The island city state of Singapore is situated at the tip of the Malay Peninsula and is home to 4 million people. It has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. The impression one carries on a visit there is that of a prosperous, modern state where people live in harmony.
My first trip to Singapore was in December of 1980. It was a welcome change from the sands of Arabia. The road leading from the airport to the city was lined by trees on either side. There was nothing fancy or frivolous about the trees as most of them were fruit trees and had fruits in various stages hanging from them. I was impressed by the fact that no passer by was laying a hand on the fruits. I remembered the Jamoon tree in my house back in India and as to the number of hits it received when laden with fruits. It made me realize that there was discipline and purpose written hard in the minds of the people. What made that trip memorable were the visits to Jurong Bird Park, Zoological Park and the Tiger Balm gardens. Sentosa now the main attraction at Singapore was still in a very nascent stage. It was another twenty years before I made my next trip. Since this trip was with my daughter, like all tourists, we made sure that we did not miss any of the sights and sounds of the city Sentosa included. Being a keen observer of everything that meets my eye, I quickly realized that the scenic beauty of the city was evolving and changing. When most of the countries of the world were losing out on their natural wealth – trees and water, here was Singapore slowly but steadily increasing its green cover and thus making sure that there is plenty of greenery and thus water. I had pictures of the Jurong Bird Park taken on my earlier visit and when I saw the park during my second visit, I could see a world of difference. Earlier the birds were in cages like in most aviaries the world over, however this time the authorities had made miniatures of the rain forests and other jungle atmosphere in the park and thus presented the visitor with a feel of seeing the birds in their natural habitat. I also realized on this trip that the kind of trees that were lining the streets were all not fruit bearing ones. Flowers too seemed to have found a place. By the year 2000, Singapore had become a first world country and had left behind its third world country status. The authorities had decided that they could indulge in some beauty as well unlike the earlier years when importance was laid on utility alone. What a wonderful way to evolve!!
The third trip I made to Singapore was in the year 2007. I did the usual rounds of sight seeing and for the first time went for the much acclaimed Night Safari. It deserves every accolade heaped on it. What impressed me was the setting and the re-creation of the natural abodes of the animals. The authorities have surely gone through extensive research to create this wonder. As for the rest of Singapore, the green carpet was all over. With the exception of the buildings, roads and side walks, I could say that every other available space was rolling in green. I won’t be wrong if I say that even the English countryside (my favourite destination) cannot boast of so much greenery. With the constant equatorial rains, the greenery was so lush as if laden with dew and was a treat to the eyes. The humidity and heat of the region was well balanced by this canopy all around. I was told that for every resident of Singapore, there were four trees planted, providing them with fresh and clean air to breathe. It is an amazing ratio which I wonder even if the regions around the Amazon Basin can equal. I was awestruck at the consideration of the authorities on the welfare of the people. Wonder whether even an iota of this will rub off on our leaders!
Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore had foreseen way back in the 1960’s that greening and gardening ones surrounding would gladden the heart and thus give a competitive edge. In his memoirs “From Third World to First: The Singapore Story 1965-2000” he says "To achieve First World standards in a Third World region, we set out to transform Singapore into a tropical garden city." This agenda was fulfilled with the forming of the National Parks Board in the year 1976. In the last 33 years this Board has achieved far more than was expected in keeping with all things Singaporean. In India on the other hand our leaders have worked their way into converting a Garden City to a concrete jungle!
I am no authority to write about the economic, industrial and other over all growth of this City state. Realms have been written by experts on all these subjects. As a novice I was stuck by the greening of the country and have not failed to mention this to who ever was willing to listen. What amazes me is that in the short span of 34 years a country with absolutely no wealth or resources could change its profile and become a leader. On hindsight, I am sure that Tunku Abdul Rahman would have regretted the decision he and his Parliament took on August 9th 1965. That was the day as Prime Minister of Malaysia; he decided to expel Singapore from the Federation.
Well as they say “After all it was ordained.”
As a child, we had a cousin who stayed with us, an avid reader. She's read so much about Singapore even then, plus we had uncles and granduncles who dated back to Singapore. In their honour, and in Singapores, she named our dog Tunku Abdul Rahman. We had a series of doggy Tunkus afer that, right upto 2004!
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