Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu Royalty and state leaders were among distinguished guests who witnessed the extravaganza Ruby anniversary of the Kuala Terengganu Indian Association at Primula Hotel here recently.
Cultural shows and traditional dance were showcased during the event while renowned comedian Achappan captivated the audience with a fabulous performance and antics.
A Kuala-Lumpur based band also enthralled the audience with a repertoire of Malay, Hindi, Indian and Chinese songs.
There were also colourful displays of traditional costumes rendered by a local dance troupe.
Among the state leaders who attended the anniversary were State Secretary Datuk Mokthar Nong, Speaker Datuk Che Mat Jusoh and Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Razali Ismail.
Association president Datuk Victor Isaacs briefed the audience on the history of the small Indian community in Kuala Terengganu.
It was in 1927 when a group of pioneering Indians arrived in Kuala Terengganu as professionals under the then British rule.
At that time, Kuala Terengganu was hardly heard off while the town was considered as a remote area by other Malayans.
This group of Indians formed an association to look after their welfare and organise social events for the community.
The association saw a major change under the leadership of the late Datuk P.C. Isaacs.
Isaacs was the first Indian to be appointed to the Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1956 while his views on racial unity were incorporated in the Reid Commission.
He played a pivotal role in the development of Kuala Terengganu then.
During the Japanese occupation, several members of the association lost their lives in struggles against the intruding force while during the Emergency period another wave of deaths befell the community when they supported the British.
