Sultan Nazrin Graces Perak State Level Deepavali Celebration In Ipoh

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The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, and the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, graced the state-level Deepavali celebration at the Indera Mulia Stadium here tonight. Pic by L. ManimaranIPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, and the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, graced the state-level Deepavali celebration at the Indera Mulia Stadium here tonight.
The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa; the Raja Di Hilir, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah; and the Raja Puan Muda, Tunku Soraya Abdul Halim, were also in attendance.
Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and his wife, Datin Seri Aezer Zubin.
The celebration featured vibrant performances, including traditional Indian dances such as the peacock dance, while about 7,000 visitors gathered to share in the festive joy.
Sultan Nazrin also presented contributions to 70 orphans from Nurul Iman Orphanage and Welfare Home, 1Malaysia Care Centre Management Centre, Pelangi Perak Children's Welfare Organisation Care Centre, Vision Home Orphanage Welfare Association, and Arutperum Jothi Children's Welfare Organisation.
In his speech, Saarani called on Malaysians to rekindle the "light of humanity" by restoring moral values, compassion, and unity amid the growing challenges of modern life.
He said that although the world today shines brightly with technological progress and modern development, the erosion of moral and ethical values threatens to dim the light within society.
"We are surrounded by the glow of modernity, yet the darkness of fading values and morals is creeping into our hearts, weakening the human spirit," he said.
Saarani said the rise in violent crimes, moral decay among the young, and society's growing apathy towards others were worrying trends that could weaken the nation's foundation if left unchecked.
"We see violent acts that take lives without mercy. We see our youth losing their way, and society becoming less compassionate — no longer reaching out to those in need, no longer offering advice with wisdom," he said.
He added that the culture of slander and hatred, often spread online, had eroded public trust and divided communities that were once united.
"If this continues, the dimming light within the people's souls will extinguish the radiance of the nation. The strength of a state does not lie in tall buildings or vast wealth, but in the integrity of its people — those with noble character, great hearts, and mutual trust," he said.
In conjunction with Deepavali, Saarani urged all Malaysians to reignite the spirit of compassion and empathy by treating love as light and unity as its guiding lamp.
"Only when the hearts of the people shine with kindness and understanding will our nation be truly illuminated with peace," he said.
Saarani also commended the organising committee for their dedication and creativity in planning the event, noting that this year's celebration incorporated the Perak War on Sugar Campaign as part of the dinner menu, reflecting the state government's commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"May this meaningful effort mark the beginning of a new culture of valuing health, so that the people of Perak will continue to live in physical and spiritual well-being, free from illnesses born of neglect," he said. - NST

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