Indian Hall of Fame Singapore Welcomes Eighteen Remarkable Singapore Indians

Singapore Indians have achieved remarkable success across various sectors of society, excelling in their chosen professions and making significant contributions in sports, social, cultural, civic, political, educational, and other areas. Their efforts have played a crucial role in the development of Singapore as a thriving nation. To honor their exceptional contributions to both the Indian community and Singapore at large, and to encourage ongoing participation in nation-building, the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore (IHFS) recognizes and celebrates these outstanding individuals. The IHFS Awards, presented biennially, are the first of their kind in Singapore, aimed at acknowledging and saluting the exceptional achievements of Singapore Indians across all fields of endeavor.

The third induction ceremony of the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore and the 2024 Award presentations were held on May 25, 2024, at the Singapore Recreation Club. Eighteen distinguished Indians, who have brought pride to the community, have been inducted into the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore this year. These individuals were also honored with awards for their outstanding services and achievements. Those 18 individuals are:

Hardial Singh Bajaj (IHFS Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement)

S. Hardial Singh Bajaj’s life epitomizes resilience and dedication. Leaving India at 17 to repay his family’s debt, he started by collecting tennis balls in Malaysia. After settling the debt, he moved to Singapore in 1934, and founded Gian Singh & Co, a successful department store and trading company that expanded across Asia. Known for his disciplined lifestyle and philanthropy, he regularly donated 10% of his profits to community causes, particularly supporting the Sikh community. During the Japanese Occupation, he extended credit to British prisoners at Changi Prison. As the President of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and a trusted associate of Subhas Chandra Bose, he significantly contributed to the Indian community’s growth. For his lifelong contributions, he is being honored with the IHFS Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Mohamed Abdul Jaleel (IHFS Excellence Award for Philanthropy)

Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, CEO of MES Group Investment Holding Pte Ltd, has made significant contributions to societal welfare through various charitable causes, particularly in education. He has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Yellow Ribbon Fund STAR Bursary, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF), and The Mohamed Abdul Jaleel Bursary to to support the vocational and skills training of financially struggling ex-offenders and to support students from underprivileged Singaporean families. His company, MES Group, provides essential property and logistics solutions, ensuring safe accommodations and efficient logistics services. Through his philanthropic efforts and business initiatives, Mr. Jaleel has profoundly impacted Singapore’s future by creating opportunities and supporting the education and well-being of many.

Dr T Chandroo (IHFS Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship)

Dr. T. Chandroo is the Chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International Group (MMI), the largest Montessori franchise globally, operating over 70 preschools in 14 countries. He also chairs CSD Ventures Corp. Holding advanced degrees in business, he is a distinguished entrepreneur and a Master Trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Dr. Chandroo has received multiple awards for his business achievements and philanthropy, including the Rotary-ASME Entrepreneur of the Year and the NRI of the Year Award for Philanthropy. He is actively involved in community service, supporting education, and holding key roles in various organizations.

Viswa Sadasivan (IHFS Excellence Award for Media / Broadcast Journalism)

Viswa Sadasivan, a prominent Singapore’s influential thinker and advocate for socio-political issues, founded Strategic Moves, a corporate strategy and leadership consultancy. He has an extensive background in broadcasting, having been a top-rated TV news anchor and the presenter of popular programs like Feedback and Talking Point. Viswa played a pivotal role in enhancing TV coverage of the General Election and initiated TV debates between political parties. He launched the socio-political platform IQ [Inconvenient Questions] in 2015, which later expanded internationally to discuss global issues. IQ was relaunched in 2024 with significant engagement. Viswa holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and excelled in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Harvard Law School.

Gopinath Menon, known as Gopi, arrived in Singapore from Kerala, India, seventy years ago. His passion for engineering, fostered by childhood bridge-building endeavors, led him to a successful career in civil engineering and transportation. Notable achievements include overseeing the implementation of Singapore’s first Electronic Road Pricing system and contributing to infrastructure projects like the Paya Lebar flyover. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 1989. After retiring from government service, Gopi continued his involvement in the transport sector through consultancy projects across multiple countries. Alongside his professional endeavors, he has dedicated four decades to social service, earning recognition for his contributions.

Roy Krishnan (IHFS Excellence Award for Sportman – Football)

Ramasamy Krishnan, affectionately known as Roy Krishnan, left an indelible mark on Singaporean football history with his remarkable performances on the field. His iconic goal against China in 1974, his three-goal feat against Malacca in 1975, and his crucial contributions to Singapore’s victories over Union Espanola and All-Japan showcased his talent and dedication. Despite battling knee injuries, Roy Krishnan’s passion for the sport endured, leading him to coaching after his retirement from international soccer. His commitment and resilience, exemplified by his determination to join team training after a motor accident, epitomize his enduring legacy in Singaporean football.

Samson Gimson (IHFS Excellence Award for Sportman – Golf)

Samson Gimson, a renowned Singaporean golfer, embarked on his golfing journey at the age of 11 and quickly rose to prominence in the amateur circuit. With a string of victories in prestigious tournaments such as the Malacca Open and the Singapore Open Amateur Championship, he established himself as a dominant force in Southeast Asian golf. Representing Singapore at the national level, Gimson secured Singapore’s first gold medal in golf at the SEA Games in 1989 and earned accolades like the Coca-Cola Award for his outstanding performances. Transitioning to professional golf in 1990, Gimson continued his winning streak by clinching titles like the Singapore PGA Championship and dominating Malaysia’s TDC Tours. He further elevated his career by competing on the Japan PGA Tour, where he secured victories like the Nikkei Cup. Gimson’s remarkable achievements, coupled with his unwavering dedication to the sport, cemented his legacy as a formidable golfer and an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.

Veronica Shanti Pereira (IHFS Excellence Award For Sports-Woman Extraordinare –Athletics)

Shanti Pereira hails from a family of sprinters, inheriting her passion for athletics from her parents and siblings. With a strong foundation laid during her school years, she excelled in various track-and-field events and quickly rose through the ranks, setting multiple national records along the way. Her prowess in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and relay events earned her a spot on the international stage, where she showcased her talent at prestigious competitions like the World Youth Championships and SEA Games. Despite initial setbacks, Shanti’s determination and relentless training paid off when she clinched bronze and silver medals at the Asian Junior Championships. However, her crowning achievement came at the 28th SEA Games in 2015, where she secured a historic gold medal in the 200 metres, setting a new national record and bringing glory to Singapore. Shanti’s remarkable achievements extend beyond the track, as she became the first recipient of the Yip Pin Xiu Scholarship at Singapore Management University, demonstrating her commitment to both athletics and academic excellence.

Srimathi Usharani Subramaniam (IHFS Excellence Award for Performing Arts)

Srimathi Usharani Subramaniam is a highly acclaimed figure in the realm of Bharathanatyam, embarking on her journey in this classical dance form at a tender age and swiftly rising to prominence. Renowned for her exceptional talent, she has performed extensively across various countries, representing Singapore on prestigious platforms and captivating audiences worldwide. As a revered dance guru and choreographer, she has nurtured numerous students, guiding them to achieve remarkable milestones in their dance careers. Srimathi Usharanimaniam has been honored with several prestigious titles and awards in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the world of Bharathanatyam. Among these accolades are the esteemed titles of Natya Thilagam (Jewel of Dancers) bestowed upon her by the Indian Movie News Club, Nritya Kala Nipuna by the Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society, and Natya Kala Mani from the Sri Bala Subramaniam Temple. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Singa Gama Award for her lifelong dedication and impact on classical Indian dance. Notably, her commitment to service has also been acknowledged with a 20-year Long Service Award from the People’s Association. Most recently, she was honored with the title of Natya Archariya Mani by Apsaras Arts, further affirming her status as a revered figure in the dance community. Her enduring dedication to Bharathanatyam and her role in shaping the next generation of dancers highlight her status as a revered and influential figure in the dance community.

Kavitha Krishnan (IHFS Excellence Award for Serving the Special Needs Community)

Kavitha Krishnan is a prominent figure in Singapore’s arts community, known for her dual roles as a dancer and a champion of social causes. As the co-founder and creative director of Apsara Asia Pte Ltd and Maya Dance Theatre (MDT), she has utilized the arts as a catalyst for social change. Under her leadership, MDT has received recognition for its community initiatives, including the Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC), which celebrates inclusion and diversity by bringing together dancers of all abilities. Kavitha’s contributions have been acknowledged with awards such as the Artistic Excellence Award and the Natya Kala Nipuna title, highlighting her dedication to using dance as a means of healing and community building.

U K Shyam  (IHFS Excellence Award for Sports-person – Athletics)

U K Shyam’s journey from a student at St Andrews Secondary School to a record-breaking sprinter is a testament to perseverance and the support of others. After graduating with a double degree in Philosophy and Political Science from the National University of Singapore, he made headlines by breaking the 100m sprint record set by C. Kunalan after 33 years. This achievement led to numerous opportunities, including becoming a brand ambassador for well-known sports brands. However, his success was almost derailed when his plans to relocate overseas for training fell through. Fortunately, swimming legend Ang Peng Siong intervened and provided Shyam with encouragement and a job as a strength and conditioning coach. Grateful for the support he received, Shyam emphasizes the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams and now teaches at Raffles Institution while reflecting on his journey with appreciation.

Sarvindar Singh Chopra (IHFS Excellence Award For Sportman – Weightlifting)

Sarvindar Singh Chopra, renowned for his multiple gold medals in the SEA Games, exemplified resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite a setback from a broken elbow, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, embodying the ethos of retiring as champions rather than succumbing to defeat. Dubbed “One Man, Three Sports,” Sarvindar devoted himself to mastering Discus Throw, Judo, and weightlifting, fueled by a burning desire to see Singapore triumph on the international stage. Despite initial setbacks, he refused to be deterred, demonstrating unwavering resolve and tenacity throughout his sporting journey. Under the mentorship of Olympic silver medallist Tan Howe Liang, Sarvindar thrived in weightlifting, culminating in a historic moment at the 11th SEA Games. Against all odds, he clinched two gold medals, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for Singapore amidst a medal drought. His triumph not only realized his personal dream but also ignited national pride, contributing to Singapore’s total of 12 gold medals. Sarvindar’s story serves as a powerful reminder to aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly, fueled by dedication and perseverance.

K. Jayamani (IHFS Excellence Award for Sportwoman – Athletics)

Jayamani, a talented runner, embarked on her journey in athletics during her student years, showing remarkable improvement and dedication. Her breakthrough came at the Singapore Open when she was 19, laying the foundation for a successful sporting career. Participating in the 1973 SEAP Games ignited Jayamani’s ambition to excel on the national stage. With guidance from her coach Maurice Nicholas, she trained rigorously and achieved her goal of winning medals for Singapore, becoming a prominent figure in the athletics scene. Jayamani’s dominance in the 1500m and 3000m events earned her multiple gold medals at the SEAP and SEA Games, cementing her reputation as a formidable athlete. In 1982, she set national records in both events, earning her the title “Queen of the Track,” a distinction that remains unchallenged to this day. Despite facing disappointment at the 1983 SEA Games, Jayamani exhibited resilience by seizing the opportunity to compete in the marathon, a new event at the Games. Against all odds, she emerged victorious, showcasing her determination and defying expectations.

SK Ramachandra (IHFS Excellence Award for Sports Official – Bodybuilding)

Chandra, fondly referred to as Coach Chandra, harbored a profound passion for bodybuilding, rooted in his own experience as a former bodybuilder who clinched the Mr. Singapore title in 1951. Since 1972, Chandra had been instrumental in shaping some of the nation’s finest bodybuilders, including Rohmat Juraimi and Moh Teck Hin. Under his guidance, Singapore’s bodybuilding team achieved remarkable success, clinching numerous medals at prestigious competitions such as the Mr. Asia contest and the SEA Games. Chandra’s leadership and coaching prowess culminated in a record haul of 60 medals at various international games. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting legacy, earning him widespread recognition and the prestigious IHFS Excellence Award for Sports Official.

The contributions and achievements of these acclaimed individuals have earned them a well-deserved place in the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore. Each honoree has left an indelible mark in their respective fields, embodying the values of resilience, dedication, and excellence. From excelling in sports and making significant contributions to the arts and entrepreneurship to advocating for social causes and serving the community, these individuals have showcased the remarkable talents and capabilities of Singapore Indians. Their unwavering commitment to their passions, coupled with their relentless pursuit of success, has not only brought honor to themselves but has also enriched the fabric of Singaporean society. Through their exemplary achievements, they have inspired generations and demonstrated the immense potential of the Singapore Indian community in shaping the nation’s progress and development.

Source: Indian Hall of Fame Singapore website

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.