Nights with hunger pangs spurred her to help needy – The Straits Times

23 August 2015 • 3 mins read

Singer-songwriter Thirukumaran Mathialagan and Property agent Noor Mastura (above) were honoured as Singapore Silent Heroes. ST PHOTOS: SEAH KWANG PENG

Property agent, whose group delivers food to the poor, is one of 9 to get Silent Heroes award

Her sterling work has not gone unnoticed: she won the Silent Heroes Awards in 2016 that was conferred by the Hillview Civilians Club, now known as the Civilians Association of Singapore.

Madam Jayamany was one of five winners that year, clinching her award under the Pioneer of Promise category.

The awards are now in their sixth year and as ever, aim to recognise unsung champions who display extraordinary humanity and compassion towards people, causes and missions.

Nominations are open until June 30. Members of the public can nominate Singaporeans or permanent residents who have contributed to society with their good works and exemplary attitudes.

There are four award categories: Hearts of Humanity; Pioneers of Promise; Outstanding Adults; and Inspiring Youth.

Nominations can be lodged at www.sgsilentheroes.com, which also provides more information on the awards.

Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Communications and Information, said at a symposium on Thursday (April 18): “These silent heroes may go unnoticed, but what they do is valuable and impactful.

“Sensitive to the needs of others, they often extend a helping hand, uplifting many lives in the process and making a difference in the community.”

Madam Jayamany said her win in 2016 came as a shock. “I didn’t even know until I got the invitation letter. But I’m thankful, as receiving this award gave me the chance to help even more people afterwards.”

She added that people were more likely to approach her for assistance, knowing that she would always extend a helping hand.

Madam Jayamany is also keen to help another silent hero receive recognition. “I will definitely try to nominate someone this year.”

“We fail to realise that these individuals are working hard in the background, sacrificing their own comfort to be of service to others. “They are not rich or famous but their contributions are integral and have a huge positive effect.”

Quoted by Club president M.P. Sellvem

He added that the awards are a fitting tribute to the origins of the club, which started off as a group of youth who wanted to channel the energy of young people into sports rather than social vices.

Another winner, Mr Thirukumaran Mathialagan, 27, is the singer and songwriter of local band The Voodoo Sound. He was nominated for his volunteer work in Nepal following April’s earthquake.

The band took part in a fund-raising effort called Share a Beat, in which local musical groups busked on the streets to raise money for the quake victims as well as Bangladesh and Myanmar’s Rohingya refugees and victims of the Nepal quake.

They were able to raise $2,000 for quake victims. But Mr Thiru felt that more could be done, and so he flew to Nepal with two other volunteers to help rebuild a school.

“I realised that sometimes we help but we don’t go to the root of the problem,” said Mr Thiru. “I don’t think it’s enough to just give money, which spurred me to go down to the epicentre of things to see the reality for myself.”

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Published originally from: The Straits Times

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nights-with-hunger-pangs-spurred-her-to-help-needy

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Singapore Silent Heroes

The Silent Heroes Award Presentation is an annual ceremony organised by CAS – Civilians Association (Singapore). The aim of the award is to recognise ordinary, everyday Singaporeans and permanent residents for their extraordinary humanity and compassion towards people, causes, and missions.