Blind volunteer helps prepare festive treats for Prison inmates in Malaysia

K Kunavathi and approximately 60 volunteers prepared traditional festive treats for prisoners in Malaysia to celebrate Deepavali.

The Malaysia Hindhudharma Mamandram, a non-governmental organisation, organized the event at the SJKT Azad school hall in Butterworth, Penang. The group prepared 4,000 packs of traditional snacks, including murukku, athirasam, and mixture.

These items, along with religious supplies like sandalwood powder and sacred ash, are distributed to inmates at Penang Prison and Jawi Prison so they can observe the Hindu festival of lights while away from their families. K Kunavathi, a 56-year-old volunteer who has been blind since age 12, has participated in this initiative for a decade. She sells religious items at the Sri Sitti Vinayagar Temple in Kepala Batas and uses her time to support the organisation.

Despite her visual impairment, she assists with the preparations and leads free religious classes for students aged 6 to 17. The Malaysia Hindhudharma Mamandram started this specific programme 20 years ago to promote community welfare and Hindu traditions. The organisation describes Kunavathi as a disciplined and respected member who also participates in charity fundraising and community cleaning activities.