Sungai Buloh’s B40 families receive 4,000 Ponggal kits

In a heartfelt gesture to usher in the upcoming Ponggal celebrations, over 4,000 Tamil residents from the Sungai Buloh parliamentary constituency received Ponggal kits under the Semarak Kasih Ponggal (Magilchi Ponggal) programme. The initiative, spearheaded by Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, specifically targeted B40 households, reinforcing the festival’s themes of gratitude and community.

The programme, now in its second year, was organized collaboratively by the Sungai Buloh People’s Welfare Association, local community leaders, and the parliamentary service centre. Sugarcane and other traditional essentials were included in the kits to ensure that families could celebrate the harvest festival with joy and cultural authenticity.

Call for Unity and Progress

Addressing the Indian community, Ramanan, who also serves as the Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister, highlighted the significance of the month of Thai, marking new beginnings and fresh opportunities. Emphasizing the Tamil proverb Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum (the advent of Thai brings new opportunities), he encouraged the community to embrace the festival with optimism and resilience.

Ramanan also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to uplifting the Indian community. He hinted at a special announcement during Tuesday’s Ponggal celebration, aimed at further enhancing the community’s economic prospects. This is part of the government’s broader agenda to meet the aspirations of the Indian community under the Malaysia Madani vision championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The Madani government is firmly committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the Indian community as demonstrated by the seven initiatives rolled out in 2024 under the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry,” he stated. These initiatives are tailored to provide avenues for progress and opportunity, strengthening the community’s role in Malaysia’s growth.

Ponggal: A Celebration of Gratitude and Renewal

Ponggal, celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai, is a cherished harvest festival symbolizing gratitude to the Sun God (Surya Bhagavan) for bountiful harvests. Families prepare sweet rice, or Pongal, in traditional clay pots, marking the season’s essence of renewal and prosperity.

Ramanan called upon Malaysians of all backgrounds to use this festive period as a time to reflect on the nation’s progress and foster greater unity and mutual understanding.

As the Indian community across Malaysia gears up for Tuesday’s celebrations, the Semarak Kasih Ponggal programme stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of togetherness, generosity, and cultural pride that defines the nation.