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Brush strokes of unity: How a university brought joy to a Tamil school

A collaborative volunteer-driven project has transformed the school while transcending societal divisions

Help University volunteers and board members of the Kuang Tamil School – BALA PAPAIAH

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Too often, sensational divisive racial and religious issues hit the headlines.

Rarely do we come across heartwarming news of people crossing the ethnic and religious divide to show their care and concern for their fellow human beings.

Reflecting on the past

In the 1960s, while I was growing up in Cochrane Road, children of all ethnic and religious backgrounds went to school, played games and enjoyed recreational activities together. Back then, we looked out for one another as friends, neighbours and fellow human beings.

Race and religion were rarely divisive. We mixed well and did not have the need for slogans like “1Malaysia”. No outsiders felt the need to instil loyalty to the country or a community spirit in the residents of the government quarters where we lived. Instead, these values were imbued in us by our parents and in our schools.

We celebrated each other’s festivals with much merriment and visited our friends’ homes to join in the celebrations. Sometimes, we spent hours just talking and talking at our friends’ homes.

Regrettably, such inter-ethnic camaraderie has become increasingly rare in recent years.

Surprising story of hope

Recently, I came across a surprising manifestation of inter-ethnic harmony that evoked nostalgia for my generation’s spirit of unity.

On 19 October, Help University engaged its staff in a project at the Kuang Tamil School, close to Rawang, demonstrating its commitment to ethnic harmony.

Challenging negative perceptions about Tamil schools, the university undertook an altruistic cause that was remarkable for a private university.

Help University volunteers – BALA PAPAIAH

Volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including ethnic Malay and Chinese lecturers, helped paint the school’s annex building. They embodied a commendable spirit of unity and collaboration in this effort.

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Collaborative vision

The initiative, organised in partnership with the Kuang Alumni Association and supported by the school’s parent teacher association (PTA), aimed to create a more inviting learning environment for the students.

The alumni association and the school’s board of managers expressed their gratitude.

“This remarkable initiative underscores the power of community and the belief that positive change is achievable when people from different backgrounds unite for a common cause,” Kuang Alumni Association vice-president Sannasi Naidu said.

A token of appreciation to Help University from the school’s alumni – BALA PAPAIAH

He added with pride that the initiative had even gained recognition in the local Chinese media, quoting Thirukkural-80 to emphasise the enduring bonds of friendship: “Help University has extended its friendly arms in support of Tamil schools, realising the true spirit of friendship. We truly appreciate this gesture by the university.”

Broader significance

The university remains committed to nurturing inclusivity and community resilience. This project proved that anything is possible when diverse groups come together.

Notably, the Kuang Tamil School Alumni was recently selected as the second best in Malaysia by Pertama, the Malaysian Tamil schools’ alumni association. The group remains dedicated to improving Tamil school students’ education. 

Essence of harmony

Harmony between different ethnicities and religions drives unity and understanding. Such harmony is not a natural state; it is a continuous effort essential for progress in plural societies like Malaysia. 

In a multi-racial and multi-religious country, social cohesion is key to advancement.

We must actively cultivate trust and acceptance among people of diverse backgrounds. We also have to promote shared spaces in our multicultural society. This involves recognising diversity as a source of natural strength.

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We can celebrate our differences while sustaining our unity. After all, our rich cultural potpourri has made Malaysia what it is today.

Help University’s magnanimous endeavour has set an exemplary model for other tertiary institutions. Such selfless activities are crucial in nation-building and pave the way towards a more harmonious Malaysia.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

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Benedict Lopez
Benedict Lopez was director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in Stockholm and economics counsellor at the Malaysian embassy there in 2010-2014. He covered all five Nordic countries in the course of his work. A pragmatic optimist and now an Aliran member, he believes Malaysia can provide its people with the same benefits found in the Nordic countries - not a far-fetched dream but one he hopes will be realised in his lifetime
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Choo Lub Hei
Choo Lub Hei
28 Nov 2024 12.47pm

Let’s sow the spirit of unity and not racial divide calls to arms. It’s heartening to learn the university has taken the initiative to imbue such spirit. Thanks for sharing this article.

Jacqueline
Jacqueline
27 Nov 2024 8.02pm

A good reminder that we should work towards bringing about unity in our multi-ethnic society.

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