Veteran golfer Raja Kelly hosts multiracial Deepavali luncheon in Malaysia

Veteran golf professional Rajendera Karuppiah, known as Raja Kelly, hosted a Deepavali luncheon in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, to bring together family and friends from diverse backgrounds.

Kelly and his wife, Suriyabraba Thangavelu, organized the event at the home of their son, Nanda Kumar, and daughter-in-law, Lieza Varona. The gathering included Raja Kelly’s children, extended relatives, and international guests from countries including Italy, France, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The hosts provided a wide variety of food, including traditional Indian dishes alongside Filipino, Malay, Chinese, and Western flavors. Raja Kelly stated that he chose to host the gathering to foster camaraderie and promote the value of being one large family. He noted that many relatives live far away or overseas and that such occasions provide a necessary time for aging family members to reconnect and share memories. Guests at the event expressed appreciation for the multiracial culture of Malaysia.

Some attendees noted that the gathering offered a unique experience of diversity and sharing. For some guests, it was their first time experiencing a Deepavali celebration, and they noted the inclusion of halal food options. Raja Kelly has spent 56 years in the golf industry as a caddie, player, and coach. He began his career as a caddie at age 15 and eventually played for Malaysia in international tournaments during the 1970s and 1980s.

He currently serves as the resident golf professional at the Civil Service Golf Club in Bukit Kiara.