Very soon we will be able to see another Vidhana Soudha in distant South Africa. This was the message by s.Nerusha Naidoo,Secretary, Kwa Zulu-Natal Legislature during her visit to Garden City College. The high profile official was at the campus to interact with the students as part of the Gandhi Jayanthi festivities. “I am here to see and observe different Parliament houses in India and so far, the towering structure in Bangalore stands way ahead of the others I have seen,” she said. “I am sure the speaker of the assembly who is very impressed with India's democracy will agree with me.”
The government of Kwa Zulu Natal is likely to adopt the same model of the law making building and the proposal will be submitted to the South African Government shortly. During her interaction with the foreign students at the college auditorium, she expressed hope that as the future leaders, they will contribute to global understanding. She was accompanied on her visit by Mr. Ivan Nigli, MLA –Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
Ms. Nerusha who was in India to attend the Commonwealth Leaders Meet hosted in New Delhi. A fourth generation Indian, Ms. Nerusha is proud of her Indian connection.
She received her education from Public School run by Indian Community in Kwa Zulu Natal. She is an arts graduate as well as a graduate in LLB, Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Relation, Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Audit and Criminal Justice.
Addressing the students, she expressed her gratitude for the wonderful reception. “I have always been attached to India. The fact that my ancestors belong to this country makes it even more special.”
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Welcome to GCC. How do you feel coming to the campus?
A: Excellent. I have no words to express my gratitude. I am touched by the hospitality and pleased to be in such an environment. The Chairman, Dr. Joseph V.G., has done a tremendous work. The enthusiasm of the students is another. I am sure the administration is working to make the students life very comfortable.
Q: Tell us more about yourself ?
A: (Smiles). I am a very simple down t earth woman. I was born and brought up in South Africa though I trace my origin to Andhra Pradesh State in India. I studied in South Africa Public School. This is a school run for the benefit of the Indian community. Later I pursued my LLB degree. I joined the legislature of Kwa Zulu Natal in 1996 as Legal Advisor of the politicians in parliament. In 2002, I joined the municipality of Kwa Zulu Natal and in the same year became the Secretary of the Kwa Zulu parliament.
Q: Is there any special reason for your visit to India?
A: Oh! Of course! I came to India to attend the Commonwealth Conference in New Delhi. Also, I am here to see the various parliamentary buildings in the country. We plan to construct our own parliament. Since the country is known for its wonderful infrastructure, I thought we could do with the same back home. I am impressed to see Bangalore's Vidhana Soudha. It is a beauty.
Q: How does it feel to be in India?
A: (Smiles) Excellent. I don't feel as if I am in this country for the first time. Wherever I have gone, I have been received well. I hope to come back with the Speaker of the Kwa Zulu Natal who shares a great love for India.
Q: GCC College of Law is to be launched. Would you like to be involved with the college?
A: Oh, sure! I may not come in as permanent faculty but definitely as Guest Lecturer. That is if invited…
(Laughs)
Isha Majumder
BA (Journo, Psy & Eng)
