Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email HINDRAF has called upon its supporters to celebrate Deepavali in a quite form – more to meditation and prayers, instead of joyous party mode. This is to show sign of respect and kinship with the 5 detained HINDRAF leaders.
I guess that means no open houses and spending money on food for neighbors, friends, colleagues etc. Well, usually no problem for me since my Deepavali is always a quiet affair, but this time planning for open house cum house warming function. Will see how it goes. I doubt all those Indian businesses in little Indias will be happy to hear about this 🙂
Would the community follow this suggestion, or go about their daily business during Deepavali?
Malaysiakini also picked up this news. Below is the press statement from Waytha (received via email):
26 TH JULY 2008
HINDRAF is calling upon all its supporters to celebrate Deepavali this year in quiet penance, meditation and prayers with their family and friends without the usual festive celebration in a symbolic silent protest in favour of our 5 HINDRAF brothers who are unjustly detained for championing equal rights, equal opportunity and freedom of speech and religion.Deepavali, itself although has many versions, it is primarily celebrated when the good triumphs over the evil. The most popular version is when Narakasura, the evil and unjust ruler of Pradyoshapuram was killed by Krishna’s wife – Satyabhama.
The death of Narakasura was rejoiced by the celebration of Deepavali that signifies advent of joy, happiness and spiritual enhancement. It is celebrated as festival of lights as light depict good over darkness depicted as evil.For the Malaysian Indian society, the darkness still prevails as basic human rights such as equal rights, equal opportunity and freedom of speech and religion is still lacking for them. HINDRAF had brought forward many issues on these aspects but it has always been side tracked and ignored for political issues and self serving agenda. HINDRAF believes that the Malaysian Indians are still in darkness in a country that we call our own although all efforts have been made to make this Government understand.
In Malaysia, the celebration of Deepavali by the Malaysian Indian does not signify the actual significance of its occasion as Malaysian Indians are still in darkness as far as their freedom and rights are forever compromised.
HINDRAF urges it’s supporters to seek the inner light, a self-luminous light of “self” that resides in their heart and soul in observing Deepavali in quite penance, meditation and prayers that will eventually shed the light of “Freedom” for our society and make this Government realise how their draconian ISA laws is opposed by the entire community.HINDRAF has always been apolitical and will always be so as our intention is solely to defend and protect the well being of Malaysian Indians who are continuously being subjected to systematic marginalization and discrimination in a country that they call it their own. We have never asked for more than what is rightfully deserved as a Malaysian citizen respecting human rights and its truthness.
Waytha Moorthy
Hindraf- Chairman
Currently in London
I think this Waytha Moorthy is getting more and more ridiculous and illogical by day.
Deepavali is a day when Good overcame evil and one of the most important days for Hindus. Just because some gangsters are rotting in jail for agitating, doesn’t mean that we should not celebrate it.
Waytha Moorthy should realise that HINDRAF has failed and that despite Indians listening to HINDRAF, nothing was achieved. Whatever progress came was through MIC.
News that some HINDRAF leaders already talking to MIC is no big surprise. Pakatan Rakyat did nothing and will do nothing either for Indians. Days will come when PR’s Indian reps will have to choose between their loyalty to community and to their party and position. We will see how they will decide.
i dont understand why you’re making a fuss about his statement . It’s your right to accept or celebrate with ‘open house/Taman’ . No one will stop you .
Btw , 90% of Indians would not agree with you on :
“Waytha Moorthy should realise that HINDRAF has failed and that despite Indians listening to HINDRAF, nothing was achieved. Whatever progress came was through MIC ”
You’re still a child it seems. If indeed there’s “progress” in the first place “Hindraf” will never existed or even 1% of Indians will support it’s struggle.
BTW guys I just heard there is yet another new group using MS name…calling itself Persatuan Makkal Sakthi Pulau Pinang…..This is a breakaway group that is against the great leader RS Thanidran..ooops Thanendran…
Killer,
The way you are talking is like MIC gangster HIRED by MR.SV also.
How much SV and BN pay you monthly to support them ????
Mr.Wayta did not forced evryone to do it. It depend on each individual.
And as real tamilan, we feel that we have to do it for them. It not forcing but it one of our way to show them our appreciation and love.
If you want, you can celebrate it and no one will stop you but don’t critic.
This is an interesting one.. firstly, HINDRAF says it’s not representing hindus, but Malaysian Indians… how come it’s not asking Malaysian indians of every other religion to do the same?..
I respect and acknowledge the struggle this 5 gentlemen has done for the M’sian-Indians, but I think it’s absurd to ask an entire community NOT to celebrate an occasion that identifies us as Hindus in the first place.. I think more than anything, the M’sian-Indians should focus on being intra-dependent and use this occasion to support local M’sian-Indian businesses..
On the part of showing appreciation and love to the Hindraf 5, what is REALLY being done to help their families?.. I’d reckon they should be helped by all Hindraf sympathizers, before our macha Semi Value walks in with a big fat cheque to buy them over..
Just my dua kupang.. now back to the top of my fence..