Malaysians celebrate National Day in India
NEW DELHI: Malaysians in India celebrated the National Day yesterday with a ceremony at the High Commission in New Delhi.
Malaysian High Commissioner to India Datuk Hidayat Abdul Hamid raised the Jalur Gemilang in the presence of about 100 Malaysians and Indians.
He said this year’s National Day themed, ‘Negaraku: One Heart, One Soul’ represented the solidarity and unity of a diverse Malaysia.
Malaysians gathered for the ceremony and sang the national anthem, ‘Negaraku’ and patriotic songs.
A group of six bikers from Shadowfax Malaysia Motorcycle Club on a six-nation tour led by Datuk R Muruga Nantham joined in the celebration at the high commission.
They were later flagged off by Hidayat for the rest of the India journey.
Perwakilan, a group representing spouses of the high commission officials, added a Malaysian flavour to the occasion.
“We created decorations to suit the National Day theme and arranged authentic Malaysian cuisine. Although we are celebrating away from home, our members wanted to ensure a Malaysian atmosphere,” said Datin Rosie Hidayat.
Malaysians in India said the National Day remained a special occasion no matter where they celebrated the event.
“Malaysia is always in our hearts. Singing the ‘Negaraku’ fills us with national pride,” said Harlina Zakaria.
“This is the first time I am at an official celebration outside Malaysia. I am so impressed with the enthusiasm I witnessed in Delhi. The Malaysian community is small here but the celebration is big,” said Anuar Abdullah, who works with an Indian-Malaysian joint venture. — Bernama