Three months of circuit breaker was difficult for many of us when we couldn’t see our loved ones. But imagine being unable to meet your family since March, despite being just a 30-minute drive away. That was the case for our #MiracleWorker and team member, Tiveyaah Ravendran.
With Deepavali approaching, this would be the first time Tiveyaah would be spending it apart from her family. So we decided to take a trip to Little India together, to soak up in the festivities despite being away from home.
Tell us what you’re doing at Minor Miracles!
I’m in charge of operations and marketing, online and offline. I plan marketing campaigns and design the newsletters you receive!
How did you end up in Singapore?
After completing my high school education in Malaysia, I came here to do my tertiary education and started working after I graduated from poly.
How has your life been affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns?
Every part of my life was affected! Mentally, it was hard to deal with the uncertainties in life. Previously, I would see my family once or twice a month but the last time I saw them was in March, right before circuit breaker. Now, I call my mum and grandmother at least twice a week.
What do you miss most about your family?
Just being around them and the sense of security that comes from it. Oh and most importantly, home cooked food!
Are you 100% Indian?
My mum is Chinese and my dad is Indian which makes me a proud Chindian!
When I was younger, I had a little identity crisis because I wasn’t Chinese or Indian enough. I remember my first week in a new chinese primary school vividly. I used to hide in the toilet crying for a good 20 minutes everyday because I was so lonely from being ostracised. It wasn’t easy but my family was always there, showering me with love and care. As I grew older, I started picking up the qualities that the strong women in my family possess which made me who I am today.
What was it like growing up for you? Were you taught in both cultures?
Yes. I guess the best way to describe how I was taught in two cultures is through two examples. For breakfast, we would eat appam and curry. Then for lunch, we’ll have rice and steamed fish. Mealtimes are always filled with surprises. The best part? I grew up celebrating both Lunar New Year and Deepavali.
What is a regular Deepavali like for you?
We start preparing for Deepavali weeks ahead by helping our grandmother make indian snacks - Murukku and Acchu Murukku. I only volunteered to help so I can snack on the Murukkus!
On the eve of Deepavali, we have this tradition of preparing dinner for everyone including the deceased. So what happens is that the deceased will “eat” first while the rest of us waits outside. So for a good 30 minutes, all the kids will sit around my uncle and listen to his stories.
On Deepavali morning, we’ll wake up before the sunrise and prepare for prayers. We’ll keep the doors and windows wide open so that the first ray of sun can shine into the house. For the rest of the day, everyone will just be busy catching up and feasting on glorious food.
What’s on your food list when you finally can head back to Malaysia?
Home cooked food and the must-have… a ramly burger!