CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife, Madam Tan Lean Kee, joined Penang’s Gujarati community to celebrate the 72nd annual Diwali Nite organised by the Gujarati Samaj Penang at the Bayview Hotel in George Town tonight.
In his speech, Chow encouraged the celebrants to illuminate not only their homes this Diwali but also the lives of others around them.
“Let us reach out to our neighbours, extend a helping hand to those in need, and celebrate with open hearts. It is through these small acts of kindness that we truly embody the spirit of Diwali,” Chow said.
“Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is more than a celebration of good triumphing over evil; it is also a powerful reminder of how unity in diversity shapes our community.
“This is a time when families, friends, and communities come together, regardless of race, religion, or background, to light lamps, share meals, and strengthen bonds. It is a reflection of the harmony that makes Penang, and indeed Malaysia, so special.”
Chow expressed admiration for the closely-knit Gujarati community and commended its commitment to preserving culture, tradition, and language.
“The Gujaratis, though small in numbers, are an enterprising and active community. Your success across various fields is a testament to your unity and strength as a community,” he added.
Chow also congratulated Daksha Shashikant on her historic appointment as the first woman president of the Gujarati Samaj Penang in its 72-year history.
Additionally, Chow assured Daksha of the state government’s support after she announced that the Penang Gujarati Samaj would host the ASEAN Gujarati Games in April next year. Daksha proposed a partnership between the state government, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, and the Penang Gujarati Samaj for the Games, which will be held for the fifth time in Penang.
“Diwali is a time for us to come together as families and as a community to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, of hope over despair. This festival is close to all our hearts. Whether it’s the lighting of diyas or the sharing of sweets, Diwali reminds us of the power of unity, compassion, and resilience — qualities that have always defined us as Gujaratis and as Malaysians.
“In Malaysia, a country where diversity is our strength, Diwali takes on a special significance. It brings together people of different backgrounds to celebrate in the spirit of togetherness. We Gujaratis, like so many other communities, are proud contributors to this wonderful multicultural mosaic. Whether it’s through our businesses, our culture, or our food, we enrich Malaysia with our heritage, and tonight we celebrate that,” Daksha said.
Organising chairman Kartikey Parmar, who worked tirelessly with his team to ensure the event’s success, expressed his gratitude to all attendees for making the evening memorable.
Datin Usha Gathani later shared about the Gujarati community’s charitable works, including support for nine homes and orphanages, and providing essentials to 30 needy families.
The evening was further enlivened by dances, performances, and games, adding to the festive spirit.
At its conclusion, Chow and his wife wished all the attendees ‘Shubh Diwali’ (Happy Diwali in Gujarati) and a prosperous New Year.
Also present at the celebration were Tan Sri Mohd Yusoff Latif, president of the Penang State Consultative Goodwill Council and his wife Puan Sri Suzywati Baidawi; Ng Boon Nee and Quah Swee Leang, representatives from Georgetown World Heritage Incorporated; Peter Pedly, president of Penang Eurasian Association; Boon Leua Aroonratana, president of Penang Siam Society; Rama Rao Perappa, president of Telugu Malaysia Association Penang Branch; Gujarati Samaj Penang immediate past president Dr Jignyasu P. Joshi and trustees Datuk Dr P.P. Shah, Datuk Seri Markend D. Joshi and Datuk Shashikant P. Gathani.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad