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At 84, Mother Mangalam is still busy solving problems and helping the less fortunate. Sunday Star catches up with the recipient of this year’s Merdeka Award in the education and community category and finds out what makes her so unique.

DATIN Paduka Mother A. Mangalam is totally surprised at being named as one of the recipients for this year’s Merdeka Award.

“I never expected this. Why me, of all people?” asks the 84-year-old who is shy of publicity of any kind.

As president and co-founder of the Pure Life Society (PLS), which provides shelter for needy children, Mother Mangalam has selflessly dedicated her life to the welfare of the less fortunate. With her faith in God and a never-give-up attitude, she has helped to provide a better life for the 2,000 children who have passed through the home.

Although a teacher by profession, Mother Mangalam has always been a spiritual person, and she cites her father as well as founder-president of the PLS Swami Satyananda, whom she considers her spiritual mentor, as the two people who have influenced her the most.

“I was born into a Hindu family, but my father was a practising Catholic. On Sundays, he used to take me out marketing, and we would go to church too.”  Read Article

By Joseph Loh