The Singapore Indian Association’s Women’s Wing celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 with a special Awards Presentation Ceremony on Saturday (March 7) at Vijaya Hall, honouring four remarkable women for their contributions to the community.
One of them, Mdm Sellam Nariaanasamy, 65, has fostered 20 children since 2006, earning recognition for her selflessness, nurturing spirit, and dedication to the community.
“Fostering and doing community activities has already become a part of my life. Receiving an award makes it more special,” she said.
Growing up in a kampong, Mdm Sellam naturally sees everyone as part of an extended family and believes happiness multiplies when shared.
“I have four children now, three biological children and one foster son. He is a Chinese boy who came to me as a six-month-old baby and is now 20 years old. He still lives with me,” she said with a smile.
Since her children are grown and settled, she has been fostering another baby since last year. The baby came to her when he was just 22 days old and is now one year old.
Beyond fostering, Mdm Sellam visits the nursing home, Orange Valley, to engage with elderly residents.
“These activities keep me young and active,” she noted. “I often see elders who feel isolated and sad. I talk to them to cheer them up and remind them about the importance of staying active.”
She has also encouraged her children to foster and continue serving the community. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Nurturing Hearts Award.
For her work with the elderly, Mdm Yogeswari Chandrasekaran, 39, was honoured with the Golden Years Guardian Award.
As Head and Assistant Director of Social Work, Residential Programme and Concierge Hub at Sree Narayana Mission, she has spent more than four years promoting compassionate, resident-centred care.
Of the many roles she plays, including those of a social worker, grassroots leader, and nurse, empowering elders gives her the greatest satisfaction.
“Supporting elders who feel isolated and making them happy is what makes me happy. I hope this award inspires more young women to explore opportunities to serve the community.”
For her efforts in bringing communities together and her inspiring leadership, Sunu Ghani, 65, President of the Singapore Malayalee Association, received the Community Anchor Award.
“Even though I actively contribute to the community, one thing I am proud of is the support offered to struggling migrant workers during COVID,” she noted. “That gave me the greatest satisfaction.”
She worked with the Ministry of Manpower, the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), and other organisations to help workers who wished to return home, and arranged food and shelter for those without basic necessities.
With over 40 years of experience as an educator, she believes that every woman should contribute to society in small, possible ways.
Initially hesitant to accept the award, she was reminded that it represented the collective work of the Singapore Malayalee Association. “Then it dawned on me that I should accept it for everyone who worked to bring positive change,” she added.
Dr Mumtaz Mohamad Yusoff, with over 10 years of clinical experience, received the Advocate for Inner Strength Award.
“Being a minority female doctor comes with its own struggles,” Dr Mumtaz said. “I’ve come a long way. I went through hardship in my childhood. Being able to overcome that and break the cycle of poverty is something I’m proud of.”
Recognising growing mental health needs within the Muslim community, she established Sacred Heartwork, an Islamic mental wellness hub where she serves as Managing Director.
“I feel women already have strength inside of us. We just need to find it. It’s okay to not be okay. Tell yourself you will try again the next day,” she said.
On the intention of the awards, President of the SGIA Women’s Wing, Sudha Thiagarajan, 46, said: “We hope that by celebrating women of different age groups and walks of life, we will inspire more youth.”
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