Tamilan Uthavum Karangkal Helps The Disabled Fulfil Vows During Thaipusam

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with Thaipusam on Jan 25, non-governmental organisation (NGO) Tamilan Uthavum Karangkal (TUK) is continuing its noble efforts of ensuring persons with disabilities (PwD) of Indian descent will be able to perform their vows without difficulty while at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves for the celebration.

TUK founder A. Muraly said this is the NGOs' 25th year of carrying out social activities and it will continue to assist PwDs who need help.

"On my father's 50th birthday, I took a PwD individual up the 272 steps of the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple to perform prayers in conjunction with Thaipusam, and from that time onwards, I have been determined to contribute towards the Indian community in Malaysia," he told Bernama

TUK, which has been operating since 1999 with the aim of helping the Malaysian Indian community, ensures that PwDs of Indian descent can perform their vows without any difficulties while at the Batu Caves temple for Thaipusam.

The NGO continues to makes big contributions through social programmes to help PwDs in conjunction with the celebration.

With the involvement of over 300 volunteers, TUK continues to be an important pillar in ensuring that every individual, regardless of physical disability, can experience the beauty of the Thaipusam festival without any obstacles.

Today, in conjunction with the upcoming Thaipusam, TUK donated food to 2,000 devotees who were at the Batu Caves temple as well as handed out RM50 each to about 85 PwDs.

Meanwhile, TUK Youth vice-leader K. Katiravan, 35, said he had been a volunteer with the organisation since 10 years ago.

He joined TUK through his father, who is also a disabled person, and was motivated to join the organisation when he witnessed the volunteers helping to lift other PwDs up the steps.

"There are some people who do not have the opportunity to go up the steps to pay homage to (Hindi god) Lord Murugan. Therefore, we (volunteers) carry them up to fulfill their vows," he said when interviewed by Bernama.

“I am filled with happiness and emotional when I see them (PwDs) returning down with tears in their eyes after paying homage and fulfilling their vows to Lord Murugan."

Thaipusam is celebrated in the Thai month, the 10th month in the Tamil calendar, which usually falls in January or February to commemorate Goddess Parvati giving her son Lord Murugan a divine spear, the 'Vel', to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman and restore prosperity and wellbeing to humanity.

In some places, this Thaipusam procession often involves devotees carrying kavadis, which are decorative structures carried by devotees as a sign of sacrifice and respect for Lord Murugan.

Additionally, in preparation for Thaipusam, Hindus usually fast and participate in various religious activities to purify themselves.

-- BERNAMA