Those of you who know Avo, know that we are blessed to be surrounded by some very special people who work with us to create unique interventions for our Clients. In our ‘Connecting Conversations’ Diversity Programme, Shanthee Manjoo has shared her story with senior teams at both Nedbank and Standard Bank. We are absolutely thrilled that her memoir, “Classrooms in the Shade” is about to be published! We wanted to share some extracts with you and give you a chance to engage with her by responding on our blog site!

Meet Shanthee!

Hello There!
I clearly recall my dear father-about whom my story begins in ‘Classrooms in the Shade’ - bright as the morning star, making his way to our garden to sing his praises to God at dawn. He was the greatest influence in my life!

Chapter 1

Pietermaritzburg 1932

Jai! Jai! Jai! Hanuman gosaai
Kripa karo gurudev kinhaai…

His voice rose magnificently from the grapevine at the corner of the garden. Raising his right foot in the posture of Hanuman, he stood holding aloft a lota, the brass vessel from which water fell in a silvery arc. Water, Nourisher of man, Nourisher of the earth, falling to the ground in a gentle embrace. He was singing the Chalisa, a tribute to Hanuman, revered creature of God.

My father’s voice rose and reached the house in the east where Moulvi Aniff, the Muslim priest, awakening on time, was responding to the muezzin’s azan - the call to prayer from the minaret of the mosque. Allah ho Akbar! (God is great)

Beads of water gleamed on his shoulders, water from the cold shower that began his day. There was a hush in the Maritzburg air. The sparrows, hidden in their leafy perches, had not taken flight. His approach and splendid voice did not startle them, for he began his song of praise long before their own joyous clamour heralded the dawn.