KUALA LUMPUR: Some 500 underprivileged children and senior citizens were treated with Indian
traditional food and entertained with traditional dances and songs at a Deepavali open house hosted by Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) today.
Its president Tan Sri K.K Eswaran said Deepavali, like all religious festivals in the country, affords the ideal occasion to forge greater unity and understanding irrespective of race or religion.
"It is also perfect time for all to celebrate the era of the 'Moderate Malaysian' subscribed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who wishes all Malaysians to live together in peace and harmony.
"As we celebrate Deepavali, let us remember we are '1Malaysia', a nation brought together by a common purpose and destiny to build upon our commonalities.
"In celebrating the Festival of Lights, it is my hope and prayer that Indians nationwide work as one cohesive unit for the betterment of the community," he said.
Present at the event were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, and Federal Territory Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor,Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan and Deputy Education Minister P.Kamalanathan.