South African leading Hindu body calls for greater representation of Indian community’s contributions in school textbooks

By  News On Air   May 01, 2026

A leading Hindu organisation in South Africa has called for greater representation of the Indian community’s contributions in school textbooks currently under revision. In an open letter, South African Hindu Dharma Sabha (SAHDS) President Ram Maharaj said that the history of Indians, despite the community being a minority, must be adequately reflected in curricula. He recalled that Indians, since arriving as indentured labourers in 1860, had contributed across economic, cultural, political and social spheres in South Africa.

He also called for recognition of Indian figures such as the Padavatan brothers and Valliamma, as well as philanthropists, including VN Naik, ML Sultan, Narend Pattundeen, AM Moola, RK Khan, and HE Joosab, who helped establish schools and hospitals for the community. He said greater inclusion of the community’s struggles would also counter perceptions that Indians in South Africa had historically enjoyed privilege.