SIA 75 th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine Part1

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My warm regards to the Sabah Indian Association on the occasion of your 75th
Anniversary.

Celebrating seventy-five years of existence is truly laudable and a cause for celebration
as members paused to recount and rejoice in the achievements of the Sabah Indian
Association. Many notable and dedicated Indians have contributed much to the success
of not only this Association but to the wider community they have served.

The State Government recognised and salute the contributions of the small but vibrant
Indian community in Sabah. Many of you have excelled in the field of education, health,
sports, business and much more and many Sabahans have benefitted and enriched by
your guidance and dedication.

More importantly, the Indian community has made us richer as a big family, celebrating
diversity in all aspects - language, tradition, culture and food. With the Indian community
in our midst, it is truly a celebration of Sabah’s “Unity in Diversity”.

I join members of the Sabah Indian Association in looking forward to many more years
of success and celebrations and a deep commitment to ensure that goodwill and
harmony will prevail among us for generations to come.

Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor

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I wish to convey my hearty congratulations to the Sabah Indian Association (SIA), one of the oldest
Indian Diaspora community associations in Malaysia on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of
its establishment.

India and Malaysia have traditionally shared close and friendly ties. One of the key pillars of our
robust relationship is the presence of over 2.7 million strong Indian diaspora which has kept
the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia strong. The Indian diaspora community in
Malaysia including in the State of Sabah, at one hand, has preserved and nourished the ties
between the two nations, at the same time enriched and contribued to the growth and prosperity
of Malaysia.

On this milestone occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Sabah Indian Association (SIA), I
congratulate the Indian Origin Sabahans who have contributed their life to the prosperity and
development of the State of Sabah. From the early contributions in Sabah in the State police
force, Land and Survey departments, etc. to the present-day pool of medical professionals,
lawyers, academicians, entrepreneurs and professionals, the achievements and contributions
of Malaysian Indians in Sabah is a matter of proud for all.

I also place on record my appreciation to Prof. Datuk Dr. P. Muthusamy, President SIA; Datuk Dr.
G. Mohan, Chairperson of the Organising Committee; all team members of the committee and all
members of the Sabah Indian Association for organising this wonderful and meaningful celebration.

India as a nation is celebrating 75 years of its independence and has entered into a phase of
Amritkaal. In this period of Amritkaal, I call upon all members of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia
and in the State of Sabah to continue to strengthen the close ties between our two nations for
creating a mutually beneficial, forward-looking and a dependable partnership for the future.

Shri B N Reddy

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I feel very proud and privileged to be the president of SIA. It is definitely a privilege because this is the 75th year
of the Sabah Indian Association (SIA), which is one of the oldest associations existing in Sabah. It was established
in May 1947 by people of Indian origin. SIA has toiled through independence, and is standing tall prestigiously in
independent Sabah.

SIA was formed more to be a cultural association to unite the various Indian ethnic groups in Sabah while
assisting SIA members and the Indian community in various matters faced by them to be resolved. Today with the
unity, understanding, and cooperation of all SIA members, we have a building as a landmark at Sembulan, which
was built through various fund-raising activities done by the SIA members.

SIA and its members have played a major role in every field in Sabah. Indians in Sabah have been contributing
to the development of Sabah since the start of British rule of Sabah. Many Indians were in the British-controlled
North Borneo army and police forces. They sacrificed their lives for Sabah while defending Sabah. We had made
an indelible impression in Education, Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Business. If you ask any educated person in
Sabah to name the best teacher, there is a high chance that he would be an Indian. It is also felt that every other
Indian in Sabah is a doctor. This has resulted in Indians being treated with dignity in Sabah.

We also had Indians who made Sabah proud in sports. We all remember Datuk G S Kler, who was wildly known as
the Grandfather of Sabah sports. We had two Sabah high jumpers who represented Malaysia, and both won gold
medals for Malaysia in the South East Asian (SEA) Games. They are Baljit Singh and Ramjit Singh Nairu.

The government has also recognized our contribution and bestowed honours to deserving Indians. I have heard
my friends saying, “If you throw a stone at an Indian crowd, there is a great chance that it would land on the
head of a Datuk or Datin.” I am very proud to lead the members of SIA to serve not only the members but the
community at large.

Many Sabah Indians served Sabah and got recognition from the Sabah government. We hope many more SIA
members will be awarded state awards for their contribution to Sabah in various fields.

With the 75th Anniversary of SIA, we hope to see the association playing a greater role together with the other
communities in Sabah for the future development of Sabah.

Thank you.

Prof. Datuk Dr. P. Muthusamy JP

MBBS (Madras), DO(Lond), FRCSEd, FRCOphth, FICO

President (2021-2023)

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Greetings and a warm welcome to this meaningful occasion.

On behalf of the Sabah Indian Association Organising Committee, I would like to express our sincere
appreciation to our guest of honourble Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, Chief Minister Of Sabah,
as well as all dignitaries, distinguished guests, sponsors, Sabah Indian Association fellow members for
attending this auspicious occasion.

This year we are very proud in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Sabah Indian Association, one of the
oldest registered society in Sabah with a significant milestone. Sabah Indian Association existence would
not have been possible without loyal support from the members over the years. It has been a fruitfulling
journey that has enable us to celebrate our 75th Anniversary as a grand lifestyle programme, allowing
members to join together as a big family gathering.

It is my great honour to be the organising chairperson for this wonderful event. I would like to thanks
every one of the Sabah Indian Association’s 75th Anniversary preparation committee members for working
together and entrusting me with this task.

In recognition and appreciation of the Sabah Indian Association members’ contributions and efforts over the
years, we are delighted to select and award a lifetime achievement award to Datuk Ir. Jim Rajaratnam, one
of the prominent passed presidents of the Sabah Indian Association.

To our advertising sponsors and service providers, we would like to thank for your generous support
towards Sabah Indian Association to make the impossible possible. At the same time, I would like to thank
His Excellancy Mr. B.N Reddy, Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia for the great support of this event.

Sabah Indian Association members, we are one big family of this association and we can only be as strong
as we are united. So, lets stand together, support each other and have faith for a better tomorrow by
providing good services to the society and the needy. As always, we are committed to provide the best
service possible to our society and Sabah State with our hospitality. Together we can!

Yours In Service,

Datuk Dr. G Mohan A/L A. Gopal Naidoo
Organising Chairperson

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BRIEF HISTORY OF SABAH INDIAN ASSOCIATION

Sabah Indian Association (SIA) is among the oldest registered cultural organisation in
Sabah to serve the community in promoting social, cultural and welfare activities.
Over the last fifty years of Sabah’s modern history, the Association has been called upon to
play a variety of roles in promoting and safeguarding the socio-economic activities of the
community.
It is pertinent to note that at the begining of its formation, Indians in North Borneo closely
kept in touch with the developments in India and were very much involved in the War Relief
Committee set up by the Indian government to assist Indians displaced by the war in 1945.
The Indian War Relief Committee served as an inspiration for local expatriates and domiciled
Indian community to look at the possibility of forming an association to protect and servec
their interest. Prior to the war, an informal organisation, the Indo – Ceylonese club was in
existence.
With the British Military Administration ceding its poeers to the British Crown in 1946, North
Borneo became a British colony. The late (later Datuk) Gurbaksh Singh Kler tossed the idea
of forming an Indian Association of North Borneo.
Pursuing his idea to form an association to preserve and promote the socio-cultural heritage
of Indians in the state, Kler and some fifty like – minded Indians met for the first time on
May 2, 1947 at the Jesselton Recreation Club.
Despite the heavy downpour on that historic day, the club was filles with members of the
community who elected Kler to chair the meeting.
In his maiden address to the committee, Kler explained to those present that members of
the Indian War Relief committee were prepared to merge wht the proposed association ro
be known as Indian Association of North Borneo.
The meeting than went on to agree that the Association’s central office would be in Jesselton
in view of the large numbers of domiciled in Jesselton ( now known as Kota Kinabalu ).

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The idea of having Jesselton as the central office was further enforced with the view that
the town was the capital of North Borneo. It was, however, hoped that the elected office
bearers would be acceptable to Indians scattered on the East and West coast of North
Borneo.

The Members were also informed that Labuan had already started an Indian Association
and its committee were keen to afflicated with the palnned North Borneo Indian association.

The members unanimously agreed to the formation of Indian Association of North Borneo
and adopted rules and regulations of the new organisation which was opened to all Indians
and Ceylonese and their descendants.

THE PROTEM COMMITTEE

The inaugral meeting was formed by the election of protem committee.

The following were elected through majority vote :

Chairmain : G. S. Kler

Secretary : John B. Dusing

Committee : Jemedar Mohd Yassin

Kartar Singh

Kalla Khan

R. M Patel

Kahan Singh

T. K. Raman Nair

Subedar Khajan Singh

Mir Ahmad

Subdedar Dewa Singh

At the following committee meeting held on 2 nd July 1947, the members were increased
by four new appointments of :

N. Sithapathy
S. Marithu
Sarwan Khan
Mulikiaman Khan

The members of the Indian relief Committee which was merged with the association
had been appointed as a sub-committee headed by Jem Mohd Yassin while branches for
Sandakan and Tawau were formed.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

According to the rules presented by the committee the object of the association “shall be to
look after the welfare of the community and to act as its social and sporting organisation.
Its membership was opened to members of Indian and Ceylonese communities and their
descendants.”

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THE INNAUGRATION OF INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF NORTH BORNEO

The Association was officially inaugrated on August 23, 1947 which was marked by a tea
party at the Jesselton Recreation Club in conjunction with the Indian Independence on Aug
15.

His excellancy the Governor Sir Edward Twining, who was the guest of Honour was given a
warm welcome and garlanded on arrival. He complimented the Indians in North Borneo on
the establishment of the association.

He also congratulated them on the happy occasion of the motherland’s souverign status. Sir
Twining in expressing his appreciation for the Indian Community’s contribution towards the
development of Borneo, said that he was so confident that the ancient cultures and high
sense of dedication would bring about continued cooperation.

Chan Yu, the China’s Consul in North Borneo, in his speech on behalf of the Chinese
community in the state congratulated the Indian community for settin up the Association.
He noted that good relations between the two communities had enhanced the developmeny
of the state.

The function was attended by community leaders from the various ethnic groups like Malay,
Dusun, Bajau, Chinese, Indonesia and Filipino.

Speeches were also delivered by the Chairman Kler, who was honoured with a Datukship by
the Sabah government for his outstanding services towards the development of sports in
the state. Sandakan branch chairman Damodar and prominent Indian leader Dr. D.B Ahmad
also spoke at the distinguished gathering.

Since its humble begining the association continued to serve the community and maintained
its various objectives to serve the community in protecting their interest and also promoting
and developing social and cultural traditions.

Looking back in the 50 year time tunnel of the association many changes have taken
place from its initial roles to the present day. We take a look at the various aspects of the
association’s operations, objectives and achievments...

MANAGEMENT

The management of the association has remained similar to the framework organised by
founding members of 1947. The association continued to elect an exco committee headed
by a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and five committee members.

The general running of the association is conducted by the elected committee members
who report to members annually while elections are held once in every two years. Any
changes to the association’s constitution need two thirds approval of the members.

( Listed in appendix 1 – Past presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of the association since
its inception ).

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LAND FOR THE INDIAN ASSOCIATION

The idea to acquire a piece of land was first mooted at the committee meeting of the
associated on July 2, 1949 and subsequent despatched a letter appealing to the government
to alienate a piece of land.

The committee proposed to build a Mahatma Gandhi Memorial library which would also
incorporate the association’s clubhouse. It was decided that a building fund be set-up
whicle they pursued for a piece of land frm the government.

Successive committees pursued with the then colonial goverment to obtain a piece of land
but it not until after indepence did the association make any headway. In August 1965, the
state government alienated a piece of land to the association.

Over the next 30 years , the Association struggled to raise the funds for a building of its own
but in recent years there has been a paradigm shift in the thinking of members in view of
the failure to raise fund internally.

The Association today is discussing with several private developers to help realise its dream
of a building of its own.

The new concept has been endorsed unanimously ny two thirds of the members at an
annual general meeting in 1995.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR DEEPAVALI

Perhaps one of the notable achievements of Association was the ability to convince the
government to declare Deepavali a public holiday.

The idea was first mooted at the October 9, 1947 committee meeting of the Association.

Association records indicate an official appeal was made vide a letter dates October 15.
1947. Though the first concession came only 17 years later wuth the then government
granted unrecorded leave for Hindus and Sikhs vide a circular CMD. 1602/3/637 dated
October 30, 1947.

The Association cotinued to pursue the matter under the leaderships of various committees
but it was not until 1995 that Deepavali was gazetted a public holiday in the State by the
Barisan National government.

RULES AND CONSTITUTION

Since the first protem committee met on May 2, 1947 the constitution and rules have been
changed to meet changing roles of the Association in the line with the thinking of members
of the day.

The simple one page contribution and rules endosed by the first meeting of association

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members was officially approved and registered Dec 12, 1951 through a government
gazzette notification number 851.

Subsequently with the introduction of the ( Malaysian) Societies Act 1966, the Registrar of
Societies informed the Association that it was deemed to have registered under the Act with
registration number SAB77.

With the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, the Association also changed its
name from Indian Association of North Borneo to Sabah Indian Association.

A number of domiciled Indian members of the Association became Malaysians by operation
of law and many others by registration. Ethnic Indians from Peninsular Malaysia joined the
growing numbers of Malaysian in the Association.

The Association gradually began to dissociate itself frm events in India as the new mood of
Malaysia pervaded the thinking of its member.

Many amendments were made over the years but due to the absence of records it could
not be ascertained whether the amended rules were approved by the registrar or adopted
by ssubsequent committees. For example, an amendment to allow proxy votes was passed
by the annual general meeting held on Mar 22. 1954 but there was no record of approval
of these rules from the Registrar of Societies.

In view of the brevity of the pioneer Constitution, a new Constitution was drafted, approved
and passed by an EGM held on March 3, 1978. It was submitted to the Registrar of Societies
but no records of approval can be traced in the files.

In view of this development, a sub-committee was formed in May 1986 to draw up a new
Constitution and set of rules. The new constitution got the nod frm the annual general
meeting held on July 12, 1987.

The new constitution allowed for the opening of branches in other towns and districts in
Sabah with the central committee in Kota Kinabalu. It was submitted to the Registrar or
Societies in Sept 1987 and was approved in June 1989.

Pursuant to the amendments, Sabah Indian Association of the Kota Kinabalu branch was
established but efforts to open up branches in other districts failed to materialize.

Subsequently, at the Delegates Conference held on Nov 11, 1991 members felt that the
existing association’s constitution and rules were not practical and too difficult to implement.

It was then decided to present as new set of rules to supercede all previous ones to
establish Sabah Indian Association of Kota Kinabalu.

Accordingly new rules were passed at the Delegates Conference and these were registered
by the Registrar of Societies with the registration number SAB 17. This is currently being
adopted by the association.

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CELEBRATION AND VISITS OF DIGNITARIES

The Association had always come forward to meet and entertain Indian dignitaries wherever
they make official or unofficial visits to the state. This included official representatives of the
Indian Government and social visitors.

Association’s records described the acitivities of the Association from its early days. One
of this graphically describes a gathering of the local Indian community and government
officers entertaining and Indian naval flortilla whic docked in Jesselton on July 15, 1945.

The Association held a reception for three commanders and senior officers officers of the
Indian Navy at the Jesselton Recreation Club to mark the visit of the Indian Naval Flortila.
Records show the visitors throughly enjoyed the hospitality of local Indians.

When the Association was established most of the Indians were Indian nationals but were
holding British subjects status as India just gained Inpendence and was not a Republic yet.

The allegiance of members were with India and the Association coincided their celebrations
with major events that took place in India.

Since 1963, events in India such as the Indian Independence Day and Republic Day that
were marked by tea parties have since been replaced by Malaysian celebrations like National
Day, Malaysia Day and the Yang DiPertuan Negeri’s birthday.

Today the association still maintains its links with the Indian government through the Indian
Commission mainly to facilitate assistance in cultural matters and also assists Malaysian
Indians in Sabah to obtain visas to visit India.

CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

From the begining, the Association organised social gatherings and entertainment for guest
from all awalks of life with cultural performance and music.

Holding cultural functions to celebrate Deepavali, New Year, Christmas and Hari Raya ins an
annual affair for the Association. All these functions are celebrated with a gathering of all
communities and nationalities.
Cultural groups and artists were brought in to join locals in the celebrations.

The Association has spearheaded community services an voluntary activities like medical
services in rural areas and also donating to flood and fire victims. It also conducts an annual
blood donation drive.

Our records show that the Indian community’s contribution towards various calls for
assistance has been appreciated since the association’s inception.

It may not be out of place to record here the following lines of appreciation which was
written as a result of the contributions the Indian community made in response to the

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Governor’s appeal in July 1947 for the War Memorial Fund, the Indian community had given
full support and played and important part in raising funds. An extract of a letter from J.M.
Macartney, the Secretary of the Memorial Fund to the association reads: “I shall be much
pleased if you will be good enough to sincere thanks of thr West Coast Memorial Fund
Committee to members of your community who have contributed to the above for their
appreciable donations.”

Sabah Indian Association continues to play its role in helping the needy in line with the
objectives of promoting social and cultural development among its members.

LOOKING AHEAD

Since the time of the first arrival of about 350 people from the Indian sub-continent in the
1800s, the community in Sabah today numbers around 15,000.

The community continues to play a role in bringing about socio-economic development for
the community and state.

Like any other organisations, the Sabah Indian Association has had its fair share of ups and
downs, tusslesm periods of lapses and has survived it all and is today preparing itself to
meet the turn of the new century.

The association was pursuing plans to have a building of its own by the 2000. It will promite
social and cultural activites and also continue to reinforce our good relations within our
multi-ethnic Malaysian society in Sabah.

In line with the thinking of the founding members, the Sabah Indian Association hopes
toreignite in fostering closer rapport with Indian base associations through out the country.

It is hope that the association would be able to provide classes for Indian cultural dances
and Indian languages for younger generation of the local Indian community so that the love
and appreciation of the community’s rich cultural heritage will not be lost.

The journey towards achieving the association’s ideals is not beyond our grasp but very
much depends on the community and members themselves.

With this 75 th Anniversary celebrations it is hope of the Association that all Indians would
be inspired towards working sincerely together as a team in developing and promoting our
culture in the years ahead.

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During the 1978 – 79, 1979 – 80, 1981 – 82, 1983 – 84 and 1984 – 86

Dr. Roy, K. Joseph and N.F Joseph and N.F Gomes were maintained as President, Secretary
and Treasurer. There were no records of any meetings between Jan 1984 and 1986.

1986 – 87 Dr. R.N Roy K.J Joseph Ganesh Nandy

1987 – 88 Dr. R.N Roy K.J Joseph Sujan Singh Kalsi

1988 - 89 K.J Joseph Sujan Singh Kalsi K.A Vanar

1989 – 91 Sujan Singh Kalsi Sundran Nayar K. Venugopal

Sujan Singh Kalsi resigned on April 3, 1991, and K.A Vanar took over.

1991 – 93 K.A Vanar K.J Joseph V. Venugopal
( S. Manjula) S.S Anand

Andrew Amaladoss
( John Gomes)

1993 – 95 K.A Vanar



1995 – 97 K.A Vanar Charles Salestine Vincent Joseph
( Bhavani Sarva)


1997 – 99 J.S Rajaratnam Bhavani Sarvananthar Vincent Joseph

1999 – 2001 J.S Rajaratnam D.J.M Deveraj Vincent Joseph

2001 – 2003 Mary Gomez Usha Jeyaram Vincent Joseph

2003 – 2005 Mary Gomez Usha Jeyaram Ambika Menon
Ir Jim Rajaretnam Ambika Menon Andrew Amaladoss
2005 – 2007

2007 - 2009 Ir Jim Rajaretnam Ambika Menon Andrew Analadoss
Andrew Amaladoss
2009 – 2011 Dtk Dr. K. Mathavan Ambika Menon

2011 – 2013 Andrew Amaladoss Dtk Dr. K. Mathavan Ambika Menon

2013 – 2015 Dtk. K.J. Joseph Prabha Pankuny Josephine Selestine

2015 – 2017 Dtk. Dr S. Ganeshanandha Prabha Pankuny Josephine Selestine

2017 – 2019 Dtk. Dr S. Ganeshanandha Prabha Pankuny Dtk. Dr. K. Mathavan

2019 – 2021 Dtk. P. Muthusamy Ir. Andrew Amaladoss Dtk. Dr. K. Mathavan

2021 – 2023 Dtk. P. Muthusamy Ir. Andrew Amaladoss Ir. John Gomez

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OUR FOUNDING PRESIDENT DATUK G. S. KLER

An affectionate man with humble ways, Datuk Gurbaksh Singh Kler was instumental
in the formation of the Indian Association of North Borneo and had worked tirelessly
for the Indian community and the promotion of its culture.

His contribution to the Association and the community might have been eclipsed
by his outstanding role in the development of sports in Sabah, Datuk Kler was
always there to lend a helpinghand to the Association whenever hewas called
upon.

Datuk Kler was the founding president and headed the Association for four yers
from 1947 after which he continued to serve as a member in the committee till
1956.

He returned and served in the Association as Committee member in 1960, 1963,
1967 and 1968.

After his last stint in 1968, he allowed the younger generation of Indians to take
over though he was always there to advise and guide successive committees in
ensuring that the association continued its objective of promoting and looking
after Indian interests.

A true and selfless man, Kler actively participated in all the Association functions
and was responsible for getting younger members to be involved in sports. This
saw many ethnic Indians from Sabah representing the state and Malaysia at
various sporting competitions.

To many Malaysias particularly those in Sabah, Kler is affectionely known as the
“Grand Old Man of Sabah Sports” while others called him the “walking statistician”
for his contributions in sports from being the founding member of the North
Borneo ( Sabah ) Amateur Atheletic Association to being an Asian track and field
statistician.

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Datuk Kler came to Sabah frm India as 20 year old in the 1920s and worked with
Lands and Survey Department. He retired as chief inspector of the Sandakan
Town Board in 1959. Later became as a sports journalist under the name of
“Rambler” in a local paper.

He was appointed State Sports Organiser on the formation of Malaysia in 1963 and
continued in the capacity for the next 12 years while holding various capacities in
sports organisations at local, national and international levels.

In recognition of his contribution to sports, the Yang DiPertuan Negeri awarded
him with the Panglima Germilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) which carries the title
Datul in 1978 apart from being honored with other state awards in earlier years.

Datuk Kler became the third person after former Prime Ministers Tengku Abdul
Rahman Putra and Tun Abdul Razak to be awarded the Benson and Hedges Gold
Award and was picked for the Tokok Sukan Award.

In 1994, the Sabah Indian Association presented Datuk Kler with a memento in
appreciation to his contribution to the community and the Association.

At the age of 85, Datuk Kler passed away peacefully on Mar 13, 1997.

Datuk Gurubaksh Singh Kler Mr. John B. Dusing Patel
Founding President Founding Secretary

Indian Association of North Borneo Indian Association of North Borneo
( May 1947 ) ( May 1947 )

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Motivational Quotes

A collection of Quotes and Teachings of Sage Thiruvalluvar

Extracts from Thirukkural

Find and follow the good path, ruled by compassion. Of the many ways, that
one leads to liberation. (Thirukkural 242)

Those without wealth may one day prosper, but those without kindness are
utterly and incurably poor. (Thirukkural 248)

If a man be his own guard, let him guard himself against rage. Left unguarded,
his own wrath will annihilate him. (Thirukkural - 301)
The arrow is straight but cruel; the lute is crooked but sweet. Therefore, judge
men by their acts, not their appearance. (Thirukural, Verse 279)

Before proceeding against men weaker than yourself, ponder when you stood
before those more powerful. (Thirukkural 250)

If you return kindness for injuries received and forget both, those who harmed
you will be punished by their own shame. (Thirukkural 314)

All suffering recoils on the wrongdoer himself. Thus, those desiring not to suffer
refrain from causing others pain. (Thirukural 320)

If a man be his own guard, let him guard himself against rage. Left unguarded,
his own wrath will annihilate him.

Gentle speech flows from love, is free from deceit, and is as music in the mouth
of the virtuous. Gentle speech, with a cheerful countenance, surpasses the gift
of the wealthy.

Amassing great wealth is gradual, like the gathering of a theater crowd. Its
dispersal is sudden, like that same crowd departing.

Should a fool fall upon a great fortune, strangers will feast while his family
starves.

One who has realized by himself his soul’s Self will be worshiped by all other
souls.

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The Legacy of our Fathers

Recollections by Usha Jayaram nee Bharatan

Nelliyatt Raghavan, born in Cannanore, Kerala on 25 Feb 1899, was a young bachelor when he
first set foot on the shores of British North Borneo in 1927. The British Government recruited
many Indians from the Survey of India for the task of mapping and topographical research in
order to open access to the interior of British North Borneo. Mr Raghavan, who was later to
become my father-in-law,was one of the surveyors recruitedalong with many others like Mr P.K.
Kurup, Mr Raman Nair, and Mr T.A. Neelakantan Iyer (whose memoirs you would have read in
the Daily Express from March-July 2022).
These young men traversed the length and breadth of this land, collecting data and setting
up triangulation stations. This was, by no means, an easy task but their work formed the
basis for surveying projects for many years to come. In 1933, Mr Raghavan went back to
India on leave and returned to Jesselton with a young bride, Leela. Their son, Jayaram, and
daughter, Pushpam, were born in Jesselton.Mr Raghavan and his wife were in Jesselton when
World War II broke out. Despite the risks, Mr Raghavan, who was chief draftsman at the time,
endeavoured to save important documents such as survey records from falling into the hands
of the occupying Japanese forces. The Survey Department building sustained damage from
shelling but the documents were stored safely in the strong room, and survived. He also
provided invaluable assistance to the Australian Forces in co-relating data for ground control of
air photographs.
His efforts, during the war, as well as those of Mr Chanan Singh, did not go unrecognised. A
report was sent to the British Government by the Commissioner of Lands and Surveyor General,
British North Borneo, on the meritorious conduct of the two men. An article on this appeared in
The Straits Times, on 14 August 1946.

Above: On 10 December 1947, 75 years ago, His Excellency Sir Edward Twining K.C.M.G., M.B.E.,
the Governor of North Borneo, presented the King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct to Mr. Nelliyatt
Raghavan in Jesselton.

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Also born in Cannanore, Kerala, in 1911, was my father, Thykandy
Patannakara Bharatan. Orphaned at a young age, he put himself
through school and ultimately graduated with a university degree.
He was a Mathematics and Science lecturer at Malabar Christian
College, Calicut when he was recruited, and in February 1948,
made the journey to Jesselton to join the Survey Department as
Chief Computer, a role then assigned to people, not machines. My
mother, Nalini, my two sisters, Padma and Sudha, and I boarded
the S.S. Rajula at Madras port, in 1949, and joined him in Jesselton.

Being soon after the war, one of the Government’s priorities was
to get the education system going to make up for the lost years
of schooling. There was a shortage of qualified teachers and so,
over and above his job as Chief Computer, my father was also
engaged by the Education Department to conduct Science and
English classes in the evenings for the new health inspectors.For
the family, my father used to order books all the way from India so
that we could learn our mother tongue, our literature as well as our
religion. He taught us to be proud of our culture and tradition, at
the same time, to be open to learning new cultures and languages
in our new home, soon to become Sabah, Malaysia.

Wewere allotted government quarters in Tanjung Aru. Our house was on stilts with walls made
of kajang (woven palm leaves) and an attap roof. In the first two years, there was neither piped
water nor electricity. My father gathered water from the two stand-pipes in the centre of the
circular group of 20 quarters, and we used kerosene lamps to illuminate our homes at night. It
was here that my brother, Rajiv was born. In the early 1950s, a runway was constructed a few
yards from where our house stood. It was a thrill to watch a Dakota land and come taxiing so
close to us. This would happen once or twice a week. On other days, we, the children, would
use the runway to learn how to cycle! Soon though, we moved to a new house at Hone Place.
The biggest thrill here was that, once a month, the Information Department, would screen an
English movie in the padang. We all looked forward to this.

From the early days, the Indian Association was always a part of our lives. As a community,
we used to have annual get-togethers at the Civil Service Union Building in Tanjung Aru. It
was a proud moment when, in August 2004, the Sabah Indian Associationinaugurated its own
building, as promoted by Datuk Jim Rajaratnam. We were happy that we could contribute to
this milestone in the history of the association - the construction of the building was supervised
by Mr Nelliyatt Jayaram and Mr A. Anthony. We are blessed that we can now celebrate the 75th
Anniversary of the Sabah Indian Association. Long may we continue to grow in strength and
unity.

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Above: Mr T.P.Bharatan with his wife Nalini
behind him, waiting in line to greet HRH

Prince Philip during HRH’s visit to Jesselton in 1959.
Left: In 1966, His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the occasion of his 59th birthday,honoured 28
peopleserving in Sabah. Among those was Mr T.P.Bharatan, whowas awarded the Ahli Mangku Negara
(A.M.N.).The award was presented by His Excellency, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Pengiran
Haji Ahmad Raffae, after the parade in Jesselton Town Padang on 8 June 1966.

Indian Association Tea Party, 28 February 1949.
Front row seated: Mrs Leela Raghavan, fifth from left and Mrs Nalini Bharatan, seventh from right.
First standing row: Mr T.P.Bharatan and Mr Nelliyatt Raghavan, eighth and ninth from right respectively.

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Tribute to Datuk Ir. Jim Rajaretnam

By Mr. Avatar Singh

Datuk Ir. Jim Rajaratnam is a distinguished contributor to the Sabah Indian community since
1968. Born in Kuala Lumpur in 1936 and having arrived in Sabah as an engineer to construct a
new road linking Kudat with Sikuati in 1968.

Having established his own private consulting firm in Kota Kinabalu in 1970, Datuk Ir. Jim
Rajaratnam joined the Sabah Indian Association in 1975 and was appointed as Sub-Committee
Chairman to oversee the structural design and construction of a Sabah Indian Association
building alongside civil engineers Nelliyatt Jayaram and A. Anthony.

The project was a success and in 2004, the Sabah Indian Association building was officially
completed and launched. Datuk Ir. Jim Rajaratnam immense experience and knowledge as a
structural engineer and structural designer has also seen the reclamation work in Kota Kinabalu
and the construction of iconic buildings such as Hyatt Regency and Tanjung Aru Beach hotel.

His immense contribution to the State has seen him primarily involved in the construction of at
least 500 major development projects in Sabah for over the past 54 years. His great sense of
giving and charity was for all to see when a
proposal was made as far back as 1967 to build a temple for the Hindu community in Kota
Kinabalu to serve the needs of Hindu’s was re-ignited by Datuk Ir. Jim Rajaratnam in 1977.

In April 1987, after years of great effort, a 2-acre plot was donated by the Sabah State
government and Datuk Ir. Jim Rajaratnam’s structural and design plans were then approved by
the authorities and His Grace Jagat Guru Shankarachariya of Kanchi (Periyavar), regarded as
the foremost order of Hindu monks and the highest authority on Hinduism at the time. Datuk
Jim then suggested the new temple to be named Sri Pasupathinath Aalayam and after kind
donations from private citizens and the state government, experienced sculptors were flown
into Sabah from Kanchi, India to carry out intricate motief and sculpting works.
The temple was completed in April 1990.

Datuk Ir. Jim Rajaratnam then not only built but donated a new building in Hilltop, Kota Kinabalu
for the Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Kota Kinabalu. His tireless work and dedication to the Sabah
Indian Community is recognized with the award of the SIA Lifetime Achievement Award for all
his contributions to the Indian Community and the State of Sabah.

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Mount Kinabalu Borneo’s Majestic Mountain

- Dr. K. Ravi Mandalam

Mount Kinabalu is a granite massif in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. At
4095 m height it is the highest mountain in the South East Asian region and is a commanding
feature of the Borneo landscape. It attracts over 50, 000 tourists every year of whom 15-20,000
attempt a climb to its summit.

The mountain and the protected forests around it form the Kinabalu Park that has been
designated as UNESCO World Heritage site and administered by a trust body under the Sabah
State Government – Sabah Parks. The Park is a beacon of biodiversity and is home to an
astounding number of plant and animal species – among plants 711 species of orchids, 621
species of ferns, 78 species of figs, 45 species of wild gingers and 27 species of rhododendrons;
and among animals 100 mammalian and 250 bird species.

Mount Kinabalu, in geological terms, is a relatively young mountain. It was formed over a
million years ago, by the upthrust of a granite plug through the ocean floor and is called a
pluton. During the Ice Ages it acquired a vast ice cap at its summit and glaciers that flowed on
all its sides. At the end of the Ice Age, the last of the glaciers retreated over 3000 years ago
leaving behind a bare rock summit of two vast plateaus with several rock pinnacles and peaks
at their edges.

The principal northern glacier also cut a deep chasm, a mile deep canyon Low’s Gully that split
the mountain into two unequal halves – East and West Kinabalu. The Gully together with the
rock plateaus and peaks gives Kinabalu its unique and spectacular appearance of a jagged
summit on top of a densely forested mountain. Its immense height in a tropical location also
gives it a wide range of vegetation from lowland rainforests at the base to mossy forests in the
middle and stunted alpine vegetation close to the summit.

The first recorded climb of Mount Kinabalu was led by a British Colonial official Hugh Low
in 1851. He was guided to the summit by the Kiau village headman Lemaing. The Park was
gazette as a state and national park in 1964. The easiest of the climbing trails on the southern
side was developed into a tourist trail. The Park Headquarters is located on the Kota Kinabalu-
Sandakan national highwayabout 90km from Kota Kinabalu. The trail starts at Timpohon Gate
3km uphill from the Park HQ.

The first day’s climb starts from this Gate and is 6km uphill to the mountain chalets located at
Laban Rata at 3000m. The second day’s climb to the summit starts in the wee hours at 2AM
and is a further 2.8km. Oxygen level on the summit is 60% of sea-level.

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The trail itself is a hiking trail that requires no professional climbing skills, but a high level of
physical fitness is needed to complete the 2-day climb. One is rewarded by the astounding variety
of flora – orchids, rhododendrons, pitcher plants, ferns and mosses and also the spectacular
panorama of the Sabahan landscape from the summit.

Kinabalu is also an ideal training ground for aspiring mountaineers. Iconic Everest-conquering
climbers from the Malaysian Indian community – Magendran, Mohan Das and Ravichandran
Tharumalingam (Ravi ‘Everest’) have all climbed Kinabalu.

I have had the good fortune to climb the Kinabalu tourist trail many times as well as participate
in several challenging expeditions to many remote parts of the mountain. For those who have
not yet climbed Kinabalu, I would encourage them to challenge themselves to undertake this
adventure. It will the experience of a lifetime.

St. John’s Peak Morning sunrise over the summit peaks

View east from summit plateau at dawn
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Golden flowers of Necklace orchid –Coelogyne papillosa
Pentaphragma aurantiacum

Casuarina-like fern Lycopodium casuarinoides

Orchid – Dendrochilum grandiflorum Sanicle – Trachymene saniculifolia

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Crimson flowers of Cyrtandra clarkei
Pitcher plant – Nepenthes villosa

Orchid – Coelogyne plicatissima

White flowers of
Leptospermum recurvum

Rhododendron – Rhododendron buxifolium
White filamentous lichen, also alled

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Orchid – Ascidieria grandis Potentilla – Potentilla borneensis

Kinabalu Eyebright Low’s buttercup – Ranunculus lowii
Euphrasia borneensis

Long-leaved moss – Dawsonia longifolia
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Christmas Orchid – Calanthe woodii Kinabalu balsam –
Impatiens Kinabaluensis

Pitcher plant – Nepenthes tentaculata Heather rhododendron
Rhododendron ericoides

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Giant leaf fern – Dipteris conjugata

Dr. Ravi Mandalam works as Consultant
Radiologist at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital.
He is a keen trekker and has climed all
three high mountains of Sabah – Kinabalu,
Trusmadi and Tambuykon several times.
He has authored and co -authored several
books on Kinabalu. He lives in Kota
Kinabalu. Also Life member of Sabah
Indian Assciation.

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