TOMORROW’s Festival of Lights will be especially meaningful for a family of two, as they will celebrate Deepavali with power restored to their rented home in Permatang Damar Laut, Batu Maung, after a decade without electricity.
S. Selvih, 54, was overjoyed upon hearing the news that she and her family could celebrate the festival with actual lights, which are symbolic of Deepavali’s message.
“I am truly at a loss for words to express my gratitude. To celebrate Deepavali meaningfully this year is such a joy,” she shared with reporters yesterday.
“In previous years, we celebrated in darkness. I am deeply grateful to the Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram for recognising our hardship and helping us.
“We would not have electricity now if it weren’t for their assistance. From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank them.”
Selvih, who works as a cleaner at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), lives with her grandson, R. Solomon Vijay.
“In the past, we relied on oil lamps and candles every night. This year, we finally have something to look forward to,” she said with a smile.
Solomon, a student at SJK (T) Ramakrishnan, is eagerly awaiting the celebration.
“Now I can study better, too, with an electricity supply,” he said.
Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram’s Education Bureau chairman, S.V. Manimaran, said they were glad to be able to help. The NGO spent around RM4,000 to support the family, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is expected to instal the electricity meter today.
Story by Edmund Lee