[NEWS] TCISKL Deepavali Celebration – Enhancing Mutual Understanding Across Cultures

Have you ever made murukku? Can you write in Tamil or sing a Tamil song? If not, hands up!
Many of us have few Indian friends around us, making it challenging to truly understand their culture. So where can we experience the culture of another race? Schools can be one of those places.

At Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur (TCISKL), nearly 20 per cent of the teachers are Indian. The school community held a belated Deepavali celebration after completing internal assessments.

Teacher | Dharni
To share the message with the teachers and students
that celebrating Deepavali means
the light wins over the darkness,
the good wins over the evil.
So, the students also understand
the meaning of unity and togetherness.

The theme came to life through a kolam – a colourful floor design usually drawn at the entrance to welcome guests and invite prosperity.

Teacher | Anusia
On a spiritual basis, kolam basically symbolises
cycle of life and regeneration.
It also protects us from the
evil eyes and negative energy.
Basically, we didn’t use any common items.
We used recycled items like the egg trays,
used fake flowers, and also some tinsels.

Though the students grew up in Malaysia, many had limited exposure to Indian culture. Thus, curiosity filled the room.

Student | Fong Qi Qing
I’d never seen Tamil writing before.
I only learned about it
through this Deepavali event.
The biggest difference between Tamil and Chinese
is that Chinese characters are more block-like,
while Tamil letters
are generally rounder in form.

Student | Lee Sin Yue
I didn’t know the Deepavali candlelight
holds such special meaning.
The candle lamps symbolise light.
So, when you paint it in multi-colours,
it’s like light shining across the world.

Student | Chan zhi Cun
Actually I had no idea what pot balancing was.
I was really shocked and thought, ‘It’s just like a game?’
It’s really uncommon to see it right now.
Even in traditional Deepavali events,
it doesn’t really happen anymore.
So I think it’s really cool to know that too.

Trust begins with understanding. When we truly know and trust one another, unity and harmony flourish in a multiracial society.

Student | Fhyn Ong Shiu Faye
There may be
slight differences in our values,
but the Deepavali celebration
has a pleasant atmosphere.
It feels very harmonious,
and I really enjoy events like this.

Student | Chong Yee Lin
Deepavali is
such a fun and delightful occasion.
It’s not just a cultural tradition,
but a festival that can
foster unity among us.

REPORT1
By Yap Kar Leng, Ng Sook Jen, Tan Jin Teck & Eyris Hoong Mooh Guan, MY DAAI Malaysia