GUJARATI SAMAJ PENANG’S DIWALI NITE 2019
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR GUJARATI SAMAJ PENANG’S DIWALI NITE 2019
25 October 2019
First of all, I would like to thank the President and Management Committee of Gujarati Samaj Penang for inviting me as the Guest of Honour for your 69th Annual Diwali Nite.
I am happy to note that the Gujarati Samaj Penang continues to play an important role in the socie-economic development of Penang. Despite your small numbers, you have successfully organised multiple events for your members and actively participate in the Penang community, by being a founding member of the Penang State Consultative Goodwill Council which has 20 NGOs representing the welfare of various races.
I, together with my colleagues in the state executive council, will work closely with you to ensure that not only the Gujaratis but the people of Penang will be at the forefront of development and progress. The state government values your contributions to our economic development, and we look forward to working with you to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city. We can all work together to make Penang cleaner, greener, safer and healthier – in short, a better State to live in, attend school, work and even play in.
With our expanding economy and the growth of Penang, the state is seeing many job opportunities, and many expatriates are coming to our shores. This includes many Gujaratis & North Indian expatriates who have made Penang their home. We hope that the state continues to flourish economically and thereby providing new jobs especially in the knowledge-based industries which will enable us to move up the value chain.
Furthermore, Gujarati Samaj Penang also actively participated in the recently held George Town Heritage Day celebrations by having a Rangoli demonstration, a colourful Raas Garba performance and also a mock Gujarati wedding. The Gujarati culture and traditions were certainly well showcased in the George Town Heritage celebration.
Besides cultural and economic activities, the Gujarati community in Penang has also contributed generously towards worthy causes through your annual Diwali Charity Project. Besides cash and kind, members of Gujarati Samaj Penang also contributed time and energy to arrange items to be sent to the orphanages as well as needy families. I truly appreciate the kind deeds and commitment of your members in playing a wholesome role for the well-being of the less fortunate.
Finally, in the festive spirit of Diwali, let’s count our blessings that we live in peace, harmony and prosperity with one another and continue to do so.
I wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali.
Thank you.