A tea set signifies a warm welcome and an invitation to connect. It also indicates longevity and resilience, like seen when priceless vintages are unearthed during excavations and from shipwrecks.
This enduring symbolism was prominent when Mr Ismail Gafoor, CEO of leading real estate agency PropNex, and his siblings celebrated the 100th birthday of their father Abdul Gafoore Mohamed Kassim on Father’s Day (June16).
Fifty specially-crafted tea sets were presented to the families who attended the event at the Sky Ballroom in Parkroyal on Beach Road.
“These tea sets are not just tokens of the celebration,” said Mr Ismail. “These symbolise the enduring values of hard work, love and strength that the patriarch has shown and are reminders of his principles that have guided our family through generations — a legacy that I hope will inspire future generations as well.”
The poignant ceremony, blending Father’s Day and a remarkable milestone, was attended by about 80 guests, who included family members, close relatives and longtime friends.
In speeches by family members and guests, the head of the Gafoor family was described as a loving father and friend.
Mr Ismail spoke emotionally about the lessons he learnt from his father and the values the old man instilled in him from a young age.
“I owe everything I am today to my father,” Mr Ismail said. “From the early days when I helped him with his newspaper delivery to the unwavering principles of hard work and compassion that he displayed, he shaped not just my life but the lives of our entire family.”
Born into a poor family in India, Mr Gafoore started working as a labourer at the age of seven. He arrived in Singapore in 1947, seeking opportunities to build a better life.
In the decades thereafter, through diligent work in grocery stores and as a newspaper delivery man, he provided for his family, both in Singapore and back in his hometown of Kodavasal in Tamil Nadu.
His commitment to his family’s well-being and his steadfast values of discipline and determination were evident throughout the journey.
“This event is more than a celebration of age,” Mr Ismail said. “It’s a testament to the values my father has lived by – values that have shaped our family’s success and unity.”
He said that his father leads a simple life, adding that Mr Gafoore still wears the pants sewn by his wife Maharunisabi Kadir Maideen, 78, about 35 years ago.
He also drinks coffee from a 40-year-old cup – a gift from The Straits Times.
Mr Ismail’s siblings, three brothers and a sister, paid a video tribute to Mr Gafoore.
Youngest son Nizam Gafoor said his father donated all his wealth to social causes in his hometown.
Mr Gafoore turned his house in Kodavasal into a religious school for women. More than 300 students are studying there. He has also channelled other savings to build a mosque, a community hall and a clinic.
Another sibling, Mr Burhan Gafoor, who is Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is based in New York and could not attend the celebration.
Lawyer Subra M. Suppiah from Subra TT Law LLC attended the celebration with his wife. He sang a Tamil song on stage.
Mr Subra, who has known the Gafoor family for the past 20 years, said the love showered on him by Mr Gafoore is unparalleled.
The celebration came as a surprise to Mr Gafoore. He learnt of it only when he was wheeled into the ballroom by his sons.
Mr Gafoore was visibly surprised and greeted everyone with a beaming smile. As he moved down the red carpet, the guests threw rose petals to welcome him.
“My heart is full of gratitude as I reflect on the incredible journey of my life, surrounded by the love and warmth of my beloved family,” said Mr Gafoore. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, extended family members and friends. Each of you have made my life vibrant and meaningful, filling it with joy and cherished memories.”
