An Indian temple trust was among nine patrons awarded in Singapore for lending its exquisite century-old deity jewellery on loan for 10 years to Indian Heritage Centre and helping provide "greater insight" into Indian culture.
The jewellery which includes a necklace made
of rubies, emeralds, diamonds and a gem-studded crown was loaned by Saigon
Chettiars Temple Trust and came from Thendayuthapani Temple which was
established 200 years ago in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
"The Saigon Chettiars Temple Trust has strengthened the IHC's storyline with its loan of beautiful deity jewellery, which gives us greater insight into the many perspectives of Indian culture," said Singapore's Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu, who gave away distinguished supporter of heritage award to the trust.
The jewellery is on loan for 10 years, said Ashwin
Muthiah, who represented the trust at the award ceremony held yesterday. The
jewellery came from Nagaratas, also known as Nattukottai Chettiars, sometimes
in 1900 or before for deities at the The Thendayuthapani temple, established
about 200 years ago, said Muthiah, executive chairman of AM International
Holdings Pte Ltd.
The High Commission of India in Singapore was given a
"Supporter" award for donation of Bronze Busts of Indian Leaders to
the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC).
Former Singapore President S R Nathan was
also awarded for contributing a 'Group of Indian National Army Related
Photographs and Publications'. Shirin and Rustom Ghadiali were also honoured
for lending Parsi Silver Ritual objects and Sarjit Singh for offering
Collection of Artefacts pertinent to the Sikh Police and Armed Forces in
Singapore and Malaya.
Others honoured with awards were R Gangatharan Davar,
Leaena Tambyah and Gayatri Roy for their contribution and lending of Indian
artefacts from their ancestors to the IHC.
Prime Minister of Singapore Lee
Hsien Loong inaugurated the IHC on May 7 last year in the heart of Little
India, a colourful, thriving neighbourhood that caters predominantly to the
Tamils and Chinese. Blending both traditional and modern Indian architectural
aspects, the IHC celebrates many contributions of the Indian community to
Singaporean society.
Source: PTI/ OneIndia
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