Singapore (PTI): The Indian High Commission in Singapore led nearly 1,500 Indian migrant workers in a day-long celebration of Pongal, a major harvest festival, that also marks the beginning of the Tamil month.

High Commissioner Dr Shilpak Ambule and Tung Yui Fai, Chief of the Assurance, Care and Engagement Group in the Ministry of Manpower, joined the celebrations on Sunday, extending greetings and well wishes to the workers at the festival held in the northern Singapore’s industrial district of Sembawang.

“The evening brought together migrant workers, community partners, and volunteers in a vibrant celebration of culture,” said S. Ganesh, lead organiser of Mett.AI which organises events for migrant workers through social networks.

ALSO READ:  ISRO''s PSLV-C62 mission ''encounters anomaly'' during third stage

“Over 50 talented local artists, performing alongside migrant workers, delivered electrifying performances and colourful cultural showcases that captured the essence and vibrancy of India’s harvest festivals,” he said.

More than 110 dedicated volunteers, mostly Indian professionals working in Singapore, helped transform the event into a memorable experience for the workers from India employed by heavy duty construction and marine industries as well as domestic helpers, said Ganesh.

The Sunday evening programme featured live music, traditional performances, yoga and meditation sessions, and a fashion showcase highlighting India’s rich textile heritage and festive traditions.

The celebration, a second edition by the High Commission, is also part of the Pongal-events hosted by the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre on Saturday.

The Heritage Centre activities included Tanjore art paintings, a classic South Indian art for participants to learn key techniques for designing and creating their own Tanjore painting masterpiece.

Dr Ambule informed the migrant workers about consular outreach activities, especially passport renewal camps and asked them to participate widely at the High Commission. He thanked the Manpower Ministry for their support to the workers community and their collaboration with High Commission for the workers’ welfare.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Hassan: The driver of a tipper reportedly died in Nettekere village of Belur taluk after suffering an electric shock when the vehicle came in contact with electric wire while emptying the sand transported in it.

The deceased driver, Dileep (33) of Hanumanahalli in Holenarasipura taluk, is said to have failed to notice the wire above the vehicle while tipping the sand in the truck. Immediately as the wire touched the tipper, however, Dileep suffered a shock and is said to have died on the spot.

Belur Police, who were informed of the incident, visited the spot and are learned to have held an inspection.