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.

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.”

On 31 August, SNM held a floral tribute at SNM Nursing Home for the late Major (Retd.) Ishwar Lall Singh, who passed away earlier that month.

The tribute was attended by family members of Mr. Lall Singh, fellow veterans of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and SNM’s Residents’ Committee, along with H.E Mr. P. Kumaran, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, who shared a few words before placing the flower wreath.

The tribute saw two nations coming together – Singapore and India to honour the memory of the great man whose service in the Indian National Army (INA) help achieve the long-cherished dream of India’s Independence. His subsequent contributions in the SAF when it was founded helped transform 2 infantry battalions to what it is today.

The regimental quick march of Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army song ‘Qadam Qadam Badhaye Ja’ was played at the tribute followed by the Singapore Infantry Regiment March.

We at SNM would like to thank everyone for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend this tribute.

ഇതിലേ നടന്നവര്‍

ഇതിലേ നടന്നവര്‍,
ഈമണല്‍ത്തരികളില്‍
മായാത്ത പദമുദ്ര
വീഴ്ത്തിയീ വഴികളി –
ലൂടേ നടന്നവര്‍,

തപ്തമീ മണ്ണിന്‍റെ
പൊള്ളുന്ന ദുഃഖങ്ങള്‍
സ്വന്തമാത്മാവിലേയ്‌ –
ക്കൊപ്പിയെടുത്തവര്‍,

തിരയുള്ള, ചുഴിയുള്ള
കടലിന്‍റെ നടുവിലൂ –
ടൊരു നീലരാത്രിയില്‍
എതിരേ തുഴഞ്ഞവര്‍,

അലിവിന്‍റെ നനവുള്ള
വിരല്‍ മുദ്ര ചാര്‍ത്തിയീ
വഴികളിലിന്നലെ –
യെങ്ങോ മറഞ്ഞവര്‍,

ഒരു നാദധാരയില്‍
സ്വരരാഗ ഗംഗയില്‍
ഒരു നേര്‍ത്ത ലയമാ –
യലിഞ്ഞങ്ങു ചേര്‍ന്നവര്‍,

അവര്‍ പണ്ടു പാടിയ
പഴയ ഗാനങ്ങളെ
പുതിയൊരീണത്തിലായ്‌
തുടരുന്നതെങ്ങിനെ?
അറിയാതെ ഞാനിരിക്കുന്നു.

അവരാണു തന്നതെ –
ന്നോര്‍മ്മകള്‍ക്കീമഴ –
വില്ലെന്നു ഞാനറിഞ്ഞില്ല.

അവരാണു തന്നതെന്‍
കൈകളിലീമുള –
ന്തണ്ടെന്നു ഞാനറിഞ്ഞില്ല.

അവരാണു തന്നതെന്‍
കരളിനീത്തീക്കനല്‍
അതു ഞാനറിഞ്ഞതേയില്ല.

അവരിന്നുമെരിയുന്നു
തിരിനാളമായുള്ളില്‍
അതു മാത്രമാണു ഞാനറിവൂ –
അതുമാത്രം …അതുമാത്രം…അറിവൂ.•

The Mirror does not speak,
But you can hear what it says,
It speaks to your soul
Through that unbroken gaze
Your conscience laid bare,
Through that reflection there,
Four values that remind anew,
That it must begin with you

One Night, On The Last Train To Jurong

By G. P. Sasidharan

Hurrying through an unusually quiet Raffles Place,
I descended the steep and silent escalator,
to the cavernous belly of the station;
knowing that the last train to Jurong,
would soon be approaching.
I looked up and murmured in relief.
“Ah! Three more minutes.”
Settling on a concrete bench,
I looked around. Two metres away,
stood an old man, fidgeting,
seemingly impatient to get home.
Nearby, two ‘executives’, brief cases in hand,
engaged in an animated, but whispered chat.
As the train arrived and doors slid open,
we hurried into the last coach.
The doors began to slide shut,
as a young couple rushed in,
giggling and hugging each other.
Settling on the vacant seats opposite
and ignoring all else,
they whispered, kissed and cuddled,
as the old man promptly dozed off.

The train sped on,
stopping at stations,
disgorging and picking up weary commuters.
The speeding train kept the couple busy,
as the ‘busy executives’ gazed at them,
grinning, nodding and shaking their heads.
Arriving at Braddell, the old man woke,on cue,
and shuffled out, as the doors opened.
As the train slowed and stopped at Bishan,
the ‘executives’ alighted, albeit reluctantly.
The young man smiled at me.
Returning the gesture, I nodded
as the train sped on.
On reaching Canberra, I stood up,
muttered, “Good night!” and
began the short stroll home.

Reflections and Milestones of the SNM

By R Asokan

I have always been active with the Sree Narayana Mission (SNM) ever since I was a schoolboy. I joined as a Life Member in March 1972 while I was doing my National Service.  The subscription fee for Life Membership was $50 then and it was a one-off payment while Ordinary membership was pegged at $6 per annum. I was elected into the SNM Executive Committee on 5 February 1978 and continued to serve until 30 June 2002.  I like to take this opportunity to reminisce and share some of my fond memories of SNM activities. 

Flag Day

In May 1961, the SNM staged its first Flag Day and it so happened to fall on a Saturday. In those days, Saturdays were school days so I had to obtain parental permission to not attend school that day. My sister and I started our collection of donations in the Nee Soon Area early in the morning and we were accompanied by an adult volunteer. We had to carry a tin for the collection of coins (sometimes dollars!).  A box, containing saffron paper badges bearing the message of Sree Narayana Guru, was hung around our necks. There were many students like us collecting donations all around Singapore. The street collection came to an end at about 6.00 p.m. and the total collection raised for the day was about $8000!

Onam and Guru Birthday Celebrations 

In 1965, the SNM hosted a week-long Onam and Guru Birthday celebrations from the 6 to 12 September. At that time, the Sree Narayana Mission was located at 48 Soon Keat Road, in Sembawang. A public forum, with distinguished speakers, was held on the last day which served as a befitting climax. I was a student at the Naval Base Secondary School and I attended the event with my father.

The event became part of the annals of the SNM as it was the first public engagement made by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew after Singapore gained independence on 9th August that year. He had visited the SNM previously in 1963 as part of an Elections campaign and would later attend the Onam and Guru Birthday celebrations again in 1967.

As guest of honour, Mr Lee arrived at the venue at 11 a.m on 12 September 1967 and addressed the crowd after the welcome addresses by then General Secretary Mr Devadasa Panniker and by Mr M K Bhasi, who was the SNM President at the time. Mr Lee spoke in both Malay and English. He spoke with clarity and passion and the large audience (mostly comprising Indians) listened with rapt attention. He left at 12.30 p.m., after presenting bursaries worth $100 each to ten students.  

Students’ Forum

The first public forum for students was held during the Guru’s Birthday on Sunday, 13 September 1970. It was the first of the many such forums and youth camps to be held.  The theme of the forum was “The Conflict of Generations”.  The Patron of the Sree Narayana Mission and Member of Parliament (MP) for Sembawang, Mr Teong Eng Siong, was present while the Guest of Honour was Inche Mohd Ghazali Ismail, then Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education. The Forum was well attended by many pre-university students from various schools in Singapore. The panel of speakers comprised of Dr Sharon Ahmat, Dr Gwee Ah Leng, Mr G. G. Thomson, Mr Gerald D’Cruz and Dr Nalla Tan.  It started at 6.00 p.m. and it was a lively session with active student participation, which ended at 9.00 p.m.

The Concert

On Sunday, 27 June 1976, an international “All Stars ’76 Charity Show” was organised to raise funds for the Sree Narayana Mission Building Fund at the National Theatre. Resident bands from some of the best hotels performed together during the evening with the likes of Alley Cats from Malaysia, Sweet Charity from Singapore, The New Minstrels from Philippines, Casino from Indonesia, Shiners from New Zealand, Talisman from Karachi, etc.  The National Theatre was packed with a young boisterous crowd and the event was sponsored by Texwood Jeans.

Home for the Aged

By end of 1978, the Government’s Bases Economic Conversion Division offered the Mission’s management with a two double-storied brick building at 87 & 89 Canberra Road, to manage a Home for the Aged. The Home started operations on 18 February 1979 with four residents. A “Sree Narayana Mission Home for the Aged Fund” was also launched. We had a dedicated volunteer doctor in Dr Seng Kwang Meng, who used to see the residents of the Home regularly. Another doctor who helped for many years during the early years was Dr Nadarajan, who used to run a clinic in Sembawang.

By October 1980 there were 51 residents living in the Home and some of them helped the Mission during the annual Flag Days. There used to be many visitors, volunteers and other well-wishers at the Home. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, then a Member of Parliament (MP) for Sembawang, used to visit the Home during the Chinese New Year celebrations to distribute ‘hongbaos’ to the residents. He also declared the Canberra premises officially opened on 22 February 1981, at a ceremony well attended by members of the Mission. The Home remained in this location until 22 October 1983.

On 23 October 1983, the SNM was shifted to a new premise at the former Sembawang Hospital. Some 50 members of the Singapore Armed Forces and 200 members of Chong Hua Tong Tou Teck Hwee, a Chinese Association, joined hands in assisting with the shifting operations. The new premises were completed in June 1993 and residents were moved into the new Home on 6 February 1994.

These are some of my reflections on the journey of Sree Narayana Mission which I have treasured all these years. I am so proud to be part of the SNM traditions, culture, activities and monumental development while walking in the footsteps of my late parents, who were pioneers in the 1950s. 

Message of Resilience

Mr Pradeep started his career with Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore) in 2007. In 2009, he returned home to get married. After his marriage, he asked SNM for the opportunity to rejoin the organization; they agreed as his work performance had been excellent.

He is currently a healthcare supervisor and a duty officer who oversees a multi-national healthcare team.

When COVID-19 landed on our shores, he realised that this situation would be tough for the staff who can’t be with their families. Many of his healthcare staff try to be on the phone as much as possible with their families in their free time. Many of them faced the grim prospect of having to choose either their work or their family, but in the end, all of them stayed on as they must support their own families who are far away. This was also in part due to Mr Pradeep’s counsel, informing them that staying safe in Singapore was the best thing they could do for their family.

When COVID-19 landed on our shores, he realised that this situation would be tough for the staff who can’t be with their families. Many of his healthcare staff try to be on the phone as much as possible with their families in their free time. Many of them faced the grim prospect of having to choose either their work or their family, but in the end, all of them stayed on as they must support their own families who are far away. This was also in part due to Mr Pradeep’s counsel, informing them that staying safe in Singapore was the best thing they could do for their family.

Mr Pradeep says that he tries his best to reassure and look out for them and does his best to keep morale up. He works closely with Mr Sajeev, Head of Meranti Home who shares his vision.

Both Mr Pradeep and Mr Sajeev co-operate very frequently, even when Mr Sajeev is working from home, and both aren’t afraid to work hand in hand with the healthcare teams. They do their best to allay the worries that staff have.

Mr Pradeep said that staff are impressed that the organization sticks to their values, and in this time of pandemic, it is where these values truly shine. Staff are well looked after, and SNM helps them to send items back to their home country by absorbing that transportation cost to allow staff to have peace of mind, following Guru’s teachings of compassion.

Mr Pradeep said that staff are impressed that the organization sticks to their values, and in this time of pandemic, it is where these values truly shine. Staff are well looked after, and SNM helps them to send items back to their home country by absorbing that transportation cost to allow staff to have peace of mind, following Guru’s teachings of compassion.

“Morale is high,” he says with a laugh. “We want to raise Meranti home to be the best home in Singapore. Our motto is: We do good, and karma will work out for us.”