Cranfield (standing front seventh right), Bharathi (fourth right) in a photocall with multi-national members dressed mostly in Indian attires.
MIRI: Petroleum Ladies Association, Miri (PWPM) yesterday celebrated Diwali (Festival of Lights) with an open day, paying tributes to two legendary and historic Indian personalities – Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) and Sridevi (Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan)
Organising chairperson, Bharathi Anang, said the celebration was in line with their objectives of promoting cross-cultural exchange. October 2 was chosen this year as it is the birthdate of Ghandi, who was born on Oct 2 1869.
“The reason we chose him (Ghandi) is because he fought for equality irrespective of ethnicity throughout his life. He believes non violence is a stronger tool than any others, and he proved it during his life.
“Sridevi was chosen to honour a great actor who passed away on Feb 24, 2018, and in memory of her invaluable contribution to Indian cinema,” Bharathi said.
Seema (front) leads the non-Indian members including Cranfield (second row – second left) in the ‘Four Corners of India’ game.
The open day, held at their premises in Piasau Camp, and attended by over 50 multi-national members started with a talk on Gandhi and Sridevi by Indian members of the association, led by Bharathi.
There was also a game called the ‘Four Corners of India’ played at the celebration, which was represented by Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta.
PWPM president, Srimurniyati Cranfield, who was among those dressed in sarees and other Indian attires was among three winners of the game.
There were Indian cuisines served for brunch – Pakoras, Puri, Pulao rice, Roti, Dal, mixed vegetable, yogurt and Indian sweets and masala tea.
Cranfield praised the organising committee headed by Bharathi for making the event a huge success, adding the event was among activities held this year to promote cross-cultural exchange.
She encouraged the members to participate in upcoming events – PWPM Charity Programme from Octo 8 – 10 to assist selected needy students from SMK Luak, SRK Lutong and Tudan and Sekolah Tunas Bakti, besides supporting the Christmas Charity Bazaar on Nov 17 and PWPM annual dinner on Nov 3.
PWPM, a non-profit organisation, has over 120 members from 13 countries – Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Venezuela, Netherlands and Japan.