Issue 08 Oct - Dec 2014

IRCConnectA quarterly publication of the

Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle

A Tribute To Our Pioneers | National IRCC Workshop 2014 | Inter-Racial Love Series: Shared Love for Sprinting | Commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb

IN THIS ISSUE:

IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 20142

D e a r R e a d e r sC o n t e n t sDear ReadersEditorial Committee

An Inter-faith Bonding Through the King of fruits Durian

Teck Ghee Inter-Faith Harmony Carnival

Racial Harmony Day “Everybody Belongs” @ Tampines Changkat

Kampong Glam Celebrates Singapore’s 49th Birthday

The Walk on Rose Petals Commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb Nine Emperor Deities Festival (九皇法会)

Inter-Racial Love Series: Shared Love for Sprinting National IRCC Workshop 2014

A Tribute to Our Pioneers “Your Story, My Inspiration” Festivals highlights from Oct to Dec 2014 Calendar of Courses for IRCC Members from Oct to Dec 2014 Watsup IRCCs? IRCC Quiz 8

Editorial CommitteeChairperson

Members

Disc la imer

Ms Leo Kwang Lin, Woodlands IRCC

Mr Bernard Chiang, PBM, Braddell Heights IRCCMr Tan Hwa Kwang, PBM, Clementi IRCCMr Abdul Aziz Abdul Samad, PBM, Eunos IRCCMr Rhazaly Noentil, Hougang IRCCMr Chia Keng Hian, BBM, PBM, PB, PBS, OStJ, Kampong Glam IRCCMr Abdul Rashid Bin Ibrahim, Tampines Changkat IRCCMr Khoo Kim Seng, BBM, Teck Ghee IRCCMr Albert Lee, Telok Blangah IRCCMr Chandraseharan Vijayakumar, Telok Blangah IRCCMr David Choo Yong Kee, PBM, Toa Payoh East IRCCMs Shamala Gopalkrisnan, Youth representativeMs Nasuha Selamat, Youth representative

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of the IRCC Newsletter Editorial Committee. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are correct and up-to-date at the time of printing. Some details are liable to change. All information is accurate at time of printing.

T he title of this quarterly publication “IRCConnect” reflects the editorial team’s commitment to

promote inter-faith understanding and a strong sense of connectedness between members of the IRCC family. This issue encourages religious organisations to share their beliefs and festivals with our readers. We are pleased to share in this issue an important commemoration event that is very important to our Bahá’í brothers and sisters.

IRCC members sincerely believe in friendship and trust as a basis for racial and religious harmony. This IRCConnect has played an important role in maintaining inter-religious harmony in Singapore, functioning as a strong platform for religious leaders from various faiths to come together to enhance mutual understanding and to deepen friendships in our community.

It is also the editorial team’s intention to grow IRCConnect into an appealing platform for religious leaders and their followers to contribute stories about what they do to enhance greater understanding among different faiths in Singapore. Having grown up in multi–racial and multi-religious Singapore, it is important that we cherish and continue this wonderful tradition of forging friendships with fellow citizens who celebrate different festivals and pray at different places of worship. Together we can do our part, through IRCConnect, to preserve the precious social harmony that defines us a nation.

We urge members from different religious organisations in the IRCC family to join us in our exciting journey of inter-faith appreciation and harmony. Start by writing to us to share stories of what you do as a community of faith, just as our Bahá’í brothers and sisters have done with the article on the Báb. Other inviting stories in this issue include a memorable account of Firewalking and the Taoist festival known as Jiuhuang Fahui or Nine Emperor Deities Festival.

Additionally, we welcome more IRCC members to come and join our editorial meetings. You may discover that this is your cup of tea after all! Speaking from personal experience, I never realised that being an IRCC member can be fun in a personal way until I joined the editorial team. The meeting may be held after office hours but the sense of camaraderie and wellbeing lasts long after the meeting is over. Join us to experience it yourself.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

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An Inter-faith Bonding Through the king of fruit-durian

Kampong Glam Celebrates Singapore’s 49th Birthday

Ms Denise Phua leading the mass recital of the National Pledge.

Racial Harmony Day is commemorated annually on 21 July in Singapore, to remember the lessons learnt from 1964 Racial Riots. On 19 July, Tampines Changkat constituency organised a Racial Harmony Day celebration at the community centre where 800 multi-racial and religions participants, including members from Holy Trinity and Living Hope Churches and new citizens from Myanmar and Philippines, gathered to participate in a variety of activities. Mini crafting competitions such as ketupat, rangoli, lanterns making, as well as IRCC exhibition panels and roving games were also set up to raise the participants’ awareness on cultural and religious significance. Adviser to Tampines Changkat IRCC, Ms Irene Ng, was the Guest of Honour at the event.

Kampong Glam and Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru IRCCs had their dose of durian friendship. Organised by Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple on 17 August, 120 participants bonded over a feast of durians, rambutans and mangosteens on a sunny afternoon. The annual event was in its 4th year running, initiated by Chief Abbot Phratepsiddhivedes Chaokhun, a former senior Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) Council member. Guests included IRO members and families, Tiong Bahru RC members, Kampong Kapor Methodist Church, IRCC and temple’s devotees.

Racial Harmony Day “Everyone Belongs”@ TampinesChangkat

The Teck Ghee Inter-Faith Harmony Carnival was held on 27 July 2014 at Block 325A Community Hall. It was organised by the Teck Ghee Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC), comprising representatives from various Religious and Grassroots Organisations. MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC Dr Intan Azura Binte Mokhtar, graced this event as the Guest-of-Honour. This event successfully reached out to 500 residents.

Teck Ghee Inter-Faith Harmony Carnival

Ethnic Dress Competition was held to ignite the children’s interest and increase their participation.

Pastor Gabriel Liew (Kampong Kaapor Methodist Church), Mr Woo Sui Kee and Mr Chia Keng Hian (Kampong Glam IRCC Chairmen), Master Chung Kwang Tong (Taoist Federation) with host Abbot Chaokhun, enjoying durians, rambutans and mangosteens.

Commemorating our Nation’s 49th year of independence, Kampong Glam held its annual National Day Observance Ceremony on the morning of National Day itself at the Kampong Glam Community Club. About 1,200 participants comprising residents, religious and grassroots leaders of all races, congregated in their best red and white attire for a mass recital of the National Anthem, the National Pledge followed by a joyous singing of our National Day songs. Presiding over the Ceremony was Mayor, Central Singapore District and Adviser to Kampong Glam IRCC and Grassroots Organisations, Ms Denise Phua.

Participants also joined a 2.4km walk around the vicinity and Kallang Riverside. In a carnival at the community club, various games like tic-tac-toe, giant pick-up sticks and snacks like kacang puteh, potong ice-cream were enjoyed by adults and children alike. The less privileged were not forgotten. Mini Charity Fair, popular with residents was set up, with proceeds donated to the Kampong Glam “MILK and DIAPER project”.

Contributed by IRCCs in CentralRegion

Contributed by IRCCs in Northeast Region

IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 20144

The Walk on Rose Petals

The Tamil word for Fire Walk is Theemithi, familiarly known as “to walk on rose petals”. This is because, from a distance, the radiating and twinkling hot coals appear to be like petals of red roses illuminating the fire pit area. Firewalking is done as part of a religious vow in which the devotee promises to walk on fire in exchange for a wish granted by the Goddess Draupadi. Theemithi is part of a larger ceremony stretching over a two-and-a-half month period where parts of the Mahabharata are re-enacted.

History The Goddess Draupadi is the heroine of the Mahabharata or amman (“mother” goddess). She presides over firewalking in Sri Mariamman Temple which is the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Singapore, where Theemithi has been practised since 1840. The firewalking is actually a culmination of a four-kilometre walk (barefooted) that begins at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road. Thousands of devotees of various faiths participate in the firewalking ritual. The fire pit is dug on the grounds of the temple with the dimensions 4.5m by 1.8m and a depth of 0.45m. After crossing the fire pit, the devotees will dip their feet into a trough of milk.

More than 20,000 people will turn up for the penance rituals, starting several weeks before the firewalking. The Fire Walk at Sri Mariamman Temple was held this year on 12 October.

Legends Draupadi, wife of Pandavas and the heroine of the epic, is portrayed as one who endures many misfortunes but remains steadfast to dharma, Hindu principles and morality. Similarly, throughout the period of the reading of the Mahabharatha, the fire walkers and other devotees follow a strict vegetarian diet and abstaining from any conjugal relations. Fire Walking is always conducted at dawn on the Sunday (from 6.05pm on Sunday night till dawn of Monday) before Deepavali (the Festival of Lights). According to the epic, Draupadi, on seeing the dead bodies of the members of the Kaurava (Evil) family, combs her hair for the first time in 13 years. The grand finale of the victory was when Draupadi walks on fire, a process known as Theemithi, to prove her virtue and chastity by her adherence to dharma. It is the defeat of the Kauravas that is marked by Theemithi. The Theemithi re-enacts this event as the pandaram (chief priest) walks across the fire with the karagam (a sacred, decorated pot). Likewise, it is believed, her devotees will cross the burning fire pit unharmed if they are as pure as Draupadi.

Sri Mariamman Temple is the only temple in Singapore to conduct Theemithi.

Commemoration of The Martyrdom of the Báb

Shrine of the Báb is a structure in Haifa, Israel where the remains of the Báb, have been buried.

Contributed by IRCCs in Southwest Region

When Susie, who is an IRCC member and a Bahá’í, invited me to join her for a special commemoration at the Bahá’í Centre on 9 July 2014, I was curious. Who was the Báb? How did he die 164 years ago? About the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, whose teachings Bahá’í follow, I knew little. Bahá’u’lláh taught that we belong to one single race on earth, that all religions come from one God and that we should recognize our oneness and unite. Was the Báb a relative? The answer is no. In fact, the Báb (meaning the Gate) was a Prophet who founded the Bábí movement in 1844. He proclaimed that the Promised One, ‘Him whom God shall make manifest” would come and tell his followers to accept and follow the Promised One when he appeared. The Promised One was Bahá’u’lláh (1817 – 1892), the Prophet founder of the Bahá’í Faith. What made the Báb’s story touching to me was that he was fearless in the face of tyranny and refused to recant his faith when threatened with death. At noon on 9th July 1850, the Báb was taken to the execution grounds where 750 soldiers were ordered to shoot him. A miracle happened. The Báb did not die but was found in his prison cell dictating his last instructions. When his work was done, the Báb allowed himself to be arrested by a very rattled group of soldiers. After the second round of firing, his body, together with his faithful follower’s body, were shattered into pieces but their heads were intact with their faces smiling. This extraordinary event was recorded on 22 July 1850 by Sir Justin Shiel, Queen Victoria’s Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary in Tehran.

The remains of the Báb are buried in Haifa, Israel. Seen in the photograph above, his shrine is considered to be the second holiest place on Earth for Bahá’ís. The Commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb is observed by Bahá’ís throughout the world. What I experienced at the Singapore Bahá’í Centre would be a treasured memory. Not only did I learn much about the Báb, I was able to feel my friends’ love for him. The joy on the faces surrounding me was beautiful to behold and the lovely poetry and music that filled the room kept me uplifted for the rest of the day.

Contributed by IRCCs in Northwest Region

IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 2014 5

Nine Emperor Deities Festival (九皇法会)

There are many legends about the Nine Emperor Deities (九皇大帝). One of the commonly known refers to the Nine Emperor Deities in the Taoist context as the 9 North Stars (北斗九星), and their natural mother is the Dou Mu Yuan Jun (斗母元君). The Nine Emperor Deities consist of the Vega Star (勾陈天皇大帝), Polaris Star (北极紫微大帝) and the 7 Northern Constellation Stars (北斗七星). The Nine Emperor Deities Festival occurs from the first to the ninth day of the 9th month in the Chinese lunar calendar (it fell on 24 September and 2 October this year). During the nine days of celebration, devotees adopt a vegetarian diet (part of the ritual cleansing) and dress in white with a yellow cloth tied around their waist. It is believed that turning vegetarian and sincerely praying for the Nine Emperor Deities’ blessings can help one to get rid of misfortunes and bad luck.

A festal yet solemn atmosphere pervades the Hougang Tao Mu Temple during this period, which does not close throughout the festival. The constant tinkling of prayer bells and chants from the Temple’s priests are heard over the nine days. Even late into midnight and early morning, devotees visit the temple constantly to pray, consume vegetarian meals and recite prayers. Believers observe that it usually rain throughout the festival and they believe that the rain wash away all misfortunes and sufferings of mortals.

On the eve of the first day of the festival, Hougang Tao Mu Temple’s committee members and devotees set off from the temple to the Punggol River to hold a ritual ceremony to invoke and welcome the Nine Emperor Deities. A new urn will be used to symbolise the arrival of the deities and it will be blessed with water from the river bank. The Nine Emperor Deities will then be invited to the temple with a colourful procession filled with nicely decorated sedan chairs, lions and dragons dances, as well as beautiful moving floats. The arrival of the deities is signaled by the sudden flaming of the urns which will be brought onto the sedan chairs. Prayers and rituals are performed daily throughout the nine days of celebration. Typically

on the fourth day of the festival, the Nine Emperor Deities are invited, through a procession party, to visit other Tao Mu temples located in various regions around Singapore. On the ninth and last day of the festival, the celebration reaches its climax, where the Nine Emperor Deities will once again be invited for the sending off ceremony. The entourage set off from Hougang Tao Mu Temple, accompanied by elaborate floats, lions and dragons dances, as well as a paper dragon boat filled with thousands of pieces of paper carrying the devotees’ wishes. This paper dragon boat will be lighted and set adrift with the urn symbolising the sending away of bad luck and misfortune. Many devotees join the procession to the Punggol River for the final prayers.

Every year, thousands of devotees, work together to keep the spirit of the festival alive and ensure the continuity of a cherished tradition. It is also a time for Taoists and non-Taoists alike to reflect on their personal conduct and fill their hearts with kindness and understanding.

About Hougang Tao Mu Temple (后港斗母宫)The Hougang Tao Mu Temple (located at 779A Upper Serangoon Road) was gazetted as a national religious monument on 14 January 2005. It is the first Taoist temple in Singapore to consecrate two key deities, the Dou Mu Yuan Jun (斗母元君) and the Jiu Huang Da Di(九皇大帝), commonly known as the Nine Emperor Deities. All Tao Mu Temples in Singapore trace their origins back to the Hougang Tao Mu Temple. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HougangTaoMuTemple/

Devotees carrying the dragon boat filled with wishes written on paper, en-route to Punggol River, for the sending off ceremony.Procession to welcome and invite the Nine Emperor Deities to the Temple.

Contributed by IRCCs in Southeast Region

Minister for Manpower and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, Mr Tan Chuan Jin (centre), with Hougang Tao Mu Temple Management Committee. From left: Mr Ling Kin Huat PBM; Mr Choo Si Sen, JP, BBM; Mr Tan Thiam Lye BBM, PBM; Mr Ong Hock Heng.

IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 20146

Regarded as one of the most successful pioneers in Singapore sports, Canagasabai Kunalan earned 15 SEA Games and 5 Asian Games medals. A national record holder for 33 years, his timing of 10.38 seconds for the 100m sprint, set at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, was broken by U.K Shyam in 2001 by a mere hundredth of a second. Running came second to the love of his life, Mdm Choong Yoong Yin, with whom he has been sharing 48 years of his life. When IRCConnect contacted Mr Kunalan, 72, the couple readily agreed to an interview at their house. Mdm Chong addressed her husband as ‘Koyok’ affectionately as they shared their love story.

Not A Love At First SightWhen Mr Kunalan first met Mdm Chong at Teachers’ Training College in 1963, they were team mates at the athletics club. Being a school champion in Raffles Girls’ School in the 100m and 200m sprint, Mdm Chong was a senior to Mr Kunalan, who only started running at the age of 19. “At that time he was infatuated with a lot of girls and was very popular, since he was the top sprinter in the team, and he started going out with a young British girl. I was also going out on dates with other boys,” quipped Mdm Chong with a chuckling Mr Kunalan at her side. Their friendship grew and blossomed during a training camp in 1964, where Mr Kunalan was made the group leader and Mdm Chong was his assistant. They grew closer and became inseparable like “Koyok” (a form of Japanese plaster). He then professed his love by carving their initials “YK” on a tree.

“At that time, I just felt comfortable going out with him, with him being a chauffeur for our team. We went out for meals after

training and I always had to foot the bill”, laughed Mdm Chong. She explained that Mr Kunalan was a simple man, who gave his salary to his parents and took minimal allowances for himself. In 1964, Mr Kunalan went to Tokyo to compete for 2 weeks and wrote 18 letters, subtly expressing how much he missed her and this act brought them closer than ever.

Unexpected Objections“1960’s was a period of racial intolerance, where one race felt superior over another, inter-racial relationships were uncommon,” said Mr Kunalan. They had stares and whispers from strangers, but never expected the most violent objections to come from their families. “My father was from Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) and my mother was from India, and their marriage was disapproved by their families, ties with my paternal side of the family were broken off, so I thought they would be more understanding and able to accept our relationship.” When he was asked to choose between breaking up with Mdm Chong and leaving his home, Mr Kunalan chose the latter and left with only his birth certificate and an unknown future. “I did not know what to do. Mr Lim I-Khiew (a personal friend) took me in, and even offered me his bed, while he slept on the floor. Subsequently I found a room with a monthly rental of $30.”

Mdm Chong also moved out of her house to stay with her mother, who was separated from her father, when she faced similar threats from her family. “My father got my uncle to speak with me and even warned me that my father will get someone to hurt Kunalan if I do not leave him.” In spite of the disapprovals, she has an understanding mother and brothers who gave her their support.

Three Weddings Within A DayThe couple decided to tie the knot on 17 April 1966, at Adelphi Hotel, having sent invitations to both their parents and friends. Much to their delight, Mr Kunalan’s father came after Mdm Chong agreed to adopt a Hindu name and convert to Hinduism. “The conversion was nothing as compared to what Kunalan has done for me. I went through a two full day religious ritual thereafter for the conversion.”

They had a Hindu wedding in the morning, followed by a High Tea wedding reception at the Adelphi Hotel, and the special day ended off with a Chinese banquet at Majestic Hotel. Although Mdm Chong’s father appeared irreconcilable, he came round the next year and invited the young couple to reunion dinner with their first daughter Soma.

Mr Kunalan and Mdm Choong married in 1966, blissfully married for 48 years and counting.

Special Feature!

Inter-Racial Love Series:Shared love for sprinting

IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 2014 7

Mr Kunalan’s family. From the left: Mike, Gina, Jamie, Mona, Mdm Choong, Mr Kunalan, Soma, Amber, Jasmine and Colin

Mr Kunalan and Mdm Choong faced many challenges in the early years of their inter-racial relationship and overcame it together. Those struggles brought them closer together and made them treasure each other more. The couple taught their 3 daughters to look beyond differences such as race and religion. They emphasise on good values in life- to be respectful and understanding to one another.

Eldest daughter Soma: Loving and Supportive Parents Previously an educator like her parents, but now working at a support home for the homeless, Soma and her husband Colin Macleod, return yearly to Singapore with their 2 daughters to visit her parents. “Absolutely accepting and understanding” recalled Colin, during his first visit at his wife’s maternal home. “My parents are still very loving up to today, going out holding hands. Despite them having very different personalities, they knew when to take a back seat in their respective areas, and complemented each other,” said Soma. Second daughter Mona: Role Model and An Inspiration in Running Ex-National sprinter Mona, currently a personal trainer, said that her father is her role model and exerted a strong influence on her lifelong passion for running. “He was my coach and mentor, pertaining to anything regarding running and while at home, he taught me how to climb a tree or dive into the open sea. He is the best father in the world.” While her father exposed her to a variety of sports, her mother ferried her to trainings despite having to mark exam scripts while waiting for her. “Despite being busy as a teacher herself, my mum sacrificed a lot to balance both work and family. She even took time to prepare Chinese soups and coerced us to drink,” said Mona with a chuckle.

Third daughter Gina: Acting as a Marriage Advisor “As a parent, he taught us many values like being understanding and respectful of each other”, said Gina. She shared that her parents taught them to respect each other in a relationship, as she overcame cultural barriers in her marriage to Mike Thomsett. “My father is a genuine and sincere person, who often tries to give advice but does not force his own views on us.”

Role Model for GranddaughtersBeing a proud grandfather of 3 grandchildren, Jasmine, Amber and Jamie, Mr Kunalan could not be happier than he is now. To Jasmine, his teenage granddaughter, her grandfather always places family first. Acting as her personal local tour guide, he takes them to various attractions such as Sentosa and dines in their

favourite restaurants, such a Jumbo and Komala Vilas. Jasmine greatly appreciates her doting grandparents “For always making us feel welcome.”

Mr C Kunalan autographing on IRCC notebooks to be given to lucky winners from our IRCC quiz!

Mdm Choong, in the same team as Mr Kunalan, representing Singapore at 1965 SEAP Games in Kuala Lumpur.

IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 20148

The National Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) Workshop 2014, was held on 6 September 2014 at Concorde Hotel, with the theme ‘Faiths In Harmony’. The annual Workshop was attended by over 300 IRCC members and stakeholders from various religious organisations. Participants were updated on the progress of IRCC efforts in promoting racial and religious harmony in the community.

A new music video, titled “Different Races, Many Beliefs, One Nation” was also unveiled by Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office and Culture, Community and Youth.

In his opening address, Mr Tan highlighted that Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious population “must never take our state of peace and harmony as given” and maintained that we must treasure our peace and “never let our guard down”. He added that there are many external and extremist influences we need to be mindful of and to guard against.

The IRCC Music Video was officially launched by Guest of Honour Mr Sam Tan (centre), Deputy Secretary Hugh Lim (left) and Director of Community Relations and Engagement Division, Mr Lim Shung Yar (right).

Guest speaker Mr Mohamed Imran bin Mohamed Taib, Associate Research Fellow from Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP), S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies NTU shared on “50 years of Communal Harmony -The Singapore Story”.

Participants had a fruitful sharing and discussion sessions on racial and religious issues.

Scan this QR code to view the new IRCC Music Video.

Over 300 IRCC stakeholders and partners attended the Workshop at Concorde Hotel.

National ircc workshop 2014

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More than 200 Pioneer Generation religious and community leaders were honoured at a tribute event - “Racial & Religious Harmony: The Past, Present and Future” organised by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on 27 September 2014 at Gardens by the Bay. The event was specially organised to show appreciation to community leaders who played a part in promoting racial and religious harmony since Singapore’s independence. These IRCC leaders include those aged 65 years and above, as well as the first batch of Chairpersons of the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs), and past and present members from the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony. They have been unwavering in their commitment and contributions towards Singapore’s nation-building efforts in the last 50 years.

A tribute to our pioneers

Many of our guests also took the opportunity to take “Wefie” withMinister of State, Mr Sam Tan.

Minister Lawrence Wong, visited each table to present personalised plaque to our dedicated pioneers. CPT (RET) Shamsudin Bin Shadan, PPA, PBM, 82, is the oldest Chairman from Buona Vista IRCC.

Guests were seated at the beautifully decorated Flower Field Hall within Flower Dome.

IRCC Youth Steering Committee members showing their appreciation to the pioneers.

Minister of State Mr Sam Tan, who also received a plaque from Minister Lawrence Wong, for serving as 1st Term IRCC Chairman of Bishan East in 2002.

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Stories are like sparks that fire our imagination and inspire our generation.

The significance of stories has never been better expressed than in the recent event by IRCC youth steering committee entitled ‘Your Story, My Inspiration’. It gathered a small group of youths and several of our prominent pioneers to an afternoon of sharing and reflecting of the past, present and future of Singapore.

“It starts with a question…”

The initial concept of this event began with a simple question: How can the youths of today appreciate the youths of yesterday? Should we just provide them a platform to express their appreciation? Ask them to create video montage or come up with performances as a form of gratitude to our pioneers?

Ideas were thrown up and thoughts were shared among the committee members. In the midst of discussion, we slowly came to a thought-provoking question: “Do our youths really know our pioneers?”

Taking a step back, we pondered. If one is to truly appreciate an individual, one should understand more on the pioneers he or she is appreciating and why they should be appreciated (beyond the common, generalise narratives)? I have cynically commented that youths only know the pioneer generation as a case study for their Social Studies module, but do not really know what each individual had experienced and contributed in life; they do not truly comprehend the myriad life experiences of each individual.

Realising the importance of youths seeing, hearing and learning from the pioneers themselves, we hence came up with the idea of an intimate and in-depth sharing session to encourage interactions between the youths today and youth of yesterday.

“Seeing the session unfold…”

I personally participated in one of the discussion groups during the event. The pioneers in my group, whom we (the youths) called Madam Betty and Mr Wong, are Bahá’ís. There, they shared their experiences and concerns which resonated with what we are experiencing in the present day - concerns on the development of young Singaporeans, the issue of making friends without looking at ethnicity and the importance of mutual understanding in upholding peace and harmony in Singapore.

In my opinion, the most valuable takeaway from this discussion is the question of “What can today’s youths do for Singapore? What legacies are we leaving fifty years down the road?” I feel that youths, with easier access to knowledge and the power of IT in our hands, can collectively advance the society in ways that we have yet to imagine. Instead of merely enjoying the benefits given to us by the hard work of previous generation, we ought to take charge of our future and continue the efforts of the previous generation, keeping their personal stories close to our hearts. That, I believe, is the best way to truly appreciate our Pioneer Generation.

‘Your Story, My Inspiration’

The prelude to the MCCY Community Pioneer Generation Tribute was held on 30 August 2014. Titled “Your Story, My Inspiration”, the event provided a platform for youths to hear firsthand account of the senior religious leaders’ experiences during the nation building years and in particular, their contributions towards racial and religious matters in Singapore. Participants also worked together to complete a Batik painting, showcasing the multi-racial and religious facets of Singapore. A reflection session capturing the thoughts and views of participants in a visual illustration then wrapped up the entire event.

About

Senior religious leaders and youths sharing their experiences openly.

Collaborative effort between the young and the young-at-hearts to come up with a batik work piece.

Fun activities were played to encourage interaction between youth and senior reiigious leaders.

Contributed by Nur Nasuha Bte Selamat, IRCC Youth Steering Committee

The visual illustration encapsulated important learning points of the event.

IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 2014 11

Festivals highlights from Oct to Dec 2014

CALENDAR OF COURSESFOR IRCC MEMBERS FROMOCT TO DEC 2014

SOCIAL MEDIA SKILLS SATURDAY, 18 OCT 2014 2PM - 6PMROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS SINGAPORE

The Social Media for Community Relations workshop is a half-day course organised by OnePeople.sg. Participants will be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to use social media for their community outreach. Participants will gain a better understanding of the social media landscape, harness the potential of social media tools, and learn crisis communication frameworks in social media.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONSATURDAY, 1 NOV 2014 9AM - 1PM RELIGIOUS REHABILITATION GROUP

Round Table Discussion - Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) organised by OnePeople.sg is a platform to discuss ground racial and religious issues that may have negative impact in our constituency and on society at large. As IRCC members, they learn what they can do to build a network of trust in the community, how they can play a pivotal role in promoting racial and religious harmony. UNDERSTANDING FILIPINO CULTURESATURDAY, 15 NOV 2014 9AM - 1PM PHILIPPINES EMBASSY

The workshop will equip participants with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Filipino culture, so as to instill the value of appreciation and a sense of awareness towards their traditions and practices in the participants’ daily interaction with the Filipinos. Topics include origin of the Filipinos, the Filipino world, births, death, greetings, clothing, festivals, social relations and practices.

UNDERSTANDING EURASIAN CULTURESATURDAY, 6 DEC 2014 10AM - 1PM ONE PEOPLE.SG

The workshop will equip participants with a deeper knowledge and understanding of Eurasian culture in Singapore, so as to instill the value of appreciation and a sense of awareness towards one another’s traditions and practices.

Topics include origin of the Eurasians, the Eurasian world, births, death, greetings, clothing, destivals, social relations and practices.

Winter Solstice / Dong Zhi (21 Dec)

Islamic New Year (25 Oct)

Hari Raya Haji (5 Oct)

Deepavali (23 Oct)

Dong Zhi is a time for family reunions for the Chinese. During this time, families will get together to make and eat Tang Yuan, glutinous rice balls as its name sounds like reunion in Chinese.

Deepavali or the Festival of Lights celebrates the triumph of good against evil just as how Lord Krishna destroyed Narakasura, the demon. Hindus light up oil lamps at home on Deepavali.

Christmas Day (25 Dec)

The Islamic New Year falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic Calendar. Muslims usually celebrate this day quietly by gathering in mosques for prayers while practising self-reflection.

Muslims perform a ritual sacrifice of sheep where the meat will be distributed to the poor. Hari Raya Haji also marks the completion of Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Widespread celebrations include gift exchanges, decoration of the Christmas tree, lights and church celebrations. It is a season of giving and sharing.

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IRCConnect Issue 08 Oct - Dec 201412

IRCC Newsletter Editorial Committee c/o Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Community Relations and Engagement Division 140 Hill Street #02-00 Singapore 179369

Email: newsletter@ircc.sg

Like to share your views/feedback with us? Write in to the IRCC Newsletter Editorial Committee.

CONTACT US

ANSWERS TO IRCC QUIz #7Thank you for participating in our IRCC Quiz #7. Here are the answers.

Q1 When is SEA games going to be held in 2015? Please state the duration. 5 – 16 Jun 2015

Q2 What is the name of the race on 16 August 2014? Race Against Racism

Congratulations to the following lucky winners of IRCC Quiz #7Kasinatha S/O Supan Ong Hock Ann Freddie Koh Bing Sheng Teo Jin Hong Yap Cheng Chwee

Prizes will be delivered via post

1. Answer both questions.

2. Submit your answers together with your particulars to our correspondence details located at the bottom of this page.

It’s that simple! 5 sets of IRCC collectibles including Mr C Kunalan’s autographed notebooks up for grabs!

All entries, including email entry to newsletter@ircc.sg (limited to 1 entry per person) must reach us before 28 Jan 2015. Incomplete and/or incorrect entries will be

disqualified.

Q1 What does the Tamil word Theemithi mean?

Q2 What was Mr C Kunalan’s best time for the 100m sprint which remained unbroken for 33 years?

Full name:Identification card no:Address:Contact Number:

IRCC Quiz #8IRCC Music Video< Chats

Hi Chris, have you heard the latest news? IRCC has recently made a music video specifically for the IRCC song.

Wow, I first heard the IRCC song during 2013 IRCC Family Day, where the song was launched by Minister Mr Lawrence Wong. The song is composed by local musicians, Jack and Rai, sharing the same name as the IRCC slogan “Different Races. Many Beliefs. One Nation.”

I can’t wait to view it. Where can I view the Music Video?

Awesome! I will share it with my friends and family.

Yup, the music video was officially launched by Minister of State Mr Sam Tan during the IRCC Workshop on 6 Sep. It’s really catchy.

The IRCC music video will be played at IRCC events and it has been uploaded on Youtube, Facebook and www.ircc.sg

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Or you can also scan the QR code here and share it instantly!

May

Watsup IRCCs

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