What took me to push for the Nadukal
My father, Mr. Perumal Ramasamy, found himself caught in the middle of a brutal war and forced labor situation. Alongside many other Tamils who had come to Malaya seeking better opportunities, he was now faced with the harsh reality of being a Romusha – a forced laborer on the infamous Death Railway.
The conditions were unimaginably harsh. Forced to toil under the scorching sun, with little food or rest, the Romushas worked tirelessly to build the railway that would serve the Japanese imperial army’s interests. Many perished due to sickness, exhaustion, or the brutality of their captors.
Despite the adversity, my father persevered. He held onto hope, knowing that one day the war would end, and he would be able to return to his homeland. His thoughts often wandered back to his family in India and his remaining siblings in Malaya, wondering if they were safe and if he would ever see them again.
Finally, in 1947, the war was over, and the Japanese forces were defeated. The Romushas were freed from their forced labor, but the scars of that period would never truly heal. My father returned to Malaya after an 8 month walk through the jungles of Southern Thailand and thru Malaya, he was a changed man, carrying the memories of those dark years with him.
Years passed, and my father built a new life in Malaya, working hard to provide for his mother and siblings, he joined the British Army in 1953. Despite the hardships he endured, he remained resilient and hopeful, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. In 1954 he married my mum who was 16, Janaky Marimuthu. In 1957 the British gave Independence to Malaya
As I listen to my father’s stories, I am filled with a sense of awe and admiration for the man who overcame such trials and tribulations. His experiences have shaped not only his life but also the lives of those around him, teaching us the value of perseverance, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
In the year 2002, we took Dad to see the Bridge over River Kwai and some of the museums.
My father had a very meaningful and emotional experience when he returned to Kanchanaburi after 55 years and visited the war graves, museums, and the area by the bridge. His connection to Thailand and the sentiment he expressed in Thai (“Kon Thai Rak mak mak” meaning “Thai people are very beloved”) was a powerful moment for all of us the siblings.
I later moved to Thailand to support my company’s operations and then discovered the lack of recognition for Asian forced laborers highlights an important issue. The history of the forced laborers, including those from various Asian countries who were involved in projects like the Death Railway during World War II, deserves to be acknowledged and remembered.
It’s important to remember and honor the sacrifices and contributions of all those who were affected by such historical events. My personal connection to this history through my father’s visit and my own experiences in Thailand and the Royal Malaysian Air Force gave me this unique perspective on this issue.
I am very passionate about raising awareness or advocating for recognition of the Asian forced laborers, I knew that there are various ways I could consider doing so. This could involve supporting historical research, engaging with relevant organizations, sharing personal stories like mine, or participating in initiatives that aim to commemorate and honor the memory of those who were impacted by these events.
It’s wonderful to hear about this significant event commemorating the unsung heroes and warriors who fought labored for an unknown cause. The installation of the Herostone, or Nadukal, with Shiva on top to symbolize peace and calmness is a beautiful gesture to honor those who are buried beneath the Chedi Niranam.
May this day, the 1st of May 2024, indeed go down in history as a day to remember and bring closure to the Saga. Very heartening to see such efforts being made to remember and pay tribute to those who have contributed so much to society.
Dr. Silva Kumar.
May this installation bring peace and solace to all those who visit and pay their respects.
29.04.2024