GOMATI Rai
Communities of Singapore (Part 2),
Accession Number 001315
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 6
Total Reels
- Rajandran Supramaniam
Interviewer
- 02:41:48
Total Running Time
- Malay
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
- 16 Sep 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:55
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Access to recording/transcript requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Early background and personal history. Father a religious man and staunch Brahmin. Village community. Festivals and family celebrations in Hindi community. Customs and rituals observed in Hindi community at birth of child. Caste system and role of Harijan women for menial tasks. Family owned property and cattle in India. Supplied milk to village people.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 6
Metadata
- 16 Sep 1991
Recording Date
- 00:31:21
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Access to recording/transcript requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Special prayers and method of worship in Hindi community. Recitals of Lord Siva's and Lord Rama's names during prayers. Food and fasting during auspicious occasions. Names and description of major festivals in Hindi community. Married while in India at age of 35. Customs and rituals during wedding. Practice of dowry system and marrying into same caste.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 6
Metadata
- 10 Oct 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:50
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Access to recording/transcript requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
In 1936, arrived in Singapore. Train journey to Calcutta and on board ship SANTHAYA. Trip cost 34 rupees. Came here met Matha Rai. Impressions of Tanjong Pagar in 1936. Worked as newspaper boy with Chinese companies. Types of papers and costs. Sikhs worked as watchman, mainly bachelors. Other communities and occupations. Social conditions and cost of living. Lifestyle of migrants from India.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 6
Metadata
- 10 Oct 1991
Recording Date
- 00:31:00
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Access to recording/transcript requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Transportation in 1930s - bullock carts, rickshaws, trishaws and horse carriages. Bullock carts fetched goods, mainly driven by Tamils. Bicycles were common. Renting and sharing of rooms common for labourers at Tanjong Pagar and Serangoon Roads. Leisure activities - pictures, gambling and visiting amusement centres at Happy World and Gay World. Geylang and Changi areas had betel leaves plantation. Lifestyle of Uttar Pradeshis.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 6
Metadata
- 23 Oct 1991
Recording Date
- 00:30:39
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Access to recording/transcript requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
In 1941, left Singapore for India. Stayed in India for 9 years. Came back here in 1950 and found employment with prison service. Uttar Pradeshis in Singapore and their main occupations. Some worked as jagas, clerks or had cattle farms. Prominent Uttar Pradeshis were S S Rai, Tiwary, Lawyer Goho. Dr Chottar Singh prominent personality. Few women then in Uttar Pradeshi community.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 6
Metadata
- 23 Oct 1991
Recording Date
- 00:07:03
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Access to recording/transcript requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Tamil community and life style. In 1970, he retired from prison service; held temporary jobs as watchmen. During leisure, visited friends. Frequented Chander Road temple.
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