Our story
Jyoti Jivanam Movement of South Africa: 25 Years of Service, Seva, and Sustained Impact
Founded in the year 2000 by Dr. Prithy Ramlachan and joined by like-minded visionaries Mr. Ajaicoomar Singh and Mr. Sageran Govender, the Jyoti Jivanam Movement of South Africa began with a simple yet powerful act of compassion—the distribution of 100 food hampers at Spar in Newlands West, Durban.
That moment of giving became the seed of a movement that has grown for 25 years, rooted in the belief that no one should go hungry. Today, we proudly work toward distributing 6,000 hampers in 2025, bringing our 25-year milestone total to 120,000 families served.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to UNSDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
This act of food distribution is more than a service—it is our identity. It’s how we began, how we grew, and how we continue to serve. Year after year, it is the one act that has consistently defined who we are.
As we mark this 25th anniversary, we know there is no better way to celebrate than with those who have always been central to our journey—our recipients.
Their stories, struggles, and gratitude have kept us grounded and driven us to continue our work with humility and love.
We also take this moment to honour the late members of Jyoti Jivanam, whose dedication and selfless service remain an enduring source of inspiration. Though they are no longer with us, their light still shines in every action we take and every family we help.
In short, we are not merely celebrating 25 years of existence—we are celebrating 25 years of service. Let this milestone be a reaffirmation of our purpose, a rededication to our community, and a promise that Jyoti Jivanam is still here, still giving, and still grounded in the spirit of seva.
Together, let us seize this moment and continue to shine the light of humanity.
Dino Ravjee, President
Our Mission
To act as a nucleus in rendering services, guidance and assisting people irrespective of race, colour, creed, political, cultural or religious affiliation, especially in the provision of hampers to the needy and destitute in the various communities locally, regionally and nationally during the festival of Deepavali.
Goals
Foster and promote unity, peace, brotherhood and harmony in the country as a whole and in our communities in particular.
Continuously strive to uplift the general welfare of our communities.
Promote principles based on community participation with general unity of purpose and action with mutual respect.
Continuously engage the willingness of the youth and senior citizens to participate within the movement.
Encourage each family to donate a hamper to the underprivileged and nominate a recipient to receive the hamper.
Explore partnerships and collaborations with the non-governmental organizations, community based organizations and government departments in realizing the mission of the movement.
Build capacity, by educating and creating awareness about the vision and the mission of the movement.
Vision
To promote the philosophy of religious, cultural and political tolerance within a multi-cultural society.
With the expressed support and inspiration from roleplayers within our community, the Jyoti Jivanam Movement of South Africa would be able to meet its overall objectives as we continue to challenge to increase the growing need for hampers to the less fortunate during the festival of Deepavali.
Our Team
Meet our Executive Team
Dr Prithy Ramlachan
Honorary President
Dino Ravjee
President
Morgan Gounden
Deputy President