IN conjunction with the ‘Festival of Lights’ or Deepavali (which falls on Oct 27), the Gujarati Samaj Penang organised the 69th Diwali Nite 2019, themed ‘Colours of Diwali’, at the City Bayview Hotel in George Town.
Today marks the first day of the Deepavali celebration for the Gujaratis. Gujaratis celebrate Deepavali for a week.
It was a joyous celebration with foot-tapping songs, vibrant performances, and flavoursome North Indian dishes.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who was the chief guest at the celebration commended the association (Gujarati Samaj Penang) for their contributions to the socio-economic development of Penang.
“The state government values your contributions to the economic development. We look forward to working with you to transform Penang into an international and intelligent state.
“The state is witnessing numerous job opportunities and many expatriates, including the Gujaratis and North Indian expatriates, are residing in Penang. The state is growing and its economy is expanding.
“We hope that Penang will continue to grow economically and provide new job opportunities, especially in knowledge-based industries.
“These will enable us to move up the value chain,” Chow said in his speech today.
He also said that the Gujaratis had contributed enormously towards the well-being of the community through various charity programmes.
Gujarati Samaj Penang president Shashikant Popatlal Gathani said the Gujaratis had not only contributed economically, but also culturally and socially.
Also present were Penang Consultative Goodwill Council president Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yussof Latiff, and trustees of Gujarati Samaj Penang Datuk P.P Shah, Hamendra Kamdar and Datuk Jugal Kishor Shivlal.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan