As the resounding chants of “Vel Vel Muruga!” echo through the air during every Thaipusam and celebration of Lord Muruga, they carry more than just devotion. They embody a profound journey of self-discovery, resilience, and respect.

The Vel, a divine spear gifted by Goddess Parvati to Lord Muruga, symbolises wisdom, justice, and triumph over adversity.

Beyond its religious significance, the Vel serves as a powerful metaphor for personal growth and cultural understanding.

In light of the recent Era FM controversy, where three radio hosts mocked the kavadi dance and chanting of “Vel Vel,” we must reflect on the deeper lessons such incidents offer.

Through Validate, Evolve, and Learn (VEL), we can transform ignorance into awareness and disrespect into cultural reverence.

For this year’s Thaipusam, I dedicated an article in my Facebook to explain the significance of the VEL and its profound lessons on character building.

Now due to this recent event, hope this sharing would provide an enlighten over this issue.

VALIDATE: Understanding the sanctity of the Vel

In Hindu tradition, validation begins with recognising the true essence of sacred symbols and practices. The Vel is not just an object; it represents:

1. Clarity of thought, where cutting through ignorance and misconceptions.

2. Unwavering strength with the power to uphold righteousness and truth.

3. Compassion where strength is used with wisdom and humility.

During Thaipusam, devotees undergo immense physical and spiritual discipline by fasting, carrying the kavadi, and chanting “Vel Vel Muruga!” to validate their devotion and seek divine blessings.

Similarly, in society, we must validate cultural traditions with understanding and respect, ensuring that sacred practices are not misrepresented or ridiculed.

The Era FM incident: A failure to validate

When the Era FM DJs mocked the Thaipusam kavadi dance and Vel chant, they failed to validate the deep-rooted significance behind the practice and sacred expressions.

In repercussion, their actions hurt the sentiments of many Hindus, igniting widespread backlash. This incident raises the importance of educating ourselves on religious symbols before passing judgement or making light of them.

Hence how often do we pause to validate the meaning of what we see before we judge or mock? Shouldn’t they understand before speaking and validating before reacting? The need for validation starts with awareness.

EVOLVE: Transforming ignorance into awareness

Evolution comes from facing mistakes and using them as stepping stones for growth. Thaipusam itself is a symbol of endurance, teaching that pain and sacrifice evolves to spiritual and personal growth.

Similarly, when cultural insensitivity arises, individuals and organisations must:

1. Acknowledge and take responsibility: Recognise the harm caused.

2. Engage in open conversations: Learn from those affected.

3. Commit to continuous growth: Implement changes to foster inclusivity.

Era FM’s response: An opportunity to evolve

Following the backlash, Era FM issued an apology and suspended the DJs involved. While this was a necessary step, true evolution requires more than just an apology. It requires a commitment to cultural education and its sensitivity. One word that stands out here is being “mindful”.

This incident is not just about one media channel. It is a mirror to society, urging us all to be more mindful of our actions and words.

1. Cultural sensitivity matters: What may seem amusing to some can be deeply sacred to others.

2. Words have power: Just as the Vel cuts through darkness, education and respectful conversations cut through ignorance to bridge cultural gaps.

3. Respect over ridicule: Mocking traditions divides; understanding them respect unites.

LEARN: Applying lessons for greater respect

Learning is the final step by internalising lessons from both devotion and adversity. Thaipusam teaches that through faith, discipline, and perseverance, we gain insights that shape our future actions.

Lessons from the Era FM incident

1. Education is key: Cultural awareness should be ingrained in public discourse and media ethics.

2. Respect is fundamental: Every community deserves the dignity of having its traditions honoured.

3. Growth comes from learning: Mistakes can be transformed into powerful lessons when addressed with sincerity, which grows communities.

Media, corporations, and individuals must actively seek knowledge about different cultures to ensure respect in public spaces.

Just as Lord Muruga wielded the Vel to defeat darkness, we too must wield knowledge, respect, and understanding to create a more inclusive society.

VEL: A call to action

The Vel is more than just a sacred spear. It is a symbol of wisdom, guidance, and cultural understanding.

Inspired by its significance, the VEL (Validate, Evolve, Learn) serves as a powerful approach to fostering respect, unity, and continuous growth:

■ Validate the cultural and spiritual significance of traditions with awareness and respect.

■ Evolve from ignorance to understanding, embracing different faiths and perspectives to strengthen unity.

■ Learn from our mistakes and experiences to foster inclusivity and meaningful connections.

As we chant “Vel Vel Muruga!”, let it not be merely an invocation, but a commitment to wisdom, respect, and personal growth.

Let us wield the Vel of knowledge and unity to cultivate a more harmonious Malaysia, built on the foundation of diversity and mutual understanding.

This lesson transcends Hinduism, Thaipusam, or the Vel itself. It is a call for every citizen to uphold respect and cultural mindfulness.

The next time we witness a sacred practice whether the Thaipusam kavadi, the Ramadan fast, a Chinese New Year ritual, or a Christian prayer and etc, let us pause to Validate, Evolve, and Learn.

By being open to learning from one another, we enrich not only our own perspectives but also the fabric of our shared society.

The true power of the Vel lies not in its sharpness, but in its ability to illuminate the path to wisdom and unity. It is about cultivating a learning culture.

■ When we learn, we lead with wisdom.

■ When we respect, we build stronger communities.

■ When we evolve, we shape a future rooted in unity.

(Asohan Satkunasingham is an Author and CQ Interventionist with over three decades of human resources experience and immersive corporate educator.)