Letter to a Peaceful Warrior

She was small and gentle yet a fiercely compassionate powerhouse who brought down wildlife smugglers and helped start the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I met her around 1992 when I started volunteering for animal protection. Despite the 44 years between us, she never made me feel less than her.

She was my friend and mentor. I didn’t see her as a leader because the image of leadership I had at that time was different. Now I see her as an extraordinary leader.  We need different images of leadership than what we’re offered. We need to de-link leadership from titles, net worth, academic credentials, loud voices. We need to honour those who lead from their heart.

When her health suffered, I shared with her the impact she had on me and visited her as much as I could. When she was losing her sight, I introduced her to audio-books, which she appreciated listening to till her last days. May we show our gratitude to our mentors in ways that are meaningful to them.

She had a deep impact on my life and I wrote her this letter after returning from her funeral in 2010.

Dear Marjorie, 

Thank you for so many things but especially for teaching me some precious life lessons. You taught me –

The Power of One

One person can make a tremendous difference. You did. You were ahead of your time. You spoke up on animal use in industries such as farming, entertainment and experimentation long before most people did in Singapore. You made me feel less lonely. Walking up Changi Village to your home was like a trek to a quiet sanctuary where I felt there was someone else who cared about the issues I did. 

The Power of the Written Word

You wrote great letters to The Straits Times Forum page and to government agencies speaking up for animals. I enjoyed us reading each others’ letters. You taught me to always use the written word carefully and research something accurately before writing it. 

The Power of Peaceful Engagement

You built bridges. You were respected even by people you lobbied in Government. You spoke well of public servants who cared about animals and the constraints they also faced. You did not demonise people who could not do what we wanted them to. I had more anger than you in those days and it has taken me longer to realise the power of love in advocacy work. 

How Ego-less One Can Be

You worked quietly behind the scenes, never caring about recognition. 

What Real Commitment Looks Like

We live in a fast-paced world where we lose patience when it takes just a little longer to even download something from the Internet. You knew that it takes commitment and patience to really make a lasting difference. You were committed to animals for over 50 years. 

Most of this you did by just being who you were. You were a peaceful warrior. 

My dear Marjorie, I am so glad I told you all I wanted to say to you about how I felt about you and the impact you had on my life when you were still alive.

You have left when I am starting my own new special journey in Singapore. I ask for your blessings for I am about to embark on something that is also going to take a lifetime. Please bless me with the strength to live out the patience, commitment, truth, justice and peace you stood for. 

During one of my last visits, you whispered, “Remember me”. You needn’t have said that. Legends are never forgotten. 

Love,

Vadivu

What is the legacy your special mentor has left in your life?

How have you expressed care and gratitude for him/her?

What would you like to most share with your special mentee?

By Vadivu Govind