What could bring tears to the eyes of this big, burly man with a broad, infectious smile? It’s simply pride in his son, who recently got accepted to university.
Meet Vickneswaran Rajagopal, a 50-year-old father of four whose story of family dedication and quiet triumph touched my heart during our recent interview.
As Vickneswaran recounted the moment his son showed him the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) acceptance email, his voice cracked with emotion. “I started to get emotional,” he admitted, his eyes glistening. It’s a milestone that holds special significance—his son will be the first in the extended family to pursue a degree.
This tender moment belies Vickneswaran’s outward appearance. Working at the Singapore Cruise Centre for 17 years, he specialises in connecting sea passenger boarding bridges – a job requiring strength and precision, especially when dealing with strong winds or potential power outages.
Yet beneath this exterior lies a heart overflowing with love for his family.
A Family United
“I feel that it is my responsibility,” Vickneswaran said matter-of-factly when I asked about the challenges of being the sole breadwinner for a family of six. His wife, a strict but caring homemaker, manages the household and children’s affairs, allowing Vickneswaran to focus on his work.
What struck me most about Vickneswaran’s family is the sense of togetherness that permeates every aspect of their lives. From celebrating birthdays to going on vacations, the family makes it a point to do things as a unit.
“I had this idea that in everything, we have to be together,” Vickneswaran explained, his face lighting up as he recounted their recent trip to Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur.
Support and Giving Back
Throughout our conversation, Vickneswaran mentioned the support he’d received as a long-time union member. The NTUC-U Care Fund, in particular, has helped ease some of the family’s financial burdens over the years. While the assistance may seem modest to some, for Vickneswaran, it has made a tangible difference.
“The last I got was $300,” he shared. “When I go to NTUC FairPrice, I will buy oil, canned food, eggs, cup noodles… It helps me to purchase and store it for my children in case they feel hungry. It lightened my load. I can use this money, the cash, for something else.”
The U Care Back to School vouchers have also been a boon for the family. “I used up all the vouchers,” Vickneswaran said with a grateful smile. “I got books, stationery, shoes… school stuff.”
What impressed me most about Vickneswaran is his appreciation for the assistance he’s received and his desire to pay it forward.
He recently became a branch official in his union, the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union (SISEU), and takes pride in educating others about the benefits available to them.
“Even my wife’s sister thought the NTUC card was just a supermarket card,” he said. “But I told her it’s not just for points. There are many things a union can do for you.”
As our interview ended, I asked Vickneswaran what advice he would give other working parents trying to balance family life with career demands. His answer was plain yet profound: “Be with your family often.
“On my days off, I’ll make sure my children, my wife, I will bring them out. Sometimes we have steamboats or attend weddings, but everybody needs to participate,” he said.
Reflecting on my conversation with Vickneswaran, I’m left with a sense of admiration for this humble man who has built a life centred on family, hard work, and mutual support.
His story serves as a reminder that with love, dedication, and a little help from the community, it’s possible to navigate the challenges of raising a family and emerge stronger and more united.
As I watched Vickneswaran leave, his broad smile still beaming, I couldn’t help but feel that his greatest achievement isn’t just in the milestones his children have reached, but in the close-knit, supportive family unit he has nurtured.
It’s a testament to the power of togetherness, and a story that will stay with me for a long time to come.