Malaysia  April 24, 2014: It was an auspicious day today for the Malayalee Hindus, Tamils and Sikhs as they celebrated their respective New Year.

For the children of Gurpuri Foundation, it was another memorable Vaisakhi when the welfare home received a RM20,000 donation and 75 hampers from the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).

The contribution was handed over by the prime minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is also Bakti president, to foundation principal Giani Sukhdaiv Singh at the centre in Hulu Kelang today.

Also present were the deputy prime minister’s wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, who is Bakti deputy president, and Bakti welfare committee chairman
Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong.

“We are thankful for the contributions and support from Bakti. It is an annual affair for the association to come and give out hampers and contributions,” Giani said.

He added that Gurpuri not only provides shelter and basic needs for the children, but also ensures that all its children receive a good education.

The foundation, which was established in 2000, is the first Sikh-run welfare children’s home in the world outside of India.

Meanwhile, about 3,000 Malayalees in the country celebrated Vishu, the Malayalee Hindu New Year.

All Malaysia Malayalee Association secretary Sreekala Nambiar today said: “I wish all Malayalee a very happy new year and may all good things come in the new year.”

Tamils also celebrated their Chitirai Tamil New Year today.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk R. S. Mohan Shan wished all Tamils in the country a prosperous new year.

“At the same time, I also hope all Tamils in the country stay united and work together to solve any problems they may face,” he said.