GEORGE TOWN: Celebrating the National Day in all its essence, locals look at it as a sign of freedom and opportunity.
Couple S. Jeevan, 53, and J. Shanthi, 48, said their parents explained to them from young what it meant to the country when the British rule ended.
"We were taught that Independence gave us our country for us to have our own government.
"Now we teach that to our children too," said Jeevan, a chief insurance agency manager when met at the Penang Shirdi Sai Baba centre in Queen Street while giving out Jalur Gemilang flags.
Shanthi said they always make sure to have the Jalur Gemilang at home and at the office as they felt it was an important reminder.
"Every year on Merdeka Day, it is a time for celebration for us," she said.
C. Pavithiraa, 29, who was out shopping with her nephew G. Thamil, five, said her family made it a point to teach Thamil about Merdeka Day.
"We explained its significance to him and taught him about the Jalur Gemilang.
"But to him for now, it is mostly about the attractive colours on the flag and waving it around," she smiled.
As an early start to the celebration, the Shirdi Sai Baba Centre gave out Jalur Gemilang and served free ice kacang to everyone.
Guests were treated to a classical fusion dance performance and lunch as well.
Shirdi Sai Baba Society of Malaysia chairman Datuk S.P. Kannan said they distributed 5,000 Jalur Gemilang at their 17 branches throughout Malaysia.
"Here, we are giving out the flags and ice kacang as a pre-celebration to Merdeka Day.
"This is something we do every year apart from the daily free meals we offer at our centres around the country," he said.
Social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, who was guest of honour at the event, walked around Little India to distribute the flags before joining in on the celebrations at the centre.
"As we usher in the month of August, a profound sense of pride engulfs us as we unfurl the Jalur Gemilang and display it prominently outside our homes and shops.
"It symbolises not only our freedom but our deep affection for this land we call home as well," she said.
