Dubbed Malaysia’s Mother Theresa, Mother Mangalam Dies At 97
Mother Mangalam has always been known as a person of quiet disposition, gentle and graceful.
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Malaysia recently lost a highly respected philanthropic figure who has always been revered as the matriarch of charity.
Datin Paduka A. Mangalam, or more famously known as the Mother Theresa of Malaysia, dedicated her life to improving the circumstances of countless homeless children and orphans, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
Over the weekend, it was reported that the president of the Pure Life Society had passed away peacefully at the age of 97 after being admitted to Assunta Hospital a couple of weeks ago for bronchopneumonia.
Who Is Mother Mangalam?
Born in Singapore on May 17, 1926, she was educated at the Raffles Girls’ School and the Saradhamani Girls’ School in Singapore.
As described in an article by Merdeka Award, Mangalam’s life trajectory was shaped during her teenage years amid the turmoil of World War II. Witnessing the immense pain and suffering surrounding her, she developed a deep desire to alleviate the hardships faced by others.
In 1948, at the age of 22, Mother Mangalam made a courageous decision to leave her family in Singapore and relocate to Malaya.
Mother To All; Helping The Underprivileged Through Pure Life Society
Over the years, the Pure Life Society (PLS) home has provided accommodation and nurturing for a remarkable total of 2,000 children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.
Serving as the country’s inaugural non-governmental orphanage, the home was established in 1952, standing as a proud symbol of compassion and support for those in need.
After completing her teacher training course, she began her teaching career in Kuala Lumpur.
She was assigned to a Tamil school in Bangsar, where the majority of students came from underprivileged families.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Mother Mangalam devoted her free time in assisting Swami Satyananda, her spiritual mentor, in his charitable endeavors among the impoverished.
In 1949, Swami Satyananda founded the Pure Life Society with the objective of fostering interethnic and interreligious understanding through lectures, forums, and programs.
According to several articles, Mother Mangalam was deeply inspired by Swami Satyananda’s teachings and discussions on religion throughout her childhood.
She was always filled with wonder, even though she did not fully comprehend religion as a child.
Therefore, it was natural for her to seek his guidance as she discovered her life’s purpose.
Driven by her devotion to the Creator and her profound compassion for the underprivileged, which mirrored the values of the Pure Life Society, Mother Mangalam dedicated her life to welfare work.
In 1949, she was initiated into the Pure Life Society with the title ‘Sister’ and later, in 1985, she was honored with the title ‘Mother’ by the Society.
Awards Gotten Over The Years
It comes as no secret that Mother Mangalam’s extraordinary contributions to humanitarian efforts have earned her a series of prestigious accolades.
Notably, she received the Merdeka Award in 2010 in recognition of her exceptional endeavors in advancing the welfare of the underprivileged and fostering national unity.
Furthermore, in 2018, Taylors University granted her an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities, acknowledging her profound contributions.
Despite the recognition and honors bestowed upon her, Mother Mangalam remained steadfast in her unwavering commitment to serving those in need.
Her dedication and compassion were evident, as she prioritized the well-being of the vulnerable and underprivileged over any personal reputation she may have gained within the nation.
Concluding Remarks
Mother Mangalam’s role as a nurturing figure to orphaned children from diverse ethnic backgrounds stands as a testament to the transformative power of a life devoted to serving others.
Her selfless dedication serves as an inspiration, showcasing that a life centered on compassion and service can bring profound fulfillment and joy.
She is often likened to Mother Teresa, and rightfully so, as her unwavering commitment has amplified and instilled love and hope that will resonate for generations to come in Malaysia.
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