Since 1919, 9 Norris Road has been a focal point for the development of social welfare and education in Singapore.Given by the Arya Sangam for the welfare of the Indian Commmunity, the land measuring the size of 5547 square feet in area, was eventually developed by the Ramakrishna Mission.
A Tamil school was inaugurated and beginning from 1932. Night classes were conducted to teach English, Tamil, hygiene and morality for the sake of the poor working adults. Free food was also distributed to the students.
In 1936, the construction of the second story building was completed. The period between 1937 and 1941 saw the burgeoning of the of the welfare activities. In 1937, a girls' school was started for the benefit of girls in Singapore and Malaya. In 1939 the YMCA (Young Men's Cultural Union) was started to give more emphasis to the character development of the young. Many regardless of race and creed participated. Many locals including Muslims, Christians, Taoist and Buddhist participated and benefited.
With the commencement of the Second World War, 9 Norris Road became the venue of an 80-bed hospital to treat the war bomb victims. War victims were also given shelter at the premise until 1945. Subsequently, an orphanage to house and look after the poor orphaned children of Singapore workers, who were killed during the construction of the infamous death railway(Burma-Siam railway), was started and this then became the forerunner of the eventual development of Boys' and Girls' Homes at premises.
Famous Names to have Graced the Premises
An impressive list of famous names adorns the history of the present Sri Krishna Mandir premises. Renowned men of universal fame have visited the premises in the course of their activities. National leaders, war heroes and philanthropists have rendered support and aid for the welfare activities at 9 Norris Road.
During the war years, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose frequented the premises and subsequently opened the new dormitory building to house the orphanage.
In 1950, Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India, visited the Norris Road premises and attended the opening of the Boys' Home building.
In 1955, Mr Gulzarilal Nanda, the India Deputy Prime Minister and cabinet minister, visted the premises and presented a cheque for the purchase of books for the library on behalf of the Indian government.
Other important personalities to have visited the premises between 1955-1983 include Dr.Zakir Hussein(Former President of India), The Yang De Pertuan Negara of Malayam Federation, our Senior Minister and then Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kwan Yew, Mr. Ahmed Mattar(former Environment Minister), Mr. Rajaratnam(former Foreign Minister),etc.
Further to all of these visits, key leaders and philanthropist and men of business repute have contributed their energy and funds to developing 9 Norris Road as a centre for the spiritual and material welfare of the population.
In 1955, Dr.C rajagopalachari, the then Governor-General of India donated funds, both on behalf of the Indian government and from his personal account, for the development of the educational services rendered at the premises.
Mr Malclom MacDonald, the British Governor- General of the Southeast Asian colonies presided as the Chairman of the temple construction committee in the 1940s and 1950s. In addition, the entire construction of the structure in 1952 was borne by a single person who was none other than the late Mr.Govidaswami Pillai, one of the leading businessmen and philanthropists belonging to the local Indian community.
What do all this facts indicate?
This shows that 9 Norris Road has been duly recognised on history as one of the focal nerve centers for the provision of welfare services and spiritual and cultural activities. Sri Krishna Mandir is today located in a place of immense worth. Sri Krishna Mandir rightly fits into the Indian cultural setting that the premises is known for.
On top of all the celebreties who graced the premises, the premises is now the abode of Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So we appeal to everyone to support us in preserving the prestige of this site of great historical and cultural importance.
A Tamil school was inaugurated and beginning from 1932. Night classes were conducted to teach English, Tamil, hygiene and morality for the sake of the poor working adults. Free food was also distributed to the students.
In 1936, the construction of the second story building was completed. The period between 1937 and 1941 saw the burgeoning of the of the welfare activities. In 1937, a girls' school was started for the benefit of girls in Singapore and Malaya. In 1939 the YMCA (Young Men's Cultural Union) was started to give more emphasis to the character development of the young. Many regardless of race and creed participated. Many locals including Muslims, Christians, Taoist and Buddhist participated and benefited.
With the commencement of the Second World War, 9 Norris Road became the venue of an 80-bed hospital to treat the war bomb victims. War victims were also given shelter at the premise until 1945. Subsequently, an orphanage to house and look after the poor orphaned children of Singapore workers, who were killed during the construction of the infamous death railway(Burma-Siam railway), was started and this then became the forerunner of the eventual development of Boys' and Girls' Homes at premises.
Famous Names to have Graced the Premises
An impressive list of famous names adorns the history of the present Sri Krishna Mandir premises. Renowned men of universal fame have visited the premises in the course of their activities. National leaders, war heroes and philanthropists have rendered support and aid for the welfare activities at 9 Norris Road.
During the war years, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose frequented the premises and subsequently opened the new dormitory building to house the orphanage.
In 1950, Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India, visited the Norris Road premises and attended the opening of the Boys' Home building.
In 1955, Mr Gulzarilal Nanda, the India Deputy Prime Minister and cabinet minister, visted the premises and presented a cheque for the purchase of books for the library on behalf of the Indian government.
Other important personalities to have visited the premises between 1955-1983 include Dr.Zakir Hussein(Former President of India), The Yang De Pertuan Negara of Malayam Federation, our Senior Minister and then Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kwan Yew, Mr. Ahmed Mattar(former Environment Minister), Mr. Rajaratnam(former Foreign Minister),etc.
Further to all of these visits, key leaders and philanthropist and men of business repute have contributed their energy and funds to developing 9 Norris Road as a centre for the spiritual and material welfare of the population.
In 1955, Dr.C rajagopalachari, the then Governor-General of India donated funds, both on behalf of the Indian government and from his personal account, for the development of the educational services rendered at the premises.
Mr Malclom MacDonald, the British Governor- General of the Southeast Asian colonies presided as the Chairman of the temple construction committee in the 1940s and 1950s. In addition, the entire construction of the structure in 1952 was borne by a single person who was none other than the late Mr.Govidaswami Pillai, one of the leading businessmen and philanthropists belonging to the local Indian community.
What do all this facts indicate?
This shows that 9 Norris Road has been duly recognised on history as one of the focal nerve centers for the provision of welfare services and spiritual and cultural activities. Sri Krishna Mandir is today located in a place of immense worth. Sri Krishna Mandir rightly fits into the Indian cultural setting that the premises is known for.
On top of all the celebreties who graced the premises, the premises is now the abode of Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So we appeal to everyone to support us in preserving the prestige of this site of great historical and cultural importance.
