Mother Mangalam, a Mother to All Children
Mother Mangalam has been a 'mother' to multi-ethnic orphaned children throughout the years and is a testimony that a life dedicated to serving others can bring fulfilment and joy.
Born in Singapore in 1926, her life's path was set in her teenage years during World War II, as she wanted to alleviate the pain and suffering around her.
In 1952, the first few buildings were put up for that purpose, and since then the Pure Life Society home, the first non-government orphanage in the country, has sheltered and nurtured over 2,000 children of all races and creeds.
Mother Mangalam made the decision at the tender age of 19 to devote her life to God and community work.
Living Her Life’s Purpose
Mother Mangalam spent her childhood living with her extended family and grandfather, CK Sundaram Iyer, as patriarch. Mother Mangalam received her education at Raffles Girls’ School and the Saradhamani Girls’ School in Singapore. In 1948, she left her family in Singapore for Malaya to complete her teacher training in a Tamil school for underprivileged students in Bangsar.
Mother Mangalam received her education at Raffles Girls’ School and the Saradhamani Girls’ School in Singapore. In 1948, she left her family in Singapore for Malaya to complete her teacher training in a Tamil school for underprivileged students in Bangsar.
Besides teaching, Mother Mangalam assisted Swami Satyananda in relief work among the poor. The latter would go on to establish the Pure Life Society in 1949, with the aim of promoting multiracial and multireligious understanding through lectures, forums and programmes.
Mother Mangalam was initiated into Pure Life Society in 1949 as 'Sister,' and later earned the title 'Mother' in 1985. Despite early challenges at the Home, including modest meals due to financial constraints, Mother Mangalam's perseverance brought about positive changes over time. Many of the children under the care of the Home have grown up to have successful careers in medicine and the civil service, among others. In the ensuing years the Home expanded into an institution to include schools, clinics, recreational halls and vocational training facilities.
Her work among the poor and disadvantaged earned her notable recognition, including the Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN) by Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2003, a Pingat Jasa Kebangsaan (PJK) from the Sultan of Selangor in 1955, and the Tun Fatimah Gold Medal from the National Council of Women's Organisations in 1977.
In the 1960s. Children from all races and backgrounds come together at the orphanage. Many of the children who grew up under her care have gone on to become successful individuals.
A glimpse from the past. The late Tun Fatimah Hashim, the country's first woman cabinet minister visiting the children at the orphanage, accompanied by Mother Mangalam.
Using her creative energy for a higher purpose
Apart from her charitable causes, Mother Mangalam also dabbles in poetry. In 2001 a book of her poems called “Dew Drops on A Lily Pad” was published by The Pure Life Society in conjunction with her 75th birthday. She has authored works on the History of Kuala Lumpur Schools and served as the editor and publisher of the Dharma Quarterly since 1961.
Mother Mangalam remains modest about her achievements, saying, "My achievement? I don't know what it is really. All have contributed to the work, that's all I can say; the environment, people and the children have played a part in what has been achieved thus far. For me, the most important factor is building the right human capital to continue this work in the future, as without it, we cannot achieve anything,".
Happy family. A recent photo of Mother Mangalam surrounded by children from the orphanage.
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The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.