Penang Suya Meiyarivagam (PSM) Annual Awareness Programme 2025: COOLING THE BODY NATURALLY
On the 16th of November 2025, Penang Suya Meiyarivagam (PSM) conducted its annual event for parents and volunteers at Sri Balathandayutabani Temple, Penang. The programme was attended by approximately 185 participants.
The day was observed as Self-Achievement Day. As part of the event, an awareness session on energy conservation and energy efficiency was held, with emphasis on lifestyle changes especially eating habits that help cool the body naturally. This practice had been highlighted throughout the year to reduce the use of air conditioners, which in turn lowers electricity consumption. This approach also serves as a small but meaningful step towards addressing climate change.
The concept had already been explained to students during the classes conducted over the past year. Throughout that period, students had learned how to prepare various body cooling foods and drinks such as butterfly pea and hibiscus juices, sarsaparilla root, vetiver root, and cumin seed drinks. These drinks help purify the blood while reducing body heat.
At the event, the students demonstrated to their parents how to prepare a drink made with banana, yoghurt and brown sugar, a nutrient-dense and healthy method of cooling the body naturally. The dessert was later served to the parents for tasting.
Teachers of PSM also explained traditional practices used by our forefathers, such as drinking Neeragaram (fermented rice water) and sesame oil bath, which were effective in reducing body heat. In the past, there were no air conditioners, yet people managed to cope with the heat successfully. However, due to lifestyle changes and fast-food culture, the use of air conditioners has increased significantly.
The teachers pointed out the urgent need to return to some of these healthy practices to cool the body naturally. Parents were encouraged to support the students when they try to apply what they have learned at the centre, as this will also help to reduce electricity consumption.
The teachers then took turns to demonstrate the method of preparing radish salad, which is naturally cooling and also offers several health benefits. Shredded radish was mixed with grated coconut, coriander leaves and small onions. Finally, lime juice was squeezed over the mixture before consumption. This salad not only cools the body but also purifies the blood. Its calcium content helps strengthen the body. The demonstration and explanation were well received by the participants.
Towards the end, the teachers reminded the parents that the main objective of this awareness programme is for students to apply what they have learned at the centre in their own homes, with the cooperation and involvement of the parents. With the parents’ support, these practices can be successfully implemented and sustained.