RAMASAMY Pillai
Communities of Singapore (Part 2),
Accession Number 001196
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 14
Total Reels
- Rajandran Supramaniam
Interviewer
- 04:56:53
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 14
Metadata
- 6 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:24:05
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. Attained Primary Four education in Tamil. Mother a housewife. Fifth son in family. Village near beach; village folks dealing with boats and lighters. Father, a lighterman and involved in business. Students came from four nearby villages. School hours. Subjects taught Mathematics, Tamil and General Knowledge. Village children went to school except girls.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 14
Metadata
- 6 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:21:30
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
One hour journey from home to school. Parents involved in some school functions. Close relationship between parents and teachers. After school, helped in family. Cultivated habit for reading. Read Tamil. Good relationship with parents and teachers. Sports were horse-riding games and running. Family subjected to hardship and financial strain. Father went to England on business trip.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 14
Metadata
- 6 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:21:54
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Tamil festivals and temple festivals celebrated on grand scale in village. August, auspicious calendar for Tamils. Deepavali and Pongal are other festivals observed. Bhajan classes in temples. Purana stories signifying legendary episodes. Wedding ceremonies traditional in India; rituals and practices meticulously observed. Same practices with regard to festivals and marriages in Singapore, differences small. People followed everything quite closely as in India.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 14
Metadata
- 6 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:24:42
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Married in India. Simple wedding ceremony in 1955. Some marriages very traditional, lasting for 15 days with plenty of rituals and traditions. 90% of parents and couples consult astrology in Hindu marriages. Most marriages took place in homes with pandal (tent) decorated with mango leaves signifying auspiciousness. Those days, dowry system not prevalent especially in his village.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 14
Metadata
- 13 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:22:54
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Interest in Singapore. Impressions of Singapore through father and uncle. Many people came to work and brought home information about Singapore. Also things such as sweets and other items. Many Indians worked in Singapore Harbour Board. Applied for passport, waited 3 months, deposited 120 rupees by friend as guarantor. On 12 July 1951, came here by ship, RAJULLA. On board ship were friends and relatives, coming on subsequent (second or third) trips to Singapore.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 6 of 14
Metadata
- 13 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:23:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Ample opportunities in Singapore Harbour Board for jobs. Lived at 37 Enggor Street, a shophouse. Many Tamils worked as labourers, foremen, gang mandores; their working hours. Others worked in PWD, Municipality and Naval Base. Cement, jars, flour main goods arriving at Harbour Board. Workers lived at Enggor Street, Travis Street and Tanjong Pagar vicinity. Sometimes no electricity, water rationing. Lee Kuan Yew made regular visits; became legal advisor for workers' union.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 7 of 14
Metadata
- 13 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:22:34
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Some bachelors lived in quarters at Nelson Road, Everton Park and Blair Plain. In 1959, People's Action Party (PAP) came into power. Prime Minister concerned about living conditions. Port workers' strikes between 1955-56; for 67 days of daily workers strike. Riots, murders, fights; some fasting for 7 days as form of boycott. Lee Kuan Yew fought for workers rights; won case but judgement not honoured. In 1960, everything set right and all went back to work. Those who conspired with employer were dismissed.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 8 of 14
Metadata
- 13 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:16:48
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Many Tamil schools between 1951-1960: Umar Pulavar, Arivathar Tamil School, Bharathaga (Anson Road), Vasuki Tamil Centre, Nagamagai and Kalaimagal. Many shops: Siti Vinayagar Textile, Happy Silk Store, Komathai Villas, Sivaperumal Restaurant, Lingam Brothers Provision shop and Lakshimi Vilas in Tanjong Pagar vicinity. S L Perumal, contractor and agent for workers, well-known as Kottai Govindasamy. Leisure activities - visiting temples, cinemas, social gatherings, visiting friends.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 9 of 14
Metadata
- 20 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:21:02
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Many Harbour Board workers and residents of Anson Road and Tanjong Pagar visit Sri Mariamman Temple. Devotees used to break 1,000 coconuts to fulfil personal vows. Big crowd during fire walking ceremony. Also kavadi carriers during this occasion. Eve of fire walking ceremony, flag-raising in honour of deity Ambal, decked with garlands on a bullock-cart accompanied by devotees. Procession around Anson Road, Enggor Street and Tanjong Pagar. Some dramas, recitation of Purana stories in temple grounds.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 10 of 14
Metadata
- 20 Sep 1990
Recording Date
- 00:16:03
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Veeramakaliamman Temple popular with people living around Serangoon Road vicinity. Other popular temples are Sivan Temple at Orchard Road and Vadapathra Kaliamman Temple at Serangoon Road. On Tuesdays and Fridays Indians visit temples. Some go to one particular temple, others to various temples. Pillayar Temple at Telok Ayer Street. During early days, marriages held in temples before altar and in homes; now in wedding halls and public halls.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
