HERITAGE
Ethinicity Carnival at Esplanade HERITAGE PHA participated in the event organised by the Penang State Government
Youth Activities
SPORTS ACTIVITIES Organising Vasutheyvan Cup and Penang Hindu Association Cup 2019
PHA recently concluded Sukan India Pulau Pinang 2022 (SUKIPP 2022) spor ng event was organised and conducted from 23rd to 24th July at the USM sports arenas. SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Collaboration
COLLABORATION ACTIVITIES International seminar in India and Nepal Heritage worksop Meeting Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 (DCM), Heritage worksop Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid
RELIGIOUS TALK
Penang Hindu Association Towards A Progressive Stride After the arrival at Denpasar, Bali on December 21, 2018 all representatives from different nations gathered at the Inna Heritage Hotel. However, before the commencement of the conference, a few thoughtprovoking discussions were held between the delegates that focused on economy, youth, women, Hindu organisations, temples, media, social issues related to conversion and education . The Asia-Pacific Hindu Conference was held at Wiswa Sabha Utama, Denpasar, Bali on the 22 December 2018 for the first time. The main theme of this conference titled 'Hindu Temples as Centres of Excellence'. This move was organised by Prajaniti Hindu Indonesia and Global Hindu Foundation with the collaboration of various other Hindu organisation such as Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia, Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia and Forum Advokasi Hindu Dharma. The event was successfully organised by the very capable Organising Chairman, Dr Wayan Sayoga. The core objective of the conference is to address issues pertaining to the theme by network, build cohesion, and unite Hindus of the world for common causes on the first session. The second session focused on solution to the issues or problem related to the temple. The one-day conference covered areas including education, health, spiritual tourism, environment, and women's empowerment, and was jewelled with extravagant vegetarian meal, entertainment and and culminated with outing to the famous Hindu temples of the region among them is a 300 years old temple named Pura Nalem Guwang. During the event, it was announced that Prajaniti Hindu Indonesia together with Advisor of Global Hindu Foundation (GHF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a Global Hindu Alliance. This time around, speakers from local and foreign of the conference spoke and addressed various issues under the theme. Speakers hailed from Germany, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia. In the keynote speech, which was delivered by the representative of Governor of Bali, Malaysia's Advisor for Global Hindu Foundation Dato' Pardip Kumar Kukreja who gave insightful and mind blogging heading related to the theme: Hindu is Under Siege. He touched on the Global Hindu Foundation (GHF) as a non-profit advocacy organization of Hindu Diaspora communities with a unique perspective, a deep sense of purpose and the courage and tenacity to tackle crucial issues of concern to Hindu communities across the world. He also mentioned the aim of the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations Forum (HOTA Forum) is to bring together all Hindu organisations, temples, associations, institutions and sampradayas, who are working for the Hindu resurgence, on one common platform. .Founded in 2018, GHF's work impacts a range of issues; from the portrayal of Hinduism to political and human rights to addressing contemporary problems, such as inter-religious conflict, by applying the Guiding Spirit of Dharma Global Hindu Foundation's mission is to empower Hindu communities and enhance the well-being of Hindus across the globe. The GHF aims to foster Hindu unity and represent the interests of the Hindu people and to ensure the continuity and development of its religious, spiritual, cultural, and social heritage INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Penang Hindu Association Marched Ahead With Global Hindu Foundation At International Arena Penang Hindu Association (PHA) establishes links with Global Hindu Foundation (GHF) by participating in international arena involving two countries: India and Nepal. This 7 days trip turn-out to be a fruitful and interesting trip to the 8 members of the GHF. Once again, with the able leadership of Dato Pradip Kumar, an outstanding partnerships materialised between members from different background to embark on a meaningful tour. Among the members including: Mr A. Himanshu Bhatt a journalist, Kurukal M. Murugananda as head of temple priest in Malaysia, Mr V. Uthaiya Kumar Kumar and Mrs R.Krishna Veny as corporate trainers, Dr S.Kamalanathan as medical doctor, Mr P. Murugian as a social worker and Dr S.Balasubramaniam as a researcher and as a team under the leadership of Dato Pradip Kumar as a team leader and a businessman. The aim of the trip to meet the leaders from the two countries to foster closer relationship and to create a unique opportunity of renewing and revitalizing our inextricable threads of cultural heritage. One of our programme schedule was to meet up with the general secretary of the National Council of Hindu Temples from UK. Pt Satish K Sharma General Secretary of the National Council of Hindu Temples UK, Chair of the British board of Hindu scholars. Then we had a meeting in a restaurant with delegates from UK and Hong Kong. Briefly, we introduced ourselves and had a dialogue session. Mainly we shared on the issues and strategies in overcoming the problems.. Next trip was to Nepal and one of itinerary was a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site, a famous and sacred Hindu temple complex known as Pashupatinath Temple. One of a historical moment was when Global Hindu Foundation and Penang Hindu Association officials held a meeting on 27th January with World Hindu Federation leaders at their headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal. At the start an opening speech was delivered by W.H.F. President Mr. Pramod Kumar Choraria. One of outstanding speech delivered by GHF Leader Mr.Pradip Kumar Kukreja In this meeting we discussed about problems, direction, development of Hindu activities and strategies related to global organisations. Ms.Ashmita Bhandari, Secretary General and Mr.Basant K. Chaudhary, Honorary Consul General Kingdom of Morocco to Nepal also attended this event. Mr Basant also shared some of his views concerning the domestic problems and solution. The Q-A session was interesting and it was a thought provoking session. Among the points shared was the basic attitude problem among the youth, challenges faced by the WHF, short of resources and commitment of the members. In the round-up session, it was decided that it would be appropriate to hold a conference in the month of April this year. The ultimate purpose to boost the spirit and confidence all the related group. Another suggestion was setting up of collaboration between different countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, India, UK, Sri Langka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mauritius Island and others with establishing the main office at Nepal. At the end, Mr P. Murugiah of PHA presented two shawls to leaders of WHF in recognition and their contributions. INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
Among the speakers, MRS Krishna Raj Mohan, Swami Anand Krishna, Dirjen Bimas Hindu, Made Mangku Pastika, Mr Sumon Sharma, Ashwanin K Chungroo, Dr Gde Made Sadguna, Jro Bendesa Agong and P.Murugiah. The President of Penang Hindu Association, P.Murugiah addressed some exciting and fundamental socio-economic issues faced by the Hindus such as poverty, price increase, deprivation, the spirit of unity (nationalism), conversion, racism, xenophobia, discrimination, crime, dropout at school, gangsterism, lack of access to health services and education. The aforementioned factors have been identified as a remaining blemish and a debilitating obstacle to the future well-being of the people they affect especially the Hindu community. Some missionaries have been making use of the media, especially the audio and visual tools to undermine and ridicule Hinduism in an effort to convert some Hindus. As matter of fact, some of their tactics and acts are not only shameful but also most disgraceful for those who claim to believe in God. All parents and community leaders must also be on alert on those who carry out proselytization activities down to their homes at wedding ceremony, at funeral sermons and at public gatherings. My advice is that you do not allow such intruders to your homes. Further, walk out of gatherings where Hinduism is ridiculed after making your protest. During the event, it was proposed that the next Global Hindu Conference would be held at Penang in 2019. It is expected that the Penang event will have significant impact, as there is likely to be more participation of people from neighbouring countries due to the regional proximity. There are many countries in the region that share historical and culture links with Hindu way of living and this will likely to strengthen their bonds. On the 23th December we set off to Anand Krishna Ashram at Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Swami Anand Krishna, an Indonesian spiritual humanist of ethnic Indian origin and Sindhi descent and prolific writer. We were delighted to listen to his talks 'Love is the Only Solution' as the way to create an enlightened society by working on 'Inner Peace', developing 'Communal Love', and realizing 'Global Harmony on One Earth under One Sky and in One Humankind'. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) is proud to have organised its inaugural forum on patriotism in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations to commemorate the formation of Malaysia 61 years ago. The high profiled event, titled "Nurturing Patriotism Among Different Cultures In Malaysia: A Revisit Into History", was convened at Auditorium C on the 5th Level of the KOMTAR Tower in Penang on Malaysia Day itself, that is, on 16th September this year. The programme was aimed at creating or enhancing awareness on the concept of patriotism among Malaysian citizens of varying races and cultural identities. It was also hoped that the forum would stimulate interest on the issue of patriotism during preludes to the pre-independent and postindependent eras in the country. Most importantly, PHA hoped to spur an intellectual discourse on nurturing patriotism among the audience. The forum kicked off with a welcoming speech by PHA President, Mr. P. Murugiah, who reminded the audience to observe the significance of recognizing and commemorating such an auspicious day as Malaysia Day as one of the ways of creating an atmosphere of patriotism with a sense of belonging to our nation. He also urged the present government to verify and rewrite the school syllabus on history textbooks, as the existing texts are either lacking in terms of the local Indian and Chinese socio-cultural and historical backgrounds or their factual representation has been largely distorted. Tan Sri Datuk Seri (Dr.) Haji Yusof Latif, the President of the Penang Malay Association (PEMENANG), officially opened this forum with an interesting glimpse of Malaysian history, sharing the progress of the nation and his experiences from it. The first panelist, Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria who is a recognized expert on diverse cultures from the National University of Malaysia's (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies, aroused audience interest by postulating that the concept of patriotism may be defined in the context of war or peace times. According to him during war times patriotism may be conceptualised in terms of heroic actions or the sacrifice of lives for one's country. On the other hand, during peacetimes patriotism may be evaluated in the context of being faithful with dedicated actions or by upholding prestige or standard of the nation. Datuk Jayasooria presented a methodical and scientific approach referring to the past and present scenarios with reference to the colonial days, Japanese era, and pre and post independence periods. PATRIOTISM FORUM
He shared some overviews on the expectations and aspirations for a new Malaysia explaining that we need to reflect and take cognizance that there are different formulations and visions in the remaking of a Malaysian society and history. A simple illustration is the threefold aspiration for Malaysia. First, there is the Muslim or Islamic dominant view where the Islamic laws will become supreme over civil law. Then there is the Malay-Malaysia where the ethnic Malay is dominant while other communities have a place and may coexist on the basis of being subservient to the majority Malays. Here, ethnicity and religion play a role in an ethno-religious nationalist way. The third perspective entails the view of Malaysia for all Malaysians but one which still holds a Constitutional balance between equality of Article 8 and the special position of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, including Article 153's legitimate interest of others. Datuk Jayasooria also focused on the primary issue of “guidelines for citizen action” and in doing so he touched on such engrossing concepts as the Malaysian history, constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, respect for diversity, and without exclusive claims, an inclusive Malaysia, good governance, conflict and resolution, and human rights protection. For the next 15 minutes the second panelist, Tuan Haji Yusoff Azmi Merican spoke on the pre independence era with special emphasis on the colonial era, intertwining it with his own experience of life during his Penang Free School days. He imparted how English teachers conducted lessons then as he was taught the English Language and English Literature. Haji Yusoff also enlightened the audience on various artefacts, utensils, house hold items and his museum of collections. The third panelist, Mr Janakey Raman who resides in Klang, Selangor is the author of two contemporary books about the local Indian community, namely: Indian Dilemma and The Malaysian Indian - Forgotten History of Colonial Era. He was able to tell the audience about his experiences on social work. He was able to relate his experiences on the endurance and sufferings of the menial Indian Labour Force with minimal wages and poor living conditions. Through his narration, aided by his two video shows, Janakey Raman was able to recount his life span spent with the Indian estate workers explaining how historically these poor souls were lured to Malaysia with promises of good living. Moderator Dr. Balasubramaniam, the current the Head of Department - Research and Innovation, at the Teacher Training Institution, Penang Campus played an outstanding role in maintaining a decorum of order, stability and adherence to regulations. He was instrumental in ensuring that panelists observed the rubrics of the sessions and thereby helped to regulate the quality and balance of the forum sessions within the time limits. His management of the Q & A session was exceptional and contributed to keep the questions from the floor relevant and the answers from the panelists interesting. The audience raised many interesting and relevant questions and the panelists responded with intellectual and amazing answers. Among others, the Q & A session raised the key issue of how to foster closer relationship among different cultures in Malaysia. The audiences were also treated to a museum-themed exhibition that was open both before and after the forum. The organisers had painstakingly assembled the exhibition that displayed an interesting assortment of historical items from many decades ago including household items, utensils, artefacts, documents and books on the history of Malaysia. PATRIOTISM FORUM
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Articles GEORGETOWN: Hotel Golden Sands Resort di Batu Ferringhi di sini, hari ini menerima pengiktirafan daripada Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) selepas berjaya menghasilkan lakaran 'kolam' terapung terbesar di negara ini. Lakaran kolam dengan lakaran imej burung merak, teratai dan logo huruf 'S' itu dibuat menggunakan 435 kilogram (kg) emping kelapa serta diapungkan di kolam renang hotel menggunakan kepingan 'styrofoam'. Pengurus Hotel, Noel D'Couto, berkata idea untuk menghasilkan kolam terapung ini mula dibincangkan secara serius sejak empat bulan lalu. "Pada mulanya kami tidak yakin usaha ini akan berjaya, namun berkat kerjasama dan dorongan daripada pelbagai pihak, akhirnya ia berjaya juga direalisasikan. "Kolam ini juga adalah sebahagian daripada kreativiti kami untuk bersama-sama menyambut perayaan Deepavali tidak lama lagi," katanya pada sidang media di sini, hari ini. Turut hadir Timbalan Pengurus Besar MBOR, Mohamad Alex Edward, dan Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Hindu Pulau Pinang, P Murugiah Mohan. Sumber: http://www.bhplus.com.my/berita/wilayah/2017/10/335598/lakaran-kolamterapung-terbesar-diiktiraf-mbor Lakaran 'Kolam' Terapung Terbesar Diiktiraf MBOR
Articles One of Penang Hindu Association annual event organised is an auspicious and important cultural event known as Pongal Festival. The Pongal festivities take place over four days, the first day being 'Bhogi', which was on Monday, when people burn their old clothes, mats and other items. This time around PHAon the first day which was Surya Pongal was celebrated at SJKT Rajaji with great fervour and zeal. Normally, during these four days of Pongal, the entire family comes together to thank god for providing us with food. While the first day couldn't have gotten any better when it was celebrated by school including teachers, students, parents and community leaders. Next PHA was able to join Island Glades community for the third day of Pongal which is known as Mattu Pongal. In order to understand the significance of Mattu Pongal a few questions can be contemplated or put forward. Why is it celebrated? This day is said to be originated for a legend. According to the legend, one day Lord Shiva asked his bull Nandi to visit Earth and tell humans to eat once a month and take oil massage and bath every day. Unfortunately, he told the mortals to take bath with oil once a month and eat daily. This enraged Lord Shiva and he asked the bull to stay on Earth only and plough fields to help people grow more food How is the day celebrated? On Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to the cattles. All the cattle are washed, bathed and their horns are painted. Apart from that, on the third day of Pongal, after the cattles are fitted with decorative items they are worshipped as they play an important role in farms. Usually, their horns are covered in metallic caps, their necks are prettified and decorated with bells, beads, garlands, sheaves of corn etc. On this day people carry out aartis after which they touch the feet and head of the decorated bull. After that, the bull is offered the prasad. Prasad means a devotional offering made to a god, typically consisting of food that is later shared among devotees. When is Mattu Pongal celebrated? It is the third day of the Pongal festival and the celebration mark the beginning of that time of the year when fresh harvesting of rice starts. Women feed birds with coloured rice and pray for the welfare of their brothers. Pongal Festival
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