Deepavali celebration showcases racial unity

SANDAKAN: With well over 400 people of various races and creeds in attendance, the 2017 Deepavali Celebrations organized by the Sandakan Indian Association (SIA) once again reflected the strong bonds of friendship and unity among the different races in Sabah.

Among those present were VIPs, community leaders, supporters, guests and members.

“Due to various factors we had to celebrate this auspicious Festival of Lights later than the actual date (18th October) but we did everything to ensure that the event was just as meaningful as ever,” said SIA President Taren Sunil Manoharan.

Among the VIPs present was Datuk Charles O Pang, the state assemblyman for Karamunting, who was the guest of honour. Also present were Sandakan MP Stephen Wong and Nagaraju Applasamy, the MIC information chief for Sabah and Silam Division chairman.

While extending his Deepavali greetings, Charles praised SIA for its many social programmes and projects as well as community services to the public. He urged the association to keep up its good work which has been benefiting the local community.

Charles also stressed the importance of intermingling of the different races to strengthen unity in the country as reflected at the Deepavali function.

Meanwhile, SIA president Taren Sunil Manoharan thanked Charles and other VIPs for gracing the function. He also extended his Deepavali greeting to everyone and thanked them for attending the function which was held at a popular restaurant.

He stressed the importance of celebrating each other’s festival days to promote national unity in a multi-racial nation like Malaysia.

Among the social activities currently organized by SIA on a regular basis are youth development programmes, promotion of tennis among youngsters, visits and contributions to charity homes, blood donation campaigns, pro-environment activities and other community-orientated programmes.

As before, SIA invited residents of Sabah Cheshire Home Sandakan and Sri Harapan Old Folks Home to share the joys of the auspicious occasion with them.