MOTHER Mangalam – a petite lady with a glowing and infectious smile, a vegetarian from birth, always careful of what she ate, and relied totally on her own concoctions of herbal drinks and medicines.
At the young age of 23 years, she received the baton of trust from Dr Swami Satyananda as the President of the Pure Life Society, a home for orphans and underprivileged children.
His faith and choice proved right; with great drive and strong goals, Sister Mangalam helmed the Pure Life Society for more than 70 years, ensuring that every child who passed through her care and tutelage was always cared for, schooled, and set to achieve great heights in society.
Sister Mangalam was my English teacher and also the school headmistress. She would speak to us about universal values on Mondays and Fridays. She would tell us stories about the importance of being good citizens and preserving good dharma at all times. Once during assembly, she asked us the meaning of our school motto – “Truth alone triumphs”.
She then explained it simply meant that in any situation or circumstance, it is important to be honest, as it is always the truth alone that wins.
I used to share these assembly experiences with my mother while helping her tap the tall and canopied rubber trees.
My late mother simply admired Mother Mangalam and always considered her an angel on earth sent to help the poor.
In the year 1985, Sister Mangalam was bestowed the title “Mother” by society. She was indeed humbled by the title, and that made her strive even more in her efforts to nurture the younger generation for greater opportunities.
Mother Mangalam and I formed a close bond after I had completed school. It was she who asked me to join the committee among many illustrious senior civil servants and professionals.
She was pleased to see my writings in the media and that I was assigned to be the secretary to the management committee.
As I was and still am fond of writing poems, I used to share my writings with Mother Mangalam. She once credited me by saying that I am a poet; she was interested in my writings and particularly impressed with the rhyme scheme, the pattern of sounds that repeat at the end of a line or stanza.
Mother Mangalam, even in her old age, never stopped sending me WhatsApp messages. Mind you, she did not just forward messages but instead took time to share her poems and relentlessly correct my writings, too. Many text messages and several long phone calls. I was fortunate to attend most of her birthday celebrations and also some prominent award ceremonies, such as the Merdeka Award organised by Petronas, where she was recognised for her contributions to education and the community.
Mother Mangalam’s smile is stuck in me. Her teachings are my daily mantra. My daily inspiration is her conviction and commitment to the poor, needy, and orphans.
One important message that I always bring home from Mother Mangalam is to never fear; just continue doing what you are doing. As long as what you are doing is good for you and the people around you, keep going.
She never failed to shine like a burst of sunshine, with abundant energy spreading to everyone. She was generous, always giving to those in need. She was always concerned with the well-being and welfare of the children. She continuously inspired me and a few others who kept in contact with her.
She was always asking the “old boys of Dharma” to come forward and join the Pure Life Society and contribute to the well-being of society.
Mother Mangalam’s recent 97th birthday celebration on May 20th was a great example of what a fighter she was. I was one of many of her old students among several other dignitaries waiting for her arrival.
When the master of ceremonies announced that Mother had suddenly taken ill and, as such, the ceremony would continue without her, everyone was in shock.
As a lady who was always in the pink of health, this was the first time this iron lady was associated with being ill. The hall was in complete silence.
However, several minutes later, Mother made her entrance into the hall. Her slow ushered entry was met with loud whistles and applause from the guests. Her first action was to hold the microphone, and in her gentle, soothing voice, she acknowledged all the distinguished guests and thanked everyone for attending the event.
Mother may have left us all. As sad as we all may be, her rest is well-earned.
She has been toiling for the greatness of the world. She spoke bravely on issues affecting children, spoke of the rights of single mothers, and reported the poor quality of unity, peace, and compassion among the school-going children. She even requested a meeting with the deputy education minister to raise these issues in order to find a solution. This was Mother Mangalam, a small-sized lady with a giant heart of gold.
The children of the Pure Life Society will miss their great beacon of hope.
The management and staff will certainly miss the meticulous and inspiring life president.
The world will miss a gentle lady who walked the globe on her two untiring feet, adding smiles to innocent young faces and filling their bellies with nourishing and balanced diets.
Mother Mangalam is our very own Mother Teresa, and as one who never converted anyone in the course of tending to thousands of children, she is undoubtedly the best-towering individual that our county has created in the name of love, care, and compassion.
I will miss you loads, Mother Mangalam, but I know we will meet again. Your path is surely a challenge for many, but we will persevere and continue your legacy and all that you have done tirelessly in your lifetime. – The Vibes, June 12, 2023
The writer is a prominent public relations practitioner and a reader of The Vibes
