S'pore PM pays tributes to Indians at heritage centre launch

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today paid rich tributes to pioneers from the Indian community here, saying they have left their "permanent mark" on the country.
Launching the much-anticipated Indian Heritage Centre in Little India, a precinct of Indian-origin businesses, eateries and pubs, Lee said the centre is a timely birthday gift from the Indian community to Singapore, as the country marks 50 years of independence.
Lee said the Indian community adds to the richness of Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious society and noted that the Indian community has been here since 1819 and over the years, has contributed to the making of Singapore.

"They came from all different backgrounds, as builders, businessmen, artists and they brought with them their customs, their skills and trades. They have left their permanent mark on Singapore," he was quotes as saying by Channel NewsAsia.
This year also commemorates 50 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and India.
"And in our short 50 years as a nation, many notable pioneers have come from the Indian community -- Mr P Govindasamy Pillai, popularly known as PGP -- he came here in his teens. He worked in a department store. And later, in true enterprising spirit, he bought over the department store and established his own chain of stores," the prime minister said.

He also paid tribute to Mr S Rajaratnam, who penned the national pledge. He was "visionary in his conviction that we must be 'one united people, regardless of race, language or religion,'" Lee said.

The four-storey Indian Heritage Centre is located in the heart of Little India, and blends traditional Indian and modern architectural elements.
The opening ceremony saw the facade of the building hit up with a shimmering installation to create the impression of a glowing lantern at night and a shining jewel in the day.
Lee was greeted by a special performance by a percussion troupe from Kerala. They were specially flown in by the Indian High Commission.

There were also performances by the Singapore Indian Choir and Orchestra, as well as dancers from Singapore's classical Indian dance schools.
The Indian Heritage Centre was first conceived in 2008.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office S Iswaran, who chairs the IHC steering committee said from the outset, the project was strongly endorsed by the Government, particularly the late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Iswaran said the IHC seeks to serve as a springboard for visitors to explore the rest of Little India.