Origin of Racial Harmony Day and the need to Commemorate this day
Racial Harmony Day was first launched on 21 July 1997. On this day in 1964, Singapore saw racial riots. Celebrations of Prophet Mohammad's Birthday at the Padang had turned riotous that day, incited by extremist communal leaders and influenced by the inflammatory language of the vernacular press. It registered the highest number of casualties in a local riot with 22 dead and 454 injured after five days of rioting between Malay and Chinese factions. Racial Harmony Day was first observed in schools. This day serves to remind the pupils that social division costs us dearly and that race and religion are potential fault-lines in Singapore society. It is a day for schools to reflect on, and celebrate our success as a harmonious nation and society built on a rich diversity of cultures and heritages. Three years later, in July 2000, all nine Community Development Councils (CDC) joined in the celebrations. It included multiracial festivals and fairs with festivities extended to the end of July.
In the recent years, especially after the 911 incident in 2001, there is a greater need to remind ourselves not to take things for granted. History is not merely a thing of the past. The lessons learnt from the past should be critically used to live our present, and prepare for our future. Here comes the need for the commemoration of Racial Harmony Day. When we commemorate this day, we should bear in mind the losses that we had to bear many years ago, and make ourselves stronger as a nation by living in harmony. Unity is strength.
I think it is essential that schools do commemorate this day, because the younger generation has not gone through any racial riots. The younger generation has lived in a peaceful nation, and this makes it even easier for us to take racial harmony for granted. By commemorating Racial Harmony Day, it is hoped that students will take the time and opportunity to get to know the other cultures and heritages. It is only when we have knowledge of the other cultures and heritages that we know how to appreciate this rich diversity and learn to live in harmony with all the other races.
References:
http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/2005/sp20050716.htm
http://sam11.moe.gov.sg/racialharmony/
http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_965_2004-12-31.html
Done by: Lee Cui Lin 07S13
No comments:
Post a Comment