Show Hindu students consideration

I REFER to the letter “Give students time off for Deepavali” (The Star, Oct 11). This issue is an annual occurrence and letters have been published on it before.

Many years ago, my eldest son was asked to register for his college (government) on the day after Deepavali. When my wife called up the college administration, she was told that they knew it was a public holiday but didn’t know why. I am not sure whether they were ignorant or just didn’t care.

On the other hand, being ignorant sounds so dumb since Deepavali has been a public holiday for many years now.

This year, my younger son who is studying in a private university told me his class would finish late evening on the eve of Deepavali. The eve of Deepavali is important as prayers are conducted for our departed loved ones at this time.

I have come to the conclusion that people simply do not care about the needs of the minority community. Please don’t write back and say the Hindu community has to make sacrifices.

I urge public and private institutions of higher learning to make an effort to reschedule their classes and allow students to return to their homes a day or two before the festival and celebrate Deepavali with their loved ones. May the life of everyone light up not only during Deepavali but ever after. GSM Rawang, Selangor