17/10/2025

FRIDAY | OCT 17, 2025

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Modern twist to Indian snack o Deepavali bazaar trader reinvents traditional ‘pani puri’ with infusion of creative flavours

JOHOR BAHRU: For most people, pani puri is an Indian street snack. But for S. Nagarajan, it is much more – a symbol of resilience, creativity and hope in the face of adversity. The 47-year-old entrepreneur, who is differently-abled, has turned his struggles into strength, reinventing the traditional pani puri with a modern touch in the spirit of Deepavali. Despite years of physical challenges, a stroke two years ago that affected the left side of his body and a paralysed right hand since his 30s following an accident, Nagarajan has never given up. Channelling his determination into his business, NSS Gana Pani Puri & Kunafa, he has reinvented the popular snack with creative flavours such as chocolate, cheese, pistachio, yoghurt and even ice cream. “Everyone loves pani puri, not just Indians. That’s why I decided to experiment with modern flavours so that everyone can enjoy it,” he told Bernama when met at the Little India Deepavali Bazaar here recently. His wife K. Tamil Selvi, 48, has been his strongest supporter, preparing the flavoured water and special potato fillings that make their pani puri stand out. Together, the couple has turned their stall into one of the busiest at the bazaar. “I get the puri from Kuala Lumpur, but the real secret lies in the flavoured water and fillings my wife makes. My

Rajendran presenting the gifts to the children during the event. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

children also help out, and I’m proud they’re following in my footsteps,” said the father of four. Each set of eight pani puri sells for between RM12 and RM23, featuring inventive flavours such as cheesy wedges, blueberry, chicken floss and chocolate cheese, all while keeping the essence of the traditional Indian snack alive. Beyond his signature pani puri , Nagarajan also sells kunafa, sambal belacan, sambal petai, murukku and prayer items. He even helps promote the products of other traders. Nagarajan offers pani puri in flavours such as cheesy wedges, blueberry, chicken floss and chocolate cheese. – BERNAMAPIC

Ű P.CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com B40 children get new outfits for Deepavali

sarees and outfits to the children, who beamed with joy as they received their gifts. The event was organised by Persatuan Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Buntong, which helped identify families in need. Its chairman S. Jayagopi expressed gratitude to Rajendran for his generosity and community spirit. Meanwhile, traders in Little India have lamented a quieter festive season this year. “The number of stalls has dropped compared with 2024,” said Little India Traders Association chairman T. Vignes Thillai.

“This is due to earlier sales held at expos and malls, as well as more people shopping online.” He added that shoppers today prefer to avoid the festive rush and parking hassles, choosing instead to buy in air-conditioned venues that also feature celebrity appearances and entertainment. Still, the festive atmosphere remains vibrant. A total of 85 stalls have been set up from Oct 6 to 19, offering traditional clothing, festive cookies, food and decorations. From Oct 14 to 18, visitors would also be treated to daily dance and song performances.

IPOH: The spirit of Deepavali shone brightly at Little India here when a local saree shop stepped forward to bring joy to 15 children from B40 families by presenting them with new festive attire on Oct 8. For the past 18 years, Priyanka Saree Centre has carried out this initiative, ensuring that children from underprivileged backgrounds get to experience the happiness of wearing new clothes for the Festival of Lights. Its proprietor S. Rajendran personally presented the colourful