LITTLE India in Ipoh was a sea of people as thousands thronged the square in anticipation of the cultural performances and delicious food served at the state-level Deepavali open house.
Folks began pouring into the area as early as 6.30pm on Thursday to get the best seats in order to catch the song performances by local and foreign artistes, followed by cultural dances later.
Other than the colourful and vibrant performances, guests were also treated to Indian delicacies like thosai, roti canai, murtabak and murukku as well as other local delights.
Classical dance: An Indian dancer performing at the Ipoh Deepavali celebration. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who opened the event, went around shaking hands, much to the delight of the crowd.
In his opening speech, Muhyiddin said he was impressed with the large turnout at the event.
It showed that the Indian community’s support for the Government had surged tremendously, he added, before approving a RM300,000 allocation to upgrade the multi-purpose stage in Little India.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, in his welcoming address, said Little India had become more vibrant since Muhyiddin’s visit there last year.
“So, having him back here to celebrate Deepavali with us is indeed a special occasion,” Dr Zambry said, noting that Muhyiddin had then allocated RM1.5mil to beautify Little India.
Earlier during his day-long visit to Perak, Muhyiddin and his wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman had breakfast with about 500 people at Quest International University Perak (QIUP) before opening its medical faculty.
Among those present were Prof Emeritus vice-chancellor Datuk Dr V.G. Kumar Das, University Council permanent member R. Magandran and Star Publications (M) Bhd executive director Tan Sri Kamal Hashim, who is also Wawasan QI Holding Sdn Bhd chairman.
Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, later met with religious teachers at Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Tronoh where he disbursed RM15mil to 59 religious schools in Perak.
In his speech, Muhyiddin said religious teachers should adopt a global view and open mind in order to develop better human capital.
Fresh and new: Muhyiddin signing a plaque to mark the opening of the medical faculty of Quest International University. With him are Kamal (left) and Dr Zambry (second from left). “Their focus should not only be confined to education but also include cultural, professional and political development.
“Religious teachers are agents of change and transformation, who will ultimately decide the country and people’s future,” he said.
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