Proud to be Malaysian: Students and teachers waving the Jalur Gemilang at SJKT Ramathasar in Jalan Sungai, George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Over 50 years after first waving the Jalur Gemilang on National Day, N. Selvaraju found himself reliving the magic.
The 70-year-old retiree joined over 100 pupils of SJKT Ramathasar in Jalan Sungai to celebrate the nation’s 67th Independence Day yesterday.
As head of the school’s alumni association, Selvaraju admitted to being as excited as he was half a century ago.
Recalling his days as a student, he fondly remembered attending the National Day parade at the City Stadium.
“Each pupil was given a badge and treated to a dinner with the state leaders.
“Although such an outing is no longer organised for pupils, celebrating the meaningful occasion within the school can still foster patriotism.
“We need to make the celebration popular among the younger generation,” he said during the event, which was filled with songs and cheers.
Organised by Kawasan Rukun Tetangga Desa Ixora, the school hall was transformed into a sea of Jalur Gemilang as pupils waved the flag after singing Negaraku and the state anthem Untuk Negeri Kita.
Its secretary A. Paramasivam said a total of 200 flags including 50 large ones were distributed to enhance the occasion while 10 prizes were awarded to the winning pupils in a quiz game.
“This is the first time we’re carrying out such an event to instil patriotism among pupils,” he said.
He said with support from the National Unity Department, a total of three schools had been selected to host similar events this year. The other two schools are SJKT Rajaji and SJKT Azad.
Also present was northeast district National Unity assistant officer Mohamad Fahmi Md Ismail.
