Remembering Vick Panday: A heartfelt tribute from his wife following the Redcliffe temple tragedy
The funerals for temple founder Vick Panday and Vasudeva Datta Das were held yesterday at the River Range Ranch site in Verulam.
Image: Chumani Mazwi
The community of Verulam gathered yesterday to mourn those who died when an extension to the temple in Redcliffe collapsed last Friday.
Five people, including temple founder Vick Panday, were killed when an extension under construction near the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam gave way.
The others who died included senior devotee Vasudeva Datta Das, electrician Jayseelan Perumal and a worker, named as Abdul.
The Post newspaper reported that Kishore Haribhujan, a local farmer also died in the incident.
The funerals for Panday and Das were held yesterday at the River Range Ranch site in Verulam.
At Panday's funeral, a message from his wife Helena was read, by Sudeshni Prithipal, in which she described him as an “incredible soulmate” whose impact on the world extended far beyond his immediate relationships.
“My dearest Vick, you are my beautiful universe, and I find myself unable to breathe much these past few days. The immense impact of your departure is profound. But as we close this chapter of our adventures and design in this life together, through the tears, I do smile. I smile at the countless memories that we shared until the curtain fell, and I do find strength in all of the joyful moments that I had been blessed to share with you and the great souls that came with your love and association,” Helena said.
“Our beautiful journey together was also riddled with bumpy rides and complications, but you truly fulfilled my life from the very moment that you said hello. The very hello kept us soaring and exploring. I am still stunned in realising your ability to fill so many roles in our personal life, society and beyond, so effortlessly. Wow.”
Helena said she is honoured to have been Vick’s wife.
“Vick, you are truly iconic. Thank you, my great love. I will always love you.”
Helena also thanked all those who honoured Vick and recognised his passionate commitment to fostering respect and unity for better beings.
She also spoke about the others who died alongside her husband.
“To the family’s friends and loved ones of each of these magnanimous souls that departed this mortal world in companionship with Vick, I humbly request for your forgiveness and extend my heartfelt condolences to you all,” Helena said.
“I personally would have gladly exchanged places without any hesitation, simply to continue walking by Vick’s side, too. But sadly, similarly to all of you, I remain here. Gutted and scrambling to make sense of our empty home, too. I am truly deeply sorry for the pain that you are encountering, and we pray for strength in the days ahead. Jai Shri Krishna.”
“As our hearts keep on shattering, we need to implore the incredible legacies created by each of these beautiful beings.”
Helena said Vick would not be at peace if he were the only one being applauded. Instead, he would “yell over the heavens that we need to see beyond this reality that conjures immeasurable pain and suffering”.
Tributes for the victims continue to stream in.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha extended its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the Verulam building collapse.
“This deeply distressing incident has brought immense sorrow to our community, and we mourn the untimely loss of precious lives. In this moment of grief, we turn to the Divine for strength and guidance, praying that all those who are suffering may be blessed with peace, comfort and inner resilience,” the Hindu Maha Sabha said.
“May the departed souls be embraced by Divine grace and attain eternal peace (Shanti). We pray that their families and loved ones are granted courage, patience and spiritual fortitude to endure this painful period. As a community rooted in compassion, unity, and service (Seva), we stand in solidarity with all those affected and offer our prayers for healing and hope during this time of deep sorrow.”
Meanwhile findings from the preliminary investigation into the four-storey building collapse will be revealed today by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson.
The eThekwini Municipality said in a statement that Macpherson will brief the media on the outcomes of the preliminary investigation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE).