BY: ERMIZI MUHAMAD
KLANG, FEB 12: It is customary that the Hindu community festivals in this country are never short of colours and cultural sentiment.
Filled with the aesthetics and uniqueness of hindu tradition, the 2017 Thaipongal Festival in Taman Sentosa Klang recently was celebrated by more than 3,000 visitors.
The state-level celebration which was filled with a variety of cultural, musical and dance performances was also graced by the Poverty, Caring Government and Plantation Workers Exco, Ganabatirau Veraman’s presence.
The Klang Municipal Council (MPK) Yang Dipertua, Dato’ Yasid Bidin, council members, village heads and local community members also attended the ceremony.
Interestingly, light show and ‘kolam’ decorations – Indian art which were also displayed during the celebration were symbols to the community’s uniqueness.
The celebration this time around was more focused on creative art competition involving participants from the Klang Hindu community.
It was also a special occasion whereby 10 individuals were recognised and acknowledged for their contributions and services in their respective fields of education, welfare, agriculture, social services, art and many more.
Meanwhile, Ganabatirau in his speech last night expressed the State Government’s commitment to continue to develop the economy of the Indian community in this state.
He said, the Indians are no exception in receiving aid and assistance from the race-friendly policies practiced by the state.
“In the 2017 Budget presentation, Dato’ Menteri Besar continue to include and prioritise the welfare of the Indians in Selangor through various new policies and initiatives.
“In fact, the Indians progress consistently with the Malays and Chinese since we took over the leadership in 2008.
“It has become the State Government’s commitment to ensure the Indian community is not left out in enjoying in benefits from the state,” he said.
In the past, the State Government has implemented many policies which benefitted the Indians such as Farmers’ Children Education Fund and Skim Peduli Sihat.
Other initiatives include ‘Bantuan Hijrah for the Indians, building of hostels for Tamil schools and financial aid for Tamil schools.
Selangor Thaipongal Celebration, filled with colours
