Tamil Murasu – Chandni: We Should Never Lose Our Self-Respect

Chandini still regards her volunteering experience at the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home at the age of 11 as a truly enlightening one.

Chandini Subramaniam observed that the elderly residents’ faces were often filled with longing, even though they were being cared for.

“I realised that some people felt their families were absent in showing love, even when they had food and comfort,” she said. It then occurred to her that she could form meaningful connections with those who longed for love.

At 21 years old, Chandini was honoured to receive the Gold Award from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Youth Achievement Awards ceremony. Chandini, who studied at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), is currently pursuing a Diploma in Nursing at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Born into a low-income family, Chandini shared that she understands the emotional and experiential pain of financial hardship.

Chandini looks after her siblings, particularly her brother, who uses a motorised wheelchair.

She mentioned that the experience of caring for her brother as his health declined instilled in her a sense of responsibility and resilience.

Her parents struggled to fully comprehend and meet the needs of their five children. Unlike her friends, Chandini couldn’t afford to buy things on a whim or travel abroad.

However, when she met other young people from similarly underprivileged backgrounds, she developed a strong desire to help them.

“I would like to strongly emphasise that financial deprivation should not diminish our sense of self-worth. We too are loved,” she said.

Chandini expressed with emotion that there could be no better role model than her mother, who instilled good values in her.

“She always works late into the night. She never gives up, even when she’s exhausted. My mother is a perfect example of patience during hardship,” said Chandini.

Chandini, who supports both the underprivileged and the elderly, also organised the ‘Pesta Upin’ programme for environmental protection.

She stated that by managing her time more effectively, she can work without distraction. By working attentively every day, she reduces wasted time and improves the quality of her work.

“The satisfaction I gain from my education, family care, and community service motivates me even more,” Chandini said with a smile.

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