Migrant workers glad to be able to offer Deepavali prayers at temple
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Kuppan Rengusamy, who works as a manufacturing operator, is grateful that he is able to keep his job and that his family members back in India are safe and healthy.
The 29-year-old Indian migrant worker, who has been working here for nine years, was even happier to get a four-hour exit pass from his dormitory in Senoko during the Deepavali holiday so he could visit the Sri Siva-Krishna Temple in Marsiling Rise with his friends to offer thanksgiving prayers.
"I am happy to be outside as I can meet up with friends. It helps me to relieve stress."
He was one of about 800 devotees who turned up at the temple between 7am and noon yesterday for prayers in celebration of Deepavali.
Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, who is also adviser to Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC grassroots organisations (Marsiling), visited the temple and toured the newly completed annex building. Among its new facilities are a multi-purpose hall, classrooms, a dance studio and an open terrace.
Mr Zaqy also spoke with devotees and gave out blessing bags.
He said: "I think it is very heartening to share blessings with the residents, and we also have many foreign workers here from the nearby dorms. It is wonderful to see how the community is celebrating Deepavali together and creating inclusiveness for both local residents and migrant workers. I am heartened that the temple also makes them feel welcome by allowing them to volunteer and be part of the family as well... This is where you see inclusiveness in the community - where our local volunteers and foreign volunteers worked hand in hand to make it a more vibrant place."
Migrant worker Subbiah Ramesh, 33, who has been working as a delivery driver here for 12 years, started visiting the temple three years ago when he moved to Marsiling. The Indian national has been volunteering there for about 11/2 years.
Other migrant workers such as Mr Ganapathy, who goes by only one name and lives in a Woodlands dormitory, visited the temple with his friends. He was glad to be outside even for just four hours.
"We cannot stay inside (the dormitory) for the whole day, so I am happy to be able to relax for a while outside," said the 25-year-old Indian national, who has been working here for three years as a project coordinator.
FOR MORE, READ THE STRAITS TIMES
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now