Our Bureau
Singapore
Award-winning Indian-origin writer Kamaladevi Aravindan has been inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, joining five other distinguished women in the 2025 cohort. This honor recognizes her remarkable contributions to literature and society, marking her as one of 198 women celebrated since the Hall’s inception in 2014.
The Hall of Fame, established by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), celebrates women who have made significant contributions to Singapore’s progress and gender equality. Aravindan, 75, is a prolific bilingual writer in Tamil and Malayalam with works translated into English and published globally. Her literary portfolio includes over 160 short stories, 18 stage plays, 300 radio dramas, and five books. She also conducts creative writing workshops to nurture emerging talent.
Reflecting on her journey, Aravindan shared the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with her passion for writing. Inspired by Tamil writer Subramania Bharati, she began exploring themes of resilience and strength in women’s lives. Her works often depict the struggles and triumphs of women navigating societal roles.
Born in Malaysia, Aravindan moved to Singapore after marriage and began her literary career in her teens. She has received numerous accolades, including Singapore’s Best Playwright Award and the Jeyanthan Foundation Lifetime Playwright Award. Her historical fiction novel Sembawang traces the lives of residents in Singapore’s Sembawang area over five decades and has earned critical acclaim.
Joining Aravindan in this year’s induction are trailblazers from diverse fields: scientist Liu Bin, clinician Ivy Ng, business leader June Rusdon, art curator Constance Sheares, and music educator Vivien Goh. Together, they exemplify the Hall’s mission to inspire future generations through their achievements.
