By BAVANI M and PRIYA MENON
metro@thestar.com.my | Oct 29, 2010
Little India comes alive
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Warm welcome: People thronging Little India after the launch.
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SUPERB! Incredible! These were just some of the adjectives used by visitors who had come to witness the launch of Kuala Lumpur’s Little India by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday.
The historic event was witnessed by more than 5,000 people, including members of the local and foreign media. People were impressed by Little India, particularly the giant fountain which was inspired by the Unity in Diversity theme
After the launch, when the public were allowed into the Indian enclave, many made a dash for the 7.62m elephant-styled fountain which is estimated to cost RM3mil.
Friends Shamini Krishan and Katherine Nesamalar found the fountain to be the best part of Little India, saying that it was beautiful and spectacular.
“It is definitely a landmark to be proud of,’’ said Shamini.
Singer Datuk David Arumugam said Brickfields now looked very comfortable while Malaysian Idol winner Jacklyn Victor said it was nice. Both agreed that it was about time that Brickfields was given a makeover.
Hundreds of visitors had come from as early as 3pm to catch a glimpse of the launch, but due to miscommunication and lack of co-ordination, many were stopped at the welcome gate in Jalan Travers and barred from entering by Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel.
The FRU officers rudely ordered everyone, including several journalists, to get off the road and stand on the grass saying that the area was off limits. Many were dissapointed when they were told that they were not allowed in.
Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin and his deputy Datuk M. Saravanan, however, acted as perfect hosts when they came over and directed the people to take a different route to get in.
Once the VIPs had arrived, the event kicked off with a 1Malaysia welcome dance by 60 schoolchildren and a performance by the Salaam Group, who sang a song called 1Malaysia which had lyrics in Malay and Tamil.
Dance guru Ramli Ibrahim then took to the stage to perform an Odissi dance that mesmerised the audience.
Meanwhile, two giant screens were strategically placed for the public to enjoy the show as well.
After the launch, the show went on with a concert by local artistes including Yogi B, Datuk David Arumugam, Jacklyn Victor, Sassi the Don, Lewis Pragasam and Asiabeat as well as a performance by Indian group Moon Arra.
A fireworks display provided a fitting finale to the event.
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