Embracing Diversity: The Heartwarming Journey of A Rajeswary Arokiadass
Celebrating Deepavali in Kuala Lumpur
As the sun rises over Kuala Lumpur, A Rajeswary Arokiadass begins her preparations for Deepavali, a cherished festival celebrated by millions. Rajeswary lights her altar, prays with devotion, and starts to cook an elaborate feast brimming with cultural significance. However, her family gatherings display an extraordinary blend of cultures – Chinese, Malays, Filipinos, Ceylonese-Portuguese, and Caucasians come together, forming what she affectionately refers to as her “muhibbah” family, meaning harmonious unity.
A Unique Background
Rajeswary’s life story is as rich as the myriad spices that flavor her cuisine. Born in 1938 in a Chinese family in Segamat with a rather unique twist—she was adopted by an Indian family. Rajeswary’s journey from her birth family to her adoptive home illustrates how love knows no boundaries. Her adoptive mother had lost several children, leading her to adopt Rajeswary despite her being Chinese.
"My Appa and Amma were good people, and they nurtured me well," Rajeswary reflects on her childhood with warmth. Her adoption story is uniquely intertwined because the colleague who encouraged her mother to adopt her eventually became Rajeswary’s mother-in-law.
Cultural Experiences and Acceptance
The blending of cultures has profoundly shaped Rajeswary’s identity. While she fluently speaks and writes in Tamil, she recalls moments of surprise from local shopkeepers upon hearing her conversing in their language. The puzzled looks from Chinese shopkeepers when she opts not to speak Chinese unveils the layers of her diverse upbringing.
Deepavali as a child was synonymous with new clothes and joy, marking a time when her family may not have been wealthy but felt rich in love and community. Every Deepavali eve, her family would engage in ancestral prayers, fostering a deep sense of connection to their roots.
Traditions That Shine
Rajeswary’s Deepavali celebrations are steeped in family traditions, notably the lighting of lamps. An unusual but beloved tradition involves starting with an odd number of lamps on Deepavali eve and gradually reducing them each day thereafter. "If we started with 11 lamps on Deepavali eve, we would light nine the next day and seven after that," she shares, smiling at the memory of this unique family practice.
The legacy of her beloved adoptive mother lives on through Rajeswary’s kitchen, making signature dishes like thosai a staple in their festive meals.
Growing Family, Growing Diversity
The heart of her home beats stronger with each generation. Rajeswary and her late husband, of Malayalee Indian descent, welcomed five children who eventually married individuals from various racial and religious backgrounds. This dynamic growth further illustrates Rajeswary’s belief in inclusivity and acceptance.
On Deepavali day, her family assembles for a lavish feast, featuring standout dishes like mutton peratal, murukku, and, of course, thosai. Each plate signifies more than just food; it embodies love, diversity, and acceptance.
A Life of Service and Commitment
Having worked diligently as a hospital housekeeper for over two decades, Rajeswary received numerous accolades, including the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang for her outstanding service. Beyond her hospital role, she became an active member of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) in the 1980s, earning her the Pingat Pangkuan Negara in 2001 for her dedicated service.
Rajeswary sees her life as a reflection of Deepavali itself— a testimony to light overcoming darkness. Despite a childhood marked by uncertainty, she crafted a home filled with warmth and unconditional love.
Each oil lamp that Rajeswary lights is a potent symbol: a beacon of hope and unity that signifies the resilient spirit that thrives within her and her family. In her kitchen, amidst the delightful aromas, her story inspires not just her loved ones, but anyone who wishes to embrace diversity and celebrate togetherness in a rapidly changing world.
