IN a captivating display of cultural heritage and jubilation, the Gujarati Samaj Penang celebrated its 71st annual Diwali Utsav in a joyous gathering at the Bayview Hotel Georgetown last night.
The Diwai Utsav 2023 event, themed Fiesta of Lights, was graced by Madam Tan Lean Kee, wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Chow, however, had other commitments, hosting the visit of China vice-president Han Zheng.
Tan had the honour of lighting the traditional oil lamp to initiate the celebration.
Approximately 300 members and guests of the Gujarati Samaj Penang came together for a night filled with vibrant dance performances by Gujarati children, engaging games and quizzes, and heartwarming video clips showing the organisation’s community contributions and services.
In his debut as organising chairman, Vishaal Manoj Kumar expressed the event’s significance in fostering communal harmony and fun, saying, “This Fiesta of Lights is a chance for all communities to come together and experience the Gujarati’s way of celebrating Deepavali. Let us savour this moment of togetherness.
“May the festival be a beacon of happiness, unity and richness of cultural diversity. We also look forward to celebrating our Gujarati New Year called Salmubarak this Tuesday (Nov 14),” Vishaal said.
Datuk Dr Jignyasu Joshi, the president of Gurajati Samaj Penang, expressed his appreciation to Madam Tan for her presence and Chow for his consistent support, even in his absence.
Dr Jignyasu acknowledged the contributions of past presidents, the organising committee and the current office bearers.
“We immerse ourselves in the glorious glow of Diwali, a festival that transcends boundaries, uniting us in joy and togetherness,” he said.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of former president Datuk Shashikant Popatlal Gathani with the prestigious Gujarati Ratna Award for his six decades of selfless contributions to the Gujarati Samaj Penang. (Ratna is a Sanskrit word for jewel.)
“Datuk Shashikant’s unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark on the Gujarati community,” Dr Jignyasu said.
Madam Tan presented the award to Shashikant amidst the applause from attendees, including past presidents Datuk Hitendra Joshi, Datuk Seri Markend Joshi, Datuk Dr Pravinchand P. Shah, Hamendra Kamdar, Datuk Jugal Kishore Shivlal, Ashvin Kumar Dhirajlal and Dr Jitendra Kumar Tejani.
The celebration was not just all about food and fun as Datin Usha Gathani, wife of Shashikant, shared about the community work carried out under the Gujarati Samaj Penang’s annual Diwali Charity Project.
Usha said they have now extended aid to nine orphanages and supported 400 children, senior citizens and single mothers.
The association is further assisting 30 needy families with essential groceries, providing each with RM500 worth of items.
While she thanked individuals, members and corporate bodies for their support in kind and cash, she highlighted the association’s aim to reach a fundraising goal of RM100,000 for the project.
The night concluded with an air of jubilation among the attendees, echoing the success and communal spirit of the 71st Diwali Utsav celebration.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
