A documentary on the history of the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple was the highlight of an event on April 27 to raise funds for the temple’s consecration in 2027.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was guest of honour at the event which was organised by the temple and the Singapore Ceylon Tamils’ Association (SCTA), which has been managing the temple at 19 Ceylon Road since 1923.
“This event is really to remind people that we need to refresh and renovate the temple so that it will attract more visitors and also preserve it for future generations,” said SCTA president Asoka Markandu.
Tickets for the event at the National University of Singapore’s Cultural Centre ranged from $100 to $10,000 and all proceeds will go towards renovation works within the temple and its adjoining buildings including the wedding hall and staff accommodation.
The organisers hoped to raise between $6 million and $7 million.
“It was a sold out event. In total, we sold 620 tickets,” said temple chairman Dr Indrayogan Yogarajah.
Besides the documentary titled A Sacred Space in Singapore, there was also a poster exhibition Roots and Routes: The Ceylon Tamils of Singapore.
The temple, a heritage site, has served as a meeting place for the Ceylon Tamil community since their arrival in Singapore in the 1840s.
Said Mr Asoka: “For me, the attachment to the temple came from attending Sunday religious classes as a kid.”
The one-hour documentary featured interviews with senior members of the community who reflected on the early days and the shared efforts that led to the building of the temple.
It showcased the temple’s Chola-style architecture and the vibrant spirit of the devotees.
Mrs Vasantha Yoganathan, 70, said the documentary evoked cherished memories of her childhood spent at the temple.
“It was well-produced and truly captured the communal spirit we had back in those days,” she said.
The poster exhibition traced the history and significance of the Ceylon Tamil community in Singapore from its early settlers to prominent leaders who helped in nation building.
One of those listed was President Tharman, whose father and grandfather were actively involved in the SCTA, Ceylon Sports Club and the temple, said Dr Indrayogan.
President Tharman attended the documentary screening followed by a tea reception and toured the poster exhibition.
Added Dr Indrayogan: “Being a Ceylon Tamil and being a president of the country, we are happy that he’s able to come and be present with us.”
Another prominent figure from the Ceylon Tamil community was the late Mr S. Rajaratnam, Singapore’s first foreign minister who also penned the National Pledge. The documentary featured archival footage of him attending the temple’s consecration ceremony in 1970.
Residents from the Sree Narayana Mission nursing home and members of Project Dreamcatchers, which supports youth with chronic illnesses, also attended the event.
“Community outreach programmes are intrinsic to what we do,” said Mr Asoka.
Durgashini Loganathan Pilai
