ELLAMAH Govindasamy Naidu
Communities of Singapore (Part 2),
Accession Number 001169
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 6
Total Reels
- Rajandran Supramaniam
Interviewer
- 02:58:12
Total Running Time
- Tamil
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 6
Metadata
- 28 May 1990
Recording Date
- 00:29:13
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. Came to Singapore at age of 9. Educated at Johore Tamil School. Attained Primary 3 standard. Married at age of 13 to S Vadivelu and settled in Singapore at Naval Base sometime during Japanese Occupation in 1944. She is from Telegu community and married someone of same caste. Her husband an electrician with Naval Base and she a housewife.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 6
Metadata
- 28 May 1990
Recording Date
- 00:30:12
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Lived in Naval Base from 1944-1969. Many Malayalees there; worked as clerks, labourers and other positions. When People's Action Party (PAP) came into power, many migrated to England and India. In early days, Naval Base was deserted. Later during 1960s there were shops, proper transport, Balasubramaniam Temple, market and other facilities. Early 1970s onwards, Indians began to move out of Naval Base to other areas in Singapore.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 6
Metadata
- 11 Jun 1990
Recording Date
- 00:29:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
She is very orthodox and traditional. Did not go out and had little knowledge about outside world until 45 years old. Husband sole bread-winner and responsible for everything. She believed in serving husband devotedly and always looked up to him. Parents brought her up in such manner. Knitting, cooking and doing household chores - her favourite pastime.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 6
Metadata
- 11 Jun 1990
Recording Date
- 00:30:27
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Very religious; daily prayers. Belief in worshipping Lord Ganesh, Lord Murugan and Goddess Laskmi for family welfare and prosperity. During Pangunni Uthiram festival, carried milk-pot. Visited Iyappa Temple in India in 1982. Since then began to fast and on vegetarian diet three days a week. Frequent Balasubramaniam Temple at Canberra Road, Mariamman Temple at Sembawang Road. Popular temples for Naval Base Indians.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 6
Metadata
- 13 Jun 1990
Recording Date
- 00:29:57
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Her marriage observed in typical Telegu style. Thali of special design compared to Tamils. Completely yellow garment during wedding ceremony. Nalagu ceremony 3 days before marriage day; takes place at bride's house. Astrology important to determine compatibility of couples; based on astrological chart which has 10 points. Approval granted only if score is between 6 and 7.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 6 of 6
Metadata
- 13 Jun 1990
Recording Date
- 00:28:43
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Festivals in Telegu Community - main one Telegu New Year. Prayers, vegetarian diet and visiting of relatives during occasion. She can speak fluent Telegu language but children speak only English and Tamil. Telegu community in Singapore is small and therefore has merged with Tamils. She likes watching Telegu movies, listening to Telegu songs and is a bird lover.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
