The Early Years Saroja Dev Param 1930s Malaya

2/11/2018

1930s to 1940s Rembau, Malaya

Author

Dato’ Saroja Dev Param, DSNS, AMN, PPN, PPT, PJK, PKL, Justice of the Peace, Malaysia. A teacher, she was a pioneer in education in various rural areas in Malaysia. She and her late husband Mr. V. S. Param PJK, PKL, JP started two Government English Schools in 1954 and 1958. In these schools, they developed programmes of multicultural activities and sports, often involving the community, to complement the academic curriculum so that children received a holistic education. She retired from teaching in 1980.

Saroja Dev Param is also the author of the books: "Legends of Love" and "Crystal Road" and "Guiding Light".

Her community work concerns were in health, education and family social well-being. She began as a Guider in 1946 and went on to serve in various capacities including as Malaysian National Guides Deputy Chief Commissioner (1973 to 1983). She represented the national association at the World Guide Conferences in; Helsinki (1969), Toronto (1972), Tehran (1978) Singapore (1981), Copenhagen (1983).

She has presented papers at International Guide Conferences in London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Adel Boden, Switzerland; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Tokyo, Japan.

Saroja served in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (W.A.G.G.G.S.) “International Sangam Committee” for nine years. She received “the Swift” the highest international Guide award.

Her political involvement was an extension of her interest in the welfare of women. She was State Women’s Leader and National Women’s Section Secretary in the Malaysian Indian Congress (1981-1987). She organized a Pre-School Teacher Training Programme mainly for girls from the rubber plantations.