A GROUP of Universiti Malaya (UM) students welcomed the Sikh New Year by organising “Kirtan on Campus”.
This marked the first time kirtan (devotional hymns) was sung at the university’s campus in Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
The two-hour event was organised by Universiti Malaya Sikh Society (UMSS) at the Languages and Linguistics Faculty.
It was led by three groups namely UMSS, Sentul Naujawan Jatha, and Dr Mokham Singh and Jatha.
Programme organiser Danya Kaur Rakhra, a second-year English Literature student, said the event was aimed at nurturing the spiritual connection.
“The programme drew an encouraging response from students, alumni and other Sikh members of the community.
“Many students expressed gratitude that such a programme was organised within the university.
“Recognising the significant number of Sikh students at UM, the society felt it was meaningful to create a space for students to come together.
“The gathering fostered a positive and uplifting atmosphere.”
Faculty dean Prof Dr Surinderpal Kaur said universities were not only spaces for intellectual growth, but also places where spiritual traditions, culture and community could come together.
“Universities must also nurture the spirit and honour the cultural traditions that shape our students’ identities.
“Events like Kirtan on Campus beautifully demonstrate this balance.”
Dr Gurcharan Singh, a UM alumnus, said the programme was well planned.
“I look forward to more events like this.”
Fellow alumnus Renujeet Kaur said it was heartening to see the spirit of kirtan alive on campus, adding “it was a soulful and beautiful event.”
UMSS expressed gratitude to the university’s management for allowing the event to take place.
