When Mr Chandra Mohan K Nair received the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) Long Service Award in April, it marked not just 45 years of steadfast contribution, but a life defined by purpose, integrity, and community building.
For many, such recognition might signal a time to slow down. For 76-year-old Chandra Mohan, it is simply another milestone in a journey centred on giving back to society.
His association with NUSS dates to the early 1980s, when the alumni body was still finding its footing. From helping establish its Guild Houses to mentoring younger members, running programmes, and supporting scholarships. His efforts reflect a simple belief: institutions thrive when individuals invest time, energy and heart.
His early years
Mr Chandra Mohan grew up in a crowded two-room flat in Lorong 3, Geylang, where 11 family members lived under one roof. They included his parents, siblings, mother’s widowed sister and her four children.
Those circumstances instilled resilience and a spirit of sharing from a young age. He recalls with a laugh: “We boys had to sleep on the floor all the time, so we developed strong backs!”
At the centre of this upbringing was his mother. Despite limited formal education and a hearing impairment, she instilled in her children the values of honesty, kindness, and respect.
A mentor’s lasting imprint
Another formative influence was his first boss, Mr CC Tan.
A towering figure in Singapore’s legal fraternity and the first president of the Law Society, Mr Tan impressed upon his young legal associate, whom he guided for more than a decade from 1977, the responsibility to serve beyond self-interest.
Mr Chandra Mohan embraced that ethos fully. He immersed himself in professional bodies and civic organisations, and in time, followed his mentor’s path to serve as president of the Law Society.
In 2016, the Law Society recognised his contributions with the CC Tan Award, honouring his embodiment of the profession’s highest ideals – honesty, fairness, courtesy, and integrity.
His involvement would soon extend across multiple spheres.
He contributed to organisations such as the Singapore Academy of Law, Board of Legal Education, Ministry of Education’s COMPASS committee, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Films Appeals Committee, while also supporting community groups including Singapore Malayalee Association, Singapore Indian Association, and Sree Narayana Mission.
He also assisted in enhancing the work of The Roundtable, a civic discussion group fostering thoughtful dialogue on national issues.
Later, as a Nominated Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2004, he brought that same independence of thought to Parliament, offering measured, non-partisan perspectives.
He also placed strong emphasis on nurturing future lawyers.
Investing in values
Together with his wife, Mr Chandra Mohan established a scholarship at the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law. It was designed to recognise not only academic excellence but also qualities such as courage, integrity and a commitment to service.
Less widely known, but equally influential, is the role of sports in his life.
An enthusiastic sportsman since his school days, Mr Chandra Mohan represented Combined Schools in athletics and hockey, and the Law Society on football and hockey pitches, competing with the Bench and Bar teams of Malaysia for more than two decades.
Sports instilled in him the values of fair play, grace in victory and defeat, and composure under pressure – qualities he carried into his professional and community work, reinforcing discipline, respect, and self-control.
Unsurprisingly, his commitment extended beyond participation. He also devoted time and energy to sports bodies such as the Singapore Hockey Federation, the Football Association of Singapore, and the Singapore Athletics Association.
A legacy still unfolding
Across the years, a clear thread runs through Mr Chandra’s journey: a steadfast commitment to contributing meaningfully and doing what is right.
The NUSS award is a fitting acknowledgement, but it captures only part of his story. His impact is reflected in the people he has mentored, the institutions he has strengthened, and the communities he has supported.
Even after more than four decades of service, his work continues with the same quiet determination — driven not by recognition, but by a belief that there is always more good to do and more to give in service.
