Queen helps end woman's 16-year wait for a child

By C. Vinoothene

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10  -- For 16 years, she consulted dozens of gynaecologists and visited countless temples. Kamala Perumal desperately wanted a child.

At 38, she felt as if she was in a helpless race against time, troubled by society’s repetitive chanting that her “clock” was ticking.

Just as she was about to give up all hopes of conceiving a baby, help came from none other than Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who is now Malaysia’s queen.

The retired teacher, who is now 53, recalled the momentous day in 2005 when she and her husband learned about the Tuanku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF), which is helmed by Tunku Azizah and eventually helped her conceive a child through the in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

Kamala likened the queen’s benevolence to that of  Goddess Letchumi, the Hindu God of Prosperity.

“My husband, Raventeran Vadivelu, came across an article mentioning the foundation and we promptly applied. After years of trying and numerous prayers, it felt as if Goddess Letchumi had come to our doorstep to answer our prayers,” she told Bernama when contacted recently.

Kamala, who is from the first batch of women to receive the IVF treatment with the help of the foundation, remembered how depressed she used to feel at the insensitive comments she received regarding her childlessness.

Tunku Azizah, however, would tirelessly give her words of support and encouragement.

“She would tell me to not give up and assure me that I was in good hands, with the right panel of doctors and technology. She would then share her experiences as well,” Kamala recounted.

The first trial was not a success for Kamala, but she was lucky the second time around, finally fulfilling her dream of being with child.

Even then, Tunku Azizah made sure that Kamala took care of herself, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

“I remember Her Majesty would always check on me during the pregnancy. She even wrote a letter for my employee to allow me a three-month leave from my job so that I wouldn’t need to move so much. She told me to avoid perfumes,” she recalled with laughter. 

Today, Kamala is the proud mother of 14-year-old Prasath Kumar Raventeran. 

On Mothers’ Day, Kamala hopes that her story would give hope and belief to women going through similar struggles.

“There are many women out there silently crying, trying for a child. To these women, please don’t give up. Keep trying, as nothing is impossible with a lot of prayers – and scientific advancements.

“If all else fails, please remember there are many children out there who need mothers,” said Kamala, eyes tearing during the interview.

Kamala also shared her story on social media via a community page called Malaysian Indian Anthology.  

--BERNAMA