Social media is abuzz with the story of a simple school security guard being showered with so much love and gifts from students and teachers during his farewell last week. The ceremony was even larger than those given to teachers and staff at times.

The clip has been viewed more than 2.1 million times across all social media platforms and has earned more than 200,000 likes. The comments by netizens are even more heartwarming, giving much hope that the double speak of some politicians does not reflect the actual racial unity on the ground.

What was different in this farewell ceremony was that the security guard, whom Malaysians generally refer to as “Pak Guard,” was an Indian with a dark complexion, while the teachers and students of SK Bandar Baru Putera in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak were mostly Malay.

Pardon me for the colour emphasis here but the reality is Malaysians tend to be colour conscious. Derogatory terms often associated with the dark complexion are freely used on social media against Indians.

But the viral clip told a completely different story. The schoolchildren were seen running up to K Kittu, or Uncle Kittu as he is fondly called, and hugging him tightly. They even cheered for him, shouting endearing slogans. And on the stage, a large number of hampers and gifts were lined up for him.

For Malaysians who love and cherish interracial harmony and the Malaysian spirit, this clip would have surely given them goosebumps all over. To some, like me, it could have also brought tears to their eyes.

When a school such as this treats Uncle Kittu in this manner, and showers him with so much gifts and love, it not only breaks racial and religious barriers but also sends a message to all Malaysians that every job should be respected even if they are “3D” jobs — dirty, dangerous and difficult.

Malaysians tend to look upon such jobs as lowly and demeaning, a false notion which children pick up, as society gives respect and importance to only higher-level white-collar workers with big salaries.

I have not seen or heard of any organisation showing so much gratitude to security guards, who come and leave very quietly mainly because the employers give very little regard for the profession.

I am sure among those who hugged him so sincerely were children of parents who are from the higher strata of society. This shows that parental upbringing can help break racial and class biases that plague Malaysia.

The students and teachers of SK Bandar Baru Putra have shown that these false notions can be “untaught” in schools if the authorities put their hearts and souls into it. Surely it could not have been an overnight learning experience for the young minds. They must have seen Uncle Kittu being treated in this manner for years.

Many of them will grow up learning that Malaysia is a nation for all races. However, this is only one side of the whole lesson.

On the other hand, Uncle Kittu himself must have earned this huge respect for the teachers and students to have reciprocated in this manner when he was leaving. Based on comments from the school teachers and parents, he had been an exemplary worker who is not blinded by matters of race or religion. One even said he treats all the children as his own.

There was even a call from some for the authorities to cancel his transfer and bring him back. A staff member told me that when it rains, which is often these days, Uncle Kittu will ensure the children do not get wet even if he has to, by being “an umbrella” for them.

So, you see, he did not win praises on a silver platter or by flashing his riches or power, as many do. His simple act of being just a caring, conscientious, honest and colour-blind worker earned him the accolades.

As much as Malaysians generally think that interracial unity and respect has fallen to an all-time low, very rare episodes like this help lift the doom and gloom spread by politicians.

It’s people like Uncle Kittu and the staff and students of SK Bandar Baru Putra who give us a ray of hope that such pessimism can be turned around with honesty, sincerity, passion and respect.

I believe that many politicians and bigots should take a cue from this refreshing episode for a better and united Malaysia. What the young ones displayed was the spirit of being a true Malaysian.

The education ministry, on its part, should give the school a special commendation and make it an exemplary school for others to emulate.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.