Welcome to
Singai Namakkal Sangam சிங்கை நாமக்கல் சங்கம்
A Singapore community association for families of Kongu heritage, celebrating shared roots and bringing generations together.
More than just a community
Welcome to Singai Namakkal Sangam , where the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s Kongu heritage comes to life. Our association is more than just a community; it’s a celebration of our shared roots and a journey towards progress.
At Singai Namakkal Sangam, we envision a Singapore community that resonates with the echoes of Kongu heritage, a heritage that’s rich in tradition yet forward-looking in its aspirations. Our mission is to create a dynamic platform that bridges generations, fosters unity, and fuels the flame of cultural pride.
Our story on film
Watch our story
Sangam has recorded its history and heritage through a two-part documentary series, to reconnect with the past and build a sense of identity and camaraderie among our members.
Episode one · Watch on YouTube
Episode two · Watch on YouTube
Built from the ground up
Our new logo
The logo symbolises auspiciousness, progressiveness and achievement, bound by solidarity and dignity.
Three names, one community
6 October 1948
Namakkal Taluk Welfare Association
Founded.
1991
Namakkal Association
First renaming.
3 March 2023
Singai Namakkal Sangam
Singai refers to Singapore, our homeland, and Sangam reflects a Tamil identity. The new name was distilled into a fresh look, with a logo built from the ground up.
1Two stalks of padiஅன்னலட்சுமி
Rice, known in Tamil culture as Annaletchumi, stands for fertility and prosperity blessed by our ancestors. The two stalks of unmilled padi recall our humble beginnings as a farming community, bound together in solidarity.
2The peacock
The Indian Peafowl carries beauty and dignity, peace, harmony and trust, and with them confidence, protection, honour and loyalty. Look closely and the letters SNS are worked into the waving feathers.
3Blue, and the sea
Blue is one of the peacock's own colours, and it stands for the sea: depth, truth, freedom, trust and wisdom. Our forefathers crossed those seas with a dedication that built stability and room to grow.
திரைகடல் ஓடியும் திரவியம் தேடு
Sail across the seas to seek livelihood and prosperity.
Our Heritage, Our Future
The motto honours the sacrifices of the pioneer generation while building a brighter future for our community in Singapore.
Did you know?
Heritage in focus
Stories our Research wing has gathered while filming the documentary series.
உங்களுக்குத் தெரியுமா? (Do you know?), Part one
Many people from Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu (then part of Salem district) travelled in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, before independence, to Malaya, where they cleared forest and helped build plantations and roads under British rule. Many settled along the west coast of Malaya and in Singapore. The slide asks: “Do you recognize the child in the picture?” Our First Kongu Vellalar Kaundar Restaurateur in Singapore: Ananda Bhavan Owner
Ananda Bhavan is one of Singapore’s long-established restaurants. Its owner, Thiru Kulanthaivelu Muthusamy Kavundar, came to Singapore with his brothers from Madakasampatti village in Namakkal district in the 1920s and began the restaurant in the years before the Japanese occupation. In the 1960s his sons, Thiru Ramachandran and Thiru Nadarajan, continued the business. The Narrative behind the Tattoo
Some sub-groups within the Kongu Vellalar Kaundar community believed that tattooing was a way to heaven: the tattoos act as a guide for the soul after death, protecting it on its journey. As one interviewee put it: “when we leave this world and asked what we brought from earth, we are to show the tattoo to Yeman.” Chellam Poultry Farm @ Namakkal, with Mr. Shanmugam
Filming for the documentary series at Chellam Poultry Farm in Namakkal, with Mr. Shanmugam. Namakkal district is one of India’s major poultry regions, and several families in the community trace their working lives to it.
What we stand for
Celebrating our roots, bringing us together
As we stride towards our vision of being a vibrant and progressive Singapore community, we are committed to several key principles:
Cultural Celebration
We believe that our roots are a source of strength and inspiration. Through a myriad of events, festivals, and gatherings, we aim to keep our Kongu heritage alive and thriving. From traditional art forms to contemporary expressions, our celebrations are a testament to the enduring legacy we carry forward.
Community Unity
Singai Namakkal Sangam is a tapestry woven with threads of togetherness. We aspire to build strong bonds among individuals who share a common heritage, nurturing a sense of belonging that extends beyond geographical boundaries. Through collaboration and mutual support, we enhance the quality of life for our members and the broader community.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Our doors are open to all who wish to embrace and appreciate the Kongu heritage. We celebrate diversity within our community, fostering an environment where different perspectives enrich our collective experience. Inclusivity is our strength, and it’s what makes us a true reflection of Singapore’s multicultural spirit.
What we do
Our supportive wings
Five wings, each led by members, so there is a way in whatever your age or interest.
Ambassadors
Area representatives who keep members across Singapore informed about events and news, encourage participation and gather feedback.
Research
Mapping the history of the association in Singapore and building appreciation of the heritage and roots of the Kongu Vellalar Kavundar community.
Youth
Building a strong youth base through meaningful activities, mentorship and networking, including an ongoing webinar series.
Women's
Developing a network among women for educational, cultural and social engagement, and supporting research into cultural and heritage practices.
Fitness & well being
Regular activities for members' health, including the 'Forever Young Brotherhood' Bukit Merah hiking team.
Recent activity
News & Articles
A few of the things we have been doing.
Seniors' get-together at the Botanic Gardens
A morning out for our senior members, and a reminder that there is no better joy than organising activities for them.
Explore Wonderful Yogyakarta
June is the usual month to take a break, and this year members holidayed together in Yogyakarta.
Pilgrimage to Sri Marathandavar Temple, Maran
Members travelled to the Sri Marathandavar Temple at Maran in Pahang, taking in other sites along the way.
Our record
Serving Singapore since 1948
We serve the social well-being of our members while deepening understanding of our history, heritage and culture, and we have done so without interruption since 1948.
- Founded
- Years of service
- 78
- Committee volunteers
- 18
- Active wings
- 5
Get involved
Become a member
Our doors are open to anyone who wishes to embrace and appreciate Kongu heritage. To ask about joining, contact either of our membership representatives.
- Mr Selva Rajoo:rajooselva2024@gmail.com
- Mr Rajamogan:rajkamal@singnet.com.sg