Heart and Soul: A tribute to Dr Jayaraman Munusamy

Dr M. Jayaraman receiving his AMN title from the Yang DiPertuan Agong in 1976 for his contributions as the first Rukun Tetangga chairman in the country. Photos: Kiranmaye Jayaraman

My father Dr Jayaraman Munusamy – or Nana as we children call him – turned 86 on March 22. What a life he has led! From his humble beginnings in Parit Buntar to his present abode in Kuala Lumpur, his journey has been nothing short of amazing.

Nana started his life in 1938 on a tragic note: His mother died shortly after his birth. My grandfather was devastated. Thankfully, Nana's paternal grandmother was still alive, hale and hearty, so she raised him.