FOR YOU: Abdul Karim (right) presenting a gift pack to Palaiyee Ungamuthu. Also seen are (from right) Anthony, P Subuamanian and S Naniappen. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa
KUCHING: Assistant Minister for Youth Development, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is glad to see Kuching Indian Association members reaching out to the needy in conjunction with Deepavali, which will be celebrated on Nov 13.
He said it was laudable that the Indian community, despite its small population, had emulated their Malay and Chinese counterparts in helping the less fortunate during festive occasions.
“Although there are only about 10,000 Indians in the state, many have excelled in their undertakings and are leading successful careers,” he said before presenting goodies and cash to 35 individuals at the association’s hall here yesterday.
“I am happy to see that Indians have started offering assistance to the needy and the less fortunate on their festival.”
Each recipient was given rice, cooking oil, sugar, biscuits, instant noodles and RM50 cash.
Abdul Karim said there were people out there who needed help, and therefore it boiled down to every individual to play their role towards preserving social harmony.
Towards that end, he pledged a government grant of RM10,000 for the association to carry out its annual charity events.
Among those present were Kapitan Lucy Lingam, Kuching Indian Association president Anthony Ramanair, Kuching Hindu Temple Association president S Naniappen and organising chairman P Subuamanian.
Meanwhile, the association said it would host its Deepavali gathering on Dec 1.
The festive dinner will feature exotic Indian cuisine besides entertainment and presentation of annual education awards.
Tickets are available at RM300 or RM500 for a table of 10 persons. To purchase, call Anthony at 013-8095288 or organising committee members T Ganesan (019-8184178) and RJ Noel (013-8013197).