KUALA LUMPUR – Prominent educationist and founder of the Sri Murugan Centre (SMC), Tan Sri Dr M. Thambirajah, died today. He was 83.
SMC co-director Surain Kanda, when contacted by Bernama, said members of the public may pay their last respects tomorrow at SMC Ashramam, Petaling Jaya, Selangor from 10am to 2pm, before the final rites at Nirwana Setia Alam at 3pm.
“Tan Sri (Thambirajah) was more than just a leader; he was a visionary whose mission was clear – that every Indian home should produce at least one graduate. His efforts transformed the lives of thousands,” he said.
Born in 1942, Thambirajah founded SMC in 1982 with the aim of uplifting Indian students through academic support, personal discipline and self-confidence.
What started as four small centres grew into a nationwide movement with over 103 physical and 128 virtual centres, currently serving more than 10,000 students annually.
An alumnus of University Malaya (UM), he went on to earn his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Washington, USA, and later completed his LL.B. (Hons) from the University of London. He served as a senior lecturer at UM and authored several influential works, including the history textbook Malaysia Dalam Sejarah.
His lifetime contributions were recognised both in Malaysia and internationally. He was conferred the title Tan Sri in 2012 and received India’s highest award for overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
Thambirajah also served on key national advisory bodies, including the Special Implementation Taskforce on the Indian Community and the Social Council under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“He believed in action over rhetoric, and service over self,” said Surain, adding that over 52,000 students have graduated through SMC to date.
Thambirajah is survived by his wife Puan Sri Indirani Arunasalam, two children Dr Sumitra Thambirajah and Anannd Thambirajah, and two grandchildren.
Condolences and floral tributes can be sent to SMC Ashramam, No. 40, Jalan Bukit 11/2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. – July 23, 2025