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Remembering the legacy of Auntie Ammany
Published on: Sunday, October 29, 2023
By: Dr T Selva
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IN the intricate fabric of life, we often find ourselves blessed with the presence of cherished individuals who appear with a purpose, remaining by our side for a lifetime.Yet, when they are taken from us, they leave an unfathomable void, an emptiness of profound loss that defies replacement.
With a heavy heart, I write this week’s column, my words laced with sadness, as I bid farewell to my beloved auntie, Ammany Govindasamy, 81.
Her departure on October 19th at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur due to organ failure has left a hole that can never be filled. She was a primary school teacher at SK Jalan Gurney before she moved on and retired at SK Jalan Kuantan in Kuala Lumpur.
A dynamic and strict educator who provided a firm foundation for children in their early schooling, many of the kids she taught are now very successful personalities in the business and corporate world.
Among her students, she earned the nicknames “Mrs G” (short for Mrs Govinda) and “Cikgu Garang” (fierce teacher) due to her stern approach to discipline.
It’s heartwarming to see that several of the kids to whom she emphasised the importance of education attended her wake at her home in Taman Setapak to pay their respects.
In the condolence book, one of her former students, Joseph Lim, expressed his gratitude, writing, “Thank you for being my first teacher. I will always remember your name and contributions.”
Another student, Tan Lee Cheng, shared, “Your words and compliments continue to inspire me. Thank you, teacher.”
This displayed a dedicated and caring teacher’s lasting impact on her students.
She instilled strictness, made sacrifices for her students, developed meaningful friendships and left an insightful and enduring impression on those she taught.
She generously offered free tutoring to disadvantaged students struggling with their studies in her home.
The fact that her students remembered and appreciated her for these qualities speaks to the special bond between her and her students.
Regarding my own experience, I grappled with my meeting with her during her last moments before her departure.
She was in the presence of an oxygen mask, rendering her incapable of speech, and her sole means of communication was through gestures.
Auntie Ammany instilled strictness, made sacrifices for her students, and developed meaningful connections.
Even with dementia, she could recognise me when I clasped her hand. She tried to convey significant emotions and connection, and I continued to contemplate and internalise the messages she tried to impart.
Her touch gave me solace, assurance, bravery, and a sense of hope, urging me not to worry.
Despite her deteriorating health, she displayed a calm demeanour that indicated that she was at peace with the situation and was ready to let go.
Among my many aunts, she held a special place in my heart.
I treasured the moments spent with her, listening to her anecdotes and sharing laughter until my cheeks ached and made me forget my troubles.
Her positivity radiated, bringing constant joy and comfort to her nieces, nephews, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends.
She possessed an extraordinary talent in the kitchen and would whip up tasty meals, even when I dropped in unannounced regularly.
Her speciality, the mouthwatering sardine sambal, was my absolute favourite, and no matter how hard I tried, I could never replicate her recipe to perfection.
I hope her three children, my beloved cousins, will continue her culinary legacy and the tradition of sharing love through food.
My late mother, Rajalakshumi, once playfully remarked that I seemed to visit Chinnamma (auntie) more often, reminding me that she was still very much present.
My aunt’s thoughtful, personal messages through her touch in her final moments have made me eager to contemplate the significance and meaning of my relationships and interactions.
It felt like she was reaching out for companionship, love, and emotional support during those precious moments.
These instances have greatly enhanced my personal development and deepened my comprehension of life.
Some individuals enter our lives for a specific purpose, and my aunt was meant to educate, guide, and transform the lives of many, including my own.
Her lasting legacy, formed through her teaching abilities, actions, and impactful ideas, has left an indelible mark on society, making a positive difference in the world.
I have found relief in accepting her passing as I delved into the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. This Hindu scripture conveys the truth: “Death is simply the separation of the soul from the physical body. The soul, which is the real you, does not die.”
Farewell, Chinnamma; your absence is deeply felt, and you are dearly missed.
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is a speaker and the author of the bestseller book Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, contact 019-2728464. He can be reached at [email protected] / Facebook: Vasthu Sastra
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