HAVING knowledge of one’s religion and an understanding of moral etiquette is essential for everyone.
Recognising this fundamental need, the Sri Muniswarar Temple, Jalan Baru, Perai, together with the Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram, Penang, have been faithfully organising the ‘Penang State Level Inter-Tamil School Moral and Religious Knowledge Quiz.
This year, the competition marked its 7th edition, drawing enthusiastic participation from 28 Tamil schools across Penang. The event continues to serve as an inspiring platform for young minds to learn, reflect, and showcase their understanding of Hindu values and moral principles.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu was the chief guest at the event held at Arulmigu Karumari Amman Temple, Jalan Todak Seberang Jaya on Nov 28.
He commended the organisers for their initiative, which aims to keep Hinduism alive while nurturing moral values among the younger generation through the competition.
“Well done on this effort. With the religious challenges we face today, many no longer know the proper way worship should be performed, as it is slowly fading away.
“This is a fast-moving world, and there is often no one to guide the younger generation properly. Even parents may not always impart religious teachings to their children.
“Over time, people might even forget the fundamentals of our religion and drift away from their faith. As such, events like this are crucial in helping our religion flourish,” added Sundarajoo, who is also the Perai assemblyman.
Meanwhile, Datuk K. Rajamanickam, the Sri Muniswarar Temple’s chief religious class coordinator, shared that this year the temple has presented some 54,000 revision books to 900 Tamil school students. He added that the students consist of Year 6 pupils transitioning to Form 1.
“Since 2012, we have been continuously giving out revision books to students, and in the same year, we also organised seminars on higher education guidance for SPM and STPM students.
“The seminars included guidance on entering Public Higher Learning Institutions (IPTA), such as universities, colleges, and polytechnics. Since 2012, the temple has spent RM1.75 million for educational purposes,” he added.
Rajamanickam, who is also a former school principal of SJKT Mak Mandin, said the competition involved a total of 28 Tamil schools, with 224 students participating.
“The competition took place from morning until evening, with the qualification rounds and the grand finale held on the same day. It had two levels: one for lower primary students and the other for upper primary students,” he added.
Top ten winners list is as below :-
Level 1 (Year 1-3)
1.SJKT Permatang Tinggi
2.SJKT Nibong Tebal
3.SJKT Palaniandy
4.SJKT Ladang Valdor
5.SJKT Ramakrishna
6.SJKT Subramaniya Barathee
7.SJKT Ladang Jawi
8.SJKT Bukit Mertajam
9.SJKT Mak Mandin
10.SJKT Ramathasar
Level 2 (Year 4-6)
1.SJKT Ramakrishna
2.SJKT Permatang Tinggi
3.SJKT Mak Mandin
4.SJKT Azad
5.SJKT Nibong Tebal
6.SJKT Ladang Mayfield
7.SJKT Bukit Mertajam
8.SJKT Perai
9.SJKT Subramaniya Barathee
10.SJKT Ladang Malakoff
Overall champion standings :-
1.SJKT Permatang Tinggi
2.SJKT Ramakrishna
3.SJKT Nibong Tebal
Meanwhile, Dr Puvaneswaran and Kumuthemalar, parents of Mevishka Isha, a Year 2 student from SJKT Permatang Tinggi, shared their joy over their daughter’s victory after her team emerged as champions in the Level 1 category. With another team from the same school securing second place in the Level 2 category, SJKT Permatang Tinggi was crowned the overall champion.
“As parents, we are definitely delighted with her win. She has put in a lot of effort by studying the relevant books.Our daughter always makes it a practice to narrate what she has read, and through that, she memorises the key points. We also encourage her daily to share what she has learned at school,” said Dr Puvaneswaran.
Kumuthemalar shared that SJKT Permatang Tinggi began its preparations early and carefully selected the students. She added that the teachers were very supportive and helped nurture the students’ interest in religious studies.
“We would be glad if other parents ensured that their children attend religious classes just as they attend other subjects, as religious studies help in shaping their character.
“Seeing her sister, our younger daughter, Darlinia Isha, who is also a student (Year 1) at the same school, has now become interested in attending the religious classes as well,” said Kumuthemalar.
At the ceremony, a special appreciation award for unwavering and exemplary community service in the fields of Hindu religion and education was presented to three notable recipients: Murugiah KP Samy, Permalu Marappan, and Sivasamy Karuppiah.
Also present were Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram national president Rishi Kumar Vadivelu, Jalan Baru Sri Muniswarar Temple chairman M.Segaran and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor A.Ponnudurai.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter