, when he was presented with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in New Delhi by the President of India for his contribution to the support of Indian culture outside of India.
Anyone working with Dr Naidoo and the Indian Academy will know that firmly by his side stood his loyal and supporting wife, Chinamma or “Mummy”, as she is fondly known. An arranged marriage some 55 years ago produced a formidable and extremely pro-active couple who have done much to improve the cultural and social betterment of thousands of people. Their son, Logan, sadly passed away in 2003.
Dr Naidoo leaves his widow Chinamma, his daughter Vasantha, who handles most of the Academy’s activities, and a considerable extended family. His hope was that the Academy will continue his legacy.
The funeral service will take place today (May 12) in the Doorgha Hall, Jupiter Square, Mobeni Heights, from 12 noon to 15h00, thereafter proceeding to the Clare Estate Crematorium Hall from 16h00 with the cremation taking place at 18h00.
More information from the Indian Academy on 031 400 2725 or email: naidoovsm@telkomsa.net
Posts
