Mother Mangalam: A Tireless Beacon of Peace and Charity

DURING the most recent Women’s Day, one great lady came to my mind – a lady who has played a great role in both my life and thousands of others’. She is none other than my English teacher and school headmistress Datin Mother A. Mangalam, who was then known as “Sister”. I feel that it is about time the United Nations recognises this great person for her tireless and endless efforts in ensuring that every child receives an education, and has a roof over his or her head.

She has dedicated her life, in the footsteps of Swami Satyananda, in running the Pure Life Society since 1961, where thousands of orphans and the less fortunate have graduated and gained much success in their respective lives. Many of them have become professionals, engineers, doctors, lawyers, leaders, teachers, diplomats, senior civil servants, and highly respected community leaders.

I used to be one of her students; I was and still am awed by her simplicity. She was patient, subdued, intelligent, firm, sharp, divine and kind. During my schooling years, she would conduct our Monday morning assembly with universal prayers, and made sure we sang our national anthem on Mondays and Fridays without fail. 

Standing among my blue-and-white-uniformed comrades, in front of the student’s row, I used to be charmed by her enigma, poise, grace and her white saree. She was a beacon of peace and serenity. Her smile was such a joy for a little boy like me. It has left an indelible mark in me and my life.

Mother Mangalam was my English teacher, too. I still remember during one of her lessons when we were required to complete six questions of a comprehension exercise assigned by her. Somehow, I only completed the first and the last questions. The next day, she called out my name, handed me my book, and I was given a chance to work on the incomplete questions without punishment. I shall never forget the moment that I cherish very much now.

Having taught him English as a student, Ravindran Raman Kutty is still awed by Datin Mother A. Mangalam’s simplicity. – Pic courtesy of Ravindran Raman Kutty, May 17, 2021

I am glad that I was so fortunate to be taught by our very own Mother Teresa who cared for the many unfortunate children. She sacrificed her time and effort to oversee the setting up of the Pure Life Society that is still running so immaculately till today. At 95 years of age, she is still actively moving around albeit being in a wheelchair. 

“I am just one year younger (than) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammed. I envy him much as he is far more active than me,” she has said.

Mother Mangalam sits in most meetings and ensures that every Pure Life Society meeting is well attended, and the documents are all in order. She remembers everyone very well and is extremely hands-on with her mobile phone. She never fails to read the WhatsApp messages and ably replies to them, too. 

I am also lucky to have had the opportunity to serve as secretary for one term at the Pure Life Society; a term which I enjoyed serving under the leadership of Mother Mangalam and her team of dedicated committee members.

Universal value of respect for all

While I was in the Dharma Primary School and the Dharma Secondary School, of which Mother Mangalam was headmistress, I enjoyed the prayers that we had for Swami Satyananda and our visit to the Universal Temple up on the Dharma Hill next to our school. 

Mother Mangalam was the first one who taught us that we “are all from one God, of one Mother Earth, and there is only one race – humans. People are made to look different, like the different flowers on earth”.

This teaching is still a great guide for me, and many others till today.

Mother Mangalam has spoken her mind and trudged forward towards building a better world by speaking at several forums about silent women who are poor, destitute, weak and abused.

She has single-handedly brought up and presented more than a thousand Pure Life wards into the world as brave and bold individuals without an iota of fear or lack of confidence. She has done much for the poor and orphans through the Pure Life Society.

Mother Mangalam has done much for the poor and deserves recognition for her efforts to better society over the years. – The Vibes file pic, May 17, 2021

The spiritual values practised by Mother Mangalam has a multireligious setting as she has equal respect for all religions. Mother Mangalam sowed the seed of love in that wonderful cottage called Pure Life. She not only gave impoverished children food and shelter, but also taught them values. She practised and embraced peace, compassion, and love, and preached the same values to her wards and students like me.

While Mother Mangalam has been recognised by several organisations like Taylor’s University and Merdeka Centre, I think the United Nations must do justice to this Malaysian Mother Teresa in recognising her deeds and sacrifices in aid of the less fortunate of this country in an organised and professional manner. 

A UN women’s award would be a fitting gift for a lady of such compassion, love, service, and above all, the perseverance to help the poor, needy and oppressed.

I salute you, Mother Mangalam, and hope many Malaysians will pick a page from your colourful history to make our nation a greater, more tolerant and more peaceful one. You are an outstanding woman of power and substance who must not go unnoticed by the world’s leading body, the United Nations.

Coincidentally, this nonagenarian will be 95 today. Wishing you a fabulous birthday, my dear Mother. Keep shining, for your rays provide warmth to many. God bless. – The Vibes, May 17, 2021