Give a Hand, Donate to Japan
More than 27 000 people in Japan are either dead or missing and even more are in critical condition. We have all been exposed to the tragedy in Japan on March 11, 2011 through the Internet, the newspapers, news channels like CNN, and even friends. Many presumptuously believe that the country itself was built to withstand the 9.0 magnitude earthquake as well as the tsunami which followed, and hence, should not have much difficulty rebuilding itself.
However, they have failed to realise that the people of Japan never anticipated the explosions of three of their nuclear reactors. These explosions released high radioactivity, contaminating major food and water sources in the country. This has caused many people to go hungry, become deprived of clean water for daily usage, and lack basic sanitation.
The wailing cries for mercy then led up to the ‘Give a Hand to Japan Carnival’ which was held on March 31, 2011 right here in Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas. This carnival was jointly organised by the Christian Fellowship and the Leo Club. The two weeks preceding the carnival were filled with activities to raise funds for the people in Japan. One of the activities was the ‘1000 Crane Project’ – carried out over the course of a week preceding the actual carnival. There is a Japanese legend, which promises to grant a wish to anyone who folds 1000 cranes. For every RM1 that was donated, a crane would be folded on their behalf. The Anime Club’s inventive idea, as well as the effort and love that went into the folding of each origami Senbazuru (crane) is definitely laudable. This project definitely met the criteria as the Anime Club had folded 1011 paper cranes by the end of the week, with 11 to spare. We can only hope that the legend is true and that the wish for physical and emotional support for the people of Japan will be fulfilled.
The carnival commenced at around 5.30 p.m. and was officiated by Mr. Rahul Ramachandran, TCSH’s Student Events Manager. The Student Council took the opportunity to hold a Leaving Ceremony to celebrate his departure from Taylor's College Sri Hartamas in conjunction with this carnival. A beautiful video montage creatively put together by Sarah Elise showed many students professing their gratitude and well wishes. This was followed by performances by one of our students, Adib Muhammad Faiz and two members of our local band, KITA. Adib’s rendition of the classic Hello Dolly as well as KITA’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow was touching and truly memorable.
“Festive” was unequivocally the most accurate description of the atmosphere of the second floor of college. Besides financial aid, emotional support was also sent as the Student Council had set up a booth to present the students an opportunity to offer words of hope to the victims of Japan. A banner with “Give A Hand to Japan” creatively decorated was filled with the thoughts and support from the students. As our Student Council President, Monija Nair eloquently phrased in her sentiments: “We did this to create awareness in everyone that something is happening in Japan and to let the Japanese people know that we care.”
On a lighter note, there was much fun and games as many clubs had generously donated their time and effort to organise activities for everyone to enjoy. Food and beverages were in abundance, varying from pizza, to brownies and sushi. The many satisfied faces (and satiated tummies), as well as the countless plates with not a single crumb in sight were clear indications that the food was scrumptious.
Nonetheless, it was evident that there was space for more as the response for the ice-cream competition was rather overwhelming. This author, too, participated in this odd competition but found herself unexpectedly thwarted by Ms May Hoe, who shockingly devoured three bowls of vanilla ice-cream without a hint of suffering from brain freeze. There were no hard feelings, for there was free ice-cream, which pretty much fixes everything. There was no distinction between student and teacher as many of our lecturers engaged in the numerous entertaining games and competitions.
The pool table was crowded with the competitors of the Pool Tournament, struggling to concentrate amidst the happening festivities around them, as well as the many spectators cheering them on. The Bowling Tournament was also very popular, drawing in many people who wished to try their luck in knocking the skittles into oblivion. These, paired with the colourful balloons hung strategically in the path of fluorescent lights, emitting a pink glow as well as the infectious music booming from the loudspeakers, made the entire college vibrate with excitement and merriment.
The total funds collected from this event and the ones leading to it amounted to RM 10 000, and is to be donated to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society International Relief Fund. It was truly moving to see how the students and teachers of TCSH united for a cause, especially when that cause would alleviate the suffering of our fellow Japanese counterparts.
BY PRITASHINI MIRIAM PAUL
However, they have failed to realise that the people of Japan never anticipated the explosions of three of their nuclear reactors. These explosions released high radioactivity, contaminating major food and water sources in the country. This has caused many people to go hungry, become deprived of clean water for daily usage, and lack basic sanitation.
The wailing cries for mercy then led up to the ‘Give a Hand to Japan Carnival’ which was held on March 31, 2011 right here in Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas. This carnival was jointly organised by the Christian Fellowship and the Leo Club. The two weeks preceding the carnival were filled with activities to raise funds for the people in Japan. One of the activities was the ‘1000 Crane Project’ – carried out over the course of a week preceding the actual carnival. There is a Japanese legend, which promises to grant a wish to anyone who folds 1000 cranes. For every RM1 that was donated, a crane would be folded on their behalf. The Anime Club’s inventive idea, as well as the effort and love that went into the folding of each origami Senbazuru (crane) is definitely laudable. This project definitely met the criteria as the Anime Club had folded 1011 paper cranes by the end of the week, with 11 to spare. We can only hope that the legend is true and that the wish for physical and emotional support for the people of Japan will be fulfilled.
The carnival commenced at around 5.30 p.m. and was officiated by Mr. Rahul Ramachandran, TCSH’s Student Events Manager. The Student Council took the opportunity to hold a Leaving Ceremony to celebrate his departure from Taylor's College Sri Hartamas in conjunction with this carnival. A beautiful video montage creatively put together by Sarah Elise showed many students professing their gratitude and well wishes. This was followed by performances by one of our students, Adib Muhammad Faiz and two members of our local band, KITA. Adib’s rendition of the classic Hello Dolly as well as KITA’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow was touching and truly memorable.
A ‘delighted’ Mr Rahul and students watching a video montage
“Festive” was unequivocally the most accurate description of the atmosphere of the second floor of college. Besides financial aid, emotional support was also sent as the Student Council had set up a booth to present the students an opportunity to offer words of hope to the victims of Japan. A banner with “Give A Hand to Japan” creatively decorated was filled with the thoughts and support from the students. As our Student Council President, Monija Nair eloquently phrased in her sentiments: “We did this to create awareness in everyone that something is happening in Japan and to let the Japanese people know that we care.”
Students writing messages on the “TCSH Loves Japan” wall
On a lighter note, there was much fun and games as many clubs had generously donated their time and effort to organise activities for everyone to enjoy. Food and beverages were in abundance, varying from pizza, to brownies and sushi. The many satisfied faces (and satiated tummies), as well as the countless plates with not a single crumb in sight were clear indications that the food was scrumptious.
Pizza, anyone?
Nonetheless, it was evident that there was space for more as the response for the ice-cream competition was rather overwhelming. This author, too, participated in this odd competition but found herself unexpectedly thwarted by Ms May Hoe, who shockingly devoured three bowls of vanilla ice-cream without a hint of suffering from brain freeze. There were no hard feelings, for there was free ice-cream, which pretty much fixes everything. There was no distinction between student and teacher as many of our lecturers engaged in the numerous entertaining games and competitions.
The pool table was crowded with the competitors of the Pool Tournament, struggling to concentrate amidst the happening festivities around them, as well as the many spectators cheering them on. The Bowling Tournament was also very popular, drawing in many people who wished to try their luck in knocking the skittles into oblivion. These, paired with the colourful balloons hung strategically in the path of fluorescent lights, emitting a pink glow as well as the infectious music booming from the loudspeakers, made the entire college vibrate with excitement and merriment.
Bottles with facial expressions of Spongebob Squarepants for bowling pins
The total funds collected from this event and the ones leading to it amounted to RM 10 000, and is to be donated to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society International Relief Fund. It was truly moving to see how the students and teachers of TCSH united for a cause, especially when that cause would alleviate the suffering of our fellow Japanese counterparts.
BY PRITASHINI MIRIAM PAUL
