KUALA LUMPUR: It was an unusual sight as eight women, looking glamorous in colourful, flowing sarees, pounded the asphalt at Damansara Heights last Friday evening to the surprise of onlookers.
The women in their mid-40s and 50s, the oldest in her 60s, were not late for a wedding but were taking part in a 5km saree run for charity.
With 58 safety pins in total keeping their traditional Indian six-yards in place, they shattered the norms on age and attire in endurance running.
The run, thought to be the first in Malaysia, spoke volumes of women breaking common misconceptions and upholding culture.
By breaking stereotypes, the women raised more than RM17,000 for a local Ceylonese welfare body, Perma, that assists the elderly, underprivileged and physically challenged.
Among the runners were the Vijayanathan sisters, radiologist Dr Anushya, 53, and accountant Sasha, 46, who wore their mother’s sarees in memory of her 10th death anniversary on Nov 29.
The daughters of ‘Mr Hockey’ G Vijayanathan were also continuing the charitable work of their mother, Rajaletchmy, who had been part of Perma.
Anushya said, “My mum did charity in a big way and it was a priceless experience for Sasha and me to do our part while wearing her saree.”
Sasha said the saree run was mooted by Dr Bharathi Vengadasalam and Rupa Sivanoli as a way to support Perma.
The small number of participants was due to lockdown restrictions, she added.
Family members, including Vijayananthan, husbands and children of the runners rode along with them in cars, cheering them as they finished the run in just over an hour.
“It was a lovely feeling to have done this first saree run for a good cause with a bunch of such inspirational ladies,” Sasha said, hoping it will become an annual affair.
Vijayanathan, who was an internationally respected hockey umpire and honorary secretary of the then Malaysian Hockey Federation from 1959 to 1985, said, “I am proud of all the women who took part in the run. By wearing their mother’s sarees, my daughters brought back fond memories of their mother.”