Monday, December 22, 2008

Riau Diary (4)

I have been procrastinating in following up my Riau diary not because of anything but got caught up with the preparation of BERKAT's "Kerapatan Waris & Hari Keluarga" which will be on this weekend 28 December 2008, InshaALLAH. Of course it's not the nitty gritty things that I am worried about, but I am rallying as many members of our large Tuanku Tambusai's descendants which originated from the "Rumpun Rasah" to attend. The younger generation who are internet savvy can be approached via their e-group in the Facebook, but for the older generation, it's by snail mail of course.

Our recent trip to Riau was an eye-opener in sorts, because we have heard from our fathers or mothers about Tok Ungku and his heroic fights with the Dutch and the missionary zeal which he carried out in various parts of Sumatra in spreading Islam was legendary. So when we heard the accounts from our Tambusai friends in Riau, it just confirmed those stories which were handed down by word of mouth. The welcome which again was unplanned and entirely at the initiative of the Rokan Hulu Dept of Culture and Tourism was a touching one. A group of well dressed schollchildren awaited us and as we arrived, they sang their National Anthem and other songs in our honour and we never expected such a welcome.

Ibu Yurikawati, Ketua Dinas Dep Kebudayaan & Pelancongan in Rokan Hulu is an absolutely wonderful host and thanks for her leadership, as well as Pak Syamsurizal and others. We cannot find the words to express our gratitude for your hospitality and welcome. It's hoped that such cordial relations with BERKAT would continue.

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