KUALA LUMPUR: The late Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan would have celebrated her 101st birthday on March 11.
She holds the distinction of being the first woman elected to public office and is among the last surviving members of the Merdeka generation, earning her the revered title of the "Grand Dame of Malaysian Indian politics."
Her journey into politics and leadership commenced with contesting the Bangsar municipal council seat in 1952 under the Independence of Malaya Party.
Achieving success, she retained the seat in 1955, marking a significant breakthrough for women in a predominantly male-dominated field.
Prior to her political career, she served as a school teacher in 1949 after completing her education at St Mary's Kuala Lumpur.
Later, she joined the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC). Following Malaya's independence from the British in 1957, Devaki contested the Sentul parliamentary constituency in the 1959 general election under the Alliance ticket, although victory eluded her.
Recognising her oratorical and leadership skills, Umno's founder and the president of the Independent Party of Malaya, Datuk Onn Jaafar, personally invited her to join his party.
Devaki had the privilege of meeting and knowing all of Malaysia's prime ministers, including Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Married to the late P. Krishnan, who passed away in 1998, Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan was the wife of a self-made businessman who founded Krishnan Taxis, operating Kuala Lumpur's inaugural fleet of Mercedes-Benz limousines and taxi services.
Blessed with three children and five grandchildren, Rohan Ramakrishnan, her 33-year-old grandson who grew up alongside this esteemed figure, shared poignant memories of his grandmother.
Residing with her during his upbringing, Rohan reminisces about his grandmother as a historical relic.
"I can recall numerous stories about my grandmother; she is like a living piece of history.
"What resonates most with me is her remarkable contribution to the country during the independence era and her philanthropic endeavours post-politics," he told the New Straits Times.
Given her background in the teaching profession, Rohan said the late Devaki did not treat her children and grandchildren like ordinary individuals. She was a person of principles and discipline.
"She was a very strict person and did not entertain any nonsense. Everything runs like clockwork, and you must adhere to the utmost discipline.
"She would convey instructions in such a stern and convincing manner that you wouldn't dare to deviate, considering the firmness and clarity she communicated."
He added that his grandmother instilled in him the imperative need to preserve peace and unity in the country, considering the challenges faced during the fight for independence.
"But growing up, she always told me the story of Malaya's struggle, emphasising how crucial it is for Malays, Chinese, and Indians to work together. She said that if we fail to collaborate and strengthen our unity, everything they fought for to gain independence becomes futile.
"She wholeheartedly advocated for the inclusivity and integration of all the different races in Malaya. She also shared stories about the Japanese occupation in Malaya, highlighting the challenges they faced with food rationing, and having to eat tapioca as there was no rice.
"During that time, every household had food coupons allocated, and a curfew was in place. She emphasised the importance of appreciating our freedom, mobility, and the abundance of food we can enjoy today—all made possible by the sacrifices of our forefathers.
"She believed that Malaysians, in general, should always understand their history, as failure to comprehend history is perilous."