Usha Devi Muniaandy (right) making a kolam design of the Penang flag. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
A GROUP of children spread the Malaysia Day spirit by making ‘kolam’ designs of Jalur Gemilang and state flags using Rangoli coloured rice.
They spent an hour completing the art featuring Malaysian flag and flags of 13 states and three Federal Territories.
The celebration was organised by the Malaysia Tamil Bell Club and its Penang alumni, and the Datuk Keramat state constituency’s service team.
Alumni chairman Zarina Abdullah said there was no rehearsal but still, the kids managed to concentrate and create the flags by only looking at the pictures.
“We have been organising this for more than three decades without fail. It is meant to instil the spirit of unity among kids between 10 and 18 years old,” she said during the Malaysia Day celebration at the club in Waterfall Road, Penang, yesterday.
Rangoli is an art form originating from the Indian subcontinent. The patterns are created on the floor or the ground using quartz powder materials such as coloured rice, coloured sand or flower petals.
Zarina said a total of 65 parents and children were present at the celebration that also featured programmes like flower arrangements, fashion show and singing of patriotic songs.
“The entire celebration is about instilling the spirit of patriotism in children.
“Many of them do not understand what it is and how our leaders had worked tirelessly to build this nation,” she said.
Datuk Keramat state constituency’s service team representative Jagjeet Kaur said they wanted to support the good work done by the alumni.
“We believe the celebration will create an atmosphere of unity among children and those from other organisations.
“There are Punjabis, Malays and also Kadazan people here today. It reflects the unity of peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak,” she said.
All the participating children were given souvenirs for their effort in creating the kolam and the event was closed with lunch for the participants.
Usha Devi Muniaandy (right) making a kolam design of the Penang flag. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Kalliamal Sehran, 15 (left) making a kolam in the shape of the Sarawak flag.
Rania Elisa Richard, 11 (left) and Fenelia Richard, 10, working on the Perlis flag.
