Award for the Silent Heroes – Tamil Murasu

Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and National Development, Indrani Raja, has said that it is excellent to recognize those who have contributed in their own way to social progress and to present awards that encourage a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.

Speaking as the special guest at the 12th ‘Unsung Heroes’ Awards of the Citizens’ Association, he said, “Acting with compassion is not a matter of age. The award-winning youth remind us that our future lies in the hands of caring, resilient souls.”

Recalling his participation in the first year of the awards ceremony, the Minister said that it was a complete emotional moment to be at the ceremony again.

Five individuals who have served the community in various capacities were presented with awards at the awards ceremony held at the Shangri-La Hotel on Saturday (September 27).

A total of 124 people were nominated and 24 were selected for the final round. Awards were presented in five categories: Humanitarian, Exemplary Youth, Outstanding Elder, Promising Pioneer, and Loving Foreigner.

Additionally, five APEX award winners from 84 elementary school, high school, and junior college students were recognized at the ceremony.

“It is an honor to recognize and celebrate those who embrace the ‘We First’ culture, as enshrined by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his recent National Day rally speech,”

said M.P. Selvam, President of the Citizens’ Association and Founder and Leader of the Singapore Unsung Heroes Movement.

Mr. Selvam also said that he is very happy to contribute to promoting this culture of ‘We First’ by recognizing individuals who continue to do good deeds without any expectations.

Subhash Saminathan, 51, who was nominated for the Outstanding Adult Award, believes that helping others is the right way to live, even though he has faced various difficulties in his personal life.

“My desire is to do as much social work as possible until my last breath. I am happy to be nominated for the award,” he said.

Selva Raju Arumugam, 33, who was nominated for the Model Youth Award, said, “I am lonely after losing my parents and finding fulfillment in helping others.” He said that being nominated for the award was encouraging and that he wanted to serve the advancement of youth with special needs and an inclusive society.