More funds for temples urged
Published on: Thursday, October 19, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah MIC Chairman Datuk V. Jothi has appealed to the State Government to increase the allocation for temples in the State.He said the government had channelled some funds for the temples recently."I hope the allocation will be increased in future for the benefit of the Indian community in the State," he said at a Deepavali open house event at the Likas Sports Complex, here, Wednesday.
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The open house was attended by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni, Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman and wife Puan Sri Faridah Tussin as well as cabinet ministers and leaders.Jothi, however, thanked the Government for giving due attention to all communities in the country."I thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the allocation for the Indian community."I hope in the coming tabling of Budget 2018, more allocation will be provided…he (Najib) listens to the people.
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We also have a Chief Minister who is always concerned for the wellbeing of the people.""Even though we (Indian community) are a minority, we were never side-lined.
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In the Barisan Nasional (BN) government, no race is being side-lined…everyone is given an equal opportunity."On the Deepavali open house, he said it was organised by Sabah MIC to foster better unity among the races, especially in the city."This is what makes our country unique…Deepavali or any other celebration are not celebrated by a single race only."Programmes such as the open house is a good avenue for the people to meet their friends and experience the culture of others."And I hope this tradition will be continued by the next generation so that we can sustain peace and harmony in the community," he said, adding more than 3,000 attended the event.One of the attendees, Shania Justin, a Dusun, said the open house is a golden opportunity for her to celebrate Deepavali with her husband's family members."I had an enjoyable time here with my husband's family where we can taste different kinds of food," said Shania who was clad in a Punjabi suit.Jay Augustine, another visitor, said it is good to see people of different races here and enjoy the celebration together."Such programmes are good as they could build closer ties among the races where we can learn other people's culture through food and cultural shows," said the Sino-Kadazan.Visitors were served with traditional Indian food and entertained by multicultural performances at the Deepavali open house.Meanwhile, more than 100 people attended the Deepavali open house hosted by the Kota Kinabalu Hindu Temple Association (KKHTA) at the Sri Pasupathinath Alayam temple in Bukit Padang, near here.KKHTA President Brig. Gen. Datuk A. Arulpragasam said the open house which began in 2002 has come to play an important role in strengthening bonds of friendship and harmony between the Hindu community and people of various races as well as faiths in Sabah.According to Arulpragasam, Deepavali or Diwali literally means "the path of light" and is celebrated worldwide by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains."Lamps are lit on this day to communicate a profound truth – when the darkness within is dispelled through the light of wisdom, the good in us wins over evil," he said.After morning prayers, the guests were treated to a sumptuous traditional Indian breakfast comprising favourites such as thosai, idli, poori, string hoppers murukku and masala vadai along with sweet treats like laddu and teh tarik.Also present were Minister of Special Tasks in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Teo Chee Kang, State Health Director Datuk Christina Rundi, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai and KKHTA Vice President Datuk Dr K. Mathavan.In WASHINGTON, US President Donald Trump hailed the extraordinary contributions of Indian-Americans to science, medicine, business and education in the country as he celebrated his first Diwali at the White House!Trump was joined by senior Indian-American members of his administration including Nikki Haley, his Ambassador to the United Nations and Seema Verma Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services."As we do (celebrate Diwali) so, we especially remember the People of India, the home of the Hindu faith, who have built the world's largest democracy," Trump said in a Facebook post along with a video of his Diwali celebrations inside the Oval Office.Trump said he greatly valued his "very strong relationship" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Trump said he was deeply honoured to be joined by so many administration officials and leaders of the Indian-American community in celebrating Diwali—the festival of lights.In his remarks, Trump said Indian-American neighbours and friends have made incredible contributions to the country – and to the world."You have made extraordinary contributions to art, science, medicine, business and education. America is especially thankful for its many Indian-American citizens who serve BRAVELY in our armed forces and as first responders in communities throughout our great land," he said."Today, we proudly celebrate this holiday in the people's House. In so doing, we reaffirm that Indian-Americans and Hindu-Americans are truly cherished, treasured and beloved members of our great American family," Trump added.Diwali, he said, is one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu religion.The tradition of Diwali celebration at the White House was first started by President George Bush.During his term it was celebrated mostly in the India Treaty Room of the adjacent executive office building, which is part of the White House complex.Bush never personally participated in the White House Diwali celebrations.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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