“A ONE of a kind human being”, who was in touch with the pulse of society, and in whatever way he contributed, he gave his all, quietly and with efficiency.
Those were some of the sentiments shared by many, across various platforms, in response to the passing away of lawyer Ashwin Trikamjee, who was also a revered religious, cultural and community leader and sports administrator.
Trikamjee, 80, died on Wednesday and laid to rest on Friday.
He was the president of the Hindu Maha Sabha, a director at the 1860 Heritage Centre and he wore many caps in the legal fraternity, including being president of the Association of Law Societies of South Africa, and the Natal Law Society's head for a term.
His contribution to the advancement of non-racial sport as an anti-apartheid activist was marked and his work as a football administrator was an institution on its own.
Being president of the erstwhile Federation Professional League and vice president of the National Soccer League formed in the early 1990s, were some of his football leadership roles.
Trikamjee served as national chairperson of the SA Fed Soccer Legends and was also committed to the Curries Fountain Heritage Preservation Foundation.
As former schoolboys at the old Gandhi Desai High, Jasper Vurden, also a well-known football administrator, was also devastated by the death of his “old friend”.
“Ashwin (Trikamjee) was two years ahead during our schooldays. When I ran Manning Rangers Football Club he was the vice president of FPL.
“We both served on the executive of the FPL since 1979 and he became president of the organisation.
“When the FPL merged with the National Professional Soccer League and the NSL was formed in 1990, we were also on the executive of the unified body. We continued to work alongside each other at the SA Fed Legends”
Vurden said paying tribute at Trikamjee’s funeral and speaking about the “special” bond they shared was a huge challenge because of the sadness he felt.
“Ashwin was a man of integrity and principles.
“He stood his ground on issues of non-racialism. We were all part of the SACOS (South African Council on Sport), a body that shook the old government regime. Sports activism played a big role in sanctions and boycotts against apartheid.
“If I remember correctly, Ashwin served with guys like Hassan Howa, on the Sacos’ constitutional body.”
Vurden recalled the time when the FPL and NPSL decided to unite.
“Things became very controversial. We all had our own views and we took a decision that was in the best interests of the sport and unity.
“We were aware that Nelson Mandela was due to be released from prison and there was no way we were going to stifle that.”
Vurden said, at times, he and Trikamjee had differences at meetings but they always walked out as friends because they understood each other.
“At age 80, he was physically fit. About three weeks ago he was in a motor vehicle accident and spent some time in hospital before being discharged.
“I called him afterwards and he told me he was fine and was taking things easy.
“Ashwin was retired, but he never took it easy, whether it was sport, religious or community matters. He never was scared to get involved and was a very knowledgeable person,” said Vurden.
Mubarak Mahomed, a former Safa vice president, 2010 World Cup director and Fifa committee member, said he was a youngster coming up in the football administration ranks when he engaged Trikamjee.
“He was the FPL chairman and I was the director of Bosmont Chelsea FC.
“I learnt much from him. He was someone with good ethics and morality and there wasn't a single allegation against him during his time in sport, unlike some of the present day administrators.
“He was just fantastic.”
Mahomed said he had learnt much from people like Trikamjee over the years and credited his involvement with Fifa because of people like him.
Mahomed said Trikamje was a transparent administrator, who conducted himself with dignity and respect.
“The country might never see another administrator like Ashwin,”said Mahomed
Former Manning Rangers and Amazulu goalkeeper Derrick Naidoo agreed.
“I can only imagine the amount of his time he spent serving others. He served alongside other excellent administrators like SK Chetty and Rama Reddy who were all from the Asherville area, where I lived for many years.
“Sadly, I don't believe they received the true recognition for what they did, just serving because of their loved of the game.”
Naidoo said Trikamjee lived briefly in Asherville and noticed his humility, honest and compassionate nature.
He said Trikamjee always had strong religious beliefs and did much to promote Hinduism and was known worldwide for his efforts.
“He represented complete Hinduism and was not one for separatism and sects.
“Many activists and leaders talk too much and do little. He was just a brilliant character, someone who will be hard to emulate,” said Naidoo.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “Ashwin Trikamjee led a life of diverse pursuits which he exercised to improve the lives of communities in which he served.
“We will miss his gentle, serene presence, wise counsel and humble yet industrious service to many sectors of our nation."
DAILY NEWS