THIS year was the first time I joined in Merdeka Day celebrations at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and I was impressed and motivated by the atmosphere.

The 1Malaysia spirit was evident at the Merdeka Day celebrations at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.

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Everyone, irrespective of age or race, enjoyed themselves. The young children were happy with the toys the parents bought for them while enjoying the hawker food. The crowd was entertained by performances from our local artistes. Everyone joined hands and waved the Jalur Gemilang according to the tempo of the patriotic music.

Everyone was full of energy and the 1Malaysia spirit was evident.

"Merdeka" is pronounced as maharddhika in Sanskrit and means "abundance, prosperity and strength". This is a word of great significance to everyone as independence has enabled us to plan our future on our own terms and allows us to realise our dreams.

Infrastructure considered impossible at one time has taken shape, such as the Penang Bridge, the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Light Rail Transit. All these are very much linked to unity in diversity.

Read more: MERDEKA: Abundance, strength and prosperity it is - Letters to the Editor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/merdeka-abundance-strength-and-prosperity-it-is-1.136213#ixzz2BmJuASJk