GUJARATI SAMAJ PENANG’S 70TH ANNUAL DIWALI NITE – RANGEEN DIWALI
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
GUJARATI SAMAJ PENANG’S
70TH ANNUAL DIWALI NITE – RANGEEN DIWALI
23RD OCTOBER 2022
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Haji Mohd. Yussof Latif
President of Penang State Consultative Goodwill Council and Puan Sri,
Dato’ Shashikant Popatlal Gathani
President of Gujarati Samaj Penang
Trustees of Gujarati Samaj Penang:
Dato’ Dr. P.P. Shah
Mr. Hamendra Kamdar
Mr. Sunil Shashikant Gathani
Organising Chairperson
Members of Penang State Consultative Goodwill Council,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen.
First and foremost, I would like to thank the President and Management Committee of Gujarati Samaj Penang for inviting me (and my wife) as the Guest of Honour for your 70th Annual Diwali Nite.
I have over the years been in close association with the Gujarati community, and it never ceases to amaze me how small and close-knit a community like yours takes such pride and care in upholding your traditions, culture, and language.
The Gujaratis, though small in numbers, are an enterprising and active community. And your accomplishments across various fields is a testimony to your unity and strength as a community. I deeply admire and commend your aspirations and efforts in ensuring that all of your community members are united through your various cultural, religious and sporting activities.
This spirit, is indeed in the same vein as the Penang2030 vision of the State Government to promote, nurture, and nourish cultural nuances among the people in our beloved state. To that end, the Penang Chief Minister's Incorporation (CMI), on 10th March 2021, formed the very first Penang Harmony Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (HARMONICO).
HARMONICO acts as an implementing agency, overseeing religious matters other than Islam and in carrying out plans and policies that will foster and bring about a harmonious and united society. In another words, it seeks to establish and promote the new concept of religious harmony to address the challenges posed by religious diversity in a globalized world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It also encouraging to know that the Gujrati community, especially through the Gujarati Samaj Penang (GSP), has always placed a high priority on giving back to the community. This year, GSP has already hosted two events for the underprivileged children, including a tour around the Heritage sites of Penang and a trip to the cinema and Penang Tech Dome. Not to mention their annual Diwali Charity Project, which is now in its 16th year.
I was made to understand that GSP, with the support of its members, friends, as well as from the local, national and multinational companies, have collectively raised close to RM1.5 million for this worthy cause.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank all those involved, particularly all members of GSP and the entire Gujarati community, for your admirable efforts. I hope that you will keep up the good work and continue to foster a sense of empathy and unity among all Penangites.
In the festive spirit of Diwali, let us count our blessings that we live in peace, harmony, and prosperity with one another, and we shall do so for the many years to come.
With that, I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali.
Thank you.