FROM a humble gathering of Gujarati families in 1950 to a thriving community of 130 members today, the Gujarati Samaj Penang has kept its cultural traditions alive while contributing to Penang’s spirit of unity and togetherness.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the association’s 76-year journey was a testament to the importance of preserving one’s heritage and passing it on to future generations.
“Seventy-six years on, this Samaj has answered that question, and you have answered it well.
“With 130 members, you organise around 35 activities a year. Prayer, festivals, gatherings, sports, and year after year without fail,” he said during the 76th Annual Diwali Night Celebration of Gujarati Samaj Penang at Wisma Shri Gujarati here tonight.
Chow said the association, established in 1950 by a group of Gujarati families, had successfully preserved its language, festivals, prayers and values while embracing its home in Penang.
He also commended the association for contributing to the state’s multicultural harmony as a founding member of the Penang State Consultative Goodwill Council.
Welcoming the celebration at its own premises, he said the state government was proud to have supported the improvement and renovation of Wisma Shri Gujarati over the years.
“Every community in Penang deserves a place to pray, to gather, and to celebrate,” he said, adding that 488 applications worth RM18.59 million had been approved under the state government’s Special Trust Fund and Committee for Non-Muslim Places of Worship since 2016.
He also announced that at least RM5 million had been allocated in Penang Budget 2027 for programmes and infrastructure for non-Muslim places of worship, encouraging the association to apply for assistance of up to RM50,000 per application.
Describing the significance of the association’s premises, Chow said it was more than just a building, serving as a place where traditions were passed down and families strengthened their bonds.
“It is also where a grandmother hums a song in Gujarati, where a teenager learns the gapa steps from an uncle, where families come together after a long week and leave a little lighter,” he said.
The night was filled with amazing, delicious food prepared by the Gujarati community, followed by a string of cute performances by little kids.
Looking ahead to the association’s centenary in 2050, Chow urged members to ensure younger generations remained connected to their roots.
“Diwali reminds us that light overcomes darkness, and a lamp loses nothing when it lights another.
“For 76 years, this Samaj has shared its light with Penang, and it shines brighter for it. So keep the lamp burning. Bring your children back next year, and invite a neighbour to share your sweets,” he said.
Chow also touched on his second and final term as Chief Minister, following the constitutional amendment introduced in 2018 to limit the position to a maximum of two terms, making Penang the only state with such a provision.
Reflecting on his 40 years in politics, he expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship and support of the Gujarati Samaj, adding that he continued to enjoy his work in government.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En