The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road, Ramakrishna Mission at Bartley Road and Singapore Indian Association at Balestier Road share a link with one man. His life story is a tale of rags to riches. This is the story of P. Govindasamy Pillai.
Born in 1887, Pillai came from a village in Tamil Nadu, India. When he was in his teens, Pillai ran away from home and made his way to Singapore, hoping to earn more money. He arrived in Tanjong Pagar in 1905, with just his clothes and 13 rupees.
Surviving in Singapore was not easy for young Pillai. After searching everywhere for work, he finally managed to find a job at a provision store in Serangoon Road. Working conditions were bad but during this time, Pillai learnt how to manage a business.
In 1920, Pillai started his own business. He did not have enough money and he borrowed from moneylenders to start his own enterprise. Slowly, but surely, he built up his business.
When World War 2 broke out, he lost everything he had worked so hard for. After the war, he started afresh by dealing with spices and textiles. Subsequently, with help from his three sons, business thrived again.
Pillai’s love for Singapore can be seen from his actions during the war and after. When war broke out, Pillai rallied support from the South Indian community in Singapore to help with the war efforts. His efforts were recognized in 1939, when he was made Justice of the Peace in recognition of his contributions. In addition, Pillai also strongly advocated that Indians who came to work in Singapore make Singapore their homeland. It is evident that Pillai had a tremendous sense of belonging to Singapore and was willing to contribute to make Singapore a better place to stay for everyone.
Pillai made sure he had the ability to feed his family and educate his children. A frugal man, he lived life simply and did not spend money gratuitously. But when it came to giving to charities, Pillai was generous. Pillai’s son, Ramachandran, recalled what Pillai said about giving money to charities: ”It is better to save and give it for a good cause then to be a spendthrift and spending it on oneself”.
One of Pillai’s contributions was his role in setting up Ramakrishna Mission in Singapore. The Ramakrishna Mission is part of the Ramakrishna movement, which aims to help remove the sufferings of the people. In Singapore, the Mission’s activities revolve around charitable works, education and dissemination of spiritual ideas.
Pillai donated money and land to help construct the Mission’s current building in Bartley Road. He also contributed to the construction of the temple and the library within the building complex. His contributions were invaluable because, through the Mission, many charitable works were carried out. For example, during the war, the Mission helped to give shelter, food, water and medical attention.
At times, he would personally head down to events held by the Mission to help the unfortunate. For example, in 1952, Pillai personally went to Ramakrishna Mission for the opening of the new temple and distributed free drinks, cakes and sweetmeats to the children there. In 1953, Pillai, together with members of the Ramakrishna Mission, went to a home in Yio Chu Kang to distribute gifts to the patients. Today, Ramakrishna Mission remains committed to helping those in need. Its success is partly due to Pillai’s contribution.
Pillai’s was also involved with the Singapore Indian Association. He gave money to the association. In 1951 – 1952, the Association planned to create a fund to help people who were jobless due to sickness or old age. Pillai was part of the small committee that oversaw the collection of funds to build a hospice for these people under the supervision of the Singapore Indian Association.
Pillai was generous to other races and gave to different communities. For example, he donated a room in the Mount Alvernia Hospital.
Pillai came to Singapore with nothing, but before he passed away at the age of 93 in 1980, he left a legacy of generosity and love for his country.
By Ng Jian Cheng
