STORIES FROM OTHERS
In Rememberance of Mata Ji Mohinder Kaur: A Life Symbolizing Humility, Care and Compassion
Mata Ji will always be remembered for her firm and unfaltering faith in God. This faith in the Almighty resulted in her life being marked with a unique dedication and determination to serve her community. She embodied an underlying sense of care, compassion, and pioneering spirit in nurturing her own family and in her contributions to those within the society.
Mata Ji continuously demonstrated a singular spirit of Chardi Kala: especially when she and her young husband lost everything after their first home in Bukit Timah Road (7 th mile) was reduced to ashes as a result of an accidental fire. The young couple became penniless. But instead of facing despair, Mata Ji consoled her husband by stating that they should focus on their unconditional faith in Waheguru; as whatever they possessed before was provided by the Almighty God, who was the ultimate provider as Gurbani said:
“ਤੂਦਾਤਾ ਦਾਤਾਰੁਤੇਰਾ ਦਿ ਤਾ ਖਾਵਣਾ ॥“(SGGS: 652)
You are the Great Giver; we eat whatever you give.
Her faith in God was vindicated when she was unexpectedly given the opportunity to embark on a refurbishing business. Together with her husband, she endured hard labour by refurbishing and selling used furniture in Newton. This endeavor allowed them to gradually accumulate their savings and achieve their goal of buying another home.
As a mark of her unflappable nature, Mata Ji persevered through the hardship of learning the new trade and related business. This was the beginning of their prosperous Real Estate business, culminating in the creation of the Kartar Ghar, luxury apartment complex, at Thomson Road. Mata Ji worked shoulder to shoulder with her husband and was considered an equal partner and contributor within the growing business. As one of the first female Sikh entrepreneurs in Singapore, Mata Ji solidified herself as a pioneer trailblazer.
At the same time, she and her husband started doing Sewa at the Baba Karam Singh Memorial, near the police quarters in Outram. This devotion to Sewa and contributions to the Memorial continued, uninterrupted, after the Memorial was moved to the Silat Road Temple (and renamed Bhai Maharaj Singh Memorial). Mata Ji continued to spend most of her days at Silat Road Temple, absorbed in selfless Sewa. After her husband passed away in 2003, she redoubled her efforts as she wanted to contribute Sewa on his behalf.
Mata Ji will always be remembered as a devoted mother to her four children (two girls and two boys) and lovingly supported all her children throughout their tertiary education, both Undergraduate and Masters’ Degrees. Mata Ji and S. Kartar believed in the power of education and both of them understood that education had the ability to break the cycle of poverty and challenges that many in society experienced. They tirelessly donated their time and effort to help the needy in pursuing education to help them succeed in life.
Her sense of care and compassion extended beyond her immediate family members and continued in various areas within the Sikh Community. She never forgot her humble beginnings and continued to provide monetary donations within the community until her final days. While their real estate business grew, she fostered 14 young children from different races living in the Bukit Panjang locality and sponsored their various needs, including their education.
In the true Sikh spirit of Wand Ke Chakna (Sharing), she and her husband even placed the initial deposits for the purchase of private houses for some of her foster children. In the same spirit of compassion, she and her husband supported and provided for the material needs of numerous disabled and elderly people in the community.
Additionally, Mata Ji was a regular member and contributor to the Singapore Istri Sat Sang and other Sikh institutions like the Singapore Sikh Education Foundations and the Sikh Welfare Council. She believed in preserving and nurturing the Sikh values of selfless service and was a constant fixture within the Sikh Welfare Council.
It was a constant sight to see Mata JI surrounded by her friends. Right till the closing months of 2021, she actively socialized with her wide network of friends from different races and social groups. As a leader within her group of friends, she helped gather donations to contribute to their favourite charities.
All in all, Mata Ji was a “Universal Mother”to many within and outside of the Sikh Community. She lived a remarkable and memorable life based on the spirit of Guru Nanak’s three Principles of Kirt Karni (honest living), Wand Chakna (Sharing)and Naam Japna (Meditation).
She will always be remembered for her Generosity, Humility, Care and Compassion in her numerous contributions to her community. Her indomitable faith in Waheguru and her spirit of Sarbat Da Bhalla remain a shining light and inspiration to many who knew her.
Mr Bhajan Singh
Founder Chairman of the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation
Former Chairman of the Sikh Advisory Board
Founder Chairman of the Sikh Welfare Council
Dr Harjinder Kaur (PhD)
Principal - Lotus Bridge International School
I have known Bibi Mendro since my late teens. She was about 10 years older than me and was very dear to both me and my mum. Whenever I returned to Singapore after I moved to Sydney, Mendro was someone I always contacted and we spent days enjoying each other's company like we did when we were young. We cooperated in various charitable activities and she always ensured that the needy were always taken care of. Whenever possible, she expended effort and time and made everyone feel special, respected and well-loved.
Balbir Kaur (Bira), (Sydney, Australia)
She was our “Puaji” as we called her (my father’s sister).
A gracious, unpretentious lady with a beautiful smile. There were countless lovely experiences we had which my sister and myself will cherish always. A fearless woman with a soft nature, as my father in law used to say. We are truly very lucky to be connected with this beautiful soul.
We will and always love you, PUAJI.
Sita & Jessie (Singapore)
Bibi was a person with a pure heart and one of the most beautiful people I have known. She was my support during the difficult periods in my life and lovingly supported me without judgement. She gently guided me and helped me to find my way out of the depths when I experienced defeat and suffering during a difficult period of my life. There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life wonderful for others when they face struggle and loss. I have tried to emulate her by living with daring, with spirit and joy. Something about losing her that is inexpressible because the wound will never heal. Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings now and into infinity.
Manjit Kaur (Utah, USA)
Mdm Bibi Mendro was like a mother to my siblings during our childhood days.
My family lived next door to her and I have wonderful memories of my youth spent in the comfort of her presence. She was always available for us and raised my siblings and I as her own children. I will always remember her sincerity, compassion and the love she showed everyone in the neighbourhood.
I will miss her cooking, her heartfelt laughter and generosity of spirit which she displayed to all regardless of race or religion.
Rita Lenapoo (Singapore)
I will always remember Bibi's smile - it was clear and bright and always filled with love. Whenever I saw her, I was always welcomed by it. She would shine that smile to everyone and that is what I will remember most. Her smile and the brightness that came with it. I was lucky to have met her.
Anna Z (Vancouver, Canada)
My wife and I met Mdm Mendro about 10 years ago when she visited her grandchildren in British Columbia. We were immediately impressed with her generosity, kindness and energy which she never lost during her subsequent visits. During her visits in the past decade, she adapted easily to the different environment despite her age and was always quick to help others who were new to the city to integrate into our community. She was a blessed soul who touched many lives and will be remembered dearly.
Hari & DJ (Vancouver, Canada)
We loved Aunty dearly as a member of our large family. She tirelessly helped my parents for years to raise me and my siblings during our childhood and teenage years. She shared her love equally amongst me and my siblings and motivated us to achieve the highest goals with integrity. We never lost her and her love is still guiding us; although we cannot see her, she is always at our side and in our lives. Her goodness, her caring nature and her deep wisdom live on and bring us peace in our adulthood. Her beauty was reflected in her soul and the care that she lovingly gave. The passion that she showed only grew with the passing years. In my family's hearts, she holds a place that no one will ever fill. No matter where we are or what we are doing, her memories will always keep us smiling.
Mr B. Singh (Wellington, New Zealand)
I was fortunate to have Aunt Bibi in my life and will never trade those memories for the world. There's nothing that I value more than the memories of the care she provided and the love she expressed openly whenever she visited her grandchildren. I used to spend all my time after school with her and she would treat me like I was her own. I know she will be watching over me now. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, her memories will always keep me smile. I will always have gratitude for the time I had with her and the love she showered upon me. I am thankful that her memory will live on with me.
Austin Raitt (BC, Canada)
Bibi Mendro had such a positive vibe that people around her felt at peace whenever she was around. She had a kind and loving heart and was a beautiful soul harmonized with a beautiful form, with the two cast in one mould. She was instrumental in introducing my husband to me, arranging our wedding and helped at crucial times to ensure our marriage remained happy and blissful. She was a rare soul who was universal, open, and ready for all things. We will not let the tears we cried, when we received the news of her passing, to mar the smiles she gave us when she was alive. Her light will always shine and like a never-ending song in our hearts, we may sometimes forget the words but will always remember the tune of her presence.
Chindo Khare (London, UK)
Mata Mendro has always been a "mother, sister, dear friend, role-model" to my sisters and I for the past 3 decades. She has played an important role in my sisters and my lives since we moved to Singapore and has been present at our weddings and other important events in our lives. Mataji has seen our children grow up and start families of their own. When one of our niece's marriage broke down, Mataji selflessly stepped in and arranged her marriage to a relative in the UK so that my niece and her son would have a better future. We have never heard Mataji speak anything negative about anyone no matter how others behaved and she showed us by her gentle actions how we can all lead a truthful and God-loving life despite the problems we may face in our daily lives.
Bachan Kaur (Indonesia)
The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of Mendro shall never pass away. Everyone leaves footprints in our memory, but the ones that leave footprints in our hearts are the ones we will truly remember. As a foster mother to me and my sister, she was determined to pass on to us the capacity to persevere no matter what the odds might be in life. It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much of herself selflessly. She was a beautiful soul who has left a trail of beautiful memories. She was a gentle and sweet old soul with young eyes, who possessed a vintage and beautiful mind with deep insight. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Josephine Chong Gek (Melbourne, Australia)
Mdm Mendro was an exemplary global citizen who embraced the different cultures and ethnicities she interacted with during her frequent visits. She opened her home to all and was never too tired to assist whoever stopped by with a problem. It was a joy to hear her life stories and always inspirational to learn of the ways she conquered the various challenges that she faced in her well-lived life. She was a confidante to many neighbours who respected her deeply and we will all miss her smile, graciousness, optimism and indomitable spirit.
Don Kerr (Victoria, Canada)
I met Mata Mendro when I visited Singapore in the mid-70s. Despite meeting me for the first time, she treated me with love that only family members extend to one another. I was deeply touched with the hospitality she showed me and the spiritual approach in which she conducted her daily activities. For more than the four decades that I have known her, she consistently inspired me with her thoughtful manner, positive thoughts and kind words. Whenever I met her in the past, she never failed to impress everyone with her warmth and vivaciousness. Many who met her years ago still remember her kind-nature, tolerance and non-judgemental attitude towards all whom she interacted with. I will miss my dear sister's generosity and open-mindedness. It was a blessing to have known someone like her and will always have her in my prayers.
Pushap Arora (NY, USA)