http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/the-disabled-make-batu-caves-friendly-to-all-1.462512?cache=iyuuqseiz%2F7.320411%2F7.320411
THAIPUSAM is less than two days away. Most of the devotees have, at this point of time, fulfilled their vows.
But a disabled devotee like me, and others with similar predicaments are not able to participate due to the lack of suitable facilities at Batu Caves. The place is not disabled-friendly.
The disabled communities, especially Damai Disabled Persons Association members, have for the past 10 years advocated the need to have a cable car service there to cater to disabled devotees.
It will not only benefit the physically challenged, but also senior citizens.
In earlier years, we had urged the temple management to revive the cable car service.
Several years later, the temple management made an announcement to revive it.
I was delighted.
Sometime last year, its construction was halted as the Selayang Municipal Council had issued a stop-work order for alleged failure of the temple management to obtain relevant approval before commencing work.
I sincerely hope all parties involved will set aside their differences and concentrate on completing the cable car project.
The disabled Hindu community in this country had waited long enough for an opportunity to fulfill their vows and seek Lord Murugan's blessing during Thaipusam or any other day.
It is the temple management's responsibility to find a positive resolution with the council to ensure the project is completed without further delay.
I hope next year I will be able to write about my experience of participating in this auspicious religious celebration and the closure for having fulfilled my vows.
No comments:
Post a Comment