A renowned member of the Indo-Fijian community, with mastery over a number of skills, was recently honoured with the ‘Ambassador for Peace’ title in Auckland.
The title, bestowed at a function held on September 22 at the Jubilee Hall in Parnell, was to commemorate the ‘International Day of Peace.’
Durga Reddy, who has a long list of proud students who learnt Tabla and vocal music from him, was humbled by the honour.
“I will continue to give my best to the world of music and train the upcoming generation to become proficient in Tabla and vocal music,” he said.
Established in 1981 following a UN Resolution, the observance, also known as ‘Peace Day’ is a reminder to humanity that ‘peace through goodwill, friendship and working together is possible.’
‘Peace Day’ provides an opportunity for organisations, groups and individuals to share their thoughts and feelings and ‘create acts of peace.’
This year’s events marked the 30th anniversary of the ‘International Day of Peace.’
Musical family
Born in Fiji, Mr Reddy belongs to the ‘Dass Family,’ known for its musical prowess. His association with the world of music over the past 40 years took him to Sydney where he taught many eager Tabla players, apart from imparting the art of rendering Ghazals.
Following a ten-year stay across the Tasman, Mr Reddy migrated to New Zealand in 2005 and has since been running music classes in the Auckland suburbs of Mangere, Otara, Sandringham and Te Atatu South.
Mr Reddy is also known as a master fisherman, the ability in which has taken him to Marbella, Spain, where the fifth World Sport Fishing Tournament was held on October 26 and 27 (read related report under Sportslink).
-With reporting by Sheenal, daughter of Durga Reddy. She is a student at Rutherford College in Te Atatu.
