Hindu Tamil Institute Building, Durban

Built by the Tamil Community the prominent and almost 70-year-old Building of the Hindu Tamil Institute (HTI) in Cross Street, Durban, near the Durban Girls’ Secondary School, was officially opened on April 12, 1939 by Sri Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. He was the first vice-president of India (1952-1962) and its second president (1962-1967). His birthday is celebrated in India, as Teachers’ Day on September 5. Although it was initially known as the Hindu Tamil Government Aided Indian School, founded on February 27, 1914 and originally operated in Prince Edward Street, it eventually moved to the HTI Building at 90 Cross Street. The Building had a rich History and was one of the first Indian Schools in the Central Business District. As Indian families started moving into Townships because of the Group Areas Act, attendance at the School dropped. It was also where the then ML Sultan Technikon, started its first classes. In the 1970's, when the HTI School closed, the Building stood vacant for two Years. The society has now decided to sell the 70-year-old Building as it could no longer serve the Indian community, which has scattered! The proceeds would help run the Hindu Tamil Mansions in Dr. Goonam Street, and Natal Tamil Vedic Society, in Carlisle Street.