KUALA LUMPUR: Pure Life Society life president Datin Paduka Dr A. Mangalam, better known as Mother Mangalam, has died at the age of 97.
This was confirmed in a Facebook posting by Hindu Sevai Sangam.
"Sad to know that Datin Paduka Mangalam passed away just now. May her soul attain moksha (freedom)."
It is understood that Mangalam was admitted to Assunta Hospital two weeks ago with bronchopneumonia, succumbing to the illness today.
Mangalam was a well-known and much-respected humanitarian figure who was dubbed "Mother Mangalam" by the society, which she co-founded in 1949.
She had won numerous awards for her immense contribution to social service, including the Merdeka Award for community education in 2010.
In 2013, she also received the BrandLaureatte Grand Master Brand Icon Leadership Award for her lifetime services to society and the country.
Mother Mangalam was also conferred an honorary doctorate in degree in humanities from Taylor's University.
Born in Singapore on May 17, 1926, she was a teacher by profession until she took optional retirement from the civil service in 1977 to devote her time to work at the Pure Life Society's orphanage.
In addition to her educational and welfare activities, Mother Mangalam served for 10 years as the Malaysia Inter-Religious Organisation vice-president.
Mother Mangalam's funeral will be held on Monday.
Those wishing to pay their last respects can do so at the Pure Life Society in Puchong tomorrow beginning 10am.