The world has lost a luminary with the passing of Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan (pic).
The late Mrs Bhupalan was a woman whose life stood as a testament to intellectual rigour, pedagogical brilliance, and unwavering dedication to shaping minds.
Her legacy, etched into the hearts of her students and the annals of Malaysia’s educational history, will remain a guiding light for generations to come.
A graduate of the University of Malaya in Singapore, Mrs Bhupalan began her teaching career at Methodist Girls’ School (MGS), Penang, in the 1950s.
Her extraordinary talent soon led her to Methodist Boys’ School (MBS), Kuala Lumpur, where she became a cornerstone of excellence.
Her command of the English language was legendary; she wielded it with the precision of a poet and the clarity of a public speaker. Students hung on her every word, not merely learning grammar but absorbing the art of persuasion and critical thought.
Among her protégés was Tan Sri James Foong, who rose to become a Federal Court Judge – a testament to her ability to ignite ambition. She didn’t just teach; she showed us how to think.
To step into Mrs Bhupalan’s History class was to witness a maestro at work. Eschewing textbooks, she wove narratives with the flair of a storyteller, her eyes locking onto her students as if to say, “Just lend me your ears.”
As her former student, and an educator who taught from 1965 to 2000, I still vividly recall how she made History come alive.
We not only memorised dates and names, but also debated motives, dissected revolutions, and connected the past to our own lives.
Her method, a blend of spontaneity and meticulous preparation, proved that true teaching is an act of trust: trust in one’s knowledge, and trust in the students.
From MBS, she was promoted to principal of MGS, KL, where she left an indelible mark with her wisdom and vision, guiding and moulding both girls and boys to build our nation together.
Mrs Bhupalan’s passing has stirred profound grief among her students, many now in their 80s, who remember her not just as an educator but as a compass guiding them towards integrity.
Her influence transcends many generations of students, inspiring us all to champion justice and to think boldly without fear or favour.
Mrs Bhupalan’s life reminds us that education is not merely a profession but an art – one that demands passion, mastery and the courage to believe in every student’s potential.
As we mourn her, we also celebrate the indelible mark she left on Malaysia and beyond.
“The best teachers show us where to look but don’t tell us what to see,” she often said.
Today, we look to her example and see a future shaped by curiosity, integrity and the enduring power of knowledge.
Rest in peace, Mrs Bhupalan. Our prayers and thoughts are with your loved ones.
Note: Mrs Bhupalan, a trailblazer in education and a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, passed away on May 13 at the age of 98.
THOMAS KOK
Retired teacher and principal
