M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
In growing up, my family is the golden thread that weaves through every moment of joy and happiness. As the eldest of five siblings, I have had the unique privilege of witnessing our bond grew stronger through the years, despite the uncertainties that life often presented us.
Our journey began in 1954 when my father, a civil servant under British rule in Malaya, decided that the best future for us lay in the serene island nation of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. At the tender age of five, I, along with my two brothers, two sisters, and our mother, embarked on a voyage across the seas. My father, devoted to his work and the well-being of his family, stayed behind in Malaya. He believed that the education system in Sri Lanka would better serve our needs during Malaya's transitional phase.
However, within a month, the magnetic pull of familial love proved too strong for my father to resist. He missed us deeply and felt the absence of our lively presence. His mind was awash with doubt and longing, leading him to purchase tickets for our return journey on a steamship from Colombo to Port Klang, then known as Port Swettenham. The moment we arrived back in Malaya, seeing my father’s eyes brim with tears as he embraced us and my mother, remains etched in my memory. It was a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable joy that family brings.
Growing up, our household was a sanctuary of love and learning. My father, though not wealthy, worked tirelessly as a clerk, often putting in extra hours to ensure we never went without food and other necessities. Our education was paramount to him, and he made sure we all received a solid foundation, even as we faced the turbulence of the communist insurgency in the 1950s. The insurgency cast a shadow of fear and uncertainty over our nation, but within our home, my parents cultivated an atmosphere of warmth and stability. They shielded us from their occasional disagreements, always prioritising our happiness and unity.
The bond between my siblings and me was forged in these tender, tumultuous times. We grew close, learning to rely on each other, and valuing the quality of our relationships over mere quantity. Together, we navigated the choppy waters of our youth, buoyed by the lessons of resilience and compassion imparted by our parents.
The era of uncertainty in Malaya saw us witnessing the pain and unrest of our community as the British struggled to quell the communist forces. Despite the external chaos, our family remained a bastion of hope and solidarity. We learned to empathise with our neighbours, regardless of their background, understanding that unity was our strength.
Our parents, Pa and Ma, instilled in us the importance of human values, love, and spirituality. They prepared us to face the unknown with courage and grace. The pursuit of Malayan independence, culminating on August 31, 1957, mirrored our journey of growth. Just as our nation's leaders bravely steered us toward Merdeka (Independence), our family learned to navigate life's uncertainties with unwavering resolve.
The night before my father's passing away is one of the most cherished memories I hold. As I massaged his feet and legs, he imparted his final wish: "Whatever happens, my last wish is that you all brothers and sisters must stay united and help each other and serve the people who come to you for help."
His words echoed the wisdom of my meditation guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: “Love all, serve all. Help ever, hurt never. The hands that serve is holier than the lips that pray.”
Despite his modest income, my father’s legacy is one of boundless love and generosity. He ensured that we experienced joy, received a good education, and learned the value of togetherness. Today, as I reflect on our journey, I am filled with gratitude for the profound bond we share as siblings—a bond that has withstood the tests of time and uncertainty, nurtured our spirits and guided us through life's myriad challenges.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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