Om Nama Shivaya
May Your Soul Rest in Peace

We Extend our Heartfelt Gratitude and Respect

It was the year 1998. At that time, we knew Mrs. Komathi Ramadass as a sprightly, prominent woman in Penang for her close association with Penang Hindu Sangham and the numerous social activities she was vigorously involved in. Once in a while, we bumped into her during her weekly Penang Vinayagar Temple visit. We passed by with a casual smile and nod.

At that time, we were, in our own small way, doing our bit for society. People with the same good intention when crossing paths, somehow give birth to some noble things. That was how our meeting with Mrs. Ramadass turned out to be. She shared with us her wealth of experience and all her ideas for serving society. She went on about how the younger Hindu generation lacked religious knowledge and persuaded us to join the Hindu religious class that she had planned to start at Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Penang.

At that moment, we realised Mrs. Ramadass was not the kind that would give up on what she had set her mind on. Soon we were into the task, all because we realised she would not let us decide otherwise. Leaflets were distributed at Mount Erskine and other nearby places. Together with Mrs. Ramadass, we went from house to house, explaining the need for a religious class and encouraging the children to join one. A woman of that age, plunging into action with all her childlike curiosity and vivacity, was our first lesson in how to approach anything in life.

Our very first religious class started in the same year (1998) with around 20 students, and by the year 2000, it swelled to 100 students. The class, which was started under the banner of Penang Hindu Sangam, was later transformed into an independent religious organisation called Penang Suya Meiyarivagam, with a lot more children, teachers, and volunteers pitching in and progressing together.

Mrs. Ramadass’ past record of being an exemplary teacher, her ability to convince and commit people to a task was inimitable. She continuously talked to the parents that came to drop off their children at the class and convinced them of the need to understand the Hindu religion the right way. Her amicable and tactful approach, her respect for a fellow human being, and her ability to crack a conversation with ease with anyone, all led to the positive progress of the class. Eventually, more people joined as teachers, which enabled us to divide the class by age group and run it more systematically and successfully.

Throughout her life, she distributed thousands of books to students and teachers, encouraging them to read, because she firmly believed education was the only way to the upliftment of our society.

At a time when friends of her age decided to rest and relax, Mrs. Ramadass resolved to channel her remaining energy into teaching and counselling the children. She continuously ran tuition classes for underprivileged children and coached with patience those children that had difficulty learning. Her weekly trip from Penang to Bagan Serai to teach the children there was a feat considering her age. She did so until her mid-eighties, and displayed the same zest in all her endeavours.

Towards the end of her life, she was composed and expressed her satisfaction with us for living a meaningful and fulfilling life within her family and society.

Dear Aunty, teacher and well-wisher!

Your perseverance, your words of encouragement, and your vivacity and positivity are deeply etched in our hearts and memories. We cherish all those happy moments when we worked together for a common cause. We will hold on to the noble values you espoused for the advancement of the society that you cared for to the end of your life.

Om Nama Shivaya!

Teachers and Students
PENANG SUYA MEIYARIVAGAM
9, Cangkat Delima 3, Taman Island Glades,
11700 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia