KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the Ponggal celebration, or the Harvest Festival, on Tuesday (Jan 14), the Indian community is encouraged to strengthen the ‘power of unity’ among themselves in order to move forward as a successful community, in line with the country’s development initiatives.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives deputy minister, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, in his Ponggal message, expressed hope that this year’s Ponggal celebration would bring prosperity, well-being, and joy to both the nation and the Indian community.
"Ponggal holds great significance for all of us. I pray that we can achieve success in areas such as economy, education, and beyond," he said in a statement on Monday (Jan 13).
He also called on everyone to work together to ensure that the aspirations of the Indian community is realised in an organised and planned manner.
Ramanan, who is also responsible for Indian community affairs, hopes that this year’s Ponggal celebration will mark a new beginning for the Indian community to progress and succeed, in line with the saying ‘Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum’ (Birth of New Year Opens New Paths).
"Ponggal Vaalthukal (Happy Ponggal). Celebrate Ponggal with joy and happiness. A strong spirit of ‘Nambikei’ (confidence) will surely bring success to all of us," he said.
Ramanan said that Malaysians should reflect on the country’s journey, which has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges to build a peaceful, harmonious, and increasingly progressive Malaysia today, while emphasising the significant role of the Indian community in the nation’s development.
"In conjunction with this year’s Ponggal celebration, let us all, as Malaysians, strengthen unity and understanding among ourselves in line with the Malaysia Madani concept under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he said.
Ponggal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Indian community worldwide, including in Malaysia.
The festival is a mark of gratitude to the Sun God (Surya) and the Earth (Bhoomi) for the abundant harvest and prosperity.- Bernama
