By Student Experience Department, INTI International College Penang.
Thaipusam Day is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly by the Tamil community and it falls on the full moon day in the Tamil month which is usually in the month of January or February. The festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu ‘God of War and Victory’. Thaipusam is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and is marked by elaborate processions, music, and offerings to the deity.
Aside from being a religious festival, Thaipusam also serves as a cultural celebration that brings people together regardless of their background or social status. It is a time of unity and harmony, and a reminder of the power of faith and devotion in overcoming adversity. The festival is a testament to the enduring legacy of Hinduism and its rich cultural heritage as well as it being a symbol of hope and inspiration for all those who seek to lead a life of purpose and meaning.
Seeing an opportunity to spread goodwill on the holy day, a group of ICS members took it up to collaborate with ASE Electronics to distribute free meals to devotees and visitors alike. With the sponsorship from ASE Electronics, ICS prepared over 500 packs of food that was successfully distributed at the refreshment stall set-up for the day.
The members of the Club were overjoyed to be able to make an impact in the community with this simple gesture, whilst creating awareness amongst the public on the Club’s presence as a student-run society in IICP. Despite the hectic day of handing out the food to public, the members were able to nurture great teamwork and strengthen the bond amongst fellow members. The exposure in handling and participating in an external collaborative event gave the members an invaluable opportunity for hands on learning on-site.
