South African president Thabo Mbeki was among a number of high profile dignitaries who attended the world premiere of the movie 'Gandhi My Father' on 29 July, produced by Anil Kapoor and co-produced by associate producer Anil Gupta, hosted in South Africa by the Gupta family and the Sahara Group.
The movie, which is partly shot in South Africa, is directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and brought to the country through Anil Kapoor Films Company in association with Eros International.
Gandhi My Father offers a moving account of the relationship between the national leader and humanitarian, Mahatma Gandhi, and his son, Harilal.
It is a gripping reflection of the personal dilemma faced by the Gandhi family as circumstance sets up the consequences of the Mahatma's social responsibility and conviction, against his role as father and provider to his own family.
South Africa was selected as the host country to the world premiere, occasioned in part by the historical bond between the Mahatma and this country, as well as the fact that the movie's producer is South Africa's goodwill ambassador in India.
"This [movie] is a gift to South Africa and for that we thank the Gupta family, as well as those who made this film and decided to launch it in South Africa," said President Mbeki. "It is my hope that all future leaders of this country learn from the example lived by Mahatma Gandhi."
Atul Gupta, Managing Director of the Sahara Group and co-producer of the film, believes the movie's premiere in South Africa is of major benefit to the industry, to movie-goers in general, to the company and to the country as a whole.
"It is with pride, honour and pleasure that Sahara, as representative of South Africa's increasingly influential information and communications technology (ICT) industry, hosts the launch of this very significant film. South Africa and India have much in common and, as one of our esteemed guests suggested, the hearts of both countries beat with the same passion. We acknowledge and proudly endeavour to emulate the ethos of Mahatma Gandhi, being self-sacrifice, humanity and humility in growth and achievement," said Gupta. "These principles form the backbone of our continued investment in South Africa's ICT sector and the many spin-off initiatives aimed at community and individual upliftment.
"We thank everyone who contributed to this momentous occasion and extend our sincere appreciation to the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, for his interest, input and encouragement. The message of hope and selflessness in Gandhi My Father is critical for this country and our neighbours throughout the world. As such, we will strive to ensure that the movie achieves global recognition among world audiences," he continued.
Gandhi My Father will be open to the public from 3 August.
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Established in 1997, Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets.
The company is an official distributor and original equipment manufacturer for a variety of top international vendors, including AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Foxconn, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.
The core focus of Sahara's operation is the consistent and effective supply of affordable, reliable and accessible technology.
This operation is managed via the company's head office in Midrand, Gauteng - considered a central business hub. The Sahara business network stretches across South Africa to include Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.
The company has successfully extended its reach to key regions and emerging global markets including Dubai, China and India. The Sahara brand is also well known across Africa, with established company presence in countries like Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique and Namibia.
Sahara's vision is to become a truly global brand and premier IT supplier throughout Africa.
Sahara is also an accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign as well as the SAVANT global SA brand awareness initiative. Corporate social responsibility is a key priority for the company and it continues to contribute towards projects and programs aimed at individual and community upliftment.
The name Sahara is widely associated with the development of sport, including soccer, cricket, rugby and motorsport.
This is considered a significant area of business development by the company. As a result of hard work, commitment and unwavering dedication to its brand, Sahara has formed several strong alliances with key role players, stakeholders and representative bodies.
Most recently Sahara announced the signing of a groundbreaking sponsorship and technology supply agreement with Mamelodi Sundowns, a top ranking soccer club competing in South Africa's Professional Soccer League.
The sponsorship is underpinned by the provision of communications infrastructure and mobile technology - including laptops, notebooks and digital lifestyle technology - and signals Sahara's commitment to the club and South African soccer in general.
Effective marketing and generating awareness are significant elements of the company's ongoing marketing campaign.
Under the direction of Gary Naidoo, appointed as Deputy Managing Director of Sahara in December 2005, the company retains a focus on a number of growing market sectors including corporate, government, digital lifestyle and mobile and wireless.
For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za.
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