The Indian Hall of Fame Singapore (IHFS) marked Singapore’s 60th National Day with a special awards ceremony on Sept 21 at Raffles Town Club, inducting 16 distinguished individuals into its Hall of Fame.
Established in 2019, IHFS formally recognises Indian Singaporeans who have made outstanding contributions across diverse fields, including diplomacy, economics, sports, law, and community service.
This year’s ceremony was the fourth since the inaugural event in 2020, with subsequent editions in 2022 and 2024. The organisers described the SG60 awards as “off-cycle but special,” timed to coincide with the nation’s milestone anniversary.
The 2025 inductees reflected the breadth of Singapore’s Indian community. Among them were diplomat and public intellectual Kishore Mahbubani; economist and Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action Ravi Menon; Singapore’s first female career ambassador Jayalekshmi Mohideen; political and labour leader S. Chandra Das; and Member of Parliament Vikram Nair.
Academia and science were represented by toxin research pioneer Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone, while inter-religious and community service leader Ameerali Abdeali was also recognised.
Trailblazing women included Singapore’s first Indian female Olympian, Janet Jesudason, Muslim women’s rights advocate Khatijun Nissa Siraj, and legal rights activist Shirin Fozdar.
Entrepreneur Satinder Singh Gill, Singapore Indian Association president K. Tamil Marren, and long-serving IHFS council members Rozita Hasinar (former honorary secretary) and K. Sujata (former honorary treasurer, honoured posthumously) were also inducted.
Two posthumous awards celebrated pioneers of social and cultural life: Daisy Vaithilingam, for medical social service, and Daisy Devan, for promoting local music talent.
For founder-president S.A. Nathan, a former editor of Indian Movie News, the 2025 event carried added weight.
“This is not an ordinary award ceremony but a special one for SG60,” Mr Nathan said. “The response from the community and the calibre of our inductees make us very happy. It shows Indians here strongly support recognition of those who contribute to Singapore’s nation-building story.”
IHFS has so far honoured over 120 individuals since its inception. Mr Nathan emphasised that the list of potential inductees remains long. “There are easily hundreds, perhaps even a thousand, deserving Singapore Indians across sports, culture, public service, and business. We will continue this work every two years.”
Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, underlined the importance of the occasion.
“This may be an off-cycle event, but it is extremely significant as it coincides with SG60,” he said. “When we look back to Singapore’s uncertain beginnings in the 1960s, it was the collective effort of all communities, including Indians, that built the strong nation we have today. The Indian community has consistently punched above its weight in fields ranging from foreign affairs and finance to sports, arts, and culture.”
Mr Dinesh highlighted the achievements of Mr Mahbubani, Mr Menon, Mdm Jesudason, and others as examples of how Singapore Indians have shaped institutions and opened doors for future generations.
“These are trailblazers who set new standards and inspire the younger generation to continue building a meaningful Singapore,” he said.
MP Vikram reflected on IHFS’s founding vision. “When this project was conceptualised, the aim was to preserve the contributions of Singapore Indians in a tangible way. It is not just about an award but also about creating a record that future generations can draw upon as part of our living history.”
He added that the support of community leaders, such as former MP Inderjit Singh, cardiologist Dr V.P. Nair, and sports legend C. Kunalan, had been crucial in shaping IHFS. “It is heartening to see the project grow and continue to honour those who have done so much for Singapore.”
From its inception, IHFS has sought to salute achievers who, in the words of its organisers, are “boundary breakers, record holders, risk-takers, and change-makers.” The SG60 edition reaffirmed that ethos, placing the spotlight on individuals who have left a mark not just on the Indian community but on Singapore as a whole.
As the evening drew to a close, Mr Nathan summed up the sentiment: “We are celebrating more than individual achievements – we are celebrating the spirit of service, innovation, and leadership that Indians have brought to Singapore. These awards ensure that their legacies are remembered and inspire future generations.”
With the next regular induction planned for 2026, the IHFS continues its mission to keep alive the stories of Indian Singaporeans who have helped shape the nation — an enduring reminder that this small community continues to make an outsized impact on Singapore’s history and future.
