taken from email from Malaysia Hindu Sangam
DR. S.M. PONNIAH’S SERVICE TO COMMUNITY CANNOT BE MATCHED
Dr. S.M. Ponniah a former President of Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) and a founder member of Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) and its former Vice President passed away peacefully at 2.00 AM this morning 19th September.
He was born on 1927 in a village at Bukit Tengah, Penang to Muthukumaru family. Coming from a poor family he was educated at the Bukit Mertajam High School which is also the former school of our Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. After starting as a Normal Class Trained Teacher at High School Kuala Lumpur, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) at University Malaya Kuala Lumpur. After serving as Acting Principal of High School Setapak, Kuala Lumpur he joined the MARA College as an English Language Lecturer. He then went on to Ohio University and obtained his MA degree. A person who never stopped studying he obtained his PHD at University Malaya at University Malaya after his retirement. He was reemployed many years.
Late Dr. S.M. Ponniah was better known for his services to the Hindu community as a leading member of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam. He served as President of MHS from 1976 to 1986. He formed a wonderful group of 3 well known leaders in the 70s and together they helped to reorganise the MHS to a great extend. The other two officials were Mr. Selva Nadarajah (a former President) and Lt. Col. Karu Sathiah (former Secretary General) together they opened up state and district branches. They also started the annual Religious Hindu Teacher Training Programmes. The trio are also best known for the start of the 30 years old Thirumurai Festival which has produced about 200,000 children and youths who can recite the Thirumurai hymns. He was also a Vice President, World Hindu Federation in the early 80s.
Dr. S.M. Ponniah was also one of the founder members of the MCCBCHST in the year of 1983. He was very much involved in the protest by the non Muslims at that time against the Federal Government’s proposed laws to restrict places of worship of non Muslims. Efforts of the MCCBCHST was successful when the then Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad withdrew the proposed Bill.
Dr. S.M. Ponniah was also well known for his numerous translation works of Hindu Scriptures from Tamil to English. He has also published several books on Hindu Religion. The most recent was The Kamba Natakam an English Language drama depicting the Ramayana scenes of the renowned Tamil Poet Kambar. For his services His Majesty the King awarded him the award of AMN. The Malaysia Hindu Sangam awarded its highest award of “Sangaratna” – a jewel of the Sangam.
The funeral service will start at 12.00 noon at 38. Jalan SS 1/41, Kg. Tungku, Petaling Jaya. The cortege will leave for Kg. Tungku Crematarium, Petaling Jaya at 3.00 PM.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam prays for his soul to be blessed by the Almighty God. It expresses its appreciation for his sincere and devoted service to the community and conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Sangaratna Dr. S.M. Ponniah.
Thank you,
Yours in service,
Malaysia Hindu Sangam
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