Kuala Lumpur, June 13 (IANS) Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said he was inspired by Tamil poet laureate Subrahmanya Bharti’s song ‘Achham achham Ilai’ (I have no fear) and urged people to shed fear.
‘The lyric says that ‘I have no fear, no trace of hidden grudges, our time has come, times have changed, hope has arrived for a better future’,’ he said, adding, he was ‘touched’ by the song.
Speaking at a function Saturday to distribute scholarships to poor ethnic Indian students, the prime minister said the song was meaningful as it emphasised the need to shed fear to brave the challenges of the future.
The song was sung at the event by students of the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) event at SMK Vivekananda, Brickfields. Bharti penned this song during India’s freedom movement.
Malaysia is home to 1.7 million ethnic Indians, a bulk of them Tamils who settled here during the British era.
In order to tap Malaysia’s potential to the maximum, equitable opportunity must be given to the best talent from every community, especially those from poor families, he emphasized.
He also presented RM 15,000 each ($4,562) to outstanding students.
The SMC, a non-government organisation that has provided tutorials and guidance to children from poor households over the last 28 years, handpicked the most deserving students from 423 applicants.
At the event, the SMC also honoured single father Ganeshalingam.
Ganeshalingam, 58, is a father of four high achievers. His oldest daughter is now a doctor.
Najib lauded Ganeshalingam’s commitment to ensuring his daughters’ success in school.
Najib also praised SMC director M. Thambirajah for helping guide Indian students from poor households until they graduate.
‘SMC is a shining example of a volunteer body that has provided sterling service to the Indian community,’ he said.
Najib said he would work with SMC for the benefit of Indians.
