Indian community in Thailand in mourning

Indian community in Thailand vows to continue charitable work in honour of the late monarch. Over 200,000 live mostly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Songkhla.

NATION IN MOURNING

Indian community in Thailand in mourning

25/10/2016
Prangthong Jitcharoenkul

The Indian community in Thailand has promised to carry on providing meaningful contributions to the Kingdom in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Indian community in Thailand is estimated to number over 200,000, with most living in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Songkhla.

EQUAL TREATMENT FOR ALL RELIGIONS & ETHNIC GROUPS

Sathit Kumarn, 70, president of the Hindu Samaj Association which looks after Wat Thep Monthien, the famous Hindu temple in Bangkok, praised His Majesty King Bhumibol.

He pointed out that His Majesty treated every person living in the kingdom equally, regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnic background.

"Even though the King is Buddhist, he gave his private assets to maintain the places of worship of other religions," Mr Sathit said with admiration.

He was referring to the opening ceremony of the Hindu temple presided over by the Their Majesties the King and the Queen 47 years ago.

"His kindness means so much to all of us and his simple way of living his life reminds Indians of Mahatma Gandhi," Mr Sathit said.

GIVING BACK TO THAILAND THROUGH EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES

Thanks to the King's kindness, he said, the Hindu Samaj Association was able to give back to Thailand, particularly through education initiatives, constructing school buildings in remote areas in Loei, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon.

Ten years ago, the association also renovated and built another two buildings for Bharat Vidyalaya School where both Buddhist and Hindu primary school students study, he said.

Mr Sathit was also an adviser to a committee on religion at the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Last week was originally set to mark the five-day festival of lights called Diwali, which coincides with the Hindu New Year.

The Indian community in Thailand decided not to perform traditional Diwali ceremonies as the nation mourned His Majesty's passing.

THE WORK OF ONE FOUNDATION

Rajinder Singh Sachdev is one of the many Thai Indians who has worked closely with the Thai royal family to reach out to disadvantaged people living in every corner of the country.

His family's Harnam Singh Harbans Kaur Sachdev Foundation has made contributions to Thailand and has supported various royal projects for more than 30 years.

SETTLED IN THAILAND AFTER PARTITION OF INDIA IN 1947

Recalling how his family came to settle in Thailand, Mr Rajinder said his grandfather was forced to leave home due to the partition of India in 1947, deciding to come to Thailand to start a new life.

Mr Rajinder still vividly remembers when his family, along with the foundation's board members, were granted an audience with the King 14 years ago at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

"My parents, brothers and I stood outside a hall to be called in. Tears started pouring down on our cheeks even before we met the King," Mr Rajinder recalled.

FOUNDATION'S WORK: SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOOLS & SANITATION

The Harnam Singh Harbans Kaur Sachdev Foundation, established in 1983, has provided scholarships to hundreds of needy Thai students in remote areas.

The foundation has also built school and sanitation facilities, conducted sanitation workshops and provided school supplies to needy students.

Between 2005 and 2010, the foundation renovated three major schools in Phangnga and Krabi which were destroyed by the 2004 .

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1118413/indian-community-gives-back

http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/933117/

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