Metadata

Synopsis

Family ancestral background commencing from paternal grandparents in the late 19th century. Living at Race Course Lane. Naming traditions. Father second and mother first generation Singaporeans. Parents’ interest and involvement in Indian arts. Influence on children and grandchildren. Family’s move to Kirk Terrace. The multi-cultural and multi-religious neighbourhood in the 1930s and 1940s and the interaction between neighbours described. Cathay Building used as bomb shelter during Japanese Occupation. Festivals celebrated by the family were Tamil New Year, Adi Perukku, Varalakshmi Nonbu, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi, Navarathiri, Deepavali, Thirukarthigai, Arudhra Dharisanam, Pongal, Thaipusam, Sri Rama Navami and Karadaiyan Nonbu. Description of celebrations, prayers done and special food preparations. Srartham, ancestral prayers, also described. Interest in music nurtured by parents and their belief system and philosopies Mother was first teacher followed by maternal grandmother and then Pandit M Ramalingam. Particulars of siblings, their academic qualifications and involvement in Carnatic music and Bharathanatyam. Basic concepts of Carnatic music described eg, philosopies, evolvement and early composers. Education from primary school to Teachers’ Training College (TTC). Involvement in school choir and  influence on Carnatic music.