CHENNAI, Nov 16 : Congress veteran and Former union Minister P. Chidambaram said Indians
have a significant role in the development of Singapore.
Speaking after releasing the book ‘Little India and the Singapore Indian Community: Through the
Ages’, beautifully chronicling and recording the history of Indians living in Singapore, written by
Ms.Soundara Nayaki Vairavan, a Singapore citizen of Indian descent and a Tamil, he said Singapore
Tamils have a 200-year history.
People of Indian origin have been living there for two centuries, and among them, there are many
Tamils, he noted.
“As Tamil is an official language of Singapore, I am extremely happy and proud that Tamils stand
foremost among Indians living in Singapore”, he added.
He said “Little India there is a great and prosperous place. People there live like us, yet more
comfortably, more prosperously, and more happily. Anyone traveling to Singapore from here
cannot avoid visiting Little India”.
Noting that Indians have a significant role in the development of Singapore, the former union
Minister said there exists racial harmony among the people of Singapore.
“The Goddess Mariamman Temple is the very first temple there, and the Thaipoosam festival
at the Dhandayuthapani (Lord Muruga) Temple is celebrated on a grand scale. Notably, a large
number of Chinese participated. Such is the flourishing level of religious harmony there”, he
said.
Observing that Ms Soundara Nayaki’s book on Little India gives great joy, Mr Chidambaram
said “the reason is that it reflects our culture and our history. I appreciate this book. She
contacted many people and gathered information and data. This book captures Little India
in a beautiful manner, and I wish Soundara Nayaki continues to write.”
Mr. Edgar Pang, Singapore’s Consul-General in Chennai, received the first copy of the book
and renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. V. Chokkalingam delivered a felicitation speech.
The book was first released in Singapore on April 25. The country’s former Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Mr. George Yeo released it.
This year, Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday. Writer Mrs. Soundara Nayaki Vairavan said
that she considers this book her small contribution to Singapore on that occasion.
Leaders and dignitaries from various fields participated and graced the book launch held in
Chennai.
(UNI)
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