Page 63 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 2 | December 2023 - January 2024

I vividly recall the events on 8 December 1940, during World War What are some significant moments or memories in your life?

II. A bomb was dropped at the Hua Lamphong train station, which I One of my favourite memories is I got the opportunity to meet His
witnessed from my house’s rooftop. We broke into the nearby bunker Majesty King Rama IX, 50 years ago. I’ve never felt more honoured
for cover when we heard about the bomb threats. Back then, we were in my life. Another favourite is travelling with my parents and wife,
all like family, our neighbours and friends. Throughout the conflict, visiting historically significant gurudwaras in Pakistan and India in
we all looked out for and loved one another.
1960. It was a three-month journey, one that would have taken three
What are some technological and social changes you’ve lived weeks nowadays.

through? What health and wellness tips would you like to share?

I’m most impressed by the fact that a tiny device in your hand can My morning regimen includes yoga, exercises, herbal tea, and visits to
connect everyone on the planet – it’s truly a miracle. I’m always the gurudwara. I have a routine that I follow every single day. These
interested in learning new things, so I make an effort to become are things I have done with my family and friends, and it brings me joy
proficient with the technology I have access to. With my phone in every day. Even though some of them are no longer around, I maintain
my hand, it feels like the entire world is at my fingertips.
this ritual and remember the happy moments we had together.
As for social changes? Interreligious weddings have become the norm. Any final reflections or advice?
Young people are less interested in religious events than they used to
be. Parents are no longer as involved in their children’s lives as they I’ve always believed in maintaining a grateful mindset. The first wealth
once were. Men and women both work nowadays, and they enjoy is health, and the second wealth is gratitude. My advice would be to
equal rights, unlike in the past. always stay humble and show reverence for elders. While younger
people can move more quickly, older people are more familiar with
the path.

MRS. SURJIT KAUR observe young families in restaurants, each engrossed in their phones
AHLUWALIA or iPads, neglecting interpersonal communication.

90 years old Singapore’s population is predominantly Chinese, followed by Malays
Housewife currently living and then Indians. Living in Singapore means being surrounded by
in Singapore diverse cultures, each with its own set of traditions and ceremonies.
Personally, I never encountered any issues with this cultural diversity.
What were your earliest years While some individuals may face challenges, my experience growing
like? Any historical events that up in Singapore was harmonious, with mutual recognition and respect
you remember? for the various cultures, traditions, and celebrations.

In my youth, with four sisters, I often faced blame when disagreements

occurred among them, a pattern that continued throughout my What’s one precious memory you’d like to share?
childhood. Though unjust, I accepted it, recognising the responsibilities During my youth, I possessed a melodious voice and engaged in the
that came with being the elder sibling. Growing up, there was a priest practice of kirtan. Every Wednesday afternoon, a gathering of ladies
named Giani Gurbaskh Singh who authored books containing short would assemble at the Central Gurudwara (Istri Sat Sang Sabha), and
stories, and I found solace in reading these stories during my free time. I actively participated by leading kirtan. This involvement brought me
immense joy and earned me respect from the other ladies in the group.
Known for my academic prowess, I used to provide private tutoring
without charging any fees, and even after marriage, I continued teaching What is your wellness regimen?

Punjabi for many years, imparting knowledge in the gurudwara. I don’t follow any particular regimen. Although I’m not a strict vegetarian,

Undoubtedly, the most impactful event in my life occurred during the I do maintain a vegetarian diet. I don’t engage in structured exercise,
India-Pakistan partition. Originating from Sialkot, Pakistan, my family but running a household is a form of physical activity in itself. I attribute
had to relocate to Amritsar, India, due to the partition. I vividly recall my longevity to the fact that I prioritise maintaining happiness. I believe
this traumatic experience when I was just 14 years old. Unfortunately, that many diseases and illnesses originate from the gut, and the mind
I lost my elder brother during the migration, and to this day, we remain has the power to heal. Consequently, I make a conscious effort to stay
uncertain about whether he perished or simply lost contact with us. happy, and my greatest source of joy comes from the wellbeing of my
children and their families.
The journey began with our stay in a refugee camp before being

transported to India by train. The train carriages were marked by Any final reflections or advice?
bloodstains on the floors and walls, remnants of the strife between The younger generation today has a different perspective, and even
Indians and Pakistanis who had traversed the route. The memories of parents have evolved in their thinking. Adaptation is crucial. My advice
this harrowing experience still bring tears to my eyes. to young individuals is to listen to your parents, and to parents, listen
to your kids – truly understand each other’s perspectives. It requires a
What is your take on the current technological and social landscape? bit of compromise from both sides. While I may not consider myself

Technological advancements have been remarkable. I recall a time wise enough to impart profound wisdom, I strongly advise the younger
when our only electronic device was a bulky radio. In the 1960s, we generation to be cautious and wise about their associations. I believe
acquired a black and white television, a significant upgrade. Despite one can gauge a person’s character by observing the five friends they
these developments, I’m not well-versed in internet usage. Smartphones, spend the most time with. Additionally, engage in good deeds and
while undoubtedly beneficial, have negative aspects. For instance, I maintain faith in your religion.