A meal distribution event for senior citizens was organised on behalf of the Indian Navy, highlighting the deepening ties between Singapore and India.
Held on Friday (January 16) at the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home in Yishun, the initiative further strengthened the long-standing historical relationship between the two nations.
Jointly arranged by the High Commission of India and the Sree Narayana Mission, the event saw around ten Indian Navy personnel serving meals—prepared onboard their ship—to the elderly residents. The officers also spent time chatting, laughing, and engaging in activities with them.
“The history of Sree Narayana Mission is closely linked to India. As a Singaporean in uniform, I have always shared a strong relationship with the Indian Army and Navy. It is an honour to organise this event in recognition of that bond,” said S. Devendran, CEO of Sree Narayana Mission.
He noted that the connection between India and Singapore dates back to the 1940s, when the organisation was founded. Devendran added that he hopes such efforts will help preserve that connection, especially as many Singaporeans today have grown more distant from their Indian heritage.
“The military profession exists to safeguard a nation’s sovereignty and interests, and it is a noble calling. But no one—including those in uniform—wishes for war or conflict. By engaging in community service, officers working in security sectors can find relief from the pressures of their environment. It also enriches the lives of individuals through human connection and creates a more meaningful atmosphere,” he said.
Lieutenant R. Nishant, 27, shared that the first squadron—responsible for training India’s future naval cadets—participated in the initiative.
“Community service is part of our training. Through this programme, we were able to serve meals to the elderly,” he explained.
A total of 300 food packets were prepared for distribution to 224 seniors.
Nishant noted that all dishes, made with traditional Indian flavours, were cooked onboard the vessel.
“Since the food was prepared for seniors, we toned down the spice levels. We also served payasam, which is an important element of Indian cuisine. It wasn’t just about sharing food—it was about sharing warmth and emotion,” he said with a smile.
He added that the seniors were delighted to see the officers in uniform and to learn about the work they do.
“The food was delicious. The officers from India served it with great kindness and spoke to us warmly. It was a joyful experience,” said 87-year-old resident Suryakumar.
Another resident, 95-year-old Rajamma, shared that she had come to Singapore when she was young and felt especially happy to meet and speak with officers who had travelled from India.
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About 15 seniors from the Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore) Nursing Home are set to join a painting workshop on January 21, using their SG Culture Pass.
This arts initiative, jointly introduced by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), aims to engage nursing home residents in creative activities.
The programme enables seniors with mobility challenges to use their “SG Culture Special Amount” to take part in local arts events.
A ministry spokesperson told The Straits Times that both MCCY and AIC plan to roll out more such programmes for nursing homes.
The English-language workshop runs for 90 minutes, and facilitators are advised to offer extra support and exercise patience when working with the participants.
“The key goal is to empower residents to become event organisers. Those who complete the training will be equipped to lead similar activities for their peers within the home,” said Ms. Reshma Tazim, Project Administrator at Sree Narayana Mission.
During the pilot phase, assistants working alongside the instructor will provide more personalised guidance.
The team will also use various tools adapted to the physical and functional needs of seniors.
MCCY noted that over 800 seniors have taken part in outdoor group activities organised by active ageing centres, community clubs, and nursing homes.
Additionally, the Ministry will continue ensuring that there are adequate programmes for people with disabilities, with more than 70 cultural activities already made accessible to them.
As of January 1 this year, more than 1.1 million Singaporeans—out of 3 million eligible—have registered for the “SG Cultural Special Allowance.”
Over 136,000 individuals have spent close to $10 million of the allocated amount, and more than 46,000 have fully utilised their $100 credits, according to interim Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Nio in a written parliamentary reply.
Budget 2025 committed $300 million to the “SG Cultural Special Amount” initiative, aimed at encouraging Singaporeans to attend local arts events and exhibitions.
All Singapore citizens aged 18 and above receive a $100 digital SG Culture Pass, redeemable from September 1, 2025 until the end of 2028. More information is available at sgculturepass.gov.sg.
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An event organised by the Women’s Wing of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LiSHA) brought the warmth and joy of the Pongal festival to residents of the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home in Yishun.
The celebration, held on Saturday, 17 January, was graced by the Chief Executive Officer of the Hindu Endowments Board, Sarojini Pathmanathan, who attended as the Guest of Honour.
Around 30 residents joined volunteers in a range of festive activities, including painting traditional Pongal pots, singing songs and enjoying a lively Gummi dance performance.
Sree Narayana Mission was founded in 1946 by Malayali immigrants near the former British Naval Base. Among the residents is 79-year-old Mdm Ganga, who once lived in the area with her family and now resides at the nursing home.
“I am grateful to the volunteers for celebrating with us like family. As a Malayali, I never celebrated Pongal very much growing up. I would usually celebrate only when friends invited me to their homes,” she said.
Mr Rethnam Ramasamy, 74, who lives at the nursing home with his wife, fondly recalled the Pongal celebrations they once enjoyed in their own home.
Yogeswari Chandrasekaran, who oversees the social work programmes for residents at Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home, said events such as these help bring residents together, including those who would otherwise prefer to keep to themselves.
Commending the LiSHA Women’s Wing for organising the celebration, Sarojini Pathmanathan encouraged the residents with an uplifting message.
“Women can achieve anything they set their minds to. Do not dwell on the past or be saddened by it,” she said.
Although she was born and raised in Singapore, she shared fond childhood memories of celebrating Pongal in Madurai with her grandparents.
“When I was five years old, I remember going to the fields with my grandparents to celebrate Pongal. In Singapore, we celebrate the festival in our own special way,” she added.
“This is the first time the LiSHA Women’s Wing has organised a Pongal celebration at Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the activities, especially painting the Pongal pots,” said Thajunisha AB, co-organiser of the event.
The event also featured volunteer performances by semi-finalists from the Miss & Mrs ASEAN 2026 beauty pageant. Through dance and drama, the contestants highlighted a range of meaningful social messages.
Eighteen-year-old Krishnaveni encouraged people not to lose confidence as they grow older through her theatrical performance. Ashin Alexia performed a blindfolded dance to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people who are blind and those with special needs, while Divya’s dance conveyed the importance of perseverance and never giving up.
“My goal is for beauty pageants to serve as a platform for creating a positive impact on society,” said Lavanya Priya, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Pageants Royal, the pageant organiser.
“It was a wonderful experience to celebrate Pongal in the traditional way alongside the nursing home residents,” said Shanmita Manoharan, a member of the organising committee and Director of Murugan Idli Shop.
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