By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 18: The Indian community in Sarawak may hold fast to its deep-rooted heritage but its identity, values and way of life are unmistakably Sarawakians, says Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association Kuching president Dato Shankar Ram Pohumall Asnani.
He recalled that the first waves of Indian arrivals served as teachers, lawyers, doctors, contractors, soldiers, police officers and road builders, laying foundations that later generations continued to build upon across the same and expanding professional fields.
“We may come with our Indian hardware — original or hybrid versions through intermarriages — complete with spices and curries that can make your eyes water and your taste buds tingle.
“But our software? Fully Sarawakian: upgraded, updated and wonderfully compatible with every community,” he said during the inaugural Sarawak-level Diwali celebration themed “Sarawak Shines: Diwali the Sarawak Way” held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here last night.
He added that the community’s natural integration is evident in everyday interactions, whether speaking fluent Hokkien or Bahasa Melayu Sarawak, ordering a bowl of laksa, or instinctively replying “belum” (not yet) to “sudah makan?” (Have you eaten?) even after a full meal.
He emphasised that the community comprises Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians, a diversity that mirrors Sarawak’s own multicultural landscape.
Citing a clear example of Sarawak’s inclusiveness, Shankar highlighted the near-completion of the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Batu Lintang, made possible through support from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“We are a small community with limited resources. We had the will and determination, but Unifor gave us the support to make our vision a reality.
“Today, our temple stands tall — not just as a place of worship but as a living symbol of Sarawak’s heritage and acceptance,” he emphasised.
The Diwali celebration, a first-of-its-kind State-level event, was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Deputy Premier and minister-in-charge of Unifor Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and wife Dato Doreen Mayang; Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau and husband Peter Bryan Morrison; Penghulu of Indian community, Lucy Lingam; and Shankar’s wife Datin Karishma Shankar Asnani.
– DayakDaily
