Latest news with #Thambirajah
The Sun
03-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Tribute to education altruist Dr M. Thambirajah
AS a mother, a human resource professional of over two decades and an Indian woman who has journeyed through corporate Malaysia and grassroots community work, I write this with a heavy heart. The passing of Tan Sri Dr M. Thambirajah has left a void so profound, I ask myself: 'Who do we turn to now?' Growing up in Malaysia, especially as part of the Indian community, meant growing up hearing his name spoken with reverence, admiration and a sense of safety. His presence was constant in books, on stages, in community halls, and most importantly, in the hearts of every parent who dreamt bigger dreams for their children. His message was clear, unwavering and urgent: 'Education is the way forward.' For our community, education has never been a luxury. It is a battle against generational poverty, against discrimination, against the belief that we must settle for less. Dr Thambirajah understood this deeply and he chose not just to understand but to act. And that is the 'Thambirajah Effect'. He did not just build the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC), he built hope. He created structure, discipline, values and most importantly, belief – belief in the children who had been counted out, belief in families who had almost given up and belief in us. I have seen it firsthand as an HR professional, interviewing thousands of candidates. Those who came from SMC or had been touched by his influence walked in with something different – clarity, humility and fire. They were respectful, prepared and purpose-driven. This is no coincidence; this is his legacy in motion. For me, this loss cuts deeper than legacy; it feels personal. In a quiet, emotional moment years ago, Prof told me: 'Don't worry, maa. He (my son) will do well. When the time comes, come and see me.' Those words became my anchor. I held onto them through the toughest parenting moments. That promise kept me steady. But now that door no longer exists. That guiding light is gone and I am frozen in time, waiting for a moment that will never come. That promise, one I cherished with every fibre of my being, is now one I can no longer claim. I am heartbroken yet I know, even in this grief, that his mission was never about one child, one mother or one promise. His mission was for all of us. Now, it is ours to carry forward. To mothers like me, educators, HR professionals and community leaders – we owe it to him to make sure no Indian child is left behind. To fight for access to education, not handouts, but opportunities. To teach our children not just to chase success but to understand why education matters. To instil discipline, purpose and pride in the next generation just as he did. We must remind them that while degrees may open doors, values and vision are what keep those doors open. That respect, humility and resilience are not soft skills but the survival kit he gave us. As I write this, with tears in my eyes and pride swelling in my chest, I say: 'Thank you, Tan Sri, for seeing us when others looked away, for helping us where others gave up and for showing us that ideas when paired with discipline and conviction can move generations. 'You didn't leave us in the dark; you left us in the warm, unwavering glow of your teachings. And as a mother, you have my promise that I will do my part. Your voice may be silent but your vision will still roar. 'And in every child we lift, in every mother we comfort and in every student, we see you in their success. Rest in eternal peace, our guiding star. You will never be forgotten.' Mangalagowri Ramanathan
Barnama
24-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
SMC To Carry On Founder Thambirajah's Legacy In B40 Education
PETALING JAYA, June 24 (Bernama) -- Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) is committed to continuing the legacy of its founder, the late Tan Sri M. Thambirajah, in helping students from the B40 group gain access to quality education and ultimately break free from the cycle of poverty. SMC co-director Surain Kanda said the legacy and guidance of Thambirajah would continue to serve as a compass in the core mission of SMC. Describing the passing of the education figure as a great loss to the Indian community in the country, he said SMC remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the B40 group from poverty. 'To achieve this goal, SMC focuses on three main areas: first, providing education to students from B40 families; second, offering temporary relief to poor families to support their daily expenses; and third, helping B40 families find sources of supplementary income,' he said. He told reporters this at the final tribute ceremony for Thambirajah, held at SMC here today. Family members, friends and former students were seen arriving at SMC from 10.30 am to pay their last respects to Thambirajah, who died yesterday at the age of 83. Thambirajah founded SMC in 1982 as a non-governmental organisation focused on education and character development for the Indian community. Meanwhile, Thambirajah's daughter T. Sumithra hopes her father's legacy will inspire young Indians to rise and help the community. "His legacy cannot die with him. So to all of you young Indians out there, I hope he has inspired you to do much, much more for the Indian community of Malaysia.
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Thousands pay last respects to educator Dr M. Thambirajah
PETALING JAYA: More than 2,000 people, including students, friends and dignitaries, today paid their last respects to renowned educator Tan Sri Dr M. Thambirajah, who spent decades trying to lift families out of poverty through education. Thambirajah, the founder of the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC), died yesterday aged 83. SMC co-director Surain Kanda, once one of Thambirajah's scholarship recipients, described his mentor's passing as an immeasurable loss. "His departure leaves a huge gap that will be very hard to fill. But Tan Sri had prepared us for this from the very beginning. "I was 20 when I first joined SMC as a student and received a RM1,000 scholarship in 1992. "I've been with him ever since. I was his student for 26 years before becoming his protégé, and I owe him everything," he told reporters at Thambirajah's wake. Surain said Thambirajah's legacy would continue to live on through SMC. "Our goals are clear: to help students get a good education, provide relief to struggling families, and help parents earn extra income so their children can study without worry. "That was always Tan Sri's dream, not just to help students succeed academically, but to help entire families break the cycle of poverty. It's up to us now to make sure that legacy carries on." Surain and thousands of others, including Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia, B.N. Reddy, gathered at the SMC Ashramam this morning to pay their last respects before the final rites this evening. Thambirajah's daughter, Dr Sumitra Thambirajah, said her father never forgot his humble beginnings and devoted himself to helping others overcome hardship. "He came from modest roots and was raised with the love of his family. "He worked hard and had a passion for helping Indians like him rise above hardship, achieve success, and lift others along the way." She said her father's passing was not just a huge loss to the family but to the Indian community in Malaysia. "His legacy cannot die with him. To all the young Indians out there, I hope he has inspired you to do much more for the Indian community of Malaysia. "He will be missed. He was a loving father and my best friend, and I hope we can all keep his spirit and legacy going." Born in 1942, Thambirajah devoted his life to breaking down barriers and giving others a fair chance at success. From SMC's modest start in 1982, Thambirajah nurtured generations of students, offering academic guidance and, more importantly, instilling self-belief. Today, SMC's impact can be seen across the country in the careers of doctors, lawyers, teachers and engineers who once walked through its doors.
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Ahmad Zahid: Thambirajah's passing a great loss to the nation
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed sorrow over the passing of Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) founder Tan Sri Dr M. Thambirajah, whom he described as an influential and big-hearted figure in the field of education. In a post on X, Ahmad Zahid said the late Thambirajah was more than just an educator - he was his mentor, teacher and lecturer during his time at Universiti Malaya (UM). "We shared a close bond and a common belief that education is the primary catalyst for social transformation," he said. Ahmad Zahid described Thambirajah's passing as a profound loss to the nation, especially in the ongoing efforts to uplift the educational standards of the Indian community. Nevertheless, he added, Thambirajah's legacy would endure through the successes of the students he guided, the families he empowered, and the values he nurtured through his work at SMC. "My deepest condolences to his family and the entire SMC community. His contributions and sacrifices will always be remembered and continue to inspire us all," he said. Thambirajah, who founded SMC in 1982 as a non-governmental organisation focused on education and character development for the Indian community in Malaysia, died yesterday at the age of 83. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Thambirajah, champion of Indian education dies
KUALA LUMPUR: Prominent educationist and founder of the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC), Tan Sri Dr M. Thambirajah, died yesterday. He was 83. SMC co-director Surain Kanda, when contacted by Bernama, said members of the public may pay their last respects tomorrow at SMC Ashramam, Petaling Jaya, Selangor from 10am to 2pm, before the final rites at Nirwana Setia Alam at 3pm. "Tan Sri was more than just a leader; he was a visionary whose mission was clear - that every Indian home should produce at least one graduate. His efforts transformed the lives of thousands," he said. Born in 1942, Thambirajah founded SMC in 1982 with the aim of uplifting Indian students through academic support, personal discipline and self-confidence. What started as four small centres grew into a nationwide movement with over 103 physical and 128 virtual centres, currently serving more than 10,000 students annually. An alumnus of the University Malaya (UM), he went on to earn his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Washington, USA, and later completed his LL.B. (Hons) from the University of London. He served as a senior lecturer at UM and authored several influential works, including the history textbook Malaysia Dalam Sejarah. His lifetime contributions were recognised both in Malaysia and internationally. He was conferred the title Tan Sri in 2012 and received India's highest award for overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. Thambirajah also served on key national advisory bodies, including the Special Implementation Taskforce on the Indian Community and the Social Council under the Prime Minister's Department. "He believed in action over rhetoric, and service over self," said Surain, adding that over 52,000 students have graduated through SMC to date. Thambirajah is survived by his wife Puan Sri Indirani Arunasalam, two children Dr Sumitra Thambirajah and Anannd Thambirajah, and two grandchildren.
