NIBONG TEBAL: Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the deepest impressions. For Janorashikin Jasdi, 39, the simple act of feeding a hungry preschooler during a football tournament in Penang has touched the hearts of Malaysians, becoming a viral symbol of unity and compassion.
Janorashikin, a Preschool Student Management Assistant (PPM) at SJKT Ladang Jawi, didn't hesitate to assist her young charge, an Indian boy, during meal times.
In a touching moment recorded on camera, she gently cooled the hot food before feeding him. This motherly act resonated with many.
"It was all spontaneous. We were short of time during the interval, and I simply wanted to help him eat swiftly. I never thought it would go viral or generate such positivity," she shared with Bernama at the school.
The act was captured on Dec 7 at the Under-6 MIFA Beyond Kids Cup, hosted by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang.
Janorashikin, the only Malay woman present, was serving as the team’s kit manager. Her school's team clinched second place in the tournament.
The video, filmed by a parent and shared on TikTok, quickly gained popularity. By the time Janorashikin returned home that evening, the clip was widely shared, including on the school's WhatsApp group, alongside numerous messages of admiration.
"When I saw the comments, I was moved to tears. It was quite overwhelming to see such positive responses to something I considered insignificant," she expressed.
A mother of four, Janorashikin treats her young students as her own offspring, regardless of their race or religion.
She’s only been at SJKT Ladang Jawi for 10 months but has already developed strong bonds with the 25 preschoolers she looks after daily.
Janorashikin’s dedication hasn't been overlooked. Headmistress M. Gogilambal hailed her as an excellent educator whose actions embody the core values of unity and care championed by the Madani government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Teaching goes beyond academics. It’s about instilling noble values and demonstrating to children the importance of love and respect.
"I’m extremely proud of Puan Nora (Janorashikin). Her compassion and commitment to the children here have made her a role model for all educators. The viral video has even garnered recognition for our school,” she stated.
Fellow preschool teacher R. Sanggari echoed similar sentiments.
“I was initially concerned she might find it challenging as she’d never worked with Indian children before. But I was proven wrong. Within a week, she had formed connections with the kids naturally," Sanggari shared.
Having been a PPM for 18 years, Janorashikin previously worked at a Chinese vernacular school (SJKC) for 10 years and later at a national school (SK) before joining SJKT Ladang Jawi in February.
For her, the role goes beyond assisting teachers; it’s about fostering a loving and inclusive environment for the children.
“I regard them as my own children. If I can care for my children at home, why wouldn't I do the same for these little ones?" she noted.
The viral video, simple yet meaningful, has been lauded as a reminder of the unity that lies at the heart of Malaysia’s diverse society. – Bernama
