As Singapore gears up for Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, one heartwarming gesture has captured the attention of social media users across the country.
A local claypot restaurant, @haeclaypotsg, posted a social experiment-style video on TikTok that showcased the true spirit of the season — generosity and compassion.
Kindness in the Spirit of Deepavali
The video features a Singaporean man approaching a foreign Indian worker on the street, asking for $1 to get home, only to surprise the worker with a prawn noodle meal and a $100 note in return.
The worker, seen sitting on grass in the video, shared he hadn’t been home to India in two years, missing his wife and children.
The touching exchange resonated with many viewers, illustrating the importance of kindness during Deepavali.
Viewer Responses
Well wishes and prayers for the act of kindness flooded the comments section of the TikTok.
Foreign workers like the man in the video also left comments on the post.
Many hoped for the well-being of foreign workers.
One user suggested the worker be given a trip to India, prompting an affirmative response from the page.
The Hidden Struggles of Foreign Workers
For many foreign workers in Singapore, going home to visit their families is a luxury they often cannot afford. Long working hours, tight budgets, and high living costs prevent them from returning to their home countries for extended periods. In this case, the worker revealed he had not seen his family in two years due to these constraints.
Foreign workers play an integral role in Singapore’s economy, particularly in construction, shipyard work, and domestic labor. However, the financial burden of supporting families back home, combined with the costs of living in Singapore, often makes it difficult for them to take time off to travel. As a result, many workers endure years of separation from their loved ones.
Showing Kindness to Workers in Singapore
The generous act in the TikTok video serves as a reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a significant impact on the lives of foreign workers. As the man in the video handed over the $100 note, he simply said, ‘I just want to help,’ embodying the spirit of Deepavali, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, and kindness over adversity.
The post underlines how Singaporeans can show gratitude to foreign workers, especially during festive seasons like Deepavali. The restaurant’s video is not just a feel-good moment, but also a call to action for others to show empathy and generosity towards those who often work in the background to build and sustain the nation.
As the video continues to spread, it is clear that the true spirit of Deepavali is not just in the celebration, but in the kindness we show to others.
Watch the full video here:
@haeclaypotsg Kindness goes a long way 🧡 To celebrate & welcome the upcoming Deepavali, we have something a little special for you! 🪔 Simply, say “Hae! Happy Deepavali” to our staff at the counter on 31st October 2024 & enjoy: 1. 1x Complimentary Steamboat Side Dish of Your Choice 2. Hae! Cash Voucher Wait, it gets better — No minimum spend is required to receive these special gifts ✨ So mark the date & see ya! 👋🏼 — Hae! @ Bedok [Lunch & Dinner] 📍 | 3014 Bedok Industrial Park E, 489980 🧡 | Opens Daily: 12PM to 10PM (Last Order: 9.30PM) Hae! @ Paya Lebar [Dinner & Supper] 📍 | 29 Eunos Avenue 6, 409619 🧡 | Opens Daily: 5PM to 3AM (Last Order: 2.30AM) 🔸 | Walk-in only 🔥 | Ample Parking Spaces . . . . . #deepavali #diwalispecial #sayhae #bedok #payalebar #eastsg #haeclaypotsg #exploresingapore #prawnclaypot #sgfoodie #wheretosg #foodlover #eatbook #sgfood #sgfoodporn #foodsg #singaporeinsiders #sgfoodies #instasg #foodiesg #foodpornsg #instafood #instasg #SETHEATS
♬ original sound – Hae! Prawn Claypot SG – Hae! Prawn Claypot SG
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