There is a group of people for whom I have the deepest respect. They think about others before themselves. They give their time, energy and resources, often without being asked. When something must be sacrificed, they quietly offer their share. Their own needs go to the bottom of the list, where they may remain for years.
These are our unsung heroes—the good Samaritans whose kindness sustains families and communities. They seldom seek recognition. Yet we should recognise them, congratulate them on the good they do and tell them how much richer society is because of their presence. My mother, Ram Kaur, was one such person.
We were poor, and there were ten of us children to feed. Whenever we had fried fish for a meal, my mother would leave her portion untouched. She would tell us not to throw away the bones but to give them to her. In our childish innocence, we thought Mum preferred fish bones to the flesh. One of us would ask, “Mum, can I have that last piece?” Of course, she would say yes.
We ate her share without understanding what she was giving up. Looking back, I wish we had realised that she, too, would have enjoyed that piece of fish. After working tirelessly all day, she deserved a proper meal. But we were young and naïve. We saw the food without recognising the sacrifice behind it.
At Deepavali, she made sure we had new clothes, even when she bought nothing new for herself. Her own wishes rarely entered the conversation. I remember her generosity with tenderness and gratitude, alongside a wish that we had understood sooner that her needs mattered too.
Her concern extended beyond our family to the people of Kampung Air Leleh, Melaka, where we lived. In her own quiet way, she encouraged the kampung children to continue their education. She saw education as a strong foundation for their future, opening opportunities beyond their circumstances. Her own children’s achievements at school and university gave substance to that belief.
She also lent money to kampung folk facing financial difficulties, without collateral, relying on mutual trust. It was money she could have used herself. Yet when someone was struggling, she felt their need was greater than hers. She offered what help she could, even when doing so meant postponing her own needs.
Another person who has earned my deep admiration is Deep Singh Ji, the retired Air Force officer behind the Guru Nanak Community Kitchen in Kuala Lumpur. Hardworking and industrious, with remarkable drive, he has devoted about 30 years to feeding the urban poor, needy and homeless. His conviction is simple: whatever happens, people still need to eat.
As a volunteer helping to distribute the kitchen’s meals, I know something of the effort involved. Ingredients must be bought, food cooked for around 300 people, portions packed and transport arranged before distribution begins. Each meal represents hours of work and a commitment renewed again and again.
At locations around Bangkok Bank, Chow Kit, Puduraya and Pudu, people wait for food. Among them are elderly people, the unemployed and others surviving on irregular work. Some have no secure place to sleep. Their gratitude for a warm meal is humbling, especially for those of us returning to comfortable homes and well-stocked kitchens.
Rooted in the Sikh tradition of sewa, or selfless service, the kitchen brings together volunteers, donors and beneficiaries from different backgrounds. It expresses something precious about Malaysia: people reaching across differences to respond to hardship with compassion.
That commitment was severely tested during Covid. Donations dwindled, but hunger did not pause. Deep Singh Ji drew on his own money to continue providing meals, although financial constraints meant reducing the scale. Come what may, he would do what he could for those depending on him.
We need more people with such dedication, and dependable support for those already serving. Others can contribute financially or volunteer to help prepare, pack, transport and distribute meals. Feeding the needy should not rest indefinitely on one individual’s savings and stamina.
Those inspired to help can contact Deep Singh Ji at 014 699 9342. Donations can be made to CIMB Bank Current Account No. 860-574-8768, under Nanak Kitchen and Catering. Readers can also watch this video of the kitchen’s work to appreciate the efforts of Deep Singh Ji and his volunteers.
My mother and Deep Singh Ji served others differently, but I recognise a shared instinct: another person’s need immediately commands their attention. Their generosity deserves recognition. Because they rarely complain, however, we may overlook their difficulties and assume they will always manage.
They, too, may need to unlearn certain habits and relearn some basic principles. The belief that a good person must always put themselves last can be deeply ingrained. So can the feeling that saying no is selfish, or that rest must wait until everyone else has been attended to.
Their health and well-being matter. At times, they must put themselves first, attend to their needs and allow others to take over. Accepting help and setting reasonable limits can preserve their strength to continue serving. Those around them can make this easier by sharing responsibilities, rather than merely advising them to rest.
I salute these unsung heroes. Let us identify them, acknowledge their contributions and tell them how much better our communities are because they are here. Above all, let us match our appreciation with practical care. To those who always place themselves last, I offer this heartfelt reminder: your needs belong on the list too. Please allow us to care for you, just as you have so generously cared for others.
Pola Singh (mediaplayer1717@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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