MELAKA-born Nimallan Naaidu faced a critical juncture at 17 when his expulsion from a secondary school in May last year shattered his dream of a business career.
Despite a promising start in primary school, the challenges of secondary education, coupled with peer pressure, led him down a disruptive path, marked by truancy, smoking, vaping and involvement in bullying incidents.
His expulsion came after an unfortunate episode when Nimallan and his peers damaged school property – specifically the classroom whiteboard, resulting in his expulsion.
Growing up in Batang Melaka with three siblings, Nimallan occasionally assisted in tending to the cattle and goats reared by his family while his father worked as a factory technician to support the family.
Reflecting on his struggles, Nimallan recalled: “My dreams were shattered in an instant, and I lost the education I needed to turn my life around.
“Worst of all I embarrassed my family, particularly my parents, because news of my expulsion was the subject of discussion within my family circle. I felt hopeless and devastated, especially for letting down my family.”
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara at The Garden Banana Leaf in Jalan Free School recently, Nimallan discussed his journey alongside the eatery owner R. Vairavasundaram, popularly known as Veera, and former national boxer Eswaran Murali, a sergeant in the Royal Military Air Force Special Forces (PASKAU).
Speaking about the turning point in his life, Nimallan said: “It was through my cousin that I met Mr Veera. He told me about a 30-day in-house transformation programme conducted by Mr Veera. My cousin did not participate in the programme but he met Mr Veera, who was the guest of honour, on the closing day of another youth programme. He believed I could benefit from the programme.”
Veera, the 1993 North America full contact champion and an advocate for troubled youths, then convinced Nimallan’s parents to allow Nimallan to join his 30-day Zero to Hero programme in Penang.
“On the first day, Nimallan did not seem enthusiastic. He was acting strangely and honestly, I thought that he was a junkie, like under the influence of drugs. But I mistook him!” Veera remarked.
As time progressed, Veera noticed a remarkable transformation in Nimallan. His interactions with peers evolved positively and he gradually emerged as a role model.
Under Veera’s guidance in Penang, Nimallan demonstrated natural talent in mountaineering, impressing even experienced climbers.
“Hiking gives me a sense of freedom and tranquility I have never experienced before,” Nimallan said.
Nimallan’s newfound passion for mountaineering has propelled him to conquer five of the G15 peaks, including Gunung Ulu Sepat.
“When we were at Gunung Ulu Sepat, all of us were shocked at his ability to lead and surpass us during the hike.
“Not many can hike up like the way he does. He is naturally gifted in mountaineering,” Veera said.
Aside from mountaineering, Nimallan has an interest in boxing and has expressed his desire to learn the ropes from Eswaran after having been enrolled in the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) boxing training squad.
“He is still young and has many things to learn especially from his mistakes. If he wants to enter the boxing ring, he has to fight me first!” Eswaran quipped.
Just recently, Nimallan was given an opportunity to join Veera and Eswaran to speak at the motivation talk at SMK Bukit Mertajam.
Nimallan’s candid narrative of his struggles and transformation left the students awestruck, earning him a standing ovation.
“Of the three speakers, he received the loudest applause. The students were mesmerised by his transformation.
“I have already surpassed six decades now and yet, till this day, I have yet to receive such reception from the crowd. He is truly inspirational to youth.
“He has been staying with me for approximately five to six months now. With his parents’ permission, I will continue to monitor his progress and nurture him to be a better person,” said Veera, who has conducted the ‘Zero to Hero’ programme for over 11,000 students.
While Veera can see that Nimallan is making steady progress, he wants Nimallan to have a higher degree of discipline to ensure a brighter future free of regression.
(Veera can be contacted at 0178912331).
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and courtesy of Nirmallan Naaidu