UGADI CELEBRATION A SYMBOL OF UNITY IN DIVERSITY - AARON

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The spirit of the Ugadi New Year festival, celebrated by the Telugu community today, is in line with the principles of national unity because it is based on joy, togetherness and welfare, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

He said that being a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, Malaysia is rich in cultural diversity, which is a valuable asset in strengthening national unity - and Ugadi is one of them.

He added that in efforts to enhance harmony, understanding the traditions and cultures of every community is the main step towards building a community that respects one another.

"For example, Ugadi is not just a celebration but also a reflection of values that can be learned and appreciated together,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Aaron also emphasised that mutual respect is crucial to creating a peaceful and harmonious living environment among different communities.

"In Malaysia's diverse society, every festival must be celebrated with tolerance and respect for each other's beliefs and customs.

"We must also embrace diversity as a country's strength that can make us more united. When we accept differences with an open heart, we not only strengthen unity but also create a society that is more inclusive and progressive,” he added.

He hopes that the celebration of Ugadi, which marks the start of the new year in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, will bring blessings, success and joy to all who celebrate it.

Ugadi, derived from the Sanskrit words "Yuga” (era) and "Adi” (beginning), is the beginning of the Telugu New Year according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, particularly celebrated with great fervour by communities in South India, like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.

In Malaysia, it is celebrated by the Telugu community as the beginning of a new year, bringing hope and renewal.

-- BERNAMA