Ashwin Trikamjee described as selfless as he’s laid to rest

Friends and family have described the late Hindu leader and lawyer Ashwin Trikamjee as a selfless individual with a deep passion for human rights. Trikamjee was laid to rest in Durban on Friday after passing on in a Johannesburg hospital the previous day at the age of 80.

He held various positions at the time of his death, including that of President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Board Director at the 1860 Heritage Centre. He has been described as a distinguished attorney, human rights advocate, and religious leader.  

Politicians, members of the legal fraternity, businessmen, and scholars were among the scores of people who attended the funeral. 

His colleagues from the legal fraternity said Trikamjee had spent 51 years honouring the oath he took when he was admitted as attorney to be loyal to the Republic of South Africa with intense discipline and unwavering determination. His children say although he was a prominent public figure, he always had time for his family. 

“My final thank you and most important one, thank you, Ash. How can I put into words what you mean to me? There’s no way to quantify all that you have done for me; just know that I’ll spend a lifetime honouring you and your legacy. My greatest compliments are when people tell me that I’m like my father and my most cherished messages of the last 24 hours came from people who reminded me how proud you are of me,” says Trikamjee’s daughter, Doctor Thula Trikamjee. 

His son, Shalen, has encouraged mourners to pass on his father’s teachings to others. 

WATCH: Condolences pour in for Ashwin Trikamjee:

Trikamjee’s commitment to interfaith cooperation saw him serve as the inaugural Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum, where he initiated and promoted dialogue among diverse faith groups.

South African Council of Churches General Secretry: Reverend Mzwandile Molo, says, “We have understood that Ashwin was a gift, not only for the Hindu religion and faith, but he was a gift to all South Africans, and in him we found the best expressions of what God wants all of us to be – to live with purity of heart, clarity of intent, and deep values that encompass all the people who are created by God and all creation without any sense of malice. 

 Trikamjee also served as the chairperson of the SABC Pension Fund for 20 years.