Following the announcement by Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, of the nation’s separation from Malaysia in 1965, his first public appearance took place on 12 September that year at the former Sree Narayana Mission complex in Sembawang.
“Never fear,” he declared in a firm voice to all Singaporeans.
Even after six decades, that poignant moment remains etched in the nation’s memory. In fact, with that historic occasion as its focus, a segment on religious harmony was held on Sunday (7 September) at the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home in Yishun, as part of Singapore’s 60th anniversary commemorations.
Centred on the theme ‘Oneness in Humanity’, the discussion brought together five representatives from different faith-based organisations — Catholic Welfare Services, Ren Ci Hospital, Jamiyah Singapore, the Ramakrishna Mission and Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society — along with a member of SNM’s Board of Trustees. The dialogue was chaired by religious reconciliation moderator Nazhath Faheema.
The event was held in conjunction with the 171st Guru Jayanthi celebration, marking the birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru.
The panel exchanged views on issues such as the challenges faced by social service organisations, their responsibilities to the community, and how best to meet the needs of their beneficiaries.
Following the discussion, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment, as well as for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Goh Hanyan, attended the celebration as Guest of Honour.
“This auspicious day, which commemorates the teachings and ideals of Sree Narayana Guru, is also closely tied to Singapore’s journey. We are one united community, regardless of background. This dialogue was a platform to strengthen that unity,” said Ms Goh.
During the event, it was also announced that the Singapore Indian Education Trust will provide educational grants to healthcare workers at the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home to support their professional development. To this end, the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“Narayana Guru’s teachings transcend religion. He translated his philosophy into practical action that benefitted society. Through discussions on religious harmony, we seek to share his message with the wider community,” said Mr Jayadev Unnithan, former President of Sree Narayana Mission.
“We hold the Guru Jayanthi celebrations every year to reaffirm our commitment to his teachings. This year’s commemoration goes beyond marking Guru Jayanthi; it also reflects the spirit of 1965. Our racial harmony and tolerance are Singapore’s true treasures,” added Mr S Devendran, Chief Executive Officer of Sree Narayana Mission.
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President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has said that Singapore’s way is to treat every festival as a multicultural celebration and to celebrate it together.
He made this statement while addressing the Deepavali Light-Up ceremony on Saturday (6 September) evening at the ‘Grand Stand’ stage set up in front of the Little India Arcade, where he was the Guest of Honour.
He noted that the participation of not only the diverse Indian community but also other multi-racial communities showcased Singapore’s diversity.
The President emphasised that at the moment the lamps are lit, we should remember to show understanding and compassion towards one another and remain united.
He further said: “The spirit of Deepavali is to recognise the light within each individual, to be a guiding light for the underprivileged, and to unite and uplift everyone.”
The festival, organised by the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA), was held on a grand scale with thousands of special guests, foreign representatives, and members of the public taking part.
From now until 9 November, Little India will be illuminated for 64 days, offering a visual feast for visitors.
This year, in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, 600,000 LED lights have been installed, along with 42 decorative arches spanning a two-kilometre stretch from the Little India shopping complex.
The theme of this year’s Deepavali celebrations is Attam, Pattam, Kondattam.
The lighting ceremony was also attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and for Manpower, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash; Minister of State for National Development, and for Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan; Mayor of Central Singapore District, Ms Denise Phua; as well as several foreign ambassadors.
President Tharman presented mementoes to nearly 20 community organisations that had contributed to the Deepavali celebrations. Meanwhile, various organisations and temples, including the Hindu Endowments Board, raised $100,000 for the President’s Challenge and presented a cheque to the President.
Adding to this year’s celebrations, the colourful Utsavam road parade returned after many years. For the first time, the entire stretch of Serangoon Road was closed for the occasion.
More than 700 people from 25 multi-ethnic, social and artistic organisations took part in the parade, which began at around 7.30 pm.
Notably, 23 seniors aged between 63 and 94 from Sree Narayana Mission participated as a contingent. The youngest performers were four-year-old dancers from the Apsaras Arts troupe.
This year’s parade also featured young artists, beneficiaries and volunteers from SINDA, who took part under the theme Let’s Move Forward, Together – A Journey with SINDA. The segment marked the official launch of SINDA’s annual Project Give initiative.
The parade commenced from Hastings Road and concluded at Birch Road. At 8.15 pm, President Tharman and other distinguished guests boarded a specially designed peacock-shaped float and travelled along the route.
As part of the Deepavali festivities, LISHA has also organised a variety of events and activities in collaboration with partners, running until 11 November. More details are available at www.deepavalisg.com.
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This year’s Deepavali lighting ceremony will take place at Serangoon Road this Saturday, 6 September.
For the first time, the entire stretch of Serangoon Road will be closed, setting the stage for a spectacular road parade and a variety of artistic performances.
The festival, organised annually by the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA), will spotlight the theme “Aattam Pattam Kondattam.”
LISHA shared details about this year’s Deepavali celebration preparations at a press conference held on Wednesday (September 3).
The ‘Utsavam’ road parade, returning after many years, will take place across three locations — the ‘Grand Stand’ area opposite Tekka Market, in front of Veerasamy Road, and in front of Angullia Mosque.
In preparation, Hastings Road and the right-hand lane of Serangoon Road will be closed from midnight on Saturday until 3 am on Sunday.
On the event day itself, the entire stretch of Serangoon Road, from Bukit Timah Road to Kitchener Road, will be closed from 12 noon on Saturday until 3 am on Sunday.
‘LISHA’ is urging visitors to use public transportation to avoid traffic congestion.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be the guest of honour at the lighting ceremony, which begins at 6.30 pm on Saturday, where he will officially inaugurate the Deepavali light-up.
He will be joined by ministers, members of parliament, foreign ambassadors, community leaders, and other distinguished guests.
The public can view the parade from behind barricades along the roads, with more than 20,000 people expected to attend.
A total of 26 groups from various cultural organisations, including the High Commission of India in Singapore, are taking part in the road parade.
The event is expected to conclude at 10 p.m.
Following the lighting ceremony, a 2-kilometer stretch of Serangoon Road will be adorned with colorful lights daily from 7 p.m. to midnight for 64 days, until 9 November.
LISHA traditionally organises a variety of events each year to celebrate Deepavali. This year, a total of 12 events will take place from 12 September to 11 November.
As in previous years, stalls will be set up along Campbell Lane for Deepavali sales. Attendees can also look forward to treasure hunts, Deepavali-themed posters on public transport, and ‘Big Bus’ tours.
Additionally, renowned local chef Arifin will attempt to set a record by preparing 60 varieties of biryani in 60 minutes, in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday.
LISHA has also organised public workshops, including flower tying, rangoli drawing, and saree and dhoti wearing.
Meanwhile, SINDA has launched its annual Project Give programme.
At the press conference, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between LISHA and Sree Narayana Mission to undertake new initiatives aimed at supporting the elderly.
“We chose the theme ‘Aattam Pattam Kondattam’ to coincide with two major milestones — LISHA’s 25th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday. Our aim is for families to come together and enjoy a joyful celebration,” said LISHA President Raghunath Siva.
For more information on Deepavali celebrations, visit www.deepavali.sg
This year, Deepavali will be celebrated on 20 October.
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