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| hmm, are they searching for Campbell Lane? |
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| shops selling indian accessories such as bangles, earrings and so on... |
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| Right behind us is a garland shop |
Flower Garlands were traditionally used as offerings in worshipping God. You can find devotees purchasing them before heading to the Hindu temples. However, flower garlands served a different purpose in the Indian community. They are now used as decorations in festive occasions such as weddings and Deepavali. They decorate these loose flowers or garlands in their house and ladies will often wear them on their hair. The common flowers used are marigold, jasmine and rose. Besides the attractive colour, they also give off a nice scent when we walk pass the row of shops.
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| It was one of our first few stops, we were still hyped up (as you can see) |
Why Campbell Lane?
It is another street here in Little India that is named after another British personnel.
"Campbell Lane is believed to be named after a British military personality, Sir Colin Campbell (1792-1863). There are other accounts which suggest that the Lane was named after Robert Campbell, managing partner of Martin Dyce and Company in the 1870s."
Sir Colin Campbell helped to suppress the Indian Mutiny and freed Lucknow in 1857.
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| Information board on "The Shop of Govindasamy Pillai" |
Walking down the street, we found the information board on "The Shop of Govindasamy Pillai"
Govindasamy Pillai was one of the prominent businessman and philanthropist in Singapore. He came to Singapore in 1905 and found a job at a provision shop in Little india. He borrowed money from the indian moneylenders and bought over the shop upon the demise of the shop owner. He led a thrifty life and saved up to invest in other properties and ventures into other business such as textiles, flour and spice mills. He successfully built two houses on Campbell Lane but his property and goods were confiscated after the Japanese Occupation.
"He is most remembered for his generosity and charity. A pious Hindu, he donated a large sum to the Sri Perumal Temple to build a S$425,000 Gopuram or an entranceway to the Temple and the first Indian wedding hall which bears his name -- Govindasamy Pillai Kalyanamandabam.
On 28 February 2001, Singapore Post released stamps featuring Pillai in recognition of his contributions to Singapore and the Indian Community."
Govindasamy Pillai's story convey an example how Singapore Straits settlement was looked upon a land of hope to immigrants, how they build a new family. Their struggles through these period taught the next generation that everyone can become successful. Also, their generosity and contributions were dearly remembered by the community.
http://www.victorianweb.org/history/crimea/campbell.html
Know more about Govindasamy Pillai here...
http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_262_2005-01-13.html
[1] http://heritagetrails.sg/content/371/Fun_on_Foot_Little_India.html
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