Is it a calling, a passion or a desire so ingrained that it keeps one going through years on end with unwavering enthusiasm to serve the public, championing one social cause after another? To Mr Krishnsamy, it is something that cannot be easily explained as he has always had this feeling inside him from a very young age.

As a son of immigrant parents, Krisnasamy was born and raised in Tanjung Tualang in Perak. He spent his school days in Maxwell Hills in Taiping, Perak and finally settled in Ipoh. One of his early inspirations was the great freedom fighter – Subash Chandra Bose! Like Subash, he too wanted to work for the betterment of the Indian society as a whole and engaged in many social activities to fulfill his dreams.

Amongst his many activities, Mr Krishnasamy played key roles in participating in campaigns encouraging Indians living in Malaya to become citizens and also initiating changes to the leadership of the Indian political circles in Malaya. Even at that young age, his zeal and passion to uplift the Indian community was evident and unshakeable.

“Even at that young age I wanted to celebrate Subash Chandrabose’s anniversary!”

Mr Krishnasamy‘s interest in serving the community was very much encouraged and supported by his wife Mdm Indra Devi. In fact, she was the one who introduced him to the Tamils Reform Association. She herself was an active member in the women’s wing of the society run by one Madam Devi Maniam. The women’s wing members would hold cultural activities like Dance & Theatre activities and would often stage shows in many events held during that period.

Through these activities, Mr Krishnasamy got himself more and more acquainted with the Association. He also joined the Indian PAP section in Farrer Park where he had ample political exposure. Through this connection, he was able to include the Association in national events, eventually leading to them hosting the Pongal (Harvest Festival) celebrations and the Tamils’ Day as well as the commonly celebrated festival - Deepavali.

Never one to give up and walk way, he fought hard to push through his ideas especially when he knew the potential benefits outweighed the struggles.

“If we have a co-operative it will be an economic boost for our association.”

Under Mr Krishnasamy’s leadership, the Tamil Representative Council organized and conducted tuition classes for school children. The success of this program still resonates with Mr Krishnasamy to date. This, he says is his most satisfying deed ever as he had sowed the seeds for SINDA to then take this program to the next level. Today, it is needless to say how many from the Indian community have and still benefit from these tuition programs. He was also instrumental in pushing for the Tamil Language Week in 1995, riding on the support of Tamils in Singapore even when institutional support was lacking.

Even at work, Mr Krishnasamy was busy organizing the workers into a Union to serve their needs. Even though he was not a Singaporean at that time (he became a citizen in 1973), given his record of exemplary public service, he was given a waiver by the government to take up roles and at many instances, he went out of his way to help the Indians in the company.

Mr Krishnasamy who is well aware of the rich history of the Tamil Reform Association has fought hard to keep the original spirit alive. He went to the courts to ensure fair remuneration for the association building, which was reclaimed by the government and he has also achieved his long-term wish to change the name to Singai Tamil Sangam (Singapore Tamil Association), which better reflects the future thrust of the association.

Despite the many challenges, he is constantly exploring new ways to promote the society and make it attractive for new members.

“Memberships fees alone from 500 members is impossible to offset the $20000/month rental expenses.”

Mr Krishnasamy has won many awards and titles from various organizations recognizing his contributions in the many aspects of developing and raising awareness of the Singaporean Indian identity at the international level.

In 2013, he was awarded the Friend of Immigrants Award by the Chinese association - Hua Yua, which recognised his efforts in integrating new immigrants into Singapore’s society through the activities conducted at Singai Tamil Sangam.

With the changing times, the association under Mr Krishnasamy’s leadership is constantly updating itself and trying new ways and means to reflect the changing times, and to leave a legacy which all Singapore Indians can be proud of. We here at 50Faces wish Mr Krishnasamy and the Association all the best for the future to come!

“It is not my legacy but the association’s legacy, which should stand the test of time.”