By: Nur Ihshana Shaheen Binte Babajahn, Elijah Ortega, Ahmad Raihan Noor Chan, Lee Xin Hui Krislynn
For 26-year-old flautist Vaishnavi Natarajan, Chingay 2022 was a unique experience. For the past few years, she had been part of the backstage crew. This marks the first time she performed on stage.
Although Vaishnavi was the only Indian performer at Soka for Chingay 2022 at People’s Association (PA) Headquarters (HQ) on Jan 15, she had no problem integrating with the other ethnic group contingents as she had been working with them for a long time.
“You get to learn from each other about different cultures and religions,” she said.
Soka’s last rehearsal at the People’s Association (PA) Headquarters (HQ) on Jan 15, 2022. (PHOTO: NUR IHSHANA SHAHEEN BINTE BABAJAHN)
Rehearsal after rehearsal, practice after practice, the Chingay performance by Soka Gakkai Singapore (SGS) finally aired on Feb 12, 2022. In celebration of Chinese New Year, performers worked tirelessly to put up a wonderful display of colour and light.
Being a Buddhist, Miss Vaishnavi also expressed how this experience has strengthened her faith in the religion.
“At the point of agreeing to participate in Chingay, not only did I want to give back to the community, but I also went back to my Buddhist practice, to pray that this platform would allow my life to change,” said Miss Vaishnavi.
26-year-old Miss Vaishnavi was a fluatist for Soka’s 38th participation in Chingay this year. (PHOTO: NUR IHSHANA SHAHEEN BINTE BABAJAHN)
Before even joining Chingay as a participant, Miss Vaishnavi was in and out of jobs, struggling to find a stable source of income due to the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
However, in early December, she received a phone call from a company, offering her a job.
Miss Vaishnavi said: “I accepted it, knowing that my hard work during training, zoom and physical at PA HQ had paid off, but I would say it was more to my faith and prayers in Buddhist practice that got me the job.”
When asked what kept her going, she quoted Japanese Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda: “You have passed through storms and at times you will suffer defeat. The essence of the creative life is to not give up in the face of defeat, but to follow the rainbow that exists within your heart.”
Whenever she felt discouraged and needed motivation, Vaishnavi said that this quote would brighten up her day.
“It is going to be different every year, not everyone will get a chance to be part of Chingay due to personal commitments,” Miss Vaishnavi added on the significance of accepting the opportunity to participate in Chingay.
“If you come across the opportunity, just take it even if you have work commitments or school, you will still be able to be part of it. Even if you skip a few training sessions or rehearsals, you are still part of the actual show and representing the group. And it will all be worth it in the end,” said Miss Vaishnavi.
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