JOHOR BARU: She may have given birth to only two children, but 69-year-old Mageswari Moorthy is a mother to many single mothers with her tireless devotion to help them rebuild their lives.
Mageswari comes to their aid, when they are at the lowest point in their lives, giving them opportunity to provide for their families once their husbands have left them or passed away.
She sees to it that single mothers register for welfare aid under the government and also hands out monthly provisions and organises free sewing classes so the women become self reliant.
Her age has not been a barrier to her active social work, often spending hours voluntarily driving from house to house since 2004, counselling and assisting the single mothers.
“This is my karma, I think,” said the retired teacher who said her inspiration came from the words of spiritual guru Satya Sai Baba who told his devotees that prayer alone was pointless without serving the people.
However, she remains humble and is quick to point out that her work would be close to impossible without the ongoing support of the state Welfare Department and the Family Development Foundation (Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga).
“They helped by providing the free space to conduct sewing classes and even provided money so I can buy provisions for these single mothers,” she said.
She also noted her late husband, Kanesamoorthy, played a huge role in encouraging her work with single mothers.
Her two daughters are UK based writer/performer Rani Moorthy and lawyer Menaka.
Mageswari was also recently recognised for her social work after she received a welfare award from the state government in March.
One of those Mageswari has helped over the years include clinic nurse C. Jaya, 38, who considers Mageswari her adopted mother.
“Morning or night, the moment you call her for help, she is outside your house,” she said adding that she would always be grateful to her all her life.
Jaya said she was able to supplement her income by making murukku from the free flour given to her by Mageswari, earning an extra RM30 per week.
“She is a mother to me. Not many people will help others for free or without taking something for themselves,” the mother of four, who also attends the free sewing classes and receives welfare aid, said.
Another single mother to benefit from Mageswari’s kindness was single mum M. Amsammal, 39, who was widowed four years ago leaving her to cope with five children.
“Even before I could go to her for help, she came looking for me when she heard about my plight,” she said.
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