24-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Champion of Indian education M Thambirajah dies at 83
M Thambirajah founded the Sri Murugan Centre with the aim of uplifting Indian students through academic support, personal discipline and self-confidence.
KUALA LUMPUR : Educationist and founder of the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) M Thambirajah died today, aged of 83.
SMC co-director Surain Kanda said the public may pay their last respects tomorrow at SMC Ashramam in Petaling Jaya from 10am to 2pm, before the final rites at Nirwana Setia Alam at 3pm.
'He was more than just a leader; he was a visionary whose mission was clear, that every Indian home should produce at least one graduate.
'His efforts transformed the lives of thousands,' Surain told Bernama.
Thambirajah founded SMC in 1982 with the aim of uplifting Indian students through academic support, personal discipline and self-confidence.
What started as four small centres grew into a nationwide movement with over 103 physical and 128 virtual centres, currently serving more than 10,000 students annually.
An alumnus of Universiti Malaya, he went on to earn his master's and PhD from University of Washington, US, and later completed his bachelor of laws with honours from University of London.
He served as a senior lecturer at UM and authored several influential works, including the history textbook, Malaysia Dalam Sejarah.
His lifetime contributions were recognised both in Malaysia and internationally. He was conferred the title 'Tan Sri' in 2012 and received India's highest award for overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
Thambirajah also served on key national advisory bodies, including the special implementation task force on the Indian community under the Prime Minister's Department.
'He believed in action rather than rhetoric, and service over self,' said Surain, adding that over 52,000 students have graduated through SMC to date.
Thambirajah is survived by his wife A Indirani, children Dr T Sumitra and T Anand, and two grandchildren.
