On August 31, 2024, as Malaysia celebrates its Independence Day, it is crucial to honour the immense contributions of every Malaysian.

Through my lenses, my focus is on the Indians who helped build and shape our Swarnabumi, their legacy etched in the very fabric of Malaysia’s growth and development.

From the early days of Malaya’s history, Indian immigrants played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of the nation.

They were instrumental in constructing the vital infrastructure that supports Malaysia’s modern economy today.

They built the roads, bridges and railway tracks that facilitate the nation’s connectivity and growth.

This monumental effort laid the groundwork for Malaysia’s development and prosperity.

They were among the first to clear the dense jungles, turning them into productive land for rubber and palm oil plantations.

Their tireless work in harvesting rubber catapulted Malaysia to the forefront of the global rubber industry, making the country a leading player and significantly boosting its global prominence.

Tan Sri BC Sekhar, a distinguished figure in this sector, played a crucial role in modernising the rubber industry.

His innovations and leadership helped enhance Malaysia’s position as a global leader in rubber production. His discovery of the Ethrel was a mega milestone in rubber technology.

The role of Malaysian Indians extends beyond just economic contributions. Their loyalty and commitment to the country can be exemplified with a prominent figure such as Tun VT Sambanthan, who once served as a one-day Prime Minister of Malaysia in 1973, highlighting their dedication to the nation’s governance and progress.

Today’s political arena also includes Malaysia’s Independence activists such Puan Sri Datin Janaky Athinahappan and Rasamma Bhupalan.

Stalwarts like Tan Sri Ghanalingam and Anantha Krishnan, in the port and telecommunications sector are worthy of mention.

Mahaletchumy Arjunan who is the Global Coordinator of International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications, excelling in science, research and development; top civil servants like the late Tan Sri GK Rama Iyer, Tan Sri Ramon Navarathnam, and Justice Datuk KP Gengadharan Nair, are all very prominent names not to be forgotten.

In the realm of sports, Malaysian Indians have brought great glory to the country. Amongst the many great names are Tan Sri Jegathesan Manikavasagam, known as “Malaysia’s Flying Doctor” (athletics), V Subramaniam the outstanding walker, Datuk Arumugam and Datuk M Chandran (football), Datuk Punch Gunalan (badminton), Kuhen Shanmuganathan and M Mahendran (field hockey), Puvaneswaran Ramasamy (martial arts), Datuk Kumaresan (cycling), Karamjit Singh (motorsport), Dinesvaran Krishnan (rugby), Datuk Nicol David (squash), and Theiviya Selvarajoo (tennis).

The list goes on with many more Malaysian Indians who have made significant contributions to Malaysia’s sporting success and national pride.

The Indian community has excelled in various professional fields, with many becoming outstanding doctors, lawyers, and public servants.

Their expertise and dedication have been vital in advancing Malaysia’s medical and legal sectors.

The first Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy Admiral Thanabalasingam is a testament to the high regard and respect Indian Malaysians command within the nation’s armed forces.

Reaching out further into space is our very own astronaut S Vanajah, finalist for Malaysia’s Angkasawan Program.

The Indians helped build and shape our Swarnabumi, their legacy etched in the very fabric of Malaysia’s growth and development.

Malaysian Indians have also been part of our fashion and music industries for decades – Malaysia’s King of Fashion, Datuk Sri Bernard Chandran, is a fashion designer whose designs have expanded to the European market and whose creations have been worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Tori Amos; Datin Sri Mary Lourdes Chandran, his wife, a former model and one of the most successful Malaysian models; Tan Sri L Krishnan, the man who discovered the great Tan Sri P Ramlee; David Arumugam the invincible voice of Alleycats; Jaclyn Victor, our nightingale who has won several music awards, and released several albums in English and also in Bahasa Malaysia.

However, despite their significant contributions, Malaysian Indians often face socioeconomic challenges and are among the less affluent communities in the country.

Their contributions to national unity and development are infinite and deserve both acknowledgment and support.

It is essential that their roles be recognised and that efforts be made to provide them with more opportunities for advancement and equality.

Indians are very active in inter-faith dialogues, representing the Christians, Hindus, Buddhist, Sikhs and the Bahais. Their role in uniting the Malaysian community at large is immeasurable.

Among all the Indian contributors, the rubber estate workers are the ones who laboured under harsh conditions and low wages, and still continue to experience poverty today.

The book titled Tragic Orphans by Dr Carl Vadivella Belle highlights the suffering of these estate workers, revealing the harsh realities and struggles they faced.

Their plight underscores the on-going need for equitable opportunities and support. Their struggles and sacrifices must not be forgotten nor ignored.

As Malaysia celebrates its 67th year of independence, let us remember and honour the Malaysian Indians whose hard work, loyalty, and dedication have played a crucial role in shaping the nation.

Their legacy is an integral part of Malaysia’s history and future; they deserve to be recognised, celebrated and supported in their continued journey towards equity and prosperity.

The current poverty, crime, unemployment and other social predicaments of the Indian community can be resolved if the nation looks back and sees the proven track records of their forefathers and stalwarts who have done admirably well in every sector of our countries, standing as tall pillars of success.

There is a role for every Malaysian to play.

The playing field could only be better, if there is enough space and adequate coaching for the Indians to succeed. Otherwise, the past stories of success will only remain in textbooks and Wikipedia for our reading pleasure and nothing more.

The weak political muscle of the Indians must not be a setback for the well-being of the Indian community.

The government of today must seriously consider the contributions of the Indians and ensure they too get a fair share of the Swarnabumi, and live even happier with the feeling of respect, appreciation and gratitude for their years of toil and sweat, for the betterment of the nation.

SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA to EVERY MALAYSIAN!

(Ravindran Raman Kutty is an active social worker.)