SUBRAMANIAM Visuvanather
Communities of Singapore (Part 2),
Accession Number 001253
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 6
Total Reels
- Rajandran Supramaniam
Interviewer
- 02:29:28
Total Running Time
- English
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
- 13 Feb 1991
Recording Date
- 00:29:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. Both grandfather and father were farmers. Belonged to middle class Tamil caste, Vellalar. Caste system. Kurava caste carry corpses and perform funeral rites. Nallavar caste were tree climbers. People belonging to lower castes not allowed into temples and public places. Barbers and laundry men not allowed into superior caste homes or schools.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 6
Metadata
- 13 Feb 1991
Recording Date
- 00:25:34
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Came to Singapore in 1939. Main reason was to find job. Came by cargo ship and paid 60 rupees fare. Relatives made arrangements. Brought clothings and snacks. Jobless here for one year. Left for Malaya. Married at age of 25 to a 15 years old of same caste. Widespread unemployment, diseases and persecution of Chinese community during Japanese Occupation. Many headless bodies were seen.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 6
Metadata
- 20 Feb 1991
Recording Date
- 00:29:12
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
In 1945, found job as male nurse at Woodbridge Hospital. Laboratory assistants, dispensers, clerks and attendants were Tamils and some Europeans. Majority of hospital attendants were Sikhs. Cattle breeding and milk distribution at Yio Chu Kang. Malayalee tailors, famous prata shop at Jalan Kayu. Tamils from Jalan Kayu worked at Seletar Air Base. Tamils from Jalan Kayu frequent Perumal Temple or other temples in Serangoon Road.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 6
Metadata
- 20 Feb 1991
Recording Date
- 00:31:08
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Prominent professionals in Tamil community: Dr Haridas, Dr Ramachandran, Dr Vellasamy, Dr Seenivasan at Singapore General Hospital, Dr V S Rajan at Middle Road Hospital, Dr Samy at Straits Clinic and Dr Veerasamy. Famous merchants and contractors: P Govindasamy Pillai, Kottai Govindasamy and Appa Kadiar. Tamils Reform Association. Other professionals in education, engineering sectors. Maria Hertogh riot. Singapore Traction Company and Harbour Board strikes in 1950s.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 6
Metadata
- 28 Feb 1991
Recording Date
- 00:29:14
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Fewer kavadi carriers during Thaipusam festival in 1940s and 1950s. Elderly people took part in festival unlike now. Retired from civil service in 1977. Began to work in Narayanan Mission Home started by Malayalees. 80% of inmates are Chinese; only 20% Indians. Indian inmates mainly bachelors who have remained here. They were ex-workers from Harbour Board. Tamils visit those Indian inmates during Deepavali.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 6
Metadata
- 28 Feb 1991
Recording Date
- 00:05:16
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Mr S Sinathamby and Mr Arumugam were famous personalities in 1940s and 1950s who helped Indian community. Married with 5 children. Daughters are well known dancers. Currently working at Narayanan Mission and intends to remain in Singapore.
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