Another fine day it was, making this happy occasion of Thaipusam an enjoyable one. This clearly showed the high level of cultural tolerance in our multicultural society. Although internally, we face some misunderstanding and differences, this was all ignored and the fun was set in the minds of all Malaysians. We at Astivaaram enjoyed our day at the festival filled with devotion and happiness.
It was devastating to know of the demonstration of the Human Rights Party. We have to admit that we cannot blame these young and energetic groups for their outburst. Their intention was right as they felt a deep feeling of injustice that has been pushed upon them in the 'Interlok' problem.
Feeling discriminated; they in return made their dissatisfaction clear in their stand up at the 2011 Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves. As this problem has created a large public outcry, the government and many related parties have been cracking their heads to resolve the matter.
We as understanding Malaysians should be aware that the high level of cultural tolerance has made us a well respected nation looked up with high regards in the international community. But is this really true?
What happened to the times these multicultural ethnic groups stood firm side by side in fighting for the freedom and independence we all enjoy today? What has happened to our forefathers who were brave corporate warriors who worked together to our current advanced economic state? What has happened to all the festivities that we had celebrated together irrespective of the cultural and racial differences?
Has the urbanisation streak which hit our nation for the past five decades changed the mindset of the nation? Who is to be blamed for this change?
I think we have had enough of blaming each other in this matter. As a knowledgeable developed nation, we should start thinking of the ways to overcome problems we face rather than blaming one another. This is considered as easier said than done.
We have high respect for those who have been actively involved in resolving the 'Interlok' wave that has questioned the cultural unity we have been boasting all these years. Their efforts should not be criticised; instead we should give them an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction.
As great leaders have shown us in the past, great leadership success is achieved and sustained when leaders actually listen and understand the dissatisfaction of the members of the society.
We at Astivaaram wish to express our greatest regards to the Barisan Nasional government, the opposition parties, NGO's, public and private bodies, and the public at large who have worked so hard in solving the problem that has made us all think and caused the Indian community to show their dissatisfaction.
We all had one objective with various approach to the matter in hand. The chaos that occurred in the Thaipusam Festival this week, although small should not be ignored. Instead the message should be wisely considered. The Human Rights Party's request should be given sufficient consideration as well, as this would help the government clear out ethnic differences faced now.
As the great leader Mahatma Gandhi said, “Non-violence is the weapon of the strong, and we must become the change we want to see.” Keeping this in our hearts and playing this spirit in our minds, let's come together in resolving these small differences and stand united as we always have.
Astivaaram Foundation will be organising special prayers at the Batu Caves Temple for an amicable solution in the 'Intelok' issue. We believe blessings of god would be essential for the well being of our community and for a peaceful solution to be arrived at.
Those interested are welcomed for this event which will be held at 9.30am on the Jan 23, 2011.
We encourage those interested to be dressed in white to symbolise a peaceful message and approach.
The writer is Astivaaram Foundation's head of the education bureau.
It was devastating to know of the demonstration of the Human Rights Party. We have to admit that we cannot blame these young and energetic groups for their outburst. Their intention was right as they felt a deep feeling of injustice that has been pushed upon them in the 'Interlok' problem.
Feeling discriminated; they in return made their dissatisfaction clear in their stand up at the 2011 Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves. As this problem has created a large public outcry, the government and many related parties have been cracking their heads to resolve the matter.
We as understanding Malaysians should be aware that the high level of cultural tolerance has made us a well respected nation looked up with high regards in the international community. But is this really true?
What happened to the times these multicultural ethnic groups stood firm side by side in fighting for the freedom and independence we all enjoy today? What has happened to our forefathers who were brave corporate warriors who worked together to our current advanced economic state? What has happened to all the festivities that we had celebrated together irrespective of the cultural and racial differences?
Has the urbanisation streak which hit our nation for the past five decades changed the mindset of the nation? Who is to be blamed for this change?
I think we have had enough of blaming each other in this matter. As a knowledgeable developed nation, we should start thinking of the ways to overcome problems we face rather than blaming one another. This is considered as easier said than done.
We have high respect for those who have been actively involved in resolving the 'Interlok' wave that has questioned the cultural unity we have been boasting all these years. Their efforts should not be criticised; instead we should give them an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction.
As great leaders have shown us in the past, great leadership success is achieved and sustained when leaders actually listen and understand the dissatisfaction of the members of the society.
We at Astivaaram wish to express our greatest regards to the Barisan Nasional government, the opposition parties, NGO's, public and private bodies, and the public at large who have worked so hard in solving the problem that has made us all think and caused the Indian community to show their dissatisfaction.
We all had one objective with various approach to the matter in hand. The chaos that occurred in the Thaipusam Festival this week, although small should not be ignored. Instead the message should be wisely considered. The Human Rights Party's request should be given sufficient consideration as well, as this would help the government clear out ethnic differences faced now.
As the great leader Mahatma Gandhi said, “Non-violence is the weapon of the strong, and we must become the change we want to see.” Keeping this in our hearts and playing this spirit in our minds, let's come together in resolving these small differences and stand united as we always have.
Astivaaram Foundation will be organising special prayers at the Batu Caves Temple for an amicable solution in the 'Intelok' issue. We believe blessings of god would be essential for the well being of our community and for a peaceful solution to be arrived at.
Those interested are welcomed for this event which will be held at 9.30am on the Jan 23, 2011.
We encourage those interested to be dressed in white to symbolise a peaceful message and approach.
The writer is Astivaaram Foundation's head of the education bureau.
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