Mooncake Festival Celebration 2013

Indonesia gifts U.S with a Saraswati statue

Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, has gifted an imposing 16-foot-high statue of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of education and wisdom, to Washington DC.

The goddess’ statue, on top of a lotus, stands tall a block away from the Indian Embassy in front of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Hindus constitute just three per cent of the Indonesian population. A little over a mile from the White House, the statue is yet to be formally inaugurated, but has already become an attraction for city residents and large number of tourists who visit the city every day.

“Devi Saraswati is one of the Goddesses in Hinduism, the primarily practised religion among Balinese people in Indonesia, which itself is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country. Yet, her representation at the Indonesian Embassy was not decided out only of any religious grounds, but more on its symbolised values that parallel with several key principles of Indonesia-U.S. relations under comprehensive partnership, in particular education and people-to-people contact,” a spokesperson at the Indonesian Embassy told PTI.

The construction of the statue began in mid-April, and was built by five native Balinese sculptors led by I. Nyoman Sudarwa, who wrapped up the job in five weeks.

Datuk Punch Gunalan dies at 68

Badminton legend Datuk Punch Gunalan passed away peacefully at 6am Wednesday. He was 68.

Gunalan had been battling with liver cancer for some time.

He had put Malaysia on the world's map in the 1970s with his immaculate performances in the singles and doubles events - representing the country in the Thomas Cup, All-England and Asian Games.

He had also served with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Badminton World Federation (BWF), earning the respect of the world for his excellent administrative and communication skills and also for his warmth, kindness and passion for the sport.

Born in 1944 in Sepang, Selangor, Gunalan was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2004.

While Malaysians were overwhelmed in 1970 for losing the Thomas Cup, Gunalan defeated Indonesian legends Injartno and Mirjati in his doubles title game with partner Ng Boon Bee to regain Malaysia back in the world of badminton. Despite losing 2-7 to Indonesia at the championship, Gunalan's victory is something that we can still be proud of.

Gunalan had made a successful career in his life. A talented right-hander, he was indeed among the finest combination doubles Malaysia has ever produced. In 1971, Gunalan and Boon Bee again became the top men's doubles team in the world, winning the prestigious All England title, as well as the Canadian, Danish and U.S Open titles. His gifted right-hand amazed people with his exiting smash.

After his retirement, Gunalan continued his career by coaching the Malaysian team (Badminton Association of Malaysia) and later being appointed as the Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation. Under his reign, he vowed to make badminton as the best racquet sport in the world.

His continuous contributions and tremendous achievements in the badminton arena shall always be an inspiration for our young shuttlers.

Achievements
1969 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men's Double title
1970 - His first contribution in Thomas Cup
1970 - 1972 - Champion, Danish Open for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, All England for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, Canadian Open for Men's double title
2005 - Became Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation

Nayati is back home

What good news for the day: the 12-year-old schoolboy, Nayati Moodliar, who was abducted outside the Mont Kiara International School last Friday reportedly been FOUND. He's safely back in the arms of his parents now :)

Nayati was abducted at 7.35am on April 27 while walking to the Mont' Kiara International School.

Police sources said after several attempts at negotiations, the kidnappers finally agreed on a substantial ransom amount which was paid to the kidnappers Thursday morning.

The sources said the kidnappers contacted the family shortly after he was grabbed by two men in a black car and later demanded for a ransom for his safe release.

City police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohmad Salleh confirmed Nayati was now with his family, saying that the child was released safely and unharmed at a rest and recreation stop along the North South Expressway near Sungai Buloh at around 7.55am on Thursday.

He added that police are still investigating the kidnapping and urged the public with information on the case to call 03-2115 9999.

The awareness campaign that had spread quickly since the moment Nayati was abducted early Friday morning on the way to his school has been incredible, to say the least. Bravo to all who were involved – the public, the police, the government, the media – and even those from overseas whom the Moodliars have never met – and are never likely to meet – who have offered their time, skills and money without any expectation of any form of compensation.

On top of the speedy posters that have been posted all over town in no time, the setting up of the ‘Please help us to find Nayati Moodliar’ Facebook page has also done wonders in getting the ball rolling.

A prominent businessman was also kind enough to offer RM50,000 via Malaysian Digest for information leading to the safe return of Nayati which kick-started our “Bring Nayati Home” campaign

12 year old kidnapped

Kuala Lumpur : A 12-year-old Indian origin boy was allegedly kidnapped a few meters away from his apartment in Malaysia while walking to a neighborhood school.

 

Nayati Shamelin Moodliar, who is a Dutch national, was was on his way to the Mont Kiara International School, hardly 200 metres away when he was allegedly abducted by two men on Friday and fled in a black car.

Police are investigating the incident after the family lodged a report at the Brickfields station. Though the number plate of the car was noted, police said that the registration number of the vehicle was phony. Also, even after 24 hours after Nayati's kidnapping, no ransom calls have been made. 

 

The boy's parents have appealed to the abductors to release their only son as soon as possible. "We just want him to come home safely. Please release our son and contact us. We do not want any trouble. We just want our son back, please," the boy's father Sham Moodliar, who is an Indian, said.

The abducted child has not been located yet. Police has informed that Amber Alert has been issued. 

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak yesterday made an impassioned plea to the abductors to release him. "Let's all pray and, through social media amplify and search for Nayati," he tweeted. "I appeal as a father, for Nayati not to be harmed in any way. Spoke directly to IGP (Inspector-General of Police) to investigate this matter."

Residents in the area, who live in apartments surrounding the school were both upset and angry. According to sources, if the boy is not in Malaysia, he

could be whisked to neighbouring countries like Thailand. Majority of the children at the school are expatriates including several Indian nationals. The kidnapping incident came at a time when the police force was busy readying for a massive electoral reforms rally whose organisers have not been given permission to hold the sit-in at a downtown square.

The school in a statement said, "School was in lock-down due to the abduction of a Grade 7 student Nayati Moodliar prior to the start of the school day. All other students are safe and accounted for."

This is where he was kidnapped

  

  

Maran Marathandavar temple

About 120 years ago, a road was being built from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan. Many trees were felled to make way for the oncoming road. As one particular rudraksha tree was being cut, the tree began to bleed as if it was wounded. Many of the workers observed the bleeding of the tree, and immediately stopped work. Immediately one of the Hindu workers went into a trance, and declared that the tree should be spared. A British supervisor who was entrusted with the construction of the road refused to this suggestion. Suddenly, a child miraculously appeared on the trunk of the tree and disappeared into this mysterious tree. The British supervisor was overcome with amazement and changed his decision. The road was laid away from the tree and the rudraksha tree was spared. An old man who is believed to be a Murugan devotee planted a Vel at the base of the tree. After that, the tree became sacred and many of the Hindu workers started praying at that shrine.Several true devotees have experienced miracles here. They are bestowed with good fortunes in their lives. The lame had walked, the dumb has spoken and the chronic sick - healed. These miracles are still occurring!

It has been many years since the incident, and rudraksha tree is now dead. However the remains of the tree are preserved in inner sanctum of the temple

Pangguni Utiram which occurs during the month of March/April is celebrated blissfully in this temple. Numerous devotees come to perform their prayers as well as carry Kavadi. The temple is located in the midst of palm oil and rubber plantations, and is rather secluded. Hence, it is ideal for meditation and spiritual contemplation. Several saints have visited this holy place and have claimed that powerful energy from heaven is frequently directed towards the locality of this mystical temple. Adding to the unique nature of the temple is its mystical origin. The name of the temple 'Marathandavar' means deity of the tree. The tree mentioned in this context is the sacred rudraksha tree. Rudraksha is identified as the eye of Lord Shiva, whereby Rudra denotes Lord Shiva and Aksha indicates the eye. This divine bead is the ultimate holy talisman, as it transforms negative energy into positive energy. Rudraksha beads have been worn by the yogis of India for thousands of years to maintain health and to gain spiritual empowerment ...

 

Temple address:
Sri Maran Marathandavar Aalayam
100 km, Jalan Kuantan - Jerantut, 26500 Maran,
Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia

Postal address:
Peti Surat 93,
25710 Kuantan,
Maran, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia 

Contact number:

Tel: 09-4778043, 09-4778050 

Temple's timings :

Morning opening: 5:30 am
Morning abishegam: 5:30 am,10:30 am
Morning pujai: 7:00 am,12:00 noon
Evening abishegam: 5:30 pm
Evening pujai: 7:00 pm
Closing: 9:00 pm