Just weeks after Singapore’s independence in 1965, founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) attended the 111th Guru Jayanthi celebrations at the former Sree Narayana Mission (SNM) premises in Sembawang.
On Sept 12 that year, he reminded the audience of the role community organisations play in building a united and resilient nation.
One of his iconic lines that he delivered then was: “Over 100 years ago, this (Singapore) was a mud flat, swamp. Today, this is a modern city. Ten years from now, this will be a metropolis. Never fear.”
That message of unity and solidarity resonated once again on Sept 7 as SNM (Singapore) celebrated its 171st Guru Jayanthi at its Yishun premises.
Representatives from Catholic Welfare Services, Jamiyah Singapore, Ramakrishna Mission, Ren Ci Hospital, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society, and SNM (Singapore) came together for an SG60 interfaith dialogue held in the morning of the celebrations.
With the theme “Oneness of Humanity”, the dialogue explored Sree Narayana Guru’s vision of unity beyond religious boundaries.
The session was moderated by social harmony advocate Nazhath Faheema. It began with a screening of LKY’s remarks, highlighting its resonance with Singapore’s 60th birthday.
The various representatives then shared their perspectives on how Singapore’s diverse communities can work together in harmony, fostering respect and understanding across all faiths.
We should do more than honour Sree Narayana Guru, who is the guiding figure for SNM’s mission and values, noted Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, and for Sustainability and the Environment, Goh Hanyan, who was the guest of honour at the event.
“Let’s carry his (Sree Narayana Guru) teachings into action, in how we care for our neighbours and how we help those less privileged in our community. This is the truest way to honour his words,” Ms Goh said.
She praised SNM (Singapore) for being “a beacon of compassion and inclusivity in Singapore,” adding that Guru Jayanthi should inspire everyone to live out those values daily.
Marking the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) and SNM (Singapore) to provide bursaries enabling SNM (Singapore) healthcare staff to further their studies and upgrade their skills.
“Every year, we organise the Guru Jayanthi celebrations to reaffirm our commitment to the Guru’s teachings. Beyond that, this celebration also captures the 1965 spirit. Singapore’s racial harmony and tolerance are our treasures,” said Mr S. Devendran, chief executive officer of SNM (Singapore).
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1 Dec 2023 6:53
