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Art refreshes ties Hyderabad Celebrates 150 years of Indian Presence in South Africa With A Cultural Exchange Programme in The Times of India, Hyderabad, Saturday, July 31, 2010 by Padmini Copparapu

Hyderabad: With all the fanfare surrounding FIFA World Cup, a historic landmark for India-South Africa ties went almost unnoticed – the 150 years of the Indian presence in South Africa. Hyderabad is playing role in highlighting the shared heritage, in the form of a series of cultural programs in the upcoming months.

In fact Hyderabad is the first Indian city to have kicked off the celebrations in style with a bilateral Art Exchange Programme between Pretoria and Hyderabad, facilitated by a Hyderabadi residing in Pretoria.

The Cultural exchange will only serve to renew ties between Telegus and South Africa, ties that have come loose over the years.

Few know that almost two thirds of the first Indians to land on South African shores were of Telegu and Tamil origin, natives of the erstwhile Madras presidency. There they were recruited as indentured labor to work on sugar plantations, treated a slaves and discriminated as blacks during apartheid. Over the years, the Telegus have got integrated with other Indian communities, notably the Tamilians. As a result, except for the vibrant communities like the Naidoos, there are a few people of Telegu origin left in South Africa who speak the language and feel a connection to the Telegus here. Despite the loss of touch with the Indian homeland, they still retain their identity, often marrying among themselves, and not getting completely immersed in South African culture.

Now the combined efforts of Hyderabad’s Centre for the Exposition of World Arts and Culture (CEWAC) and South African Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA) have brought South African and Hyderabad artists on a single platform – the art exhibition giving them a rare opportunity to share experiences.

In tribute to the South African Indians who fought against odds to emerge as equals in that country, more than 40 works of notable South African artists like Amita Makan, Avitha Sooful, Makiwa Mutomba, Carl Jeppe, Philip Badenhorst, Lynette ten Krooden Manlenkosi Skosana amongst others are showcased at the Chowmahallah Palace.

Centered around the theme ‘Land: Diversity and Unity’, the show includes paintings, portraits, drawings and a photo essay. Works depicting Gandhi, landscapes, life, children, national flag, a charter of freedom and more, it introduced to the city, an artist’s perception of South African identity. In exchange, renowned Hyderabad-based artists Aziz, Kondapalli Seshagari Rao and Devulapalli Hanumantha Rao will be exhibiting their works in South Africa. Aziz and Hanumantha Rao will also travel to South Africa to create their own series there.

The entire programme, artists hope, will re-establish lost links and strengthen the bonds. Once in South Africa, Hanumantha Rao intends to “get in touch with our (Telegu) people who might not have had the opportunity to know their roots. Through contemporary art, we will share notes of our cultures,” he says.

Similarly, Vidya, the Hyderabad-born facilitator of the programme, is coming out with an anthology that includes ‘Abboyee of Chitoor’ by D Chetty and ‘Child of Location’ by Muthal Naidoo of the trials and tribulations of early Telegu migrants in South Africa.

It is no wonder that all the participants are equivocal that the exhibition and artists camp is more than just about art. Vidya’s dream of establishing a cultural bridge between Hyderabad and Pretoria is already coming true if Amita Makan and Makiwa Mutomba’s enthusiasm towards Hyderabad is anything to go by. These artists are so enamored by Hyderabad that they have decided to paint a whole series on Hyderabad. Makiwa has already gifted a stunning portrait of Mahatma Gandhi to the Chowmahallah Palace.

Amita, a fourth generation South African Indian, says “Everything is more exotic here. I feel a deep sense of connection to the people. They are so warm, friendly and gentle”.

Kishan Rao, director of the Chowmahallah Palace and CEWAC, says, “We wanted to promote friendship between both the cities (Hyderabad and Pretoria), beginning with the art show. The 150 years celebrations came at an opportune moment. Through the year Chowmahalla will have many more cultural programmes to commemorate the event,” he said.

Organisers are also planning to have an opera concert by the famous South African group, ‘Black Tie’ in the city.