A shining example for all generations

This reader extols the virtues of a true gentleman.

THIS train of thought is dedicated to an unsung hero, an exceptional relative of mine who always keeps a low profile and goes unnoticed. So, aptly, It’s Now Or Never (as the Elvis Presley song goes), for the jewel to be unearthed.

Master G was born during the time of the Japanese occupation in Malaya, when World War II was at its height.

During his secondary school education, he did creditably in the Cambridge School Certificate Examination (for Form 5 students at that time).

Being the eldest of a brood of seven siblings, he had to opt out of furthering his studies. He got a job with the Rubber Research Institute (RRI), to help ease the financial constraints of the family.

With the demise of his father at an early age, Master G, being the eldest son, had to take over the helm of the family all too soon (just as in the Tamil film Devar Magan).

At that tender young age, as an apprentice at RRI, and later, as an officer, he had to scour the remotest of places in Peninsular Malaysia as well as in Sabah and Sarawak.

With sheer grit and determination, he made it through the vagaries of life. Through his frugal ways, he managed to lead a simple and respectful life; a role model for the present-day generations of X, Y, Z or whatever name you give them.

Using cricket jargon, he played his innings with discipline, composure, commitment and full responsibility, as he had to anchor the team (family) at a rather young age.

Master G, being an ideally suited opening batsman, played with a steady straight bat and never cross-batted, meaning he never took any undue risks. He never played the slog sweep, the reverse sweep or the tempting hook shot, as one lapse in concentration or an uneven bounce of the cricket ball, could lead to an unwanted dismissal, which in turn could probably trigger a batting collapse.

Being the eldest, he had to be a role model (curbing all his natural instincts and youthful exuberance), for the other siblings to follow.

Just as in life, Master G never tried any fanciful or cavalier-like shots, as it could have an adverse effect on the family since there was always an element of error of mistiming and getting out.

Master G batted with conviction and full concentration. He was one who could be counted on to weather the new ball attack so that the batsmen to follow later (the siblings) would have an easier passage of play at the crease (better life).

Thanks to the examplary standards set by him, the entire team stood by through trying times, to reap the rewards, through sheer hardwork and tenacity.

Even after compulsory retirement, he continued to work in places near and far, such as Papua New Guinea and Mauritius, for the good of his family.

Master G had a soft heart, and was respected by all the siblings, relatives and friends. What stood out was his generosity and empathy.

When it mattered most, his selflessness and sacrifices for the family were immense.

On the social front, he makes it a point to attend all Ceylonese community functions, happy and not-so-happy ones – to the extent that his brother quipped that his elder brother knows the entire circle of Ceylonese residing in Malaysia.

I vividly remember him driving all the way to Ipoh from Sungai Way to attend my wedding ceremony, a good 30+ years ago. Similarly, even with health issues, he drove to Klang to attend my daughter’s wedding ceremony a few years back. Master G, via his lifelong partnership with his beloved wife Madam S, his pillar of strength, has been blessed with two loving children, who are doing well in life, plus two adorable grandchildren.

Having passed the three-quarter century mark, Master G is still in a class of his own.