PARAMANAYAGAM Muthiahpillai
Communities of Singapore (Part 2),
Accession Number 001285
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 8
Total Reels
- Rajandran Supramaniam
Interviewer
- 03:53:48
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 8
Metadata
- 18 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:52
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background, family, school and teachers. Kandramanickam Village in Tanjore District and the community. Popular types of festivals. Celebrations accompanied by dances, dramas, traditional games and social activities.Types of traditional sports. Epic dramas such as Ramayana and Pavalakodi most popular. During Japanese Occupation, he was in Burma. After war, returned to India.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 8
Metadata
- 18 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:43
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Most important and popular temples in India. Rituals and practice of animal sacrifices for deities. Lower caste discrimination and restriction in temples and public places. Chettiars well-known community. They were also in Burma, Hanoi, Singapore and Malaysia. Harijans had own temples and prayed to deity in a secluded spot. They performed funeral rites and did menial jobs.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 8
Metadata
- 18 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:37
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Chettiar community and their lifestyle. Chettiars were money-lenders, scattered in South-East Asia. Tamils coming to Singapore never brought families, came only to earn a living. In 1953 came to Singapor, a supporter of Congress Party while in India. Dravidian Munnetra Kazhagam. Came here on board ship, JELA GOPAL. Heard about Singapore from a friend who was here.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 8
Metadata
- 18 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:29
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Eight days journey on board ship. Tamil families in 2nd class deck. 3rd class passengers stayed at quarantine. Some played musical instruments or card games during journey. When landed here, it was Thaipusam Festival. Details of procession. Friend came to port. Stayed temporarily at 63, Buffalo Road. Serangoon Road and people. Tamils concentrated in Changi, Katong, Tanjong Pagar and Serangoon Road.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 8
Metadata
- 19 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:30
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Tamils as barbers, tailors, dhobies and parrot astrologers. During Lim Yew Hock's government, citizenship eligibility was liberal. Many Tamils became citizens here. Friends and relatives joined Harbour Board through friends recommendations. S L Perumal's father-in-law, Kottai Govindasamy's (a contractor) contributions. Chettiars at Market Street. Some Tamils who came here brought along their cooks from India. They remained here for some time.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 6 of 8
Metadata
- 19 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:58
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Chettiar community in Singapore. Chettiars' quarters along Tank Road, close to temple. Important Tamil festivals where Chettiars became prominent for their contributions. Dr Varavan's father was a Chettiar and in money-lending business. Most Chettiars went back to India for marriage, even now still married within same caste. Temples in Singapore in early days. Roles of temples past and present.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 7 of 8
Metadata
- 19 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:35
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal life and career. Joined Straits Times as proof reader in 1954. Straits Times strike in 1954. Lee Kuan Yew and his role in trade unions. Majority of production staff in Straits Times were Tamils. Officers from StraitsTimes went to India and recruited staff for Straits Times. Better working conditions after strike.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 8 of 8
Metadata
- 19 Jun 1991
Recording Date
- 00:19:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Script writer with Tamil Section of Radio Television Singapore in 1963/1964. Details and names of prominent Tamil staff. 18 years service before retiring in 1983. Sub-editor with Tamil Murasu for 10 months.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
