Icon of education and women's rights Rasammah Bhupalan dies at 98

The Star

13-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan (pic), a trailblazer in education and a dedicated advocate for women's rights, died today at the age of 98 due to natural causes.
Malaysia-India Heritage Society founder-president Prabhakaran Nair said Rasammah died at her residence in Damansara Heights here at 9am.
"She died at home due to old age. Previously, she was unable to walk and wheelchair-bound,' he said when contacted by Bernama on Tuesday (May 13).
He said a wake will be held tomorrow at Rasammah's home, while the funeral will take place on Thursday (May 15) at the Wesley Methodist Church here, followed by cremation at Nirvana Crematorium, Section 21, Shah Alam.
Prabhakaran expressed his condolences, describing Rasammah as a remarkable leader who made significant contributions to the nation's independence, education, and the empowerment of women in Malaysia.
The Malaysian Organisation for Development of Indian Women in Career, Entrepreneurs and Professionals (MiWEPs) adviser Dr Maria Rufina described Rasammah as a formidable trailblazer, educator, and social activist whose lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of women has left a profound and lasting impact on the nation.
"We are deeply honoured to have featured Datuk Rasammah in our Malaysian Indian Women Icon Coffee Table Book, a tribute that now stands as a lasting testament to her legacy.
"We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to ignite change for years to come," she said in a statement.
The Indian High Commission in Malaysia also extended its deepest condolences on the passing of Rasammah, an Indian National Army veteran, who was a member of the Jhansi Regiment, the women's wing of the INA, and fought for India's independence.
"The High Commission salutes Datuk Rasammah for her selfless service as an INA veteran. She was also one of the earliest women involved in the fight for Malaysian (then Malaya) independence.
"She also fought for the rights of women in Malaysia and has successfully trained and empowered economically disadvantaged young women,' according to a statement on Facebook.
In a post on his Facebook page, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his condolences to Rasamma.
Anwar described the late Rasammah as a steadfast and courageous advocate, who consistently championed justice, gender equality, and peace.
"I was shocked to receive news of the passing of Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan this morning. She was a prominent figure in Malaysia.
"The legacy she left behind will undoubtedly make a lasting impact, and serve as a powerful source of inspiration for the women's struggle in Malaysia.
"She also dedicated her life as an educator at Penang's Methodist Girls' School," he said.
Rasammah, born on May 1, 1927, to a family of educators, began her teaching career at the Methodist Boys' School Kuala Lumpur (1959-1964) before serving as principal of Methodist Girls' School Kuala Lumpur for 14 years until her retirement in 1982, after which she led Methodist College, Brickfields as principal.
At the age of 16, she enlisted in the women's wing of the INA to fight against British rule and was stationed in the then Burma before returning to Malaya in 1945 due to malaria.
She founded the National Union of Women Teachers, successfully campaigned for equal pay for women educators in 1961, and championed key social causes including education, women's rights, anti-drug campaigns, and social justice through her work with organisations such as the National Council of Women's Organisations Malaysia (NCWO) and Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam). - Bernama