‘Special ingredients’ make a harmonious multi-racial Singapore: Tharman

SINGAPORE — Peace, understanding and genuine interest in each other’s values and traditions — these are the special ingredients that make Singapore a harmonious multi-racial society.

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said this at the Pongal celebrations at Bukit Panjang yesterday (Jan 18), which saw residents from all walks of life and different races coming together to participate in the colourful event from as early as 9am.

They were joined by Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North-West District and MP for Bukit Panjang.

“Each time we get a major festival for any of our communities, we make it a point for everyone to come together,” Mr Tharman said. “They do so, not just because there is any rules to do so. But increasingly, year by year, we all feel Singaporean. And we enjoy taking part in all these events and recognise the meaning of each event, each has meaning beyond one’s community.”

At the event, residents and new immigrants got together to set a new national record by cooking 200 pots of sweetened rice — also known as the pongal.

More than 20 Indian businesses raised S$80,000 for needy children living in the constituency. Many residents and foreign workers also took part in a blood donation drive. CHANNEL NEWSASIA