On 11th October, the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) Education Bureau made history by organizing a one-day educational excursion to Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley) for the first time. The trip included 142 students and 20 teachers from six Tamil schools within the Seberang Perai Tengah District: SJKT Perai, SJKT Ladang Juru, SJKT Ladang Prye, SJKT Ladang Alma, SJKT Bukit Mertajam, and SJKT Permatang Tinggi.
This landmark event provided these students with a unique opportunity to explore Malaysia’s rich historical and archaeological heritage, marking a significant step in promoting cultural education and fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s history among young learners. The event was officiated by YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, ‘Serving the People’ (DCM II), together with YB RSN Rayer from Jelutong, YB Lingesh RA, and YB Kumaran Krishnan.
The educational trip, which spanned just one day, kicked off with an insightful session at SJKT Saraswathy Hall, where students were briefed by Datuk Nadarajah, the esteemed author of the ‘Bujang Valley: The Wonder that was Ancient Kedah’ book. This interactive briefing allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the Bujang Valley. In addition to the enriching experience, each participating school was gifted both the English and Tamil editions of the ‘Lembah Bujang’ book, a valuable resource to be added to their school libraries for future learning.
Following the informative session, the students proceeded to visit the Bujang Valley Museum, where they explored the historical exhibits and ancient “Candi” structures, which are remnants of the region’s rich archaeological heritage.
The trip continued with a visit to the Sungai Batu Archaeological Site, a significant location that sheds light on Malaysia’s early civilization. At the site, the students received an on-site briefing from Mr. Selvakumaran, who provided an in-depth explanation about the archaeological discoveries and the importance of Sungai Batu in the history of Southeast Asia. This immersive experience gave students a unique opportunity to witness history firsthand, enhancing their appreciation for the region’s ancient past.
After the visit to the Sungai Batu Archaeological Site, the students were taken to view the impressive statue of Rajendra Chola, a historical figure of great significance in South Indian and Southeast Asian history. Standing tall and majestic, the statue served as a symbol of cultural ties between the ancient Tamil empire and the region. To further engage the students, a quiz session was organized.
This initiative by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board not only enriched the students’ understanding of Malaysia’s historical and archaeological significance but also fostered a sense of cultural pride and identity among the young learners. By providing them with the opportunity to explore key historical sites and engage in interactive learning experiences, the PHEB Education Bureau has taken a commendable step towards promoting cultural education within the Tamil community. Such endeavors are vital for nurturing a well-rounded appreciation of the nation’s heritage, inspiring the next generation to value and celebrate their rich cultural roots.
Source: RTM TV Tamilseithi Facebook
