Deepavali cash aid brings festive cheer to SJKT Ladang Pasir Gajah

KUALA KRAI: Twenty pupils of SJKT Ladang Pasir Gajah received a Deepavali boost yesterday when they were presented with festive cash contributions by Yayasan Didik Negara.

The contribution, presented during a simple ceremony at the school, was aimed at spreading festive cheer among pupils and teachers ahead of the Festival of Lights.

Ten teachers also received contributions as part of the initiative.

Kelantan Education Department deputy director (School Management Sector) Mohd Hassany Hashim, who presented the contributions, said he hoped they would bring happiness to the recipients.

"We hope the pupils will be able to celebrate Deepavali in a joyful and meaningful atmosphere.

"At the education department and ministry levels, we do not differentiate between races or festive celebrations. We want to ensure that every child receives equal assistance and has fair access to educational opportunities," he said.

Hassany said the school had also received other allocations through the Education Ministry to meet its educational needs.

He said the initiative reflected the ministry's commitment to promoting inclusivity and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all pupils, regardless of race or background.

Meanwhile, headmaster Kannan Manickam said the school had brought forward its Deepavali celebration to allow pupils and teachers to enjoy the festivities before the school holidays.

He said the school break would run from Nov 6 to 14, giving pupils nine days to celebrate with their families.

"The school extended the holiday by three days from the original four-day break to give pupils more time to enjoy the festive season.

"We held the celebration earlier as Deepavali falls next week. We hope the pupils can enjoy the longer holiday and spend quality time with their families," he said.

Year Six pupil Mafisvaran Rajkanna, one of the recipients, said he was happy and grateful to receive the contribution ahead of Deepavali.

The second of four siblings said the assistance had made the festive occasion even more meaningful for him and his family.

He added that he looked forward to celebrating Deepavali with his loved ones during the school holidays.