While many children in 1990s Malaysia were immersed in their own cultural traditions, Lim Ee Lynn’s early years were shaped in a unique and heartwarming way. Raised in the wooden home of her babysitter, M. Indirani, a housewife from Klang, Lim grew up immersed in Tamil language, culture, and traditions.

Their story began just a month after Lim’s birth in December 1989, when Indirani who had just given birth to her own daughter and chose not to have more children began caring for her neighbour’s infant. What started as a favour blossomed into an unbreakable bond. “She is my neighbour’s daughter, but I have loved her like my own since she was a baby,” Indirani shared. “I call her Amma Kannu, the apple of my eye.”

Spending her formative years under Indirani’s care, Lim picked up Tamil naturally. “It was never about learning the language, it was the language of love and everyday life,” said Lim, who still communicates fluently with her “Amma” in Tamil. Beyond the language, Indirani lovingly passed down Indian traditions. From teaching Lim how to tie a saree to cooking classic dishes like fish curry, sugee cookies, and murukku, Indirani ensured that Lim embraced the culture as her own. “She even bought me new clothes every Deepavali.





Celebrating the festival at Amma’s house has been a constant in my life,” Lim recalled fondly. Now 35, Lim cherishes the deep-rooted connection that has never faded. “She treats me like her second daughter. Even when I was young, I’d choose to stay at her home when my parents were away. I was always drawn to her warmth.” Indirani, who later babysat Lim’s siblings and other children in the neighbourhood, still holds a special place in her heart for Lim. “She was such a good girl. Never caused any trouble.

She’ll always be my Amma Kannu.”

Source / Image Credit : FMT