Sailor happy to spend rare quality time with family

KUANTAN: Being able to celebrate Deepavali with his family is the best thing for navigation officer Novinraj Balasupermaniam (pic), who spends up to six months at sea each year.

There were many times when he had to celebrate the festival on board a ship, said the 33yearold, who started his career about nine years ago.

“So, to be able to be with my family at this time is very precious,” said Novinraj at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

When he started his career, his duties at sea could stretch up to seven months and he had to navigate ships hauling containers, equipment and supplies to oil rigs in Europe and Africa.

“There was a period of nearly four years when I could not be with my family during Deepavali,” he said.

But now, Novinraj spends two months at sea at the most, servicing a rig in Singapore, before getting a twomonth break on land.

“For me, Deepavali is about being with my family, so I’m really glad I can be back home in Kuantan, celebrating and praying with my parents, brother and sisters.

“I’m going to make the best of it this year because I will most likely be at sea during Deepavali next year,” he said.

Farmer Rajakumar Narayanan, 57, said Deepavali is a time for family reunions.

“My sister came to Kuantan from Singapore to celebrate with us and my son came from Johor Baru, so it really is a happy time for all of us,” he said.