THE Vivekananda Ashram, nestled in the heart of Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, has stood as a testament to cultural harmony for over a century.
However, recent concerns over its preservation have sparked a significant movement among concerned Malaysians.
More than 800 citizens, representing diverse backgrounds, have united to protest against proposed commercial developments that threaten the ashram’s heritage status.
The committee entrusted to preserve the ashram had, in 2014, moved to sell a portion of the land for commercial development.
Those plans were scuttled following public outcry, where the ashram building was given heritage protection status in 2016.
The trustees, entrusted with safeguarding this multicultural epicentre, have faced criticism for their perceived reluctance to protect it as a heritage monument.
In response to mounting pressure, an independent committee, tasked by the federal territories minister, convened a crucial meeting with Kuala Lumpur City Hall recently.
During this meeting, the committee chairman displayed receptiveness and positivity towards the presentations by key advocates, including educationist Raja Singham, who founded the leading private law school Brickfields Asia College, and Deva Kunjari Sambanthan, whose father Tun V.T. Sambanthan was one of the nation’s founding fathers.
Incidentally, the ashram is located on the road named after him.
These advocates articulated compelling reasons why the Vivekananda Ashram should be preserved and formally declared a full heritage site, free from commercial interference. Their impassioned plea resonated strongly with the committee, signalling a potential turning point in the effort to safeguard this cultural gem for future generations.
As the deliberations continue, the fate of the Vivekananda Ashram hangs in the balance, with hopes high that its rich history and cultural significance will prevail over commercial interests, ensuring its legacy endures as a symbol of unity and heritage in Kuala Lumpur.
I’m glad that I spent my morning for a worthy cause among several other concerned citizens who assembled to show their support and solidarity for Save Vivekananda Ashramam Brickfields. – July 3, 2024
Ravindran Raman Kutty is a prominent public relations practitioner and community leader