My grandfather, Mr. Chinnasamy Rajoo, known as Rajoo Mandore, hailed from a village called Nallayamputhur in Namakkal, South India. Born in 1919, he set sail to Singapore at the tender age of ten in search of better opportunities abroad.
From a young age, my grandfather proved to be hardworking and adaptable to changing circumstances. In his early days, he operated a tea stall at Trafalgar Street. Following that, he ran an eatery at Silat Road. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, he went on to own a three-storey shophouse situated at 186 Anson Road. He readily lent a helping hand to boys and young men who struggled to make a living, by providing them with free short-term accommodation at the shophouse and by giving them employment at the sundry shop situated on the ground floor of the shophouse.
On 11 February 1948, my grandfather joined the Singapore Harbour Board (SHB), now known as the Port of Singapore Authority, at the age of 29. He was a well-respected foreman (mandore) who had a strong work ethic and led by example. He was also involved in the SHB Labour Union. After 26 years of dedicated service, he retired from the Port of Singapore Authority on 1 Mar 1974 at the age of 55. My grandfather was one of the founder members and the first registered member of the Namakkal Taluk Welfare Association (NTWA) in 1948. He was actively involved in NTWA activities, including raising funds for the Kalai Magal Thodakka Paada Salai and Umar Pulavar Tamil High School. He also served as the President of the NTWA for three terms. Together with a team of members, he went to Kuala Lumpur to provide advice for the formation of the Namakkal Taluk Welfare Association in Malaysia. Passionate about his heritage and community, he continually encouraged the younger generation to join the NTWA.
My grandfather was an enterprising and industrious man who valued honesty and discipline. He had a generous spirit and a heart of compassion for others. A well-respected pioneer in the community, he served as an inspiration to the younger generations of his time and continues to do so through his legacy.
~By Ms Vanitha Selva Rajoo~