Singapore: Indian Hall of Fame Awards Celebrates 16 Icons

The Indian Hall of Fame Singapore SG60 Awards 2025 lit up the Raffles Town Club in a moving celebration of excellence, resilience, and heritage. To mark Singapore’s 60th National Day, the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore (IHFS) inducted 16 distinguished individuals whose achievements span diplomacy, finance, medicine, law, social service, music, sports, and community leadership.

Established in 2019, IHFS has already honoured more than 120 achievers from the Indian community. This SG60 edition, described as an “off-cycle but special” ceremony, was organised to coincide with Singapore’s milestone year, highlighting the deep-rooted contributions of Indian Singaporeans to the nation’s growth and global reputation.

Singapore: Kishore Mahbubani Headlines 2025 Inductees

Among the 2025 honourees, veteran diplomat Kishore Mahbubani stood out as a towering figure. Twice Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mahbubani became one of Asia’s most respected voices on geopolitics and global power shifts. His work as Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy further cemented his legacy as a thought leader who shaped generations of policymakers and scholars.

Remembering Women Pioneers

The ceremony also paid tribute to Shirin Fozdar, a trailblazer for women’s rights in Singapore. Arriving in 1950, she founded the Singapore Council of Women and fought tirelessly for reforms that led to the landmark Women’s Charter of 1961.

Another pioneering woman honoured was Daisy Vaithilingam, Singapore’s first medical social worker, who developed systems of foster care and support for the disadvantaged. Daisy Devan, remembered as the “Mother of Music,” was also celebrated for launching Singapore’s music industry and introducing local talent to the global stage.

The late Khatijun Nissa Siraj, a Muslim women’s rights activist, was recognised for co-founding the Young Women’s Muslim Association and pushing for fairer divorce processes within the Syariah Court.

Singapore: Leaders in Diplomacy, Finance, and Public Service

The Indian Hall of Fame Singapore SG60 Awards 2025 also acknowledged leaders who helped shape Singapore’s international and domestic landscape.

• Ravi Menon, former Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), was honoured for steering the financial hub through turbulent global markets and driving digital innovation in banking.

• Ambassador Jayalekshmi Mohideen, Singapore’s first female career ambassador, was recognised for strengthening ties with Europe and beyond.

• S. Chandra Das, politician, businessman, and community leader, was celebrated for decades of service in Parliament, NTUC FairPrice, and diplomatic roles.

Icons of Sports, Science, and Community Service

The honourees also represented Singapore’s achievements in athletics, research, and grassroots leadership.

• Janet Jesudason, Singapore’s first Indian female Olympian, was celebrated for her 1956 Melbourne Games appearance and gold medal at the 1957 Merdeka Games.

• Professor P. Gopalakrishnakone, a leading toxicologist, was recognised for his groundbreaking research on venom and toxins, which influenced treatments worldwide.

• Ameerali Abdeali received honours for his decades of interfaith and social service, including his leadership of the Muslim Kidney Action Association and his role in the Inter-Religious Organisation.

• Vikram Nair, Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC, was recognised for strengthening community bonds and promoting social cohesion.

Special Recognitions

Special SG60 Patron awards went to Satinder Singh Gill for his support of IHFS, K Tamil Marren for his cultural leadership, Rozita Hasinar for her organisational service, and the late K Sujata for her dedication as honorary treasurer.

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