Kuala Lumpur: Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) is committed to continuing the legacy of its founder, the late Tan Sri M. Thambirajah, in helping students from the B40 group gain access to quality education and ultimately break free from the cycle of poverty. SMC co-director Surain Kanda said the legacy and guidance of Thambirajah would continue to serve as a compass in the core mission of SMC.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the passing of the education figure was described as a great loss to the Indian community in the country, and SMC remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the B40 group from poverty. “To achieve this goal, SMC focuses on three main areas: first, providing education to students from B40 families; second, offering temporary relief to poor families to support their daily expenses; and third, helping B40 families find sources of supplementary income,” Surain Kanda stated. He made these remarks at the final tribute ceremony for Thambirajah, held at SMC.

Family members, friends, and former students gathered at SMC from 10.30 am to pay their last respects to Thambirajah, who died yesterday at the age of 83. Thambirajah founded SMC in 1982 as a non-governmental organization focused on education and character development for the Indian community.

Meanwhile, Thambirajah’s daughter, T. Sumithra, expressed her hope that her father’s legacy will inspire young Indians to rise and help the community. She stated, “His legacy cannot die with him. So to all of you young Indians out there, I hope he has inspired you to do much, much more for the Indian community of Malaysia. He will be missed. He was a loving father and my best friend. So I hope that we can all keep his legacy going.”