The South African struggle against apartheid occupies a cherished place in our hearts.  This is not just because the Father of our Nation commenced his political career in South Africa and forged the instrument of Satyagraha in that country but because successive generations of Indians settled in South Africa have continued the resistance to racial oppression.  Hailing from different parts of the Indian sub-continent and professing the different faiths of India, they have offered consistent solidarity and participation in the heroic fight of the people of South Africa for liberation.

Among these brave Indians, the name of Dr. Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo is specially remembered for his remarkable achievements in bringing together the Indian community of South Africa with the African majority, in the latter's struggle against racism.  Dr. Dadoo met Gandhiji in India and was in correspondence with him during a decisive phase of the struggle in South Africa. And Dr. Dadoo later became an esteemed colleague of the outstanding South African leader, Nelson Mandela. Thereby Dr. Dadoo not only bridged India and South Africa but also Gandhi and Mandela. The reference to Dr. Dadoo made by Nelson Mandela in his very first public statement following his release from prison last year was a touching tribute to this leader.  But it was also a great deal more.  It was an affirmation of the vision of a multi-racial and just South Africa which was dear to the Father of our Nation and is Nelson Mandela's goal.

I am glad Shri E.S. Reddy has brought together a selection of Dr. Dadoo's writings which are bound to increase awareness in both the countries of their revolutionary mutuality.

New Delhi                                                                    R. Venkataraman
August 10,1990                                                           (President of India)

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