Suguneswari (left) has learnt to cook many dishes from her foster mother Hemalatha. — KT GOH/The Star
DEEPAVALI season embodies a connection that transcends blood relations, at least for G. Suguneswari.
Over the past 15 years, the 41-year-old teaching assistant has been celebrating the Festival of Lights with her foster family. This year will be no different.
Suguneswari, who works at Taylor’s International School in Kuala Lumpur, will celebrate with her foster parents KSN Premchand, 59, and P. Hemalatha, 56, in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Accompanying her will be her husband T. Vikneswaran, 43, an online education adviser, and their 12-year-old daughter Thipikhasree.
Apart from Deepavali snacks, festive goodies and gifts, the girl is also looking forward to sharing the festive joy and playing fireworks with Hemalatha’s children Saswen, 25, and 19-year-old Kuviraa.
Suguneswari is looking forward to Hemalatha’s prawn sambal and mutton dalcha.
“I consider them my own family because the festive season is about connection and love, not just blood relations.
“I will be helping her with all the cleaning and cooking leading up to Deepavali day when friends and relatives come over.
“My foster parents have stood by me through thick and thin, sharing in both the good times and challenging moments,” she said.
Suguneswari has been under the care of relatives and foster families since she was eight years old following the death of her mother. Her father had left the family after her birth.
Her aunt took care of her until she was 11 and she was later taken in by the Children’s Protection Society (CPS) in Penang where she remained until she turned 18.
After completing her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, Suguneswari pursued a kindergarten teaching course that laid the foundation for her career in early childhood education.
During this time, she was placed with her first set of foster parents, R. Ganesh and R. Revathi, who have since moved to the United States.
She also had the opportunity to work as a babysitter for one of Revathi’s friends in the United Kingdom, where she received sponsorship to pursue a Higher Certificate in English, further enhancing her skills and career prospects.
About 15 years ago, Suguneswari was welcomed into Premchand and Hemalatha’s home.
“When I was young, I had no direction in life.
“If not for both my foster parents, my life would not have turned out well.
“They have guided me every step of the way and embraced me as part of their family.
“Throughout all this time, I have never felt like an orphan because they are like my parents, providing me with advice, care and love as if I were their own,” she said.
Asked about the best Deepavali gift she could give her foster parents, she replied, “All I want is to make them proud of me.
“My journey has been full of challenges since young. My foster parents have sacrificed a lot for me and at any given time, they are always there for me.
“They don’t seek money or fame; they simply want me to live comfortably and without major struggles in life.”
Hemalatha described Suguneswari as an elder daughter in the family, highlighting the deep bond they share.
In addition to wishing her foster daughter happiness and good health, Hemalatha also hopes for Suguneswari’s husband’s muruku-making business to thrive.
“I advise and guide her, like how I do with my own daughter.
“She is hardworking and prudent with her money. Each time she plans to come back to Penang for Deepavali, she saves up to buy us gifts and fireworks for my children.
“While under our care, we always told her that after overcoming all the childhood challenges and being successful today, life becomes truly meaningful when she gives back to society,” said Hemalatha.
Meanwhile, Thipikhasree said she liked dressing up in colour- coordinated clothes with her family each year and wearing costume jewellery.
“This year, the colour theme is purple.
“There is going to be lots of laughter and fun during our photo shoot with family members.
“In the evening, there will be lots of fireworks,” she said, unable to contain her excitement.
