USM PENANG, 16 February 2025 – During the yearly Thaipusam celebration, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Thaneer Panthal (refreshment stall) usually stands out as one of the more prominent Thaneer Panthals along Jalan Waterfall, Penang.

This year’s Thaipusam, celebrated on 11 February 2025, was no different.

In fact, this year’s celebration was even grander as it marked the 50th anniversary of USM’s Thaneer Panthal, a beloved community initiative that has been serving thousands of Thaipusam devotees since it was set up in 1975.

USM Thaipusam Community Service Secretariat Chairman, Associate Professor Dr. Yuvaraj Ganesan, said that in honour of this significant milestone, the USM Thaipusam Thaneer Panthal continued its tradition of providing free vegetarian meals to 3,000 devotees and more than 20,000 cold drinks on 10 and 11 February 2025.

“The event also highlighted USM’s sustainability initiatives, including the continued use of stainless-steel plates and cups, reinforcing the Go Green efforts that USM has championed since 2005,” he said.  

According to Yuvaraj, this year’s event, marking half a century of service, continued to reflect the university’s commitment to unity, inclusivity, and sustainability through meaningful volunteer work, which has become a cherished tradition not only within the university but also throughout the wider community.

“For five decades, the USM Thaipusam Thaneer Panthal has been a platform for academic staff, administrators, local and international students, alumni, and former staff to engage in community service, strengthening bonds between different ethnicities and faiths,” he added.

“We also featured a mother-friendly corner, offering private and comfortable facilities for breastfeeding mothers, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

“Furthermore, community-centric awareness talks on various topics, including tertiary education, cybersecurity, health, and religious matters, were held every two hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days by experts from the university and several invited speakers,” he said further.

The Advisor of USM Thaipusam Community Service Secretariat, Dr. Subramaniam Govindan, said, “Since its establishment, the USM Thaipusam Thaneer Panthal has relied on contributions from USM staff, students, alumni, former staff, and well-wishers, along with annual support from the USM administration.”

He added, “Over the years, the initiative has evolved from serving iced cordial drinks to providing full vegetarian meals, with the university’s financial support, logistics, and resources ensuring its continued success.”

“On behalf of the Secretariat, I wish to thank the past and current Vice-Chancellors and top management of the university who have played a key role in endorsing and sustaining this long-standing tradition,” said Subramaniam.

“The whole Secretariat is very thankful that for this year’s Thaipusam, USM’s Thaneer Panthal was honoured with an appreciation award by the Clean Thaipusam Organisation (NGO) for our initiatives of going green and sustainability-led panthal,” he said beaming with pride of the achievement.

Additionally, international students from Japan, China, and other countries participated in the event, gaining experience of the culture.

The presence of dignitaries, including the Chief Minister (CM) YAB Chow Kon Yeow; Minister of Human Resources, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong; and other YBs, as well as the USM representative, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Izzuddin Syakir Ishak, who is the Director of the Community Network from the USM BJIM office, further underscored the significance of the event, highlighting the impact of USM’s service to the community.

USM is proud of this continued volunteerism and strengthened efforts to promote a more inclusive, harmonious, and sustainable society.

Known for its festive atmosphere, the Thaipusam celebration in Penang features over 100 Thaneer Panthal stalls along Jalan Kebun Bunga, extending to the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple.

These stalls are decorated with vibrant decorations and distribute free vegetarian food and drinks to devotees and visitors.

Source & Photos: Press Release from USM Thaipusam Community Service Secretariat/Text: Tan Ewe Hoe