A SEA of people from all walks of life thronged the Penang state-level Deepavali Open House 2022 celebration at the Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan today.
The multiracial crowd was treated to a variety of scrumptious dishes and snacks during the celebration.
They were also entertained by foot-tapping music and vibrant performances.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was glad to see the return of the state-level Deepavali Open House celebration after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 situation.
“After two years of celebrating the festival under moderate and new normal conditions with various restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the moment that everyone has been waiting for, especially our friends who are Hindus and Sikhs.
“I believe that this joy is also shared and enjoyed by all levels of society, regardless of race and religious background as we can see from the attendance tonight.
“I am glad to see the multiracial crowd tonight coming together to celebrate this joyous celebration.
“Indeed, your presence is very meaningful as a reflection of the strength of unity and harmony of this beloved state and the country,” Chow said in his speech at the Penang state-level Deepavali Open House 2022 celebration today.
The event also was graced by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife, Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor.
Among those present were Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
According to Chow, the state government is committed to continuing to create various initiatives and incentives to empower the Indian community in Penang.
“Various special programmes and projects are designed to ensure that the Indian community in this state moves in tandem with the achievement of the Penang2030 vision for ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“Apart from that, the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has also channelled educational assistance to students from needy families to continue their studies to a higher level.
“And since 2019, the state government has also increased the allocation of education funds involving Tamil and Punjabi schools in the state.
“Thus, this shows our commitment to empowering the Indian community in the state,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi