JULY 27, 2024 will be deeply etched in the memory of Santha Kuppu when she received the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (PJM) from the Penang Yang diPertua Negeri, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, at Dewan Sri Pinang.
Santha, who turns 65 on Oct 15, has been a volunteer for six years with Sneham Malaysia and over 20 years with The Befrienders Pulau Pinang. Both non-governmental organisations provide emotional support to people experiencing loneliness, misery, despair, depression or suicidal thoughts.
On the day of receiving the award at the investiture ceremony marking the 75th birthday celebration of the Penang Yang diPertua Negeri, Santha was worried that she might forget certain steps to follow during the protocol.
“I had butterflies in my stomach before I walked out. I had some pain in my knees, and I dreaded walking down the aisle fearing that I might fumble like Mr Bean, and bump into the Yang diPertua Negeri. During the rehearsal, I was given the seating that needed climbing up the stairs.
“Fortunately, one of the organising team members came to my rescue and the next day, I was given a seat in the front row and did not have to climb up and down any steps. It was thoughtful of the organiser.
“When the Yang diPertua Negeri pinned the medal on my Saree during the ceremony, he said “Tahniah!” I was so excited that no words could come out of my mouth. I just nodded my head,” Santha recalled.
Santha expressed her gratitude to Tun Ahmad Fuzi, the Penang government, and Datuk Dr Florence Sinniah, the President of Sneham Malaysia, for obtaining the award. At the award ceremony, she was accompanied by her children, Anbukarasan Moroter and Tanushalini Moroter, a journalist with Buletin Mutiara.
“As volunteers listening in, we are trained not to be judgmental but to give a listening ear to any caller.
“They come from all walks of life, as young as Form One students and as old as people in their seventies. They are actually crying for help because they think no one understands them. Some even have suicidal thoughts. When we listen to them, they feel comfortable and happy.
“For serious cases, we suggest they seek medical treatment or psychiatric counselling.
“Many will usually thank us after the conversation and change their thoughts. We keep their conversations confidential.
“There are success stories. We don’t need to be paid. When they feel relieved that is the greatest joy. And when they say thank you, that itself is a reward,” Santha said.
Mental health issues, like depression and anxiety disorders, are increasingly affecting a lot of people throughout the world.
Santha encourages more people to become volunteers, who will need to undergo training for about three months and a period of probation.
“The most important thing is to be committed and compassionate. When you are passionate about this work, you can listen to all the people’s woes and have empathy,” Santha said.
She was glad to see that the Pingat Gagah Perwira (PGP) for 2024 was awarded to Sergeant Mazlan Abdul Rahman, who rescued two individuals who fell from the Penang Bridge on Jan 15, 2024.
She expressed hope that PLUS Malaysia and the bridge authorities can approve a signboard with Sneham and Befrienders’ telephone numbers to be put up on the bridge. A phone call away may save a life.
On a personal level, Santha went through her darkest moments when both her ageing parents died on February 3, 1999, her father in the morning and her mother in the afternoon.
“Losing both parents on the same day was a devastating blow to me and my sister. I fell into depression.
“Fortunately, a family friend, Dr Shan, who ran a five-day self-awareness programme, called after my parents’ departure and lent a listening ear.
“And I also have a dear cousin to thank for who has always been there during our grieving times as suicidal thoughts did cross my mind at that time. Till today, he calls up to talk with us frequently.
“I regard my cousin as my saviour as he was instrumental in giving me moral support and encouragement. They spent time listening to us, and this helped us get out of depression.
“Then, a brother-in-law wrote a poem (below) for my parents which we still cherish today,” Santha remembered.
She was proud of compliments from fellow residents of Island Glades regarding her parents’ community service and generosity. Her father worked for the state Health Department, overseeing the fogging teams.
Refresher courses for volunteers are necessary. Santha herself recently attended the International Association of Suicide & Prevention Conference in Bangkok with the SNEHAM team, led by its president Dr Florence. The other members were Chris and Thila.
In addition to this, Santha recently organised an entrepreneurship seminar for Pertubuhan Dewan Perniagaan Vanigakkalam Malaysia (Penang branch) of which she is the chairman.
The seminar, attended by about 100 participants, aimed to equip the Indian community with essential business knowledge. Among those present at the opening ceremony were the Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu who officiated the opening ceremony, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng, Enrico’s chief executive officer S.K. Sundram and Goldenshine Beauty Care founder Sri Letchimi.
For Santha, she looks forward to continuing to serve both Sneham and Befrienders.
“I don’t expect anything or any reward. I feel blessed to be recognised for all the services,” Santha said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of Tanushalini Moroter