Thambirajah, Champion Of Indian Education Dies

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Prominent educationist and founder of the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC), Tan Sri Dr M. Thambirajah, died today. He was 83.

SMC co-director Surain Kanda, when contacted by Bernama, said members of the public may pay their last respects tomorrow at SMC Ashramam, Petaling Jaya, Selangor from 10 am to 2 pm, before the final rites at Nirwana Setia Alam at 3 pm.

“Tan Sri was more than just a leader; he was a visionary whose mission was clear - that every Indian home should produce at least one graduate. His efforts transformed the lives of thousands,” he said. 

Born in 1942, Thambirajah founded SMC in 1982 with the aim of uplifting Indian students through academic support, personal discipline and self-confidence.

What started as four small centres grew into a nationwide movement with over 103 physical and 128 virtual centres, currently serving more than 10,000 students annually.

An alumnus of the University Malaya (UM), he went on to earn his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Washington, USA, and later completed his LL.B. (Hons) from the University of London. He served as a senior lecturer at UM and authored several influential works, including the history textbook Malaysia Dalam Sejarah.

His lifetime contributions were recognised both in Malaysia and internationally. He was conferred the title Tan Sri in 2012 and received India’s highest award for overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

Thambirajah also served on key national advisory bodies, including the Special Implementation Taskforce on the Indian Community and the Social Council under the Prime Minister’s Department.

“He believed in action over rhetoric, and service over self,” said Surain, adding that over 52,000 students have graduated through SMC to date.

Thambirajah is survived by his wife Puan Sri Indirani Arunasalam, two children Dr Sumitra Thambirajah and Anannd Thambirajah, and two grandchildren.

Condolences and floral tributes can be sent to SMC Ashramam, No. 40, Jalan Bukit 11/2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany extended his heartfelt condolences to Thambirajah’s family and described him as a mentor and visionary who had transformed the educational landscape for Malaysian Indians.

Devamany, who holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Malay Literature from UM, said Thambirajah taught him history during his undergraduate years in 1982.

“With profound sorrow, I bid farewell to my mentor and ideological guru, Tan Sri Dr M. Thambirajah, whose wisdom, courage and unwavering belief in education transformed not only my life but the destiny of thousands of Malaysian Indian students,” he added.

Devamany, who is also a former Cameron Highlands Member of Parliament and one of the founding members of SMC, said that what began as a modest initiative in 1982 eventually grew into a nationwide educational movement.

He recalled that on Sept 24, 1982, Thambirajah gathered 48 students at Dewan Kuliah E in Universiti Malaya and asked them to help Indian students prepare for the STPM examination, which few were taking at the time.

Under Thambirajah’s guidance, the group prepared study notes, and eventually, SMC was formally launched with four branches - in Sentul, Klang, Petaling Jaya, and Seremban.

Meanwhile, former Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said he was deeply shocked to learn of Thambirajah’s passing.

“His representatives, who never failed to invite me to every SMC event -- even recently -- would always assure me that he was doing well.

“I have known him since my early teaching days, particularly when he attended many of my Hindu Youth Organisation programmes. Our relationship continued throughout my time in MHS and his time in SMC and MIC.

“I used to meet him regularly at Vivekananda School during the early days of SMC, when the attendance of both teachers and students was irregular. It was then that we began discussing the need to pay allowances to teachers, collect fees from students, and implement an acceptable dress code.

“These administrative reforms brought much-needed discipline to the system, and today, SMC stands as an iconic and legendary nationwide educational institution. He (Thambirajah) was truly a remarkable figure to all of us,” shared Vaithilingam.

Meanwhile, Transport Ministry secretary-general and former SMC student, Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan, expressed deep sorrow over Thambirajah’s passing, describing him as a towering figure whose legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“His unwavering dedication to community, education, and public service has left a lasting impact on our nation.

“Tan Sri was not only a pillar of strength and wisdom but also a beacon of inspiration to generations. His compassion, integrity, and lifelong commitment to uplifting others will never be forgotten,” he said.

-- BERNAMA