YOUNG ASPIRATIONS SHAPED
CEO’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends of SINDA,
As 2024 draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude, reflecting on our shared journey and the remarkable achievements we've accomplished together. This year has been profoundly significant for SINDA, thanks to our collective efforts to uplift and support our community.
Central to our mission is the holistic development of our students, the bright beacons of our future. From academic milestones to personal growth, our programmes have equipped students with the essential tools and firm foundations needed to flourish in life. This year's SINDA Excellence Awards honoured 859 outstanding young achievers in academics, the arts, and sports—the largest number in the event's history and the second consecutive year we celebrated over 800 recipients. Additionally, the Self-Help Groups' (SHG) Joint Tuition Awards recognised 340 Indian students from SINDA's programmes for their academic improvements, a notable increase from last year's 296 awardees. These milestones are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students and the progress of our Indian students at the national level.
While academic success is crucial, we equally value the holistic development of our youths. Our goal is to ensure they excel in school while also cultivating the skills and attributes necessary for a successful life. The SINDA Youth Awards 2024 celebrated 150 students for their growth in leadership and skills, showcasing numerous inspiring stories that filled us with pride. SINDA offers a myriad of platforms for our youths to receive support, empowerment and opportunities to become active contributors and young leaders. Initiatives such as the ITE Youth Dialogue, the SINDA Young Leaders Programme and the SHGs' Joint Youth Dialogue provide channels for our youth to engage as active citizens, connect with like-minded peers, discuss social issues and brainstorm for meaningful solutions.
These achievements and efforts are not SINDA's alone—they are a collective triumph made possible by the unwavering support of our entire community. The recent Project Give campaign demonstrated beautifully how every level of our community can come together in their unique ways to support underprivileged students and families. I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you for being part of this journey and for believing in our shared mission to empower our community.
As we usher in the new year, let us anticipate another year of meaningful contributions, striving to uplift more lives, create lasting change and deepen our impact within the community.
My best wishes to everyone in the new year!
Anbarasu Rajendran, JP
CEO, SINDA
CONTENTS
■ Young Leaders Lift Off
■ Let Her Shine! Ladies Skill Up
16 | Quiz-O-Mania
17 | One of Us
EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Children Try AI in Art
SINDA collaborated with digital academy Hatch for a Generative AI Arts Explorer Programme, sponsored by UOB, in September. Over three days, 45 children aged 8-12 came together to develop their creativity while enhancing their digital skills.
“I learnt how to use AI in a completely different way than I expected!” exclaimed participant Jenish, 9. He and his course-mates harnessed technology to bring their own stories to life, generating images with Craiyon before advancing to Midjourney for more detailed artwork. The children discovered different art styles and how to write advanced prompts, gaining inspiration and the confidence to take their creativity digital.
More STEM-related programmes are being planned for the year ahead!
17th SINDA-Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable (IBR) Dialogue
SINDA’s IBR brought 80 Indian business leaders and industry captains together for its well-received SINDA-IBR Dialogue Series on 10 September. Members found the dialogue, into its 17th edition, to be insightful, and highlighting the many contributions made by Indians in Singapore. The Guest-of-Honour, Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Law and Chairman of SINDA’s Board of Trustees, lauded the contributions made by various members and encouraged them to get more actively involved in local community initiatives. The contributions from the IBR community continue to advance the betterment of the Indian community significantly.
Joint Tuition Awards 2024
Every year, the Chinese Development Assistance Council, the Eurasian Association, Yayasan MENDAKI and SINDA come together to present the Self-Help Groups Joint Tuition Awards. 24 August marked the 21st year of celebrating their students’ academic achievements, with 1,520 of those coming through the Collaborative Tuition Programme being recognised for their performance at national level examinations.
This year, 340 SINDA students received the award, a 20% increase from 2023. The Awards also saw an increase in the value of the cash prize, and a standardised eligibility criteria across all the groups.
Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Manpower was Guest of Honour at the event, held at Republic Polytechnic.
SUPPORT AT EVERY
Parents with SINDA have long welcomed our affordable after-school programme, SINDA Tutorials for Enhanced Performance (STEP), for their children’s well-rounded development.
Best known for its first-class tuition for primary, secondary and A Level students, STEP also nurtures them holistically through a broad range of activities.
STEP classes help strengthen students’ understanding of core concepts in school subjects, raising their confidence under well-qualified tutors.
SINDA partners with several schools island-wide to run STEP, making it accessible and convenient for families everywhere. To benefit more people, virtual centres are now available as well for those unable to attend physical classes.
Academic Excellence
We support our students with a variety of strategies to ensure they thrive academically.
Customised Curriculum
Different students have different learning needs, and STEP accommodates them all. We tailor lessons to each student, but also encourage them to be self-directed in their learning. It empowers them, with every pace and style of study taken into account.
Students taking landmark examinations also have access to SINDA’s LEAP programme, which offers timely support.
AI Tools
STEP lessons are always engaging and effective – now even more so with the help of technology. E-Learning platforms such as MCEduHub are actively used to support teaching and learning needs, in addition to AI tools such as Scribo and Cerebry to make learning interactive and dynamic!
Review Papers
Review papers help identify students’ fortes and areas for improvement. They allow for deeper engagement with topics and spur critical thinking.
Feedback to Parents
Education shouldn’t be a journey taken alone, so we build a collaborative environment by keeping parents in the loop. Knowing their children’s progress and their challenges helps parents support them better, too.
Holistic Enrichment
It’s not all about academics in STEP. We also make the effort to nurture our students’ physical, social and mental wellbeing, and offer their parents positive parenting workshops, too.
Student Experience Programme (SEP)
Experiential learning activities have proven to be a great way to engage our secondary-school-level STEP students. The SEP not only boosts confidence but also inspires aspirational thinking.
Added Support
STEP Centre Counsellors
Our dedicated counsellors offer socio-emotional and behavioural support to pupils in the STEP programme, working alongside centre personnel and parents to provide timely support that promotes the child's overall well-being.
Education Plus
Informative and motivational talks and workshops are among STEP’s Education Plus initiatives. Partnerships with the Family Development Division and Youth Division have brought topics such as digital literacy, personal branding and mental wellness to participants.
Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF)
The EOF provides students from eligible families with a $1,000 annual grant to participate in arts, sports or personal development programmes, empowering them to pursue their passions without financial stress.
Financial Aid
Through bursaries, Back To School vouchers and more, eligible STEP students have access to many kinds of financial support for their learning needs.
"We loved the online lessons as we immediately got feedback on our answers, allowing us to learn new vocabulary quickly. We look forward to continuing with STEP when we enter secondary school in 2025.”
Jeevitha and Jeevikha D/O Sundaramoorthy, 12, who have been attending STEP classes at West Grove Primary School since 2021.
“I enjoy my STEP classes because my teacher makes lessons fun using quizzes and games. I feel happy attending the STEP programme.”
14-year-old Aaron Johnathan Jerald, who has been a STEP student at Fuchun Secondary School since Primary 3
POV: MENTOR & MENTEE
Gautam Gorki, Partner and AI & Data
Lead for Financial Services Industry with Deloitte Southeast Asia, has been putting his extensive experience to a different use. He enjoys mentoring the younger generation and is a volunteer with SINDA’s Mentor Me initiative, as well as with his company’s own mentoring programme. In 2021, Shreya Kushal Kumar, now 23, became his mentee through Mentor Me and has since felt a significant difference.
What’s it like to be mentored or to be a mentor? Here are their Points of View.
What do you do as a mentor?
I believe a mentor’s role is to guide and help each mentee become the best version of themselves, professionally and personally. I guide my mentees on possible career paths, coach them in problem solving, time management, how to build their network, and so on, and encourage them to have a growth mindset.
Please share one of the ways you’ve helped Shreya. I worked with her to choose her electives based on possible career paths and guided her in creating her LinkedIn profile. I also connected her with a couple of ex-SMU and NUS graduates whom I had mentored through my work. Shreya eventually met one of them to learn from her undergraduate experience. We kept in touch even after the five-month Mentor Me programme so I could guide her whenever she needed help.
Why is mentorship important for youths?
I personally believe everyone should have a mentor, whether you are a student or a professional. Having a mentor gives you access to valuable and pragmatic advice, and helps you make good choices. A mentor helps build skills, increase confidence and widen professional networks. This speeds up personal and career growth.
Gautam: Shreya:
Tell us about your journey with Mentor Me.
When I entered the tertiary bursary scheme, I was added into the Mentor Me programme and introduced to Mr Gautam. Over the years, I have grown tremendously, especially in areas I never thought I could, and certainly not by just going to school or reading books.
How has the programme benefitted you?
I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone to join more activities and take up opportunities I would not have considered before. I have also been able to land internships which were aligned to my strengths and wants.
What have you learnt from your mentor?
Mr Gautam made me realise how I can grow, not just academically or in my career, but also in my mindset. He taught me to really put myself out there, no matter how scary it seems.
Why is mentorship important for youths?
A good mentor can change the way you view things and even change the trajectory of your life. I think everyone should take the step to find one!
EXCELLENCE ENCORE
Once again, SINDA celebrated the outstanding achievements of Indian students who have distinguished themselves in the fields of sports, arts or academics.
We saw the largest number of recipients in the SINDA Excellence Awards (SEA) history — a second consecutive year with over 850 awardees across 20 categories. The 859 recipients in the 2024 cohort joined Minister K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law and Chairman of SINDA, Minister Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance and Minister Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, at the ceremony on 14 September at Singapore Polytechnic.
The trend of Singaporean Indian students performing strongly at national examinations has risen over the last decade, according to Ministry of Education (MOE) statistics. The SEA reflects this growth as well.
How our students have progressed
In the last ten years, SEA has
“Our national education system enables students to select from a variety of pathways that align with their interests and abilities. It is important to acknowledge that each pathway holds value, and students can find success in whichever one they decide to pursue.”
Minister Indranee Rajah, President of SINDA, Second Minister for Finance and National Development
The event saw a remarkable turnout, with 1,500 families and students in attendance. To accommodate the growing number of recipients, two sessions were held this year. Award recipients received a monetary award ranging from $150 to $500, to support their continued efforts and achievements.
Some of our winners
The SEA recipients are an inspiration to us all.
19-year-old Nandakishore Puvaneswaran, a student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, balances work and studies to support his family after his father lost his job due to health issues. Reflecting on his award, Nandakishore shared, “The award was inspiring. It reminded me that I wasn’t struggling alone and made me realise I have support from many others, not just family and friends. It gave me courage.”
Receiving a Special Mention at the Awards ceremony was Laavinia Jaiganth, 18, who broke a 50-year-old national record in the 400m event at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in August.
SINDA is committed to nurturing a community that shines not just academically but wherever our talents and passions may lie. Certainly, if success calls for creativity, dedication and resilience, SEA winners have what it takes!
YOUNG ASPIRATIONS SHAPED BY EXPERIENCES
Tell us something about yourself.
I am a Life Sciences major at the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a deep passion for biology. I am a curious and naturally social person, so I am looking forward to a future in the healthcare or research sectors, with teaching as a later career goal. I aspire to make meaningful contributions in these sectors and also to inspire future students to share the same enthusiasm I have for biology.
What has your educational journey been like? In secondary school, I struggled with my mental and physical well-being and performed poorly in the O-Level exams. I was devastated that my grades did not qualify me for applied science courses in ITE – private school was too costly, and retaking the O-Levels felt overwhelming. I took a gap year to focus on my health and reflect on my interests. My father reached out to the school and I was guided to pursue a Higher Nitec in Human Resource & Administration, while simultaneously enrolling as a private candidate to retake some O-Levels subjects, attending night classes three times a week. The hard work paid off when I was accepted for my dream course in Biomedical Science at Republic Polytechnic, and I left ITE midway with a 4.0 GPA. While excited at the beginning of my poly journey, I was still fearful about my ability to succeed. However, my family and friends reminded me to focus on giving my best, and this shift in mindset helped me push through and secure a place at NUS.
Please share about your struggles with mental wellness, and how you overcame them. My toughest battles have been with pessimism and a lack of confidence, which at times still challenge me. These moments of self-doubt can be so overwhelming that they do affect my physical health.
A book on the power of optimism, You can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay, has changed my outlook on life tremendously. Confidence and optimism are vital, and it’s important to
In this issue we feature three SINDA Excellence Award (SEA) winners who have in common a passion for volunteer work, despite facing difficulties of their own. They share how they reach deep to not just overcome their troubles but also make a difference in the lives of others.
remind ourselves that it’s okay to take things slowly, to fail, and to keep trying at our own pace. Life isn’t a race; our only benchmark is who we were yesterday.
Another perspective that has helped is to show myself the same kindness and patience I’d want for a loved one.
I’ve also leaned on my family and friends, whose unwavering support reminds me that I don’t have to go through difficulties alone. My parents have been the cornerstone of my success and achievements; their support has created a positive environment where I can explore new interests and grow.
In what ways have you seen yourself grow along the way? I no longer view failure as the end of the world; instead I believe it can propel us towards something greater. Now I enjoy the learning process, trusting that I’m in the right place at the right time. I also no longer compare myself to peers, but accept that it is enough that I am giving my best effort; my progress is my own. I’ve come to see every experience as a learning opportunity rather than an obstacle. Difficulties now feel more like chances to strengthen my understanding and build consistency, and I know that this perspective will keep supporting my growth.
Tell us about your passion for volunteering. I volunteer at MINDS Me Too! Club as it allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteering has empowered me by strengthening my sense of purpose and reminding me of the impact one individual can have. Each experience has taught me that my actions, no matter how small, can contribute to making someone’s life a little easier or brighter.
I’m grateful to have been awarded the Friend of MINDS Silver Award in 2024 and also a Service Star Gold award when I was at ITE, for my contributions. “The grass is greener where you water it” is a quote I live by, as I see beauty in growth and believe in being dedicated to meaningful causes. I believe youths like myself should give back to the community, as we have the energy, ideas and drive to create change.
Do you have any advice for students with big dreams but face personal challenges?
It is okay to not have things figured out or to feel lost. As long as you are trying to improve yourself, you’re already on the right path. Progress is personal, and success isn’t a race. Also, remember that self-care is essential to thriving in the long run and asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. Take things at your own pace, trust in your journey, and never lose sight of your dreams.
Karunya Manuneethi, 22
Tell us something about yourself.
I am currently a full-time national serviceman in the Police Force. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with or playing video games with my friends; I also volunteer in healthcare whenever I can. My father has rapidly progressive dementia. As the only son, most of the responsibilities at home are given to me and I have had to learn how to balance my different commitments. I usually help with my dad’s feeding tube and stay by him when no-one else is at home.
What has your educational journey been like?
It has not been all smooth sailing – there have been many challenges, academic and non-academic, such as juggling the care of my dad with CCA and studies. With junior college being so fast-paced, there were times when I was not able to catch up and became very stressed. However, my friends and family motivated me and I was able to give my best and pull through. So, after National Service I am going to study Pharmacy at NUS. I love chemistry and want a career where I can give back to society in some small way or other.
How did your friends and family support you?
My friends were always able to clarify my doubts about schoolwork, which made learning a lot easier. My main supporter was my mum, who would check to see if I was coping and if I needed anything. She always puts my well-being as a priority.
Have you seen yourself grow through these challenges?
Emotionally, I am more mature. I can prioritise better –I discovered I have good time management when forced to juggle multiple commitments at a go! I have learnt to have more faith in myself and believe that I can do it because I am not alone; others are always there to help. All my experiences have helped me realise how everyone has their own issues, but it’s whether we choose to do something about it that makes the difference. What matters most is whether we back down and accept fate, or dare to take the challenge and overcome the task at hand.
Tell us about your passion for volunteering. I really enjoy serving others. It is time meaningfully spent. I do my best to help others and hopefully that inspires them to help those around them, too, creating a positive cycle. I believe serving should come from the heart (not for CCA points or a good portfolio). There is that feeling of satisfaction from helping improve someone’s quality of life, even if it is just a little.
I found my interest when I started volunteering in secondary school Values-In-Action projects. Now I am starting as a volunteer helping elderly patients use the e-kiosks at a polyclinic. I chose to do this as I want to use my weekends more productively even while in NS. I feel there is still so much I can do to make society a better place. Volunteering, especially with the needy, has taught me to appreciate what I have and not to take anything for granted.
What does the SINDA Excellence Award mean to you?
I am extremely grateful that my hard work and effort is recognised. It serves as motivation for me to continue striving for excellence in whatever I do in the future.
Do you have any advice for students with big dreams but face personal challenges?
Don’t give up. Always remember that when one door closes, another door opens; so even if you feel like the whole world is against you, just keep on trying your best, as there is always a path for you.
Aslam Idris, 19
Tell us something about yourself.
I just graduated with a Bachelors in Nursing (Honours) from NUS. I am currently working in Changi General Hospital.
Your family has gone through difficult times with illness. Did that influence your decision to go into nursing?
I chose nursing after experiencing the loss of my loved ones in secondary school, but also because of my love for my Red Cross CCA. Red Cross won me over in Secondary 1 with how to save lives and skills to help in a disaster. Then in Secondary 2, my father was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, and soon after, my grandfather developed memory loss, functional decline and aggression due to dementia. I would visit them in hospital and observe the nurses. The next year, I was offered a work attachment with the nurses at the Singapore General Hospital through my school and that’s where my passion for nursing developed. At the time, my mother was doubtful, having seen how hard the nurses taking care of my father and grandfather worked, but I told her it was my calling and not to worry.
Please share some of your experiences with your father’s and grandfather’s illnesses. How has this shaped your perspective on life?
There were days when my mother was attending to my father in hospital and my grandfather would go out and get lost. I would wait silently with my primary school-aged sister, 5-year-old brother and grandmother, not knowing what to do. Then there were periods when I could not visit my father or grandfather in hospital because of my busy school schedule. Later, I also took over some of the care of my younger siblings. I felt that my mother was burning out so I became a listening ear for her and would try to cheer her up, like buying a small cake on her birthday with whatever money I had saved up. These experiences have given me a strong attitude of resilience. No matter what challenges I face, I know if I have the resilience to see it through, I will come out stronger.
What helped you cope, emotionally and with your studies, especially when your father passed away?
My mother has been my strongest supporter, and I had the support of some close friends, too. Attending my Red Cross CCA also helped a lot.
There was one Red Cross camp just after my father’s passing, and I had then lost my grandfather also, where listening to camp mates from other schools speak about their families was very tough. I broke down but managed my emotions, reflected on what I had learned about overcoming difficulties and picked myself up. That whole year, my grades had been falling as family matters overwhelmed me, but in Secondary 4 I was told that if my grades didn’t improve I would have to stop my CCA. After that, I studied very hard, staying back in school or going to Tampines Hub nearby to study until 11pm!
I was also reassured that my mother had good support from the school’s community of parents and some relatives and my father’s friends, which helped me to concentrate academically.
Tell us about your passion for serving others.
I just love nursing and helping others. I think it is very important for youths to serve in the community, even through small actions like chatting to the elderly. Getting different perspectives really helps you grow. Because being in the Red Cross helped me previously, I gave back as much as possible by volunteering as a volunteer instructor during my polytechnic and university years.
What does the SINDA Excellence Award mean to you? Any advice to share?
I feel honoured and appreciate all the support everyone has given me. I’d tell others going through similar struggles that it’s okay to grieve. Memories may evoke strong emotions but instead of pushing them away, use them to gain strength, be resilient and pursue your goals.
Karuna Daswani, 23
Spreading Love through PROJECT GIVE
A toot or two on the horn, and the convoy of 23 classic cars, from the Classic Car Club Singapore, took off for the flag relay that signalled the start of SINDA’s annual Project Give (PG) campaign. Our flagship initiative rallies volunteers from all backgrounds and racial groups to support disadvantaged Indian students and families. This year, 84 organisations contributed their time, effort and donations to uplift the community through Project Give
The eye-catching vehicles ferried 66 SINDA beneficiaries through Little India, all lit up for Deepavali. When they drew up at the Indian Heritage Centre, children supported by SINDA were waiting to pass the Project Give flag to Minister Indranee Rajah, to officially launch the month-long event. Our invited guests and beneficiaries then enjoyed stage games, performances and dinner, plus another ride through the colourful district on an open-top bus.
A busy booth
Another of Project Give’s objectives is spreading greater awareness of SINDA’s community initiatives, besides encouraging the spirit of giving during the festive season. Throughout the month, Project Give at Little India served as a vibrant hub of activity. Visitors not only learned about SINDA’s programmes but also had the opportunity to register themselves as volunteers. They could further explore interactive activities hosted by SINDA’s community partners at the PG Activity Space. This event was made possible with the support of the Indian Heritage Centre and the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA).
Visiting a festival village
The Asian Village Festival at the Singapore Expo was where 28 seniors who lived alone spent a day on 6 October, with volunteers who included students from Raffles Institution and NUS. The biryani lunch was as much a treat as were the performances and the shopping for festive outfits at the Expo. Games and craft followed, and our guests were thoroughly entertained. As senior beneficiary Saradaa A Kunjoo later described, “It was a fantastic experience, unforgettable!”
Sparkling for the holidays
Another regular feature this time of year, Project Shine saw 30 volunteers from SINDA and our corporate partners going on a cleaning spree. Throughout the month of October, they were warmly welcomed into 50 homes all over the island, where they spruced up the living spaces of isolated seniors. These beneficiaries often struggle to maintain a clean and safe living environment due to their health concerns and mobility difficulties. One of those who were glad to see our crews was Mrs Jairam, who told them, “Projects like this really help us a lot.” Both the visiting volunteers and their hosts enjoyed their interactions, and the teams left the happy seniors with handwritten cards and murukku to mark the festivities.
PROJECT GIVE HEARTLANDS A VIBRANT FEST!
In partnership with Narpani Pearavai and Mediacorp Vasantham, SINDA brought our services and Deepavali celebrations closer to our beneficiaries through Project GIVE Heartlands. An extension of the signature Project GIVE booth at the Indian Heritage Centre, this initiative featured specially curated Deepavali festive carnivals for SINDA’s beneficiaries, held at community clubs and spaces across Singapore.
In its second edition, Project GIVE Heartlands doubled its reach, expanding from four locations to eight in 2024. These venues were strategically selected to reach and support more Indian families.
Entertainment from Mediacorp Vasantham and dance performances by community partners created a lively atmosphere, while the attendees enjoyed buffet meals sponsored by partners such as LISHA, Alpha Bizcom, and SITA. Live food stations serving traditional Indian delicacies and nostalgic local snacks added a festive touch. One participant shared, “This Deepavali feels special because we now know we’re not alone. We see the community is here to support our children.”
Fanning out with festive gift packs
A highlight of the season was the distribution of our Celebrate! Festive Gift Packs. Filled with goodies, snacks, groceries and a $120 grocery voucher, 1,600 packs—400 more than last year—were distributed, thanks to the generosity of partner organisations.
A JOYFUL GIVING-BACK
For some single mothers and their children who have received SINDA’s support, the SINDA Art Fest and picnic was a chance to engage with the community in a new way. At the family day out in Hort Park on 18 August, they set up booths offering glitter tattoos, henna art and sand art activities, contributing to the convivial atmosphere on a wonderful day. What a wonderful way to put their creative skills to use! Quite perfect for paying it forward, while building that feeling of belonging.
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FEATHERS
An adventurous treasure hunt got underway on 29 September, when 150 parents and children flocked to Bird Paradise for lots of fun. Solving clues together and exploring the park, the families bonded through much laughter and learning. The fresh air and exercise, especially the Kuthu fitness dance session, gave everyone a boost, and the best memories to bring home.
YOUNG LEADERS LIFT OFF
Another year, and another cohort of youths from the SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) is ready to move the world!
The SYLP is the SINDA Youth Club’s flagship initiative. Its participants are eager to make a difference and come to hone their abilities, from project management skills to design thinking. This year, the programme focused on equipping youth with leadership skills related to community development and social issues in Singapore.
Participants worked with a wide range of organisations, from the Young Sikh Association and Yayasan MENDAKI, to City Sprouts and the Singapore Silent Heroes movement, to tackle real-world problems.
Graduating from the 2024 series were 30 young people who proudly exhibited the community projects they conducted during the programme. They had been diligent – weekly SYLP training sessions were held over three months from August to October – and their leadership was clearly on display.
Since 2010, SYLP has been helping Indian youths flourish as social innovators and positive change agents. More opportunities are ahead of them, with journey crafting initiatives planned for these young adults to step out on the volunteering path with us.
LET HER SHINE! LADIES SKILL UP
SINDA’s programme for the advancement of Indian women helped heighten their knowledge and skills, in August and September!
LHS x State Courts
Navigating violence can be challenging and complex, requiring resilience, support and awareness. In an event with partners Singapore Courts and Pro Bono SG, LHS! participants gained insights into this difficult issue. A panel of three distinguished speakers – Viviene Sandhu, CoManaging Partner at Clifford Law LLP; Bharathi Manogaran, Head, FSC Yishun, Methodist Welfare Services; and Vanita Kaneson, Deputy Director and Lead Court Counsellor (Centre for Specialist Services) – provided practical advice for understanding personal boundaries, recognising signs of abuse and accessing resources for safety and well-being.
Participant Shaynadeep, 18, called it “incredibly eye-opening”. The anonymous question-and-answer session allowed for open dialogues with real-life scenarios discussed. The event, on 6 September, ended with a tour of the courtrooms and its facilities.
Empowering women with the knowledge and skills to move forward in such situations is essential for fostering confidence and promoting safe, healthy environments.
Nourish Together
Krav Maga Class
It was indeed a confidence booster for the 13 LHS! participants who attended the Krav Maga class where they learned essential self-defence techniques, building their confidence and physical strength. They gained skills to protect themselves in various situations, along with strategies for staying aware of their surroundings and responding effectively under pressure. This training not only empowered them physically but also instilled a sense of resilience and self-assurance, reinforcing their ability to navigate challenging situations with confidence.
25 LHS! participants put their culinary skills to the test and received tips from two top chefs, Inderpal Singh and Priscill Koh from Tai Tai Chef Academy. They learned about nutrition and healthy meal planning while cooking alongside a supportive buddy. Good nutrition and great taste — they got it all wok-ed out!
Quiz-O-Mania
VISION
To build a strong and vibrant Singaporean Indian community together
MISSION
To build a well-educated, resilient and confident community of Indians that stands together with the other communities in contributing to the progress of multi-racial Singapore
VALUES
Respect, our culture Integrity, our foundation Service, our promise Excellence, our pursuit
Read everything in the December 2024 issue of SINDA Connections without skipping a page? Let’s see how well you know its contents!
This contest is open only to primary and secondary school students, who are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents. Three correct entries will win $50 worth of vouchers each. Scan the QR code or visit www.sinda.org.sg/Quiz-O-Mania and complete the quiz by 3rd February 2025. Winning correct entries will be picked in a draw and the judges’ decision is final.
Winners will be contacted by SINDA to collect their prize and their names will be published in the next issue of SINDA Connections.
Congratulations to the winners of the previous contest!
Aditi Ganesh Ram, Bukit Panjang Government High School
Sivalinsira D/O Chinnadurai, St Margaret's Primary School
Akileashwarar S/O Kathirarivan, Anglo-Chinese Independent School
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Patron
Mr Lee Hsien Loong
Chairman
Mr K Shanmugam
Life Trustees
Mr K Shanmugam
Prof S Jayakumar
Mr S Dhanabalan
Mr S Chandra Das
Mr J Y Pillay
Mr Sat Pal Khattar
Dr N Varaprasad
Term Trustees
Ms Indranee Rajah
Mr Ravi Menon
Mr Girija Pande
Mr Gautam Banerjee
Justice Judith Prakash
Mr K Kesavapany
Mr Shabbir Hassanbhai
Mr Timothy Chia
Mr Piyush Gupta
Dr Sudha Nair
Mr Harjit Singh Bhatia
Mr K V Rao
Mr Ashok Kumar Mirpuri
Advisors
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan
Mr Vikram Nair
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
Ms Indranee Rajah
Vice Presidents
Mr Sarjit Singh
Mr Murali Pillai
Secretary
Mr Siraj Omar
Treasurer
Mr G Arull
EXCO Members
Mrs Rathi Parimalan
Ms Praveen Randhawa
Ms Carmelia Nathen
Mr Rajakanth Raman
Prof Vineeta Sinha
Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash
Mr R Raghunathan
Dr Hamid Razak
Mr G Segar
Kanthan Raghavendra
Kanthan Raghavendra, 39, grew up in modest circumstances, but the generosity of friends assisted in funding his tertiary studies in Law. Today, Kanthan considers being a lawyer a gift and a calling. He strives to pay it forward, and does so as an active volunteer with SINDA’s Legal Clinic, as well as with a half dozen other organisations.
I joined SINDA’s Legal Clinic as it is an important platform where everyday Singaporeans in the Indian community can get legal assistance, especially for those who cannot afford it.
Helping the less-privileged gives me a deep sense of fulfilment, and volunteering with SINDA has been incredibly rewarding.
I provide consultations on a range of legal issues, from divorce and personal protection orders, to civil claims and disputes, to wills and probate-related matters. My role is to listen carefully, assess each person’s situation and offer guidance that leads them to make informed decisions. Sometimes, just clarifying the legal process can be a relief to them.
The cases I’ve seen in SINDA’s legal clinic often involve residents in dire circumstances, and their situations can be quite turbulent. When I feel that a person is emotionally on the edge, I assure them that the social worker and I will be there to see them through their issues.
Many vulnerable individuals or families are uninformed about their legal options, or have misconceptions which only add to their worries. Organisations like SINDA create a safe and supportive environment for people to seek help, notwithstanding any financial or social barriers. Access to legal assistance can transform lives.
As a volunteer lawyer, the scope of my assistance lies in providing general legal guidance. My professional conduct rules do not allow me to represent the residents unless I do so in a pro bono capacity. However, I will do my best to assist them. Sometimes, I will refer them to other organisations such as the Legal Aid Bureau.
Volunteering brings people together, harnessing diverse skills and perspectives to address community challenges. This builds a supportive, resilient society with a foundation of empathy, understanding and unity. It strengthens the social fabric. I firmly believe in the importance of serving the community and that my legal training can be a powerful tool to empower SINDA’s mission to assist Singaporean Indians.
