09 Let Her Shine!02 Propelling the Next Gen Memorable Moments in March 12 089/09/2021(P)MCI JULY 2022SINDACONNECTIONSA FORCHAMPIONSOCIALGOOD
CEO’S MESSAGE 01CONTENTS | Looking Back 02 | Propelling the Next Gen 03 | Nurturing Youth Potential 04 | Mentoring: A Promising Path to Progress 05 | Feature Interview A Champion for Social Good 08-14 | Programmes & Events Never Too Early to Learn A Warm Welcome Back for the Little Ones Let Her STEP-ingShine!Back into the Real World Scholarship Boost Hari Raya Holiday Cheer Memorable Moments in March Grateful for the Giving 16 | Quiz-O-Mania 17 | One of Us
Among our many new programmes is the ‘Let Her Shine!’ (LHS) initiative, launched recently by the SINDA President, Minister Indranee Rajah. Through this initiative, we are raising better awareness of women empowerment causes within our community, providing women with resources to develop their skillsets and ultimately accompanying them on their journeys to success. Through LHS, we hope that every woman in our community, no matter her age or starting point, realises her potential, achieves her dreams and shines to the best of her abilities! Through programmes like LHS and so many others, there’s something for everyone at SINDA. And as we return to normalcy, my colleagues and I look forward to meeting you in person at our programmes very soon!
This transition to in-person programmes has been re-energising not only for us at SINDA, but also for the people we serve! At our recent Mother’s Day dinner, it was truly heart-warming to witness our young ones express their grateful appreciation for their doting mothers. I was also fortunate to have taken candid shots with two young lads – Sarveen Kumar and Devesh Kumar [pictured above] – who gamely posed for photos. We had so much fun! Their enjoyment was highly infectious and importantly, moments like these reinforce to us the reason behind the work that we do – to see the smiles on our beneficiaries’ faces! Engendering such smiles was also what we did at our Celebrate! Festive Gift Pack distribution during Hari Raya Puasa, when we distributed goodies and meals to our Indian Muslim brothers and sisters. The fact that we could do something to add to their festive celebrations and bring them a little more happiness was in itself, a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Such outreach efforts are, of course, not possible without the support of our network of dedicated volunteers, donors and partners. You will read of many such collaborative efforts in this issue and I am grateful to all for joining us in our mission. We will continue working closely with them to not only reach previously unidentified beneficiaries but also introduce new programmes to improve outreach and benefits for our community.
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Anbarasu Rajendran CEO, SINDA
Chief Editor Ravindran Nagalingam, COO, SINDA Deputy Editor Dhanasegaran Narayanasamy Production Editors Manesh Rangarajan, Vaiishnavi Karnan DESIGN & LAYOUT Green House Design + Communications PRINTER HoBee Print Pte Ltd , Licence No: L001/09/2021
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Dear Friends of SINDA We approach the second half of 2022 with plenty of enthusiasm, after an eventful six months, during which we introduced impactful new programmes as well as forged new partnerships for community’s benefit.
PUBLISHER Singapore Indian Development Association EDITORIAL TEAM Corporate & Marketing Communications Division
The easing of safe management measures at the national level has allowed us to resume SINDA programmes at physical venues. Such in-person engagements have meant that we can engage with people better, serve their needs more effectively and catch up on lost time.
With education as one of the key pillars of SINDA’s mission, the annual Education Work Plan Seminar is inarguably critical. It brings STEP, Teach and Project Guide tutors and other personnel in line with SINDA education programmes. At the same time, the session provides opportunities for feedback and networking, towards more effective and holistic student development.
Working
Sometimes it just needs a friendly visit to find out how our neighbours are doing. SINDA volunteers have been doing just that, in collaboration with grassroots organisations and community partners, to understand the needs of Indian residents. Bringing help and support were four door-knocking exercises in the first three months of the year, at Brickland Road, Buangkok Crescent, Bukit Panjang and Sembawang. Keep a look out for us as we continue reaching out to more residents throughout the year!
Once More 1
Powering Up Primary 6’ers SFC
This year’s Seminar was held virtually on 8 January, with 449 tutors attending. Studying smart is better than studying hard — that’s the message 30 Primary 6 students received at a Power Study Habits class on 17 March. Coming together in a classroom for the interactive online session, they learnt how to get their focus right — right in time for their PSLE this year! It has been a long hiatus due to the pandemic, but the SINDA Football Club (SFC)’s under-25 women’s team, the SFC Warriors, are back in training! The weekly weekday drills restarted in March in preparation for upcoming competitive leagues. The 15 youths currently on the team are exercising not just their fitness and flair, but displaying discipline and commitment, too. The Warriors are recruiting — check them out at www.sinda.org.sg/sfc for details on the training sessions.
| Highlights Looking Back
Care Comes A-Knocking Our Community Goals Warriors Out
Aligning Educators with
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Through her STEP tuition classes, Yesha learnt about and attended Camp Arise, where mentors left a deep impression. The formerly shy and reserved teen consequently sought new experiences through other SINDA youth programmes.
A SINDA Peer Leadership alumnus, Yesha was endorsed as 2021 SINDA Youth Valedictorian, and has been advocating for the Indian community as a Youth Advisory Group member of the Ministry of Social and Family Development. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
Having a Voice Kamakshi Ravikumar Yesha, 19 “I blossomed through SINDA’s programmes and now I’m very proud to represent the Indian community at a national level. I hope to harness the skills I have learnt to help other youths and motivate them to give back to the community.”
THEPROPELLINGNEXTGEN
Our youth are ever-exploring, ever-reaching, ever-evolving. To help them realise their potential, SINDA has a carefully-tailored range of programmes. Through motivation, imparting of values and teaching of skills, these offer youngsters the support they need, while opening their eyes to the endless possibilities available to them. What we’ve seen are youths who thrive in positive peer circles, and who have matured into confident and capable adults. They spur each other on, too. Under the SINDA Youth Club, future leaders are embarking on journeys of self-discovery, anchored in sustained training programmes and mentoring schemes. They have the big picture in mind, already debating and seeking solutions to national and community-focused issues. As they take the bit between their teeth, there’s one thing our youths are assured of: SINDA’s commitment to their success.
Participants are offered growth and opportunitiesdevelopmenttoenhance their competencies for personal and professional development.
Guidance Mentorshipand(GAME)
Youth Leaders Networking SYC brings different Indian youth groups together, to build upon each other’s strengths and contribute to the community.
SINDA Youth Programmes SINDA Youth Club (SYC) Leadership Programmes
SINDA Young Leaders Seminar (SYLS) Youths from diverse academic backgrounds convene and are shaped into youth leaders. ITE ProgrammeLeadership(ITELP) This 5-month course cultivates effective leaders, affording them opportunities to conceptualise and realise projects for social good. 3
Peer ProgrammeLeadership Experiential workshops prime those with potential to be peer leaders in SINDA youth programmes. Women Empowerment Centred on women-empowerment, this programme guides young ladies as they overcome challenges, learn to develop sound goals, and reach for their dreams.
Youth Enable Secondary school students are groomed into socially and emotionally confident individuals, and prepped with crucial skills for academic improvement. ITEnable ITE students are motivated along their academic journey, while picking up life skills and positive values.
Mentor Me Tertiary students are matched with industry professionals, who as mentors guide them towards their goals. Specialised workshops are also arranged for them.
SINDA Young Adults Engagement This platform for older youths aged between 26 and 35 provides community support as they advance in their careers and approach other milestones in life, including marriage and parenthood. Find out more and join our youth programmes at
13-to-21-year-olds are engaged through various interest-based courses under a Social Emotional Learning framework. The interactive skills-learning activities are led by trained youth facilitators.
NURTURING YOUTH POTENTIAL
SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) In this 4-month programme youths identify and solve community issues, shaping them into active contributors in the community.
www.sinda.org.sg/youthCapacityBuildingWorkshops
125 Youths of today face a multitude of challenges in a rapidly evolving environment, and grapple with concerns about their job prospects and future. Having someone to turn to for advice and guidance is always an advantage. We highlight three of SINDA’s programmes which provide just the kind of backing that benefits our youths.
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Coming into its fifth year, Mentor Me offers tertiary-level students long-term mentorship by professionals in their sector of interest. Having a better understanding of key areas in their specialisation allows the students to make practical plans for furthering either their education or careers. Besides the personal guidance, mentees also have access to specially designed workshops to boost their skill sets. Whatever their goals — personal, academic or employment — youths will always have the support they need to achieve them.
AMentoring:Promising Path to Progress
Successful ITE alumni are motivating their juniors still enrolled in the colleges. By mentoring them and encouraging them to join the many skills-building courses provided through SINDA, they help cultivate a positive mindset that leads to resilience and faith in their abilities. Students have their academic efforts cheered on, and at the same time learn essential soft skills to help them overcome life’s challenges with panache. Activities and workshops to enrich their experience in college are well-spaced over the year, letting students enjoy a regular stream of engagement. Exceptional leaders from SINDA youth programmes are selected for the Peer Leadership Programme. Their potential is carefully nurtured through experiential workshops that equip them with the values, understanding and know-how to be the movers and shakers of the future. As peer leaders, graduates of this programme take up roles and responsibilities in other SINDA youth programmes — and that includes mentoring others too!
The Peer Leadership Programme enaged 61 youths in 2021.
MentorITEnableMe
110 students were part of ITEnable in 2021. In 2021, youths were mentored under this programme.
Peer Leadership Programme
| Programmes & Events
You must have read about The Straits Times’ Singaporean of the Year 2021, who donated part of his liver to a stranger. What you may not know is that the 29-year-old is also an APU-SINDA scholarship recipient. BalathandauthamSakthibalantells us what makes him tick. | Feature Interview A GOODFORCHAMPIONSOCIAL
There are skill sets that were honed overseas, where the environment poses a challenge away from one’s comfort zone. I’ve become more open-minded and receptive to the opinions of others, more attuned to the thought processes of others. This is how the Japanese are; they listen more than they talk, and are able to understand their counterparts’ perspectives and adapt to the situation. Being attentive in this way has made business relationships very much easier and unforced. I feel I have an edge in engaging with the Japanese community in Singapore.
Please share a little about yourself. I’m just another Singaporean, one who wants to give back to society and do something bigger than myself! I spent five years in Japan, studying and working there, and am fluent in the language. After graduating I was a Project Manager at the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Office, building trade relations between Japan and Singapore.
| Feature Interview 6
I graduated from the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Oita Prefecture, Japan, under an APU-SINDA Scholarship. In 2015, this was one of the overseas opportunities offered by SINDA. I felt heading to Japan would be a unique experience — and sure enough, it was.
I also received an interest-free loan from the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET). Together with the scholarship, it helped lift the financial burden, which meant a great deal to my family and myself. I could set my focus on my studies and worry less about money. Now that I am working I can still pace my repayments in order to achieve the lifestyle I live today. What was the experience of studying in Japan like? Fitting into school was very comfortable and easy. Each cohort at APU comprises 50% Japanese students and 50% international students, representing over 90 countries.
How has your time studying abroad shaped you as a person, and influenced your career?
What is your tie to SINDA?
All major subjects are taught in English, though there is a mandatory Japanese Language module to complete as a requirement for graduation. Every day was very interesting and a learning journey. I lived my second year in the town instead of on campus, and learnt to live independently. I also saved to travel around Japan to learn about their etiquette and business culture.
Today, I am a Senior Sales Executive with Miumi Singapore, handling sales and procurement of ingredients for fine dining restaurants in Singapore — from Michelin-starred restaurants to hotels and omakase establishments.
Actually, no. The team of doctors at NUH ensured I was fully prepared and aware of the risks, but I was convinced I could help this family in their time of trouble. My family were also very supportive, once they were assured that I was doing it of my own accord. There was no exchange of money or tokens to persuade me — doing a good deed doesn’t need rewards or credit, it just needs to be done. Have you met the recipient and her family?
Other than that, it’s life as usual — I’m always seeking more ways to help society where I can.
Mr Sakthibalan Balathandautham and donor organ recipient, Rheya. Photo credit: Mr Sakthibalan Balathandautham
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Yes. I first saw Rheya in person just minutes before I was wheeled into the operating theatre. It motivated me to support her all the more. She remains a model to me, because she has been that strong against all odds. Today her family and I exchange texts and meet up often, whether it is for dinners at home or for special occasions. We have our laughs together… it’s nice to have a family opening their arms to have you by their side.
I hope the youth and working class of our community make it their duty and responsibility to do the right thing, for a better tomorrow.
To be an active member of society is to be proactive and taking the initiative. One must be courageous and selfless, and passionate about the community’s growth. If we are always going to be waiting for each other, thinking “maybe someone else might come”, that’s not the kind of society I wish to bring my children up in. I believe in stepping up to do what I can, to the best of my ability.
How did it feel to be named The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year? Has it changed your life? I hope it inspires more individuals to think about the greater good and give back to society. I wanted to lead by example, to show fellow Singaporeans that it’s not so difficult.
Things are still the same. There have been more people who are curious about organ donations, who contact me to ask about how they too can help, and how to start their journey.
Do you think it is important that more people come forward to support those in need?
In 2020 you stepped up to donate 23% of your liver to a baby you never met. How did that come about? I came across a Facebook post looking for donors and I seemed to fit the criterion. After a few hours of research, I decided to volunteer myself. (Editor’s note: A one-year-old baby had a rare disease that would eventually lead to liver failure.) I’ve been a blood donor since my Junior College days, and I felt that organ donation was the next step. At the end of the day, I just did what I hope anyone else might do for a person in need. Didn’t you have any reservations, considering that being a living organ donor carries risks?
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A baby’s brain may still be growing but there’s no better time to start nurturing inquisitive new minds than now! SINDA gifts eligible new parents with a Hello Baby Gift Bundle that takes care of baby’s early development. Filled with interactive playthings for dad and mum to bond with their child, the hamper, worth $160, is being sent to an expected 300 families this year. The tiny tots won’t miss out on enjoying their babyhood, with an activity gym, a ball pit and baby blocks to accompany their growth in the first year. There are also baby books for reading to baby, while parents, too, get a baby-care book to guide them. Sakthi Surampara was one delighted mum. “The baby hamper was great,” she said. “My baby was enjoying herself, playing with all the colourful balls that came with it.” Two- and four-year-olds aren’t left without presents, either — their families will be sharing the wonders of discovery through the world of books. The Hello Toddler Hamper, consisting of $100 worth of age-appropriate storybooks, will make its way to some 450 disadvantaged families this year, to spark youthful imagination and nurture learning. “My son is obsessed with books and story time thanks to this hamper,” shares recipient Misriya. She adds, “Even though he can’t read on his own yet, he is starting to point out familiar letters and even tries to pronounce words.” Misriya’s son is two — at a stage where he quickly absorbs what his mother reads to him, so this hamper has certainly arrived at the right time, she says!
Sign up for our Hello Baby Gift Bundle at www.sinda.org.sg/hellobaby
Parent Rajeswari notes how teachers put in much effort to make the lessons interesting. “My son, Vijesh, enjoys going to his Tamil class and has learnt a lot from there too.”
Terms & Conditions apply.
| Programmes & Events 8
Joining our kindergartners on-site are our young participants of SINDA’s Literacy and Numeracy (LYNN) programme. The 20-week programme for pre-schoolers helps them to pick up both maths and reading skills painlessly and naturally as they prepare for primary school. When classes are this jolly, learning really is as easy as ABC!
Never Too Early to Learn
Sign up for our children’s enrichment programmes at www.sinda.org.sg/children
A Warm Welcome Back for the Little Ones
With lots of creative, play-oriented activities holding their attention, picking up their Mother Tongue is made sunny and simple. By the time the 20 weeks of classes are done, they will be more than ready for Primary 1!
It has been two years since our kindergarteners have been able to join us on-site, so what joy it was to receive them again in April! By the end of the month, 101 five-and six-year-olds were back at SINDA and partner venues for their Pre-School Tamil Enrichment Programme
What can a girl do with the right knowledge, tools and resources? Why, just about anything! That’s why SINDA is out to empower our young ladies this year, with our ‘Let Her Shine!’ initiative. We are putting the spotlight on women, with a series of long-term programmes and workshops that will fit them out with lifelong skills and self-confidence. Based on the insights garnered in the national Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development series, which resulted in a recently presented White Paper, we aim to close the gap for Singaporean Indian women as they strive for success.
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Prior to the unveiling of Let Her Shine!, three programmes were already held for the ladies, in tandem with International Women’s Day. Healthy Eating for Women showed young adults how food and drink choices they make every day might affect their health later in life; Women and Self-care assured them that self-care is not selfish; and a Virtual Art Therapy session gave single mums a strategy for stress reduction and selfexpression while bonding with their kids.
You can find out more about upcoming workshops, at www.sinda.org.sg/LetHerShine
SINDA is proud to be leading the cause for women’s development in the community, in partnership with close to 20 national agencies and women’s groups. Ms Indranee affirms: “We very much hope with this initiative, we will be able to help our Indian women fulfill their potential, stand shoulder to shoulder with other woman and let them all shine!”
SINDA’s President, Minister Indranee Rajah launched the initiative on 7 May. The pilot, which will engage Indian females from age 7 to age 30, aims to impact over 1,000 of them in 2022. Starting off, the focus is on three principal approaches: Empower, Inspire and Nourish. Awaking resilience and ambition in girls while helping them cultivate healthy minds and lifestyles are all part of the plan. A new generation with higher aspirations? SINDA’s right there. Some 20 courses scheduled for the year include topics on career building, leadership, public speaking and financial literacy, as well as nutrition and self-defence. A particular emphasis is being put on promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-related studies, where career opportunities beckon.
Let Her Shine!
These will add on to SINDA’s other women-centric activities, such as Project Athena for single mothers and the Women Empowerment Fund.
| Programmes & Events 10
Govinden Pamela Leah, 49 PSBA-SINDA Scholarship and SIET study loan recipient, Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Edinburgh Napier University Despite the constraints of the pandemic, SINDA students had a disruption-free start to the year, thanks to the STEP tuition team’s versatility. Ever-ready to adapt, they had brought lessons smoothly online to keep the kids up-to-date. But STEP centres are buzzing back to life! With the easing of safe management measures, classes have had a buoyant return to in-person sessions once more. In April, some 3,400 students met their classmates in the flesh, and more are making their way back. A total of 3,568 students are enrolled across SINDA’s 25 STEP centres to date.
Higher education is within reach for those with the aptitude and resolve to excel — SINDA and our partner institutions offer a host of scholarships to help fulfil ambitions. Last year, 21 individuals were awarded partial or full scholarships worth up to $170,000. Covering diploma and degree courses, these include the: APU SINDA Scholarship Dr Balaji Sadasivan Study Award KAPLAN SINDA Scholarship Lighthouse SINDA Scholarship
Optimum Solutions SINDA Scholarship PSBA SINDA Scholarship SCCCF SINDA Scholarship SIA SINDA Undergraduate Scholarship
SICCI SINDA Scholarship SIMM SINDA Scholarship Now, a brand new tie-up is offering more individuals in the community a boost towards their self-development goals. On 19 January, TMC Academy solidified its partnership with SINDA by offering the first-ever Masters scholarship offered by a private education institution through SINDA. As the only organisation accorded the privilege, we certainly are Thehonoured!TMC-SINDA Scholarships will be bestowed annually until 2024, and provide 50% funding for a total of 20 courses, from Preparatory Courses for ‘O’ Levels to Masters programmes. Find out more about SINDA scholarships, at www.sinda.org.sg/education
“The scholarship was an excellent pathway to upgrade myself and improve my career prospects. I am grateful for this opportunity. I hope that my boys will be inspired to never give up on their dreams, regardless of any obstacles.”
STEP-ing Back Into the Real World Scholarship Boost
On 10 April, 50 Indian Muslim homes opened their doors to find SINDA volunteers bearing some 240 iftar meals for all in the family. Each household also received Celebrate! Festive Gift Packs from sunny volunteers making the rounds.
The easing of Safe Management Measures at this time also was opportune, and many came forth to help bring cheer. Individuals, Indian and religious organisations were ready volunteers, all looking forward to the chance to strengthen community bonds after a prolonged period of insulation. Mahesh Mogan, 32, has been taking part in these distributions and door-knocking exercises for four years.
“Engagements like this are very close to my heart,” he enthuses. “We get to talk to the beneficiaries and see how they are doing. I see the impact on their lives, especially with the pandemic going on. We volunteers are able to bring a little sparkle and joy to them during the festive season!”
SINDA’s Family Service Centre continues to follow up with these families, providing additional support where needed. A recipient of the Celebrate! Festive Gift Pack (on the left) with SINDA volunteers.
Breaking fast with the family is a ritual our Muslim brothers and sisters look forward to during Ramadan, and SINDA was glad to be a part of the tradition this year.
Hari HolidayRayaCheer
The iftar meal-and-gift pack distribution was part of SINDA’s Celebrate! Festive Gift Pack initiative, which has been running since 2001. Together with a host of partner organisations and volunteers, SINDA ensures that the main festive seasons — which encompass Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas — can continue to be enjoyed, even in financially trying times.
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Two weeks later, a further 400 beneficiaries were presented with the festive goody-bags laden with Hari Raya treats and essential items by our community partners and volunteers, as well as $120 worth of grocery vouchers. “It really is helpful for someone like me who cannot move around easily due to my medical problems. Especially at this festive time, it is very heartening that they check up on us and look after our needs.”
Mdm Khadijah, 62
| Programmes & Events
So much to try, the time just zipped by… two hours at the SuperPark indoor activity sports venue left SINDA youths on an adrenaline high. Team building never was so fun, with adventure areas, games arenas and freestyle halls to conquer! Six groups had a blast putting their skills and confidence to the test over three days at Suntec City. Three days, three acts — 30 youths with stories to tell learnt how to script screenplays, from outlines to character arcs and denouements. The GAME Scriptwriting sessions were part of the Guidance and Mentorship Programme (GAME), which introduces youths to a medley of activities under the guidance of a mentor or peer leader. This year, the line-up for GAME offers shorter bursts of sessions for each programme, allowing a wider variety of interests for the youths to sample.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN MARCH
What’s your superpower? Sometimes it takes a conversation with your peers for it to surface. For the 20 young people taking part in this Mentor Me workshop, learning to confidently share their stories was a first step towards making a professional pitch or acing an interview. The Superpower Youth workshop was held at the Civil Service Club at Tessensohn Road. Super Thrills at the SuperPark Upping the GAME with a New Script Releasing Superpowers 12 A breather between school terms is always welcome, no matter how short! SINDA packed the one-week March holidays with enough fun to make the break a brilliant one. Here are how kids and youths made the most out of their holiday: 30 youths mastered the art of scriptwriting at the GAME Scriptwriting workshop held during the March school holiday.
Fond moms and dads need not have worried about their young children surviving away from home — the kids were happily learning how to survive out in the field!
Pitching tents and cooking outdoors was an experience to remember, besides the rambunctious high jinks of laser tag that followed. Other games interspersed guided tours, which included the immersive ‘Through the Lens of Time’ Singapore exhibit. Another tour on eco-sustainability introduced the children to urban farming and a floating solar panel installation, too. All activities were held on-site at the Singapore Discovery Centre, where not one, but four camps accommodated 78 primary schoolers from SINDA. The lower Primary camp participants were no doubt sorry to leave after a day, while the older kids enjoyed a second day of activities, in which they took on the role of sustainability advocates. The imagination never runs as wild as when you are a fiveyear-old, so a Children’s Creative Writing Workshop was a wonderful chance for a small group of pre-schoolers to unleash their creativity through stories. A Zoom workshop engaged the little ones and drew out their confidence as they shared ideas. They also learnt about what makes a good story — a great foundation for when they one day write their own tales!
@mysinda Primary-schoolers having fun with team-building activities at the SINDA Holiday Enrichment Camp.
Does a pre-school education really matter? That’s a resounding “Yes” from the Pre-School Starters workshop, held online for 29 parents. And to help parents slip their moppets into the flow of learning, the facilitators taught them to ease their own anxieties by being prepared, and preparing their children too. This workshop was conducted in collaboration with KidSTART.
SINDA Goes to Camp!
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Capturing Creativity through their Stories And a Holiday Workshop for Parents, too! Can’t wait for more? Keep a look out for our upcoming programmes by www.sinda.org.sgvisitingorfollow us on our social media pages!
| Grateful for the Giving
Calling Graduates!OverseasAll
“As a regular SINDA donor for over a decade, I hope that through my donations, I will be able to help uplift students, as I believe that no child should lack access to a proper education.”
It is a longstanding tradition for SINDA to show our appreciation to stalwart supporters with a biennial Donor Appreciation Lunch. This year, we hosted 25 benefactors at the Royal Palm at Clarke Quay. Through the years, we have seen more and more wellwishers coming forward with their contributions, in service to the community. We see it as proof that SINDA’s work resonates with the public. Your contributions — both monetary and in-kind — help the community to be selfsustaining, and have an impact that spans initiatives from family development and financial assistance to scholarships. Each year, some 25,000 individuals and families benefit from your generosity. In 2021, 43 organisations and individuals in particular gave to the tune of $939,000 in value, a sum that comprised 68% of all donations received for the year. At the appreciation lunch on 25 February, both SINDA’s Chairman and President, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister Indranee Rajah, were warm in their acknowledgement of our donors. Among these was the Goh Keng Swee Foundation, which donated $200,000 to SINDA to support students in need. The gift, a tribute to Dr Goh’s vision of a Singaporean society with equal access to opportunities for all, was made to commemorate the 11th anniversary of Dr Goh’s passing.
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Mdm Angappan Manonmani, 70, SINDA Donor Also making a donation last year to mark a special day was Mdm Angappan Manonmani, who bestowed $7,000 upon SINDA for her 70th birthday. “When we work together,” Ms Indranee told guests in her address, “not only do we develop stronger compassion and empathy but importantly, such efforts strengthen the community spirit and bring us closer — we develop a stronger understanding of our fellowmen’s experiences and we readily pitch in to do what needs to be done, so that those who are less-advantaged can achieve their life Youraspirations.”donationsensure a strong social safety net is in place. SINDA is here to support not just the vulnerable but also those for whom additional resources make all the difference towards achieving their goals. A community thanks you! 25 esteemed donors were honoured at the SINDA Donor Appreciation Lunch for their meaningful contributions.
Programmes & Events
START EARLY & BE PREPARED FOR Your EXAMS! LANDMARK PROGRAMME FOR O-LEVEL (E-Math) Scan the QR code to register or visit forwww.sinda.org.sg/landmarkmoredetails! Learn tips and tricks to ace your exams! Conducted by trained tutors Held at convenient locations $10islandwidecommitment fee only! Further subsidies are available for families with a per capita income of $1,000 and below. Terms & Conditions apply Open to Indian Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents Exam Tips & ManagementExamStrategiesSkills TechniquesAnswering misconceptionsCorrecting & focusing on key topics
Mr Girija Pande
VISION
MISSION To
progress of multi-racial
Integrity,
Patron Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Chairman Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Life Trustees Prof S Jayakumar Mr S Dhanabalan Mr S Chandra Das Mr J Y Pillay Mr Sat Pal Khattar Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Ms Indranee Rajah Mr Ravi Menon
contents!Quiz-O-Mania 16 Congratulations
Mr K Shanmugam Dr N Varaprasad
2) Riley Leonidas Devarajan Rosyth School
3) Sujatha Yuhua Primary School
Vice Presidents Mr Shekaran Krishnan Mr Sarjit Singh Secretary Mr Siraj Omar Treasurer Mr G Arull Members Mr Murali Pillai Mr K Ramamoorthy Mrs Rathi Parimalan Mr Mohamed Nasim Ms Carmelia Nathen Prof Vineeta Sinha Mr R Raghunathan Ms Praveen Randhawa Mr R Rajakanth To build a strong and vibrant Singaporean Indian community together build a well-educated, resilient and confident community of Indians that stands together with the other communities in to the Singapore our culture our foundation
Join us for a meaningful career Inclusive environment Work in an inclusive and positive work environment, which recognises diversity and encourages people to share di erent perspectives. professional development We take pride in o ering support and opportunities for our people to enhance their skillsets and capabilities with self-directed and continous learning. Empower the Community Be part of the social service sector and give back through meaningful and engaging initiatives. view our career opportunities at www.sinda.org.sg/careers BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr Gautam Banerjee
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mr K Kesavapany Mr Shabbir Hassanbhai Mr Timothy Chia Mr Piyush Gupta Dr Sudha Nair Mr Harjit Singh Bhatia Mr K V Rao Advisors Dr Vivian Balakrishnan Mr S Iswaran Mr Vikram Nair
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 31 August 2022 Winning correct entries will be picked in a draw and the judges’ decision is final. July 2022 of SINDA Connections without skipping a page? Let’s see how well you know its to the winners of the previous contest!
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Read everything in the
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Justice Judith Prakash
issue
1) Krishalini B New Town Primary School
President Ms Indranee Rajah
contributing
WhatSC: would you like to share with our readers?
“Don’tDaniel: give up on what you have set your minds to achieving! Follow your passion, even if the path seems long or difficult — the journey will be worthwhile. Learn from mistakes along the way, and surround yourselves with people who are driven.
Determination, Daniel Ravindran believes, is the one quality that ushered him from ITE to polytechnic, to university. Galvanised by SINDA’s youth programmes at the start, he is now back as a SINDA youth mentor to tell students that a long and winding route can still get one to one’s destination.
Daniel, at 29, does not feel out of place among the teens he is chatting with at ITE. After all, it was in ITE that Daniel found the focus and drive to pursue his aspirations, through SINDA Youth Club’s ITE Leadership Programme (ITELP) in 2015. Then, he had joined to try something new. What he discovered was a new confidence to keep doggedly at his studies and also to take on leadership roles. Spurred on by his ITELP peers, Daniel would eventually make his way through Singapore Polytechnic and graduate from Nanyang Technological University with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
The fresh graduate is now giving back as a youth mentor in SINDA’s ITEnable programme. Daniel connects easily with the students. He understands innately their concerns, and is using his own experiences to motivate them to work hard. It is a joy for him to encourage them — he is reminded of his own happy times with ITELP — and he wants to inspire the students to aim high, just as he was once inspired himself. He reminds them that there are multiple opportunities and pathways to reach their goals. His message for the youths is also for all of us: Once you know what you want to achieve, believe in yourself and work towards it.
RavindranDaniel
17
In His Words
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