Kunavathi sebar keceriaan setiap Deepavali meski hilang penglihatan
Wanita berusia 56 tahun dari Pulau Pinang ini aktif dalam kerja kebajikan, termasuk membawa keceriaan Deepavali kepada banduan setiap tahun.
Kunavathi, a 56-year-old woman with a visual impairment, celebrates Deepavali every year despite her loss of sight. This festival holds special meaning for her as it provides an opportunity to share goodness and happiness with others. Located in Butterworth, Penang, the annual celebration at the Tamil National Primary School (SJKT) Azad was bustling with volunteers preparing traditional Deepavali delicacies.
Kunavathi, a member of Malaysia Hindhudharma Mamandram (MHDM), has been participating in this tradition for over a decade.
Despite her visual impairment, Kunavathi actively contributes to the program and is always ready to assist in whatever way she can. Her dedication to the cause is evident in her role as a volunteer with MHDM, a non-governmental organization promoting Hindu religious values, preserving cultural traditions, and helping the less fortunate. Every year, MHDM organizes a Deepavali program that aims to bring joy and happiness to those who may not be able to celebrate it with their families due to distance.
This year, around 4000 traditional snacks, including muruku and athirasam, were prepared for inmates at Penjara Pulau Pinang and Penjara Jawi, as well as for the community. Kunavathi, who sells religious items at the Sri Sitti Vinayagar temple in Kepala Batas, has long yearned to help others and contribute to society. Although her visual impairment presents certain challenges, she remains grateful for the support of other volunteers who step in when needed.
Pulai Pinang branch president Thanabalan Nanda Kumar praises Kunavathi for her strong faith, discipline, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Despite Kunavathi being the only member of MHDM with a visual impairment, she is always willing to contribute her time and effort to various activities, including teaching Hindu religious classes for free to students aged six to 17.
Her positive attitude and calm demeanor have earned her the respect of the community. Kunavathi also won a Thirumurai competition at the state level, recognizing her ability to chant Hindu religious hymns in Tamil. She has also received the Civic Service Medal for her contribution to society.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
