Shayal Reddy
As Durga Reddy and his wife Vinita entered the venue of the Peace Foundation Christmas Dinner in Epsom, they were pleasantly surprised to be ushered to the top table.
He later had another surprise. He was the winner of the prestigious ‘Sun Myun Moon Pilgrimage Award.’
Named after the late originator and Principal of the Universal Peace Federation in South Korea, the Award recognises exemplary effort in advancing the mission and vision of Universal Peace Federation within New Zealand.
Peace initiative
The citation described Mr Reddy as “an industrious and hardworking member, who, apart from attending meetings regularly, was instrumental in recruiting the largest number of members to the peace objective.”
The award includes air-tickets and travel costs for two to Seoul.
Mr Reddy was justifiably elated as he received the Award in less than two years after being inducted as a Peace Ambassador.
Revered Guru
A well-known Tabla player and music maestro of Te Atatu South, Auckland, he is also an accomplished and award-winning fisherman. He is respectfully addressed as ‘Guruji.’
Mr Reddy hails from the renowned Geleloa and Gitanjali Musical Club fame of Fiji, and possesses international teaching experience.
He taught Music in Sydney for ten years and in New Zealand for the last nine years.
He is currently Principal of ‘Sur Sangam Indian Cultural Centre,’ an Arts and Culture School.
Family support
In his role as a community worker, Mr Reddy is a peacemaker, counsellor, reconciliatory and advisor to people.
“I believe that God created human beings to serve, as He has many angels at His disposal, I hail from the multiracial country of Fiji, and therefore strongly believe in the principles of multiracialism. This is reflected in the students attending my Tabla classes,” he said.
As he received the Award, Mr Reddy said that he regarded his family as the most important and most valuable asset.
“My wife Vinita has always been a pillar of strength and support since our marriage. It is only through her support that I have been able to achieve this milestone,” he said.
Shayal Reddy is the second daughter of Durga and Vinita Reddy. The couple left for South Korea last fortnight.
