Heartbreak in Singapore: The Story of a Family and Their Missing Dad
Meet Mr. Alagu Periyakarrupan
At 46, Alagu was the steady hand behind his family’s hopes. He spent the last decade pulling iron and concrete from Singapore’s skyline, all while chatting with his loved ones back in the Andaman Islands every single day.
His Daily Phone Calls
- Morning “Good morning” to the house that was always silent without him.
- Afternoon update on the kids’ school, the lilypads in our garden, and how to remember to turn off lights.
- Evening bedtime stories that kept his daughters’ imaginations alive.
When a Fall Turns Tragic
On the Thursday of April 2024, Alagu dropped to the floor—literally—at a landing beside a stairwell in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Although he’d been tested positive for Covid on the 19th, doctors ruled out the virus: it was a likely accidental fall that claimed his life.
All Six of Them Are Left to Pick Up the Pieces
- Alagu’s wife, Ms. A. Panjali, 40: “When I heard the news, I felt like the world paused. He made us wait for him.
- Three daughters: ages 16, 11, and 6, now simply missing the familiar ring in their pocket.
- Alagu’s parents‑in‑law, already elderly and juggling their own medical bills.
Communication Gap with the Employer
The family heard nothing from Alagu’s workplace after the incident. All they know comes from headlines, making the pain feel even more distant.
ItsRainingRaincoats Steps In
- Founder Ms. Dipa Swaminathan, who runs a support network for migrant workers, says: “We’re reaching out to offer help, just like a lifeline in a storm.”
- With Alagu gone, the 16‑year‑old daughter is now the household’s economic pivot—still a brilliant student but with five more years before she can start earning.
- “If she finishes school, the next step is job hunting in a world that feels much larger now,” says Dipa.
A Call for Solidarity
In the wake of Alagu’s voice‑call loss, the family calls for understanding, financial aid, and an honest conversation with the company that was the last link to a living bond. The community stands ready to support a family that once defined optimism in daily life.
MORE SUPPORT
Help Her Shine: Ms Dipa’s Call for Support
Ms Dipa recently opened up about the uphill battle her family is facing, and she’s looking for a little extra help from everyone around her. She’s hoping to lift her sister, a bright but job‑hungry young woman, out of the shadows and into the light.
What Ms Dipa Wants
- Community support: A bit of encouragement and resources can make a huge difference.
- Job‑seeking help: She’s eager to find a steady gig that will keep her sister working and learning.
- Long‑term uplift: With the blessing of her late father, Ms Dipa believes her sister can build a successful career that also safeguards the well‑being of her mother and younger sisters.
She Says…
“We hope that with everyone’s support she can reach that critical point,” Ms Dipa says. “Let’s stay in touch and help her secure a job.” She adds, “With her departed father’s blessings, we pray she can succeed in her career and look after her mom and sisters.”
Let’s Make It Happen.
SINGAPORE HELPLINES
Need a Listening Ear? Here’s Singapore’s Free‑for‑Everyone Mental Health Hotline Roll‑Call
Feeling a bit off‑balance lately? Don’t feel like you’re the only one who can get stuck in a mental‑health pothole—these lifelines are open 24/7, and they’re free! Grab your phone and give them a call.
Samaritans of Singapore – “It’s okay to be human” Hotline
1800‑221‑4444
Singapore Association for Mental Health – Where Someone Will Listen to Your Inner Monologue
1800‑283‑7019
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin) – Because You’re a Confident Mandarin‑Singing Person
1800‑353‑5800
Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline – Your Own Personal Therapist on Speed Dial
6389‑2222
Silver Ribbon – For Women Who Need a Moment to Unwind
6386‑1928
Grab Your Phone & Give One a Call – You’ll Be Glad You Did!
Each of these services has specially trained counselors ready to hold your hand (or at least your voice) without judgment. Whether you’re dealing with a stressful exam, a breakup, a job crisis, or just a weird day when even your coffee feels bland, they’ve got your back. Call it, and let them help you find your footing again.
Need Coronavirus Updates?
For the most recent COVID‑19 info, simply tap the link here. Your mental well‑being depends on staying informed, especially if you’re navigating the new normal or caring for foreign workers who may have extra worries.
Remember, reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward triumph. Grab a break, pick up the phone, and chat it out. You’re not alone.
