Title: Brahmins Pioneers in British Malaya: Profiles in Courage and Convictions
Author: Sankaran Ramanathan, with additional input from 40 contributors
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Colorado, USA
SYNOPSIS:
In the late 19th century, Brahmins in India rarely ventured out of their tightly-knit village communities to cross the sea, settle in a distant land and court excommunication when they returned. What then prompted some 130-odd young pioneers to venture into the unknown, persevere and become successful in an unfamiliar environment? How did they uphold and perpetuate cultural and religious traditions and pass these on to succeeding generations? What was the legacy they left behind?
This 300-page book arranged into 10 chapters begins with a concise socio-economic history of British Malaya, World War Two and the Japanese Occupation, independence and Singapore separation. The book’s core consists of profiles of about 70 pioneers, priests and music gurus, many contributed by their descendants (Chapters 7 – 9). Each original profile is a mini-biography and tells its own story, embellished by historical photographs. The book shows that Brahmin pioneers left behind proud and lasting legacies for succeeding generations to follow.
Targeted Date of Publication: April 2022
Format: Available online either as e-book or Kindle download; hardcover and paper-back copies via Amazon (price details to be determined soon).
Distribution: Limited hard and paper-back copies will be offered at discounted prices and delivered to contributors, details to be announced. Given the current pandemic situation in both countries a big launch may not be possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Ramanathan is an internationally-recognized Asian communications scholar. He holds Bachelor of Arts Degree (University of Malaya), Master of Science Journalism (Ohio University), and Ph. D (Media Studies, University of Malaya). He is on the review board of four international communications journals and has authored more than 170 publications. Currently he is Professor and Member, Panel of Experts, IIC University of Technology, Cambodia and Principal, Mediaplus Consultancy USA.
Professor Sankaran Ramanathan Malaysia 