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KUALA LUMPUR – Mother A. Mangalam, a revered matriarch of charity who is known to have uplifted the lives of hundreds of homeless children and orphans, has died at the age of 97.
Known for her fervent efforts in strengthening inter-faith relationships, she breathed her last peacefully at a hospital here at 3.52pm today.
She was the co-founder and the life chairman of the Pure Life Society orphanage and school, through whose doors over 2,000 children have passed since it was established in 1952.
She was conferred the Merdeka Award in 2010 for “her outstanding contribution to promoting the welfare of the underprivileged, and for fostering national unity”.
Incidentally, a celebration to mark her birthday, which falls on May 17, had been held recently on May 20 at the society’s premises in Jalan Puchong here by her pupils and disciples.
The Hindu Sevai Sangam offered its condolences and prayers in a Facebook post this afternoon.
“Sad to know that Datin Paduka Mangalam, the Life President of Pure Life Society passed away just now. May her athma attain moksha (liberation),” the organisation wrote.
Her nephew S.C. Shekar paid tribute to her, describing her as “a beacon of light, a guiding force, and a true embodiment of compassion throughout her life”.
“Mother Mangalam's impact extended far beyond her immediate community. Through her writings, public speeches, and international engagements, she spread her message of love, peace, and inner transformation across the globe.
“Her profound influence on the lives of people from all corners of the world will continue to resonate for generations to come,” said Shekar, a son of Mangalam’s older sister.
He urged the public to carry forward her legacy of selflessness and compassion.
“Let us strive to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and kindness, just as she envisioned. Though she may have left this earthly realm, her spirit will forever inspire us to live a life of purpose, service, and unconditional love.
“Mother Mangalam's light may have dimmed, but the flame she ignited within us will forever burn bright. May her noble soul find eternal peace and may her extraordinary contributions to humanity be etched in our hearts forever,” he said.
‘Bring happiness to another soul’
Pure Life Society vice-president Datuk V.L. Kandan said in a brief statement that she had fallen ill with pneumonia and received the best medical attention possible in Assunta Hospital after her birthday commemoration, which he described as a happy occasion, on May 20.
“However, complications set in and we have lost someone who personified the Pure Life Society throughout its 72 years of existence,” he said.
In an interview with The Vibes for Deepavali in November 2020, Mangalam had stressed that the true essence of the festive occasion is to light up hearts and bring bliss to oneself, the best way to do that being through charity.
“Do something that brings happiness to another soul,” she had said.
She had recalled that charitable values were instilled in her by her family in Singapore, where she was born, when she was just a child.
“Always remember that whatever difficulties come in life, there is our connection to the supreme one,” said Mangalam. “When you connect yourself, everything will fall into place.”
Her former pupil Ravindran Raman Kutty had shared his memories with The Vibes in May 2021.
He hailed her for practising spiritual values within a multi-religious setting, as she had equal respect for all religions.
“Mangalam sowed the seed of love in that wonderful cottage called Pure Life. She not only gave impoverished children food and shelter, but also taught them values,” he wrote.
“She practised and embraced peace, compassion, and love, and preached the same values to her wards and students like me.”
Mangalam’s funeral will be held on Monday. Those who wish to pay their last respects can do so from 10am tomorrow at the Pure Life Society’s multipurpose hall. – The Vibes, June 10, 2023