Why Knowing This You Ll Never Deface A Kolam


 

One of the most shared video clips this week shows a young man in baju Melayu and songkok defacing a kolam at the KPJ hospital in Klang.
After seeing the action of the man, I’m left wondering if some of us have lost the common sense when it comes to dealing with cultures, religions and traditions that differ from ours.
After seeing the reaction of people I’m left wondering if Malaysians have become too sensitive when it comes to racial, religious or cultural issues.
I’m also wondering if we, as a society, have failed to inculcate a sense of respect in young people for the different cultures, religions and traditions that exist in Malaysia.
In the clip, a man is seen moving around and defacing a colourful kolam which had been drawn at the hospital in celebration of Deepavali, the festival of lights. Someone else is taking a video while a voice can be heard saying “vandalism”.
Police later detained the man and the person who recorded the incident after they surrendered themselves at the Klang Utara police station.
KPJ Healthcare Bhd has since apologised to the public for the action of its employee, saying it does not condone such acts and that the incident does not reflect its values and practices. It said the man had been suspended from work pending an internal investigation.
We should not blame the hospital for the action of this staff member.
We should also not generalise this episode and see it as a reflection of the attitude of Malays. My Malay friends are saddened by, and disappointed with, the action of this man. In fact, several Malays took to social media to condemn his action.
Some Indians were naturally aghast and asked what would have happened if a non-Malay had shown disrespect to some tradition or religious belief of the Malays.
While I disagree with the action of the man and feel he needs counselling in good manners and be taught to respect others, I also feel that we should not overreact.
One reason is because the kolam is temporary. After a day or a certain period – when its significance is appreciated by those viewing it – the kolam is cleared up. It also gets stepped upon accidently.
I read news that Bukit Aman police are handling this matter now. What the man did, I feel, was an act of stupidity. I do not think he intended to create discord among the races and, therefore, a severe warning from the police should suffice.
His employers should be allowed to take whatever disciplinary action they deem fit for tarnishing the image of KPJ Healthcare.
Also – and this is another reason I feel the man should be pitied rather than punished with a criminal charge – if we want to talk about causing discord or disharmony, worse things have been said and done by some others, especially certain politicians and preachers. And despite public protests and the lodging of police reports, no action has been taken against them.
In fact, public intellectual Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi recently questioned the “stern action” taken against the individuals involved in the kolam incident but not against prominent figures with similar transgressions in the past.
Tajuddin noted that the same level of prompt and assertive action was not applied to Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Md Nor or PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for their past actions. And he is not the only one who has asked if some people are seemingly above the law.
Coming back to the defacement of the kolam, why did the man in the video clip do what he did?
We can say it is due to upbringing or education or peer influence or the influence of extremist preachers or offer some other reason.
I think people show disrespect to other religions and cultures simply because they have little or no knowledge about the significance of these religions and cultures.
If, for instance, this man knew the reason Indians drew the kolam, he would not have done what he did.
Let me briefly state its significance.
Kolam (pronounced kohlam/koelam, with the accent on koe) means form or beauty.
The kolam is usually drawn on the ground at the entrance of the house after the spot has been cleaned. On festival days, kolam are also drawn in certain parts of the house. They are also drawn in the compounds of Hindu temples.
Today, the kolam is part of Deepavali decorations at malls and offices too. It is a sign of welcome. It is not just to beautify the home or premises but also embeds an important lesson: seek beauty, and work to beautify the space around you, wherever you are and whatever you do.
Traditionally, rice flour or finely ground rice powder is used to draw the kolam. This is because one of the intentions behind the kolam is to feed birds and insects. Why? It’s because one of the five daily sacrifices (yaagam) or practices that a Hindu is enjoined to do is to feed people or other living creatures.
It is a lesson in coexistence with others, and with nature.
That is why rice flour is used. I have observed ants moving in and out of the rice kolams drawn in front of my house, carrying away bits of the rice flour; I’ve also seen sparrows peck at them.
There are different geometric patterns for different occasions such as a marriage, birth or to welcome guests. Looking at some of these patterns, anthropologists with a mathematical bent say mathematics is intrinsic to them.
Among traditional Tamil families, the kolam is drawn daily, except when something inauspicious, such as death, occurs. In this sense it serves to indicate to neighbours and others when a death has occurred, or some other function is being celebrated.
In the days before the construction of the present types of houses in towns and cities, the kolam was drawn on the sand at the entrance of the house and served as an appreciation of the Earth which was, and still is, seen as mother. In rural areas, this is still the practice.
Although it is drawn on cement or tiled floors these days in urban areas, it still reminds of the connection between the occupants of the house and Mother Nature and the cosmos.
In Malaysia, few women, or men, take the trouble to draw the kolam daily although they do so on festive occasions. Today, most don’t know about the variations for different occasions.
Today, too, coloured rice is a favourite, especially inside houses and in malls and commercial properties.
The kolam also signifies renewal. When drawn on a daily basis, the changing patterns remind the occupants and visitors to the house of the need for renewal in themselves. A birth is a reminder of renewal as are festive occasions such as marriages and religious festivals.
In being drawn and removed, drawn and removed, the kolam serves to also remind us of the transitoriness of life and that whatever happens, we should move on and continue performing our dharma or duty as beautifully as we can.
Importantly, the kolam is a sign of auspiciousness and prosperity and it is a silent prayer for anyone seeing it to be blessed with auspiciousness and prosperity.
Now, would anyone intentionally deface a kolam after knowing all this?
That is why I call again for lessons on the cultural practices of Malaysians of all ethnicities to be included in the school curriculum. It is one of the best ways to build understanding and harmony. - FMT
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2022/11/why-knowing-this-youll-never-deface.html

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
Here S Why You Shouldn T Vote Bn Ph Or Pn Says Mahathir

Here S Why You Shouldn T Vote Bn Ph Or Pn Says Mahathir

papar berkaitan - pada 9/11/2022 - jumlah : 239 hits
Gerakan Tanah Air chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged voters to choose wisely PETALING JAYA Dr Mahathir Mohamad this evening listed the various shortcomings of the three major coalitions contending in the general election and at the same tim...
Why Didn T You Discuss Floods With Ec Earlier Santiago Grills Ismail

Why Didn T You Discuss Floods With Ec Earlier Santiago Grills Ismail

papar berkaitan - pada 7/11/2022 - jumlah : 259 hits
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has taken Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to task for failing to discuss contingency plans for the general election beforehand PETALING JAYA Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has taken Prime Minister Ismai...
Video Lama Kut Politics Is Politics You Go In With Your Eyes Open

Video Lama Kut Politics Is Politics You Go In With Your Eyes Open

papar berkaitan - pada 29/10/2022 - jumlah : 179 hits
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT By Syed Akbar Ali
Ismail Sabri I Think You Committed The Biggest Blunder Sir

Ismail Sabri I Think You Committed The Biggest Blunder Sir

papar berkaitan - pada 29/10/2022 - jumlah : 170 hits
Under the present Government anything can be classified as OSA and if anything can be used for one s political mileage it can be declassified CARETAKER prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has committed one of the biggest blunders ...
20 Mesmerizing Mediterranean Swimming Pool Designs You Will Obsess Over

20 Mesmerizing Mediterranean Swimming Pool Designs You Will Obsess Over

papar berkaitan - pada 29/10/2022 - jumlah : 173 hits
The ultimate form of luxury spending your days on your private Mediterranean swimming pool surrounded by lush Mediterranean landscapes and views stretching out to infinity That is the reality of the owners of homes The post appeared first o...
Tell Us What Your Bedroom Is Like And We Ll Tell You Which Headboard You Need

Tell Us What Your Bedroom Is Like And We Ll Tell You Which Headboard You Need

papar berkaitan - pada 28/10/2022 - jumlah : 202 hits
The headboard of the bed is one of the most prominent elements of the bedroom as it is prominently placed on the main wall You decide if you want to give him a lot of The post appeared first on
How To Fix The Link You Followed Has Expired Error

How To Fix The Link You Followed Has Expired Error

papar berkaitan - pada 30/10/2022 - jumlah : 216 hits
In this video I help you solve the error The Link you Followed Has Expired please try again that happens when you try to upload a theme on WordPress It turns out that all you need to do to solve this WordPress error is to change the upload ...
How Do You Set Up Your Bedroom To Sleep Better

How Do You Set Up Your Bedroom To Sleep Better

papar berkaitan - pada 27/10/2022 - jumlah : 254 hits
Do you wake up in the morning and feel like you didn t sleep well What a frustrating feeling What if your bedroom layout is preventing you from getting a good night s sleep Arrangement of the The post appeared first on
How Do You Modernize An Old Fireplace

How Do You Modernize An Old Fireplace

papar berkaitan - pada 27/10/2022 - jumlah : 270 hits
We don t lie to each other having your fireplace at home in times of the energy crisis and skyrocketing heating costs is a big argument Abandoned or in use the fireplace is a decorative argument The post appeared first on
China S President To Host Official Dinner For Anwar

Drama One Cent Thief 2 Lakonan Syafiq Kyle Azira Shafinaz

I Bought A Toy Like Vape Online Mp Tells Dewan Chamber

Unlocking Savings Expert Tips For Finding Discounted Cigarettes In Australia

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas 2024 An Exquisite Showcase Of Design

India Secebis Kenangan Di India Random Photos

Anwar Slams Hypocritical Criticism Over His Response To Najib S Apology

A Sucker Punch For Rm1 000 What S The Value Of Dignity In Malaysia


echo '';
Biodata Terkini Penyanyi Illa Sabry Peserta Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11 GV11

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Senyawa iQIYI Malaysia

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Project Projek Exit Astro Originals

Pelajari Asal Usul Nama Makhluk Seram Kisah Fiksyen Barat Yang Terkenal

10 Fakta Filem Kahar Kapla High Council Yang Ramai Tak Tahu Prekuel Drama Project Projek High Council


Sotong Rebus Hitam Kelantan

Realiti Bila Ada Anak Kecil

Love Please Don T Let Me Go Angelina Jordan

Konsep Wadiah Pengertian Hukum Dan Rukun Dalam Perspektif Syariah

Sayonara Iza Arina

Build A Strong Team For A Startups