SreeNarayana_Newsletter_139069_V2
As part of the Tamil Language Festival 2025 celebrations, the Singapore Chapter of the Jamal Mohamed College Alumni Association organised a literary lecture titled “Tamil is the Milk of Our Youth!”
The event took place on Sunday, 20 April at 6.00pm at the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, with the support of the Valar Tamil Movement.
Approximately 300 people—including community leaders, Tamil activists, parents, students, and members of the association—participated in the event.
This year’s programme was specially curated to spark interest in the Tamil language among youth, with a focus on the festival’s central theme of “Youth.”
“Youth is a season that can be described as happiness, future, spring, and excitement. We planned this event to show that our mother tongue, Tamil, also embodies the essence of youth,” said Dr M. A. Kader, President of the association.
He added, “We wanted to attract the youth of this country, instil pride in the Tamil language, and encourage their participation in such cultural celebrations.”
During the event, the association announced that it would celebrate its 15th anniversary later this year.
Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, former Nominated Member of Parliament, attended as the special guest. Emphasising the importance of preserving the mother tongue, he praised the educational and social welfare initiatives of the Jamal Mohamed College Alumni Association (Singapore Chapter), which has organised 144 programmes over the past 15 years.
The event featured a student segment titled “Tamil and Youth”, with participants Ishaq Ibrahim, Amina Junaira, and Srinidhi Rengaprasad. Parents such as Mr G. Rengaprasad and Mrs Saradhamani also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the family’s role in sustaining the language.
A highlight of the programme was the musical performance of “Amude Tamile!” by renowned musician and singer Parasu Kalyan, accompanied by his students—Shruti Karthik, Sai Katyayani, Parasuraman Shai Siddhanth, Parasuraman Shai Vedhanth, Vyasan Venkatesh, Ishaan Karthik, and Akkshara Karthik.
Senior journalist Muhammad Ali delivered a short talk titled “Tamil is Not a Subject”, in which he emphasised that Tamil is not merely an academic subject, but a way of life and a core aspect of identity.
Mr S. Devendran, Chief Executive Officer of Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore), was honoured with the Jamalian Award for his four decades of community service across various organisations, including the Singapore Armed Forces.
In addition, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Abdul Rahman, a student of Yishun Town Secondary School, in recognition of his excellent performance in the GCE ‘O’ Level examinations.
The event concluded with a special address by veteran Tamil teacher and poet Joe Arul Prakash, known for his appearances on Vijay TV.
“The desire to develop the Tamil language does not need to be sought externally—it lies within us,” he said.
“Just as a brass vessel gleams when polished with tamarind, we must uncover and express the pride and love for Tamil that resides within our hearts.”
He concluded by affirming that Tamil, a language that guides human life, comforts the weary, inspires households, and conveys values suited for all ages, will continue to thrive for generations to come.
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We have been made to believe that we need to be slim to be considered “healthy”. When we start an exercise routine, the results are measured based on numbers that appear on a scale, whether our clothes fit better, and when someone says “Hey! You’ve lost weight!”.
However, we are not defined by numbers on a scale or the size label on our clothes. In Ayurveda, we are seen as physical beings that are powered by Prana – the lifeforce of the Universe. Whatever is created by the Universe, is reflected and manifested in our body, mind, senses, and actions.
Ayurveda teaches us how to live a life that is filled with positive energy, presence, love, respect for nature, giving back to the community, and gratitude. This 5,000 year old system of medicine focuses on preventive care first before looking into treatment. It teaches us that we have the power to make mindful choices that can either keep us healthy and vibrant, or be susceptible to early onset disease.
To be perfectly honest, we are all susceptible to illness, disease, decay and death. It is the way of Nature. We are governed by Creation, Preservation and Destruction; the 3 laws and forces of Nature. How long we live, how well we live, is entirely in our hands and in the hands of those who care for us and vice versa. This comes down to learning about what foods are suitable for our body types based on our lifestyles, pace of life, country, and how well we sleep.
The 3 Pillars of Health in Ayurveda are Food, Sleep and Lifestyle. Food is something we need to give us energy to perform our roles in life with vigor and enthusiasm. Sleep is essential to rest our mind and body to prevent us from falling sick. Lifestyle allows us to choose how we want to participate in society, stay active, creative and curious. Any imbalance in these 3 pillars will result in us having digestive issues, low energy and bad sleep.
Here are some humble tips that can help us live a life that is simple, vibrant and joyful: Start your day with warm water on an empty stomach to wake up your digestive fire, stretch your body for 10 minutes, go for a 10 minute walk under the morning sun, take lukewarm showers, enjoy simple meals that are freshly cooked with local vegetables, meet your friends regularly to socialize, do your work with gratitude, spend a few minutes in silent prayer or meditation, let lunch be your biggest meal of the day, and keep things simple.
About the Author
Parnella is an Ayurveda Therapist, Trainer and Yoga Educator at Union Yoga Ayur veda. She provides therapeutic services to patients from all walks of life and facilitates Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy Foundation classes to sincere and curious students. She truly believes that Ayurveda and Yoga are for everyone. Whatever your species, race, age, occupation – there is something for everyone because these sciences are gifts to us from the Universe. It is through sincere studying, curiosity and unwavering faith that we can live a life that is present, mindful and joyful no matter the circumstance.
My old friend David and I have known each other since 1975, and met on a kibbutz by the Sea of Galilee when we worked as volunteers. Both now married and somewhat decrepit with grown-up kids, we have often escaped domestic life over the years to roam the mountains and valleys of Himachal Pradesh together, an area of India we both know and love.
Our latest sojourn was in April this year. We rendezvoused at Delhi domestic airport (he now lives in Australia, and I in Singapore) where a turboprop flight took us to Bhuntar. We then took a taxi to Tosh at the upper end of Parvati valley, driving through Kasol and Manikaram as we ascended to 10,000 feet. Our guesthouse boasted an uninterrupted view of the snow-capped ranges across the valley, almost unreal in their transcendental beauty.
We used this as a base for a week to acclimatise, hiking the valley past pristine waterfalls in the cedar forests, and further up into the snow line where only Gurjar shepherds and the occasional lone bear or leopard dared venture. The town of Tosh itself has sprung up over old terraced fields where vegetables and fruits once thrived. The local population has largely succumbed to tourism during the past thirty years, with Tosh becoming a refuge for young Israelis escaping the stresses of home, the bass notes of trance music reverberating across the valleys deep into the night.
We took several hikes to the snow line but our advancing age soon took its toll. Gone were the days of scrambling over 16,000 ft passes in blizzards, and camping on cold hard rock. We congratulated ourselves on making the decision to take day hikes from a central base, to which you could return in the evening to a hot bath and a rejuvenating meal of dal, chapatti, rice and sabzi, the hiker’s standard fare. By 9 pm the cold set in and we would retreat to the cocoons of our cosy sleeping bags.
We met several interesting foreigners living in those foothills, escapees from the western world. But we decided that the Parvati valley no longer held the same mystique as it had a generation before, so we moved on to Chamba by bus, and after a comfortable night in the only good hotel in town, took a jeep to Tissa at the head of the valley. We found a friendly guest house with an excellent cook, and made our base there for ten days, hiking high up the valley slopes on both sides.
The lower slopes are intricately terraced, and farmers grew fruit and vegetables in the fecund black earth. The area is known for its apple orchards where several international strains are cultivated. We met an amiable horticulturalist who outlined the production process in detail, and who then invited us home for lunch.
This generosity is typical of the people in this area. A group of young men whom we first took for scallywags followed us for a while then shyly introduced themselves. They were all undergraduates at an agricultural university, home for a long weekend, and spoke fluent English. (David speaks appalling Hindi, and I, none at all). What was so refreshing about them was their obvious love of the countryside and rural tradition in that part of HP. They vowed to return to cultivate the land after graduation and to continue and improve the sustainable farming methods used by their forefathers. However, one of them had a different ambition; to join the police force. Apparently, this part of HP has a very low crime rate and it would be an easy job!
Tissa is well away from the tourist routes. We encountered no foreigners during the entire time we were there and the locals were open and generous. Indian tourists from the plains generally only venture as far as the large town of Chamba to witness the local festivals. Tissa area, a secret paradise, is a step too far for most. The access road is a nightmare, with dangerous landslides, strewn with crushed cars and trucks.
Logging in the Tissa area appears to be under control, and we hiked high through dense cedar and pine forests and higher into the snow. Though exhausting at times, the effort was always amply rewarded when we would find a place to sit in cool shade and look across the valleys toward the majestic mountains beyond, all the way to Kashmir, and to marvel at God’s creation.
My journey began in the 1960s in Singapore, born to parents who had emigrated from Kerala in search of a better future. Despite our modest means, my parents, both government civil servants, instilled in my sisters and me the importance of social work, teaching us to be grateful for what we had and to help those less fortunate. This upbringing profoundly shaped my worldview and commitment to service.
With this foundation and influenced by the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru and later the Baha’i Faith, I pursued graduate studies in Geneva, aiming to work for the United Nations. As an intern and staff member at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 1986 and later at INTELSAT in Washington, D.C., I focused on ensuring affordable communication services for rural areas. This work revealed the stark digital divide and ignited my passion for creating business models that could do well socially while being financially viable.
In 1997, I founded an e-learning company to bring education to developing countries, working with corporations like Cisco to subsidize services for Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Though we did not yet use the term, we functioned as a social enterprise. This venture attracted media attention and underscored the potential of cross-subsidization in bridging educational gaps.
Inspired by pioneers like Grameen Phone and SELCO, I saw the potential of social enterprises in transforming rural economies. After selling my e-learning business, I aimed to establish a fund to replicate successful social enterprise models, focusing mainly on women entrepreneurs who often faced significant barriers to funding. However, the 2008 global financial crisis delayed these plans.
During this period, I worked for an internet social enterprise and later moved to Indonesia to run an Innovation Investment fund for a conglomerate. Here, I introduced aspects of CSR and initiated small-scale projects to help women, but I craved a more sustainable impact. Through UnLtd Indonesia and Ashoka, I deepened my understanding of social entrepreneurship and systems change, realizing that sustainable impact requires altering ineffective systems.
My pivotal moment came when I met Dinny Jusuf, founder of Toraja Melo, a social enterprise empowering indigenous women weavers. Her success confirmed my belief in the power of women-led social enterprises in poverty alleviation. Inspired by such stories, I recognized the need for a dedicated platform to support these entrepreneurs.
Thus, Angels of Impact was born. We aim to support women-led social enterprises that create sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. We aim to empower these enterprises to scale their impact and drive systemic change by providing funding, mentorship, and market access. Over the past eight years, the organization has steadfastly adhered to these principles, supporting 35 women-led social enterprises and impacting over 62,000 lives. You can learn more about our work at www.angelsofimpact.com.
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences that led me to this point. From my early days in Singapore to my work with global organizations and social enterprises, each step has reinforced my commitment to creating a world where business and social good go hand in hand. Angels of Impact is the realization of this vision, and I am excited to continue this journey of empowering women and transforming communities.
I am 70 years old, and I have never known a time when I have not been in love with God.
Blessed to be born into a God-loving and God-fearing family, I have, over time, grown to lose myself totally in God’s love with fear cast aside. My parents and my siblings somehow always treated me special thereby inspiring me to do good and to be aware of goodness.
To me, this special relationship with God came about as I believed I was my Mum’s favourite child amongst her eight children who she declared she loves all equally even now at 94. But I have always felt that secretly I am her pet and dared her to publicly deny it. And she did several times even at our last new year party as to her all of us eight children were equal claimants to her love. Yet I knew. Such
was my affair with God too despite the Gita declaring that God does not play favourites and that we are only punished by our own actions. Yet there is something more.
So life, to me, was a joy parade, filled later by my wife, daughter and son and my stream of godsons, nieces and nephews, and great best friends too. Of course, there were some strict parade wardens and water bombers along the way but they sharpened the joy.
Feeling the Love
Walking in the Grace of God and knowing that God just loves me has been one of the most fun parts of my life. I do not know how I learnt or how I knew the secret of God’s love but it has always been my strength and source of joy in life. I have had people marvel at my easy life or even put me down saying you act like as though you are the only one God loves. To me God’s love is expansive and just not static. There is goodness all around the world and enough for everyone. God’s love is just unlimited and so so real.
When young, I was so dependent on God for everything that I used to envy free thinkers and atheists feeling that they were so strong to be able to live on their own without wanting or needing God. But as I grew up and saw the amazing things happening around me, I felt instinctively so loved and so well looked after. In my later days as I started reading the scriptures, I began to understand that this was the reality of life when a concept of something you cannot see becomes so powerful within you that you start to experience and actually feel His presence, love, care and support within you as a reality.
The Connection
I understand the exclusivity of Christianity and Islam of an exclusive God. I do not see as belittling the other religions – the approach to God as the establishment of the one and only way to Him. The reality is that if one does not believe in God, He really cannot reach out to you to give you that Peace of Mind. How can you experience Christ’s Love if you do not believe in him? You must have faith in God whether you call Him/Her Allah, Shiva, Ram, or Buddha or Christ.
Just Be Ready
So, this is my simple message: to let God help you, you must whole-heartedly admit him into your personal life and accept him as a reality in your life. No need for big or small sacrifices or severe penance. He is not looking for perfection. Just the simplicity of heart that wants to be loved and is ready to be so loved. Just plug into the wonder to see his Glory in everything surrounding you. Again, my mother is the perfect example of such positivity: she has the sweetness of heart to forgive even the people who hurt her without bitterness. She saw good in everyone and everything everywhere without judging anyone. So being close to her, I picked up some of these tips which many saw as a weakness or being so desperate to be loved. But to me, it was the easiest route in life to see the love that
everyone has for you. The more you believe the more it happens. Hence, they say: “Blessed are you to see God in everything that happens to you. You need ask for nothing.”
Happiness is just yours – all yours for the taking. And unashamedly just celebrate the joy of being happy for yourself as well for others (more for the latter the better). As Sadhguru says, if you have not wet your face with tears of joy, you have never lived well (paraphrased).
The Reality Check
Do not go away thinking I have led a very quiet and sheltered life. With Shiva in my life, I have faced many battles too: being harassed at a five-star hotel in London; robbed in Central Park in New York; nicked in Belgrade in the 80s; or even abused by the police in Buenos Aires or having mobiles pinched in several cities, even a laptop stolen in Colombo; or drugged in Bangkok; abused by bad people several times; and having my share of holiday disasters and mountain/lake accidents and losing several beloved friends and family including my Father too. But even in the darkest despair, my knee jerk response was just: “Om Namashivaya” and I always found my way home with my smiles and faith intact, ready for the next challenge. There still are some people who fear being near me, thinking I am a calamity Joe with all these freakish accidents striking me.
In my career, be i t as a diplomat or journalist or businessman, when things seemed just beyond me, the Universe has stepped in to shape things up for me. As I look back, I can say with certainty that there are so many things I never could have consciously done and yet I have done them by that unseen hand of God making things fall into place. All I did was to make sure my team and I put in our very best efforts. The rest was just divine help that comes pouring in.
I enjoy the oneness of God everywhere even in the holiest of sites be it, Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Jeddah (I could not go Mecca being non-Muslim), St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican or Kailash in Tibet, Kasi or Rameshwaram in India or just in the smiles of people walking on the streets on workdays.
So convinced am I by God’s very presence in my life, that I often warn my enemies or those seeking to harm me, that though I can take it, Shiva will not be able to accept this and will come to punish them. In my time I have seen them getting their come-uppance, not that I ever pray for revenge.
I have joyfully seen some of my joy rub off on my mates too. There were many times when my mates paid good money to bribe me to pray for them or ask my Mum to make special offerings in their names at the temple though Hindus they were not. But joy is infectious. It passes on.
A Good Life
As for me, Life is just too good not to enjoy walking in the strength of loving God and knowing that God loves you. Being a Hindu with the unmanifested God represented in numerous forms to suit your preferences, I adore every faith and embrace every belief with joy. Surely goodness will follow you everywhere with God beside you, making where you are the happiest place ever. I am 70, not a wide-eyed child. But the love of God makes me a child forever. God’s child forever.
About the author
Lifelong Hindu, he enjoyed dabbling in law, diplomacy, journalism and publishing which all brought him back to Sanskrit, religion, Shiva and Ram and the need to see God in everyone. Still trying.
Mark Twain, American writer, once famously remarked, “Laughter is the Greatest Weapon We Have and We, As Humans, Use It the Least.” This notion resonates deeply with many, suggesting that laughter possesses a transformative power often overlooked in our daily lives.
Most people enjoy a laugh now and then and some have suggested that laughter is the best medicine. On many occasions, doctors would ask the family to always keep the patient happy so that they would recover quickly. The mind and body are wired; a healthy mind promotes a healthy body.
Laughter is sometimes seen as contagious as one person’s laughter can trigger this emotion in others to create a human-to-human connection. It is not just limited to communicating humour, but it also facilitates bonding across large groups of people in a community.
Having said this, at times, it is essential to acknowledge that laughter, while typically a force for good, can also wield negative repercussions, sometimes inadvertently causing discomfort or embarrassment within social settings.
Humour itself is also deeply embedded in cultural contexts, with each community having its own unique comic sensibilities. They may have their own jokes which may not be understood by others. It is therefore important to know the difference between laughing at oneself, laughing at others and laughing with others. Some people have achieved fame and fortune by making people laugh.
A Greek philosopher, Aristotle once rightfully said, “Laughter is a Bodily Exercise, Precious to Health.” Its effects on both mind and body are manifold, serving as a catalyst for positive change. With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for overcoming problems, enhancing relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.
So, what are the physical, mental, and social benefits of laughter?
- It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy
physical and emotional changes in the body. - Laughter strengthens the immune system, boost moods,
diminises pain and protects one from the damaging
effects of stress. - Nothing works better or faster than to bring the mind and
body back into balance than a good laugh. - Humour lightens the burdens, inspires hope, connects one
to others, and keeps them grounded, focused and alert. - It releases anger and foster the ability to forgive sooner
this strengthening relationships, bonding, teamworking,
while defusing conflict.
In a world often fraught with adversity and strife, laughter emerges as a vital coping mechanism. It offers a reprieve from life’s hardships, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit. Embracing laughter is not merely a luxury but a necessity—a means of navigating the complexities of existence with grace and humour. As we navigate the intricacies of daily life, let us not underestimate the power of laughter. In seeking moments of frivolity and joy, we cultivate a mindset of resilience and gratitude, enriching our lives and those around us in profound ways.
The clock ticks past 2 a.m. The city sleeps, but in one home, the quiet is broken by a wracking cough. Madam Lim gently holds her husband, his frail body struggling for breath. It’s a scene playing out in countless households across Singapore, where a rapidly aging population faces the realities of life-limiting illnesses.
“I’m failing him,” Madam Lim whispers, her own tears mingling with his. It’s a feeling of desperate loneliness, shared by many caregivers who navigate the complexities of end-of-life care alone.
The Challenge of Caregiving in a Cosmopolitan City
Singapore boasts world-class medical facilities, yet a critical gap exists in supporting patients and their caregivers outside of hospital walls. Research shows 95% of a patient’s journey happens at home, where emotional, spiritual, and social well-being (psychosocial support) become paramount.
A recent study revealed that over half of caregivers feel stressed “all the time,” and many report mental health struggles. Without community-based care, they face immense challenges:
• Inadequate Care: Managing pain, anxiety, and emotional needs at home is overwhelming without proper guidance.
• Isolation for All: Patients, caregivers, and even family members suffer from loneliness and fear.
[Mental Health Study of Caregivers: Source: Caregivers Alliance Limited and Milieu, 2022 with 1000 sample size]
A Compassionate Solution
Kampong Palliative Care empowers caregivers and builds community readiness with a two-pronged approach:
1. Virtual Engagement: Provides bite-sized learning resources, a supportive online community, and access to expert advice, ensuring that no one feels alone on this journey.
2. Face-to-Face Engagement: Offers culturally sensitive training, legacy cafes for sharing experiences, and outreach to raise awareness about end-of-life care.
Ripples of Support
Kampong Palliative Care benefits not only caregivers but also:
• Individuals facing Life-Limiting Illnesses: Empowering them to participate in their own care and find comfort in their final journey.
• Kampong Dwellers (e.g., neighbours, colleagues, friends, extended family members etc): Equipping them to offer compassionate support and build a more connected community.
A Conversation That Matters Imagine Madam Lim sharing her struggles with her neighbour, Mrs. Ravi, who’s been trained in Kampong Palliative Care. Mrs. Ravi doesn’t just offer condolences; she actively listens, validates Madam Lim’s feelings, and connects her to vital resources. This is the power of a prepared community.
Transforming Lives
Kampong Palliative Care will redefine end-of-life experiences in Singapore. By addressing the often-overlooked psychosocial needs and fostering a culture of compassionate preparedness, we ensure that no one faces this journey alone. Empowered caregivers. Reduced isolation. Stronger communities. This is the future of care in Singapore.
This article is written by Dr. Swapna Dayanandan (PhD, Gerontology) Consortium Founder (Kampong Palliative Care), in partnership with the Singapore University of Social Sciences and supported by Ngee Ann Kongsi.
SREE NARAYANA MISSION HOME: A PLEA FOR DONATIONS
In the realm of sky so high,
Where thoughts and dreams freely fly,
A call to hearts, I hereby imply,
For Narayana Guru, let your kindness amplify.
Generosity blooms, do not be shy,
Extend a helping hand, oh my,
Your donation’s grace won’t ever die,
Igniting hope, like stars in the sky.
Predictable plea, a necessary sigh,
Yet your benevolence we rely,
With open hearts, we can’t deny,
Together we soar, you and I.
For the Guru’s cause, let compassion signify,
Your gift, a beacon, let it signify,
With deep gratitude, we gratify,
A heartfelt THANK YOU, reaching the sky.
By R Asokan
A QUESTION OF FAITH!
A VERY SHORT STORY (IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND)
G.P.Sasidharan
As soon as Jerry Lim walked through the gates of Heaven, the first person he wanted to meet was God himself. Not far from the Pearly Gates, he met an angel, who welcomed him warmly. Jerry thanked the angel but gratitude was furthest from his mind.
“I need to speak to God!” he began urgently. “I need to know why I’ve been brought here so early. Couldn’t HE have waited a decade or two? I have a wife and two young children. God has not been fair to me. Why? Why?”
The angel put a calming hand on his shoulder and said, “God works in mysterious ways. He gives no reason as to how and beckons people here.”
“I understand. But why me? My wife is a homemaker. My children are still in school. They need a father. They need my love and support. And I’m certain that you’re aware of the manner in which I was brought here.”
The angel smiled and replied, “I understand your concerns Mr Lim. Come walk with me and I’ll show you some of the people in Heaven and how they have arrived here.” Jerry nodded and went along.
As they walked, the angel pointed to a smiling, young lady and said, “That is Fang Mingzhu. Doesn’t she look happy? She’s only thirty years old. She arrived here just a fortnight ago after having suffered from cancer, for the last two years. She left behind her husband and a son who’s just three.” Lim was speechless.
As they continued walking, the angel pointed to a cheerful twelve year old boy and said, “That’s Osman Abdullah. He arrived here recently, after having been knocked down by a speeding car, just outside his school. The drunken driver who was responsible for Osman’s death, walked off after a few months in jail and a lengthy ban from driving. Can you imagine the trauma and anguish Osman’s parents would have undergone? Incidentally, he is from your country, Singapore.” Lim’s eyes welled up as he murmured, “Poor Osman! Like me, he’ll miss celebrating our nation’s bicentennial too.”
As they continued walking, the angel introduced him to Dr Robert Stout and Vijayan, a mechanic, who were having an animated chat. They greeted Jerry and the angel, before moving on.
“You know Mr Lim, Dr.Stout, an engineer from Britain, was just thirty-eight, when he came here a year ago, after a marathon race, leaving his young wife Elizabeth inconsolable.”
Jerry Lim was quizzical and muttered, “Excuse me?”
The angel smiled and said, “I’m sorry Jerry. That was my feeble attempt at humour. What I meant was that Dr. Stout collapsed and died while participating in a marathon race. His mechanic friend, seventy-year old Vijayan, arrived here from Singapore too, just a few years ago. He suffered from a debilitating disease for several years, before God beckoned him.
As they walked on, they heard a beautiful, melodious voice singing, “I’ll always love you.” “That’s Whitney Houston!” exclaimed Jerry.
“Exactly!” replied the angel. “She arrived here a few years ago and is still singing like a Diva.”
Jerry Lim then remarked, “I notice that people here have come from everywhere and from all walks of life.”
“Yes Mr Lim. God, is God, for saint and sinner alike of every faith. Whether one comes here or not, is determined by one’s attitude and the kind of life one leads on Earth. I’m sure that you know what I mean.” Jerry just nodded.
Jerry then realized that he had to accept his sudden departure from Earth. He turned to the angel and said, “I’m beginning to understand, but don’t you see that I need to let my wife and children know that I’m alright. Dying was simple but what’s worse, is being separated from my loved ones.”
“You could write her a letter,” said the angel.
“A letter from Heaven? Surely you must be joking!”
“I’m not. Write to your wife to reassure her. I’m certain that she and your children will understand and accept what has happened, calmly and peacefully.”
“How will I know that?” an incredulous Lim asked.
“I can’t show you. You’ll have to take my word for it. Now why don’t you sit down and write that letter and when you’re done, I’ll collect it from you.”
Jerry Lim found a quiet corner and began to write.
“Darling,
I’m sorry that I had to leave you and the children abruptly. I had no choice. Didn’t want to leave at all, particularly unannounced. Didn’t know that slipping and falling on my head in the bathroom, would lead me unexpectedly to Heaven. What an entrance that was! There are people here from everywhere. People of all races and religions! I realize that as long as one’s faith is strong and leads a righteous life, one will be in heaven. Grieve no more, my love. I am in a safe and happy place, though I did express my dismay on being called up so soon. Had left a lot of things undone and incomplete. And at fifty had many more years to do it right. I’ve been told not to worry. God must have a reason for bringing me here earlier. I shall always be looking out for you and our beloved children. We’ll be together again one day, though when it would be, I cannot say. Until then my dear, have no fear. HE and I shall always be near.
Love always.”
When he had finished, he gave the letter to the angel asking, “Don’t I have to sign it?”
“There’s no need for that. She’ll know it’s from you. And Jerry, you and Osman and others, can view the bicentennial celebration in Singapore, from here.”Thanking the angel, Lim, at peace with himself, went on his way, getting acquainted with Heaven.
As he walked along, he saw some writing by a pathway ahead of him. He went closer to have a look. It read.
“Prayer is the key to Heaven,
&
Faith unlocks the Door.”
Having read it, he murmured, “How true!” and continued on his way. Soon, he came across some verses, ahead of him. Having read it, he murmured again, before walking on,“He must have meant these verses for every soul who’s here.” The verses read
In Supplication
Feet bare,
palms together,
he stands
facing the deity
in prayerful pose.
Reverently,
she kneels in the pew,
eyes fixed intently
on the Cross.
Prostrate
on a prayer mat,
he turns to the East
in silent adoration.
Staring at the deity,
she chants
as smoke spirals upwards,
from smouldering incense sticks.
Every supplicant of every faith,
fervently invoking the Almighty,
for health, happiness and eternal salvation.
Early the next morning, fourteen-year old, Karen Lim, went to the kitchen, where her mother was preparing breakfast.
“Mum,” Karen said, “I had a strange dream last night. Dad appeared to me and told me not to worry. He told me that he loved us and said that he’ll always be looking out for us.”
“I know darling,” her mum replied. “He spoke to me too. Dad’s in heaven and yet he’ll always be close to us.”