UNWAVERING in their compassion, the Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram, Penang Branch, has brought festive cheer to prison inmates for 25 years, offering comfort and spiritual support.
lts chairman Thanabalan Nandakumar said, this year saw the introduction of a meaningful new initiative, the launch of the ‘Prathanai Paamaalai’ book at Penang Remand Prison today. It was aimed at nurturing the spiritual well-being of Hindu inmates.
Thanabalan told Buletin Mutiara this after he and several members of the Mamandram handed over packets of indian traditional treats including muruku, snack mixture, and ‘athirasam’ (Indian sweets), to the prison director, Zool Fadli Ismail, for distribution to all 1,500 inmates.
“In keeping with our cultural and religious traditions, we also distributed packs containing ritual bath essentials, including sesame oil, Shikakai (soap pod), and sacred items such as Kunkuma (sacred red powder), Santhanam (sandalwood paste), and Vibuthi (sacred ash).
“These were provided for inmates observing Hindu customs to use on Deepavali day.
“The Prathanai Paamaalai will be used during weekly religious classes conducted within the prison, providing inmates with opportunities for spiritual learning and reflection,” he added.
Thanabalan shared that the initiative was a collaboration with the Om Sakthi Devotees Association, Penang branch. Recently, the Mamandram also handed over a total of 2,500 festive snack packs to Jawi Prison.
“A total of 700 packs with ritual bath essentials and sacred items for Deepavali were distributed to inmates observing Hindu customs at both Penang Remand Prison and Jawi Prison.
“This year marks the 26th year of sharing the spirit of Deepavali with the inmates,” Thanabalan said.
Alongside the book launch, a complete set of Hindu Dharma Religious Books (Volumes 1 to 6) was donated to the prison library. These materials help provide spiritual guidance and ongoing religious education for Hindu inmates.
According to Thanabalan, State Housing and Environment Committee chairman, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, contributed RM3,000, while, State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman, YB Lim Siew Khim, contributed RM2,000 towards the goodies handover.
It is learned that the Mamandram has faithfully conducted Hindu religious activities and provided continual support at Penang Remand Prison for the past 30 years.
Pictures taken during the handover ceremony :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan