Govindasamy Pillai Part 4: Reflections

I feel that this ACE assignment has been very useful. Through this assignment, I have gained more knowledge about one of Singapore's immigrants: Govindasamy Pillai. This assignment has given me the chance to learn how to source for information on the internet better. I have also learned to think creatively when i had to think of a monument to draw. Though the initial process was tiring, it paid of in the end. I learnt more about Govindasamy Pillai and i think that this is a good alternative to learning things from a textbook. However, much time has to be spent on this assignment and i think that fewer things should be needed. For example, maybe the biography should not be required and the person that has to be researched on should be a more well-known person so that it will be easier to search for information.

Note: This four-part post is part of my History blog ACE. Please visit the History blog (historyblogace.blogspot.com) for the compilation on a single web-page.

Govindasamy Pillai Part 3: Monument

A monument should be erected to recognise Govindasamy Pillai’s contributions. It should be erected at the junction of Serangoon Road and Syed Alwi Road. This is in Little India, where Mr Pillai first started working. It is also near the centre of Little India, as Mr Pillai should be considered the father of Indian entrepreneurs in Singapore. He should be the ‘centre’ of the Indian community.

Proposed Monument

The monument, as shown in the picture above, is made out of the ‘aum’ symbol and a pile of spices, oils and grains. The ‘aum’ symbol, also called pranava, is an important symbol in Hinduism. Mr Pillai was a pious Hindu and he donated money to a lot of Hindu temples. The pile of spices, oils and grains represent Mr Pillai’s humble beginning as a owner of a shop that sold spices, oils and grains.

References:
http://hinduism.iskcon.com/lifestyle/806.htm
http://www.organicvirtues.com/images/BW2992.jpg
http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/images/8001/inline_aum-symbol.jpg
http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_main.php?zonename=Little+India

Govindasamy Pillai Part 2: Contributions

Govindasamy Pillai was a great philanthropist. He is remembered for his generosity and charity.

In 1966, the Sri Perumal Temple was renovated. However, it did not have a Gopuram (an entranceway). Govindasamy Pillai donated $425 000 to build one in 1975. A few years back, he also donated money to construct an Indian wedding hall in the same temple. The wedding hall had his name, Govindasamy Pillai Kalyanamandabam, on it.

In 1952, a home for the Ramakrishna Mission was built at Bartley Road using the money he had donated. He also helped to rebuild the Sri Veerama Kaliamman temple in 1976.

How did all of these contributions help Singapore? Firstly, if it was not for his kindness and generosity, several temples would not be the way they are today. For example, if Mr Pillai decided not to spend his money on Sri Perumal Temple, it would not have the Gopuram and the Indian wedding hall. Maybe it would have to close due to a lack of money.

Then what about the people that go to it to worship? They would have to search for another temple which would be troublesome. A little donation goes a long way. Mr Pillai’s donation could have made it more convenient for people to find a place for worship. He was a rich man, but he spent his money in a way people in today’s society would never have.

Also, Govindasamy made economic contributions. His shops sold items that could be traded easily at that time so when more people bought things from his shop, they might trade them. This would encourage traders to come to Singapore to trade. When more traders came to Singapore, there would be more goods being brought in and circulated. This would encourage even more traders to come to Singapore. This means Singapore would prosper.

References:
http://www.hsse.nie.edu.sg/staff/blackburn/SerangoonRoadLittleIndia.pdf
http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_262_2005-01-13.html