A ROADSIDE newspaper vendor who went on to run the Shanti Book Store in Teluk Intan, has been honoured for his community work, Malaysia Nanban reported.
Muthusamy Periyasamy started out selling papers in Bagan Datuk and southern Perak.
He recounted his rise at the prize-giving ceremony of the state-level Thirumurai competition in Buntong.
The Perak chapter of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, which organised the event, conferred the Thanga Booshan title on him for his contributions.
Muthusamy had left school in Form One to help his mother at the Southern Perak Plantations.
He took up a series of jobs and learned about business and trading before opening a small stall in 1972. He was soon shifting about 700 copies a day.
Four years later, he secured the district-level distribution rights and grew from there.
He is also known for his philanthropy, helping temples, Tamil schools and B40 Indian families, alongside his work with the Malaysia Hindu Sangam.
