KUALA LUMPUR: At 77, Dr Pola Singh is still actively writing, partly out of habit but mostly out of a deep sense of purpose.
He began by writing letters to newspapers as a schoolboy and never tires of seeing his byline in print or online.
That pride comes not from vanity but from a sense of duty, as his letters often highlight issues affecting the community and the country, with the occasional positive spin when national athletes bring glory to Malaysia.
Now the former director-general of the Maritime Institute of Malaysia has written his third book – Reflections: Life Lessons From A Fulfilled Journey – which he describes as “a lasting message for both present readers and generations to come”.
The book is not merely a literary project. It is far more personal.
“This book is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to keep writing and sharing. Authoring a book is never a simple task, especially when you take on the mantle of publisher,” said Pola to this writer at his home in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
“As someone who has always leaned toward perfectionism, I poured a great deal of my soul into this third volume.
“I spent countless hours pondering: which aspects of my journey will truly serve my readers?”
Indeed, the book delves into his psyche, beliefs, faith and, most importantly, family.
The book’s 12 chapters neatly portray different segments of his life, all tied together by a common theme – striving to be the best version of oneself.
We get a peek into Pola’s life as a spirited young boy from Melaka who aspired to become a naval officer but instead enrolled at the only university then – University Malaya – where he studied economics. The book also documents his brush with death in Manek Urai, Kelantan, and a job interview that changed the course of his life.
We learn about his journey from modest circumstances, where life was shaped by resilience, determination and the sacrifices of his family.
His devotion to his loved ones and community, and his passion for the outdoors, including travel, are a testament to his uncompromising nature: he does not just inhabit his world, he pours himself into it – even in his golden years.
From his previous book, Uphill – The Journey of a Sikh-Chinese Kampung Boy, readers are also reintroduced to his siblings, his wife, his children, his son-in-law and grandchildren.
They feel like friends you know intimately, even though you have never met them, such is the warmth that emanates from the pages.
At the end of each anecdote, Pola also offers his “nuggets of wisdom” – life lessons that many readers can relate to.
It may have been hard work deciding what to include in the book and what to leave out, but completing it brought a sense of quiet fulfilment.
“It was a challenging labour of love, and completing it felt like a quiet, personal victory. In many ways, I feel I have fulfilled my parents’ wildest dreams,” said Pola, a faraway look in his eyes as he remembered his beloved parents – his mother Ram Kaur, born Chan Yoke Lin, and his father Tara Singh.
“Beyond the personal milestone, this book is my ‘legacy in print’ – a bridge of words left behind for my future generations to cross.
“My inspiration comes from my life – from a humble beginning where putting food on the table was a daily struggle, to the life I am blessed to lead now. I have gathered many lessons, through hardship and success, and I felt a responsibility to pass them on.”
Pola handed a copy of his new book to Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon at the latter’s office recently. Vanu was one of the book’s three reviewers.
Over the years, Pola has shared reflections through articles and columns in publications including Twentytwo13, The Star and the New Straits Times. What surprised him most was how strongly readers related to his stories.
“So many people told me they saw their own struggles in my stories. That resonance – knowing that my challenges mirrored theirs – encouraged me to gather these reflections into one place.”
While the book takes readers on a journey from before Malaya’s independence to the formation of Malaysia, Pola said he is also concerned about the future.
“The world will be unrecognisably different in 50 years, likely dominated by technologies we can barely imagine today. Yet through this book, I want future generations to know that the human spirit remains the same,” he said.
“I want them to know of the courage of my father, who migrated from India to Melaka at just 12 years old to build a new life.
“We were not born with silver spoons, but we had something more durable: discipline, determination and a thirst for education.”
Education played a transformative role in his own life, culminating in a PhD in marketing – fulfilling his mother’s secret dream for him to become a ‘doctor’, even though it was not in medicine.
Yet Pola sees the degree not as a symbol of prestige but as proof of a deeper truth – that education is the surest path to becoming a productive, better person.
If Pola were to distil his life into guiding principles, several themes stand out: persistence, embracing setbacks, kindness, holistic wealth and, above all, being kind to oneself.
“You can never go wrong with hard work and determination, and you can always learn from defeat and frustration, as the ‘law of unintended consequences’ may lead you precisely to where you are meant to be,” said Pola.
“Always strive to give more than you take. Life has a remarkable way of rewarding a generous heart.
“Financial independence is important for peace of mind in your later years, but your physical and mental health are the most valuable investments you can make.”
Pola added: “But you must always allow yourself the small joy you have been longing for. Smile more, laugh often, and serve your community – these are among the surest ways to enrich your own life.”
To learn how Pola has accomplished those things, you need to read the book.
“For now, I want to simply sit with the satisfaction of seeing this book reach its readers,” said Pola.
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, his answer went beyond personal achievements.
“I would like to be remembered for what I stood for: a protector of the environment and a guardian of our green spaces.
“If ever in doubt, I lived by the creed: ‘If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.'”
Through his writing, Pola hopes the message will continue to resonate – not only with readers today, but with generations to come.
Reflections: Life Lessons From A Fulfilled Journey is available at Gerakbudaya.