SEPTUAGENARIAN Arumugam Govinderaju and his wife, Bumadevi Rajoo, 66, have accepted that this year’s Deepavali will be a quiet one. Their son, who recently started a new job in Kuala Lumpur, is unable to return home for the celebration.
“We are celebrating it together (just the two of us) this year. But last night (Oct 30), we were thrilled to learn that the Penang Chief Minister would be visiting us for Deepavali.
“We could not contain our excitement and have put on our best attire to greet him today,” Bumadevi shared with Buletin Mutiara at the Kedah Road Flats.
At 10am this morning, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow arrived at their home, where he was warmly welcomed inside.
Chow spent quality time with Arumugam, 70, and Bumadevi, sharing Deepavali wishes with the couple.
Overwhelmed by the Chief Minister’s presence, Arumugam was moved to tears.
Bumadevi later shared that they have lived at the Kedah Road Flats for 26 years.
“We are deeply touched by Chief Minister Chow’s visit on Deepavali.
“We expected today to be a quiet one, but his visit has made it unforgettable. Thank you, Chief Minister Chow,” she said.
In a heartfelt message, Chief Minister Chow extended warm Deepavali greetings to the Hindu community and all residents of Penang, encouraging everyone to join in celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
Speaking on the significance of Deepavali, the Chief Minister said: “Deepavali is a celebration of light overcoming darkness, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
“This festival, known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, brings vibrant colours and joy, uniting communities in celebration.”
In his Deepavali message, Chow emphasised the importance of cherishing values of love, respect, unity, and harmony, and encouraged Penangites to embrace these values to strengthen family and community ties.
“As we enjoy this festival, let us take the opportunity to reflect on these values which are crucial to a harmonious society,” he said.
He further called on the people of Penang to use this holiday to spend quality time with loved ones, and expressed his hope that the light of Deepavali would continue to inspire the state’s journey toward realising the Penang2030 vision and Malaysia Madani.
Both visions aim for an inclusive and progressive future, built on principles of justice, democracy, and tolerance.
During the Deepavali visit to the Kedah Road Flats, the Chief Minister celebrated with five local families, sharing in the joy of the festival and witnessing the strong family bonds within the community.
“It was truly heartwarming to see the closeness and warmth among family members, especially hearing the laughter of children,” he said.
Chow also expressed gratitude for the hospitality and the chance to enjoy traditional, freshly prepared home-cooked meals.
In closing, he urged all Penangites travelling back to their hometowns to exercise caution on the roads, wishing everyone a safe and joyful celebration.
“May the light of Deepavali shine brightly upon all of us. Deepavali Naal Vaalthukkal.”
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
