Blind volunteer Kunavathi brings joy to others every Deepavali

It is a bustling Sunday morning a week before Deepavali, at the SJKT Azad school hall in Butterworth, Penang. The air is filled with lively chatter and the tempting aroma of freshly prepared treats.

About 60 volunteers are hard at work, preparing festive goodies to bring a little joy to those who might otherwise miss out on the celebrations.

It is a heartwarming tradition that has continued for many years, and one that 56-year-old K Kunavathi holds particularly close to her heart.

Blind since she was 12 because of a hereditary condition, Kunavathi may not be able to see the flurry of activity around her, but that has never stopped her from joining in.

She has been a familiar presence at the annual event for the past decade, happily lending a hand wherever she can.

“There is quite a lot of work, but it makes me feel fulfilled. I hope that whoever receives these Deepavali treats will be happy and blessed,” she told FMT Lifestyle.

The Festival of Lights is traditionally associated with the triumph of light over darkness. In Kunavathi’s hands, its spirit also shines through kindness, generosity and the simple act of remembering others.

Kunavathi is a member of the Malaysia Hindhudharma Mamandram (MHDM), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting Hindu values, cultural traditions and community welfare.

For the past 20 years, the organisation has carried out an annual Deepavali initiative started by its former chairman, the late Dharma Pooshanam V Nanda Kumar. The programme helps inmates observe Deepavali according to their religious customs despite being away from their families.

This year, members prepared 4,000 packs of traditional festive treats, including murukku, athirasam and mixture, for distribution to inmates at Penang Prison and Jawi Prison.

Recipients also received gingelly oil, santhanam (sandalwood powder), shikakai (a traditional hair cleanser), kumkum (vermilion powder) and vibuthi (sacred ash) for ritual baths and prayers on Deepavali.

Kunavathi, who sells religious items at the Sri Sitti Vinayagar Temple in Kepala Batas, said she had long been eager to make a difference in the lives of others. After learning about MHDM several years ago, she was inspired to volunteer.

Although her blindness can make certain tasks challenging, she credits her fellow volunteers with always being ready to lend a hand when needed.

MHDM Penang chairman Thanabalan Nanda Kumar describes Kunavathi as spiritual, disciplined and deeply committed to serving others.

He said that despite being the organisation’s only blind member, Kunavathi is always willing to pitch in. She regularly takes part in gotong-royong and charity fundraising activities, and conducts free Hindu religious classes for students aged six to 17.

“Her calm nature and positive attitude make her a very respected person here,” he added.

Kunavathi is also a Penang state-level Thirumurai competition winner, recognised for her recitation of Tamil Hindu devotional hymns. And, for her contributions to the community, she is a recipient of the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat.

This Deepavali, Kunavathi is celebrating with loved ones, some of whom will have travelled from Johor to spend the festive occasion with her.

As for her community work, she hopes to keep spreading joy and kindness for many more years. “Doing charity makes me happy and I really enjoy it,” she said.

“We should all try not just to celebrate, but also to help others during festive seasons. I hope everyone has a happy Deepavali.”

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