By V. Sankara
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- The preservation of Indian language, faith and traditions across generations reflects Malaysia’s multicultural and inclusive society, said India’s High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, Somnath Ghosh.
Ghosh, who commenced his mission in Malaysia on Sept 3, said he was impressed by the strong cultural identity preserved by the local Indian community while being part of the country’s diverse and rich cultural tapestry.
“I am extremely happy here to see not only our expatriates from India, but people who have been here for six generations. They are maintaining their language, their way of life, their faith.
“It’s exciting. I see a reflection of India, the way we live in India – a multicultural, multi-faith, multi-traditional society,” he told Bernama after closing the two-day ‘Bandar Maharani Heritage Walk 2026’ event at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Jalan Khalidi in Muar, Johor last Sunday.
He noted that the community has also played a constructive role in contributing towards the country’s progress, development and well-being.
Meanwhile, Malaysia-India Heritage Society (MIHS) Founder-President Prabhakaran Nair said the heritage walk aimed to explore and document Muar’s multicultural history, including the contributions of different communities to the town’s development, while highlighting the shared historical and cultural legacies between Malaysia and India.
The two-day programme, held on Sept 5 and 6, was organised by MIHS in collaboration with the Indian High Commission and community-based organisations in Muar, in conjunction with the Visit Johor 2026 campaign.
The event brought together more than 60 participants who explored Muar’s heritage through visits to the Muar River Cruise at Tanjung Emas, Chiang Chuan Association Building, Muar Nagara Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, Gurdwara Sahib Muar and the Muar Indian Association.
The programme also featured visits to other significant heritage sites, as well as talks, lectures and exchanges on Muar’s historical and cultural heritage.
A major highlight of the programme was the launch of two books celebrating the people and heritage of Muar – “A Life Reimagined”, the memoir of Kalsom Taib, and “Of Roots and Wings” by Lilian Low, which chronicles the lives of successful people associated with the town.
-- BERNAMA