An account by an Indian immigrant in 1928.

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Category: Chapter 4: How was life different for the various people in colonial Singapore before World War Two?
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Source 20: An account by an Indian immigrant in 1928.

Govindasamy’s life was the typical rags-to-riches story common in Singapore. After hearing stories of his relatives doing well in Singapore, he left his South Indian village arriving at the age of 18. He started work at a provision shop in Serangoon Road run by a distant relative. The working conditions were poor but he took the opportunity to learn about running a business. In 1920, he borrowed some money from the rich Chettiars* with his Indian colleagues as sureties* to start a business selling spices, oil and grain. Slowly, he built up the business. He was thrifty and lived a simple life. Eventually, he became a successful businessman.

*Chettiars are Indian moneylenders

*Sureties are people who take responsibility for other people’s debts/undertakings

 

Source Origin: Muthiah, S., et al. (2000). The Chettiar heritage. Chennai: The Chettiar Heritage.

Use Record: Anderson Secondary School, 2017.