Strengthen 'Nambikei' Spirit, Celebrate Pongal With Joy – Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with the Pongal celebration, or the Harvest Festival, tomorrow, the Indian community is encouraged to strengthen the ‘power of unity’ among themselves in order to move forward as a successful community, in line with the country’s development initiatives.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives deputy minister, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, in his Pongal message, expressed hope that this year’s Pongal celebration would bring prosperity, well-being, and joy to both the nation and the Indian community.

"Pongal holds great significance for all of us. I pray that we can achieve success in areas such as economy, education, and beyond," he said in a statement today.

He also called on everyone to work together to ensure that the aspirations of the Indian community is realised in an organised and planned manner.

Ramanan, who is also responsible for Indian community affairs, hopes that this year’s Pongal celebration will mark a new beginning for the Indian community to progress and succeed, in line with the saying ‘Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum’ (Birth of New Year Opens New Paths).

"Pongal Vaalthukal (Happy Pongal). Celebrate Pongal with joy and happiness. A strong spirit of ‘Nambikei’ (confidence) will surely bring success to all of us," he said.

Ramanan said that Malaysians should reflect on the country’s journey, which has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges to build a peaceful, harmonious, and increasingly progressive Malaysia today, while emphasising the significant role of the Indian community in the nation’s development.

"In conjunction with this year’s Pongal celebration, let us all, as Malaysians, strengthen unity and understanding among ourselves in line with the Malaysia MADANI concept under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he said.

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Indian community worldwide, including in Malaysia. The festival is a mark of gratitude to the Sun God (Surya) and the Earth (Bhoomi) for the abundant harvest and prosperity.

-- BERNAMA