By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: The Rotary Club of Johor Bahru (RCJB) brought rays of light and hope to 30 underprivileged Indian families ahead of Deepavali, ensuring that single mothers and B40 households did not feel left behind during the festival of lights.

The Club turned compassion into action, brightening the lives of a number of deprived Indian families ensuring that they could celebrate the Festival of Lights with dignity, joy and hope.

In a heartwarming gesture, the club distributed household rations, food supplies, and festive essentials to the families. The celebrations were made even more special when the Club’s president-elect Saravanan Krishnan personally handed out “ang pows” to each family, drawing smiles and gratitude from the recipients.

Saravanan said the initiative is part of the club’s long-standing tradition of giving back to the community during festive seasons.

Present for the occasion which was held at Taman University were RCJB officials and a number of the club’s board of directors and members.

“Deepavali is about light overcoming darkness, and for us, it is about extending kindness and joy to those who need it most,” he said.

“The Rotary Club has been carrying out this CSR initiative for many years, across all major festivals, because we believe that no family should feel left out of the celebrations.”

“Deepavali is a festival of light, and through this humble gesture we hope to bring a little brightness into the homes of these families. It is not just about giving rations or ang pows, but about showing them that they are not forgotten and that the community stands with them,” he expounded.

“At Rotary, our mission has always been to serve humanity beyond borders. Each year, during major festive seasons, we make it a point to reach out to underprivileged families. We want to remind them that kindness and compassion are universal, regardless of background or faith,” said Saravanan.

This initiative, according to Saravanan is not a one-off effort. For many years, the club has been committed to carrying out CSR programmes during festive occasions. It is part of our promise to stand alongside the B40 community and to bring hope where it is most needed.

He also stressed that the joy on the faces of the mothers and children today is the greatest reward for our efforts. It strengthens our resolve to continue these acts of service and to keep expanding our outreach.

As Rotarians, he said, we believe that no one should be left behind, especially during moments of cultural and spiritual significance like Deepavali.

“This initiative by us reflects our deep commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and the belief that even small gestures of kindness can bring immense hope and dignity to those in need,” he stressed.

He went on to say that this project also reaffirms Rotary’s role as a bridge between communities and a source of light in times of hardship.

Saravanan made it clear that by providing household rations, festive supplies, and a token of joy through the ‘ang pows,’ the club has not only met immediate needs but also uplifted spirits at a time when togetherness matters most.

The families, many of whom are single mothers struggling to provide for their children, expressed heartfelt appreciation.

“This means so much to me and my children,” said Thanaletchumi M.S. Krishnan, 51, a mother of two.

“With the rising cost of living, it is not easy to prepare for Deepavali. These rations and the ang pow will help us celebrate with dignity.”

Selvaraja Vengadasalam,68, whose family has been supported through past Rotary drives, shared:

“The club has never forgotten us. Every year, they come with food and cheer, and it gives us strength to carry on. We feel cared for, not forgotten.”

For Saraswathy Chellappan,73, a widow, the gesture was particularly touching.

“It is not just about the food. It is about knowing that someone is thinking of us during the festival. That is the real gift,” she said.

The initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to community service and its mission to uplift the less fortunate through consistent acts of kindness. With every festival, the club renews its promise to bring smiles to families who face hardship.

The Rotary Club of Johor Bahru has once again demonstrated the true spirit of service above self by reaching out to single mothers and B40 families, ensuring that the Festival of Lights shines just as brightly in their homes.

As the families left with their rations and festive packs, their eyes sparkled with gratitude—proof that the true spirit of Deepavali lies not just in lamps lit at home, but in hearts illuminated by compassion.