Exams during Deepavali: A question of fairness and respect
V GANABATIRAU
Every year, Deepavali is celebrated with much anticipation and joy by millions of Malaysians. It is a time for families to reunite, for children to celebrate with their loved ones, and for communities to uphold traditions that have been passed down through generations. Yet, despite the significance of this festival, many of our students are forced to face an unnecessary burden: school and university examinations scheduled before, during, and immediately after Deepavali.
This year, examinations in schools began as early as 6 October or 13 October. In universities, students too are sitting for assessments throughout October. Since Deepavali falls on Monday, 20 October, this means that many students will have exams right up to the week of the festival, with some even resuming just three days after the celebration. Parents and students alike are left asking: why must exams be scheduled during Deepavali? Why can’t they be completed before, or arranged after, this important celebration?
The unfairness becomes clearer when we compare this with other major festivals in our multicultural country. For some celebrations, a full week of holidays is given, allowing families to travel, spend time together, and enjoy their traditions without worry. Yet for Deepavali, holidays are often restricted to just one to three days. This disparity raises a very serious question about equality in how we treat our children across different communities.
It must be stressed that exams are not merely a school routine. They are high-pressure events that demand focus, preparation, and mental stability. When exams are set too close to Deepavali, our students are left torn between the joy of celebrating their culture and the stress of academic performance. Families too are unable to celebrate fully, knowing that their children’s attention must return to revision almost immediately.
This issue is not new. Every year the same problem arises, and every year families face the same frustrations. We must ask ourselves honestly: are we prioritizing fairness and inclusivity in our education system, or are we unintentionally sidelining one community’s cultural and religious needs?
Malaysia prides itself on being a harmonious, multicultural nation. That harmony must be reflected in our schools and universities as well. The Ministry of Education, along with higher education institutions, must seriously reconsider their exam timetables and ensure that Deepavali is given the same respect as other festivals. School and university holidays surrounding Deepavali should be extended to allow at least a week, ensuring that our children are not disadvantaged or forced into a dilemma between their heritage and their studies.
As a nation, we cannot allow our young people to grow up feeling that their celebrations are secondary, or that they must sacrifice their traditions in the name of academic schedules. The time has come for the authorities to act and correct this imbalance. Equality, respect, and inclusivity must be the foundation of our education policies. Our children deserve nothing less.
V GANABATIRAU is Klang MP and Selangor DAP vice chief.