500 Sikh mums honoured
By Sarban Singh
Ninety-two-year old Naran-jan Kaur was lost for words when she was honoured during a “Mother’s Day” celebration organised by the Sikh Youth Organisation (SNSM) at Sabha House in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
The mother of five was the oldest of the more than 500 mothers feted at the event.
She thanked SNSM for the recognition and commended the organisation for holding an event which not only helped promote a culture of filial piety but was a reminder to mothers that they were loved and appreciated.
“I didn’t expect to see such a big turnout. It makes me happy to see children and men celebrating this day. It is definitely heartening to note that we mothers are appreciated,” said Naranjan, who brought up her five children in Ipoh while her husband worked in Kuala Lumpur.
Seniors row: Oldest mum at the event Naranjan (right) cutting cakes to mark the event with the other elderly mums (from left) Sarjit Kaur, Mahinder Kaur, Charan Kaur, Surjit Kaur and Ranjit Kaur.
And to Naranjan’s credit, all five did well despite being under their mother’s care most of the time.
Her oldest, Mahindar Singh had graduated as an engineer while the second, Dr Pall Singh is an eye specialist at Tun Hussein Eye Hospital in Petaling Jaya. Her third, Rattan Singh retired as a newspaper editor in Kuala Lumpur.
Her daughters, Newinder Kaur is a retired teacher while the youngest, Mahinder Kaur, is a company secretary
“Although my children celebrate my birthday on Mother’s Day every year. Today’s celebration is beyond words. It makes me happy to be in the midst of so many mothers who had made sacrifices for their kids,” said the great grandmother whose husband died 30 years ago.
All the mums were accorded “VIP” treatment for the evening by the organisers.
They were ushered to a square and given tokens for lucky draws. Their children and grandchildren were taken into a separate hall where they were entertained by volunteers.
Even their foreign domestic maids, who were mothers themselves, were asked to join in.
The celebration started with a brief prayer where volunteer Dr Harwinder Singh explained the role and the status of women in the Sikh religion.
He also spoke about their sacrifices and how they had always been the central figure in moulding families. When he got into his song, many quietly wept.
Rest of the article is at TheStar.com.my website
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