This story by Maennaka Ravindran was originally featured on Malaysian Indian Anthology and has been reproduced in Astro Ulagam.
"Mama, kotor!"
My heart thumped with indignation as the child ran away from me. Just a few moments earlier, he'd been happily playing with a Malay colleague. We were medical students shadowing a paediatrician in his clinic.
As a pained smile fluttered across my face, my colleague had the courtesy to admonish the child, "Adik, tak baik cakap macam itu."
"Memang kotor pun," returned the mother with barely a glance in my direction. I left the room feeling angry and humiliated, barely holding back tears.
It's one thing to deal with the prevalent judgement in our daily lives. It's a whole other thing to have it thrown at your face from a child, who could've only picked it up at home.
Here I was studying to become a doctor, but it didn't make an iota of difference against the prejudice that faces our community. That all we will be are dirty drunks and hooligans up to no good.
With a troubled mind, I tossed and turned long into the night. When will it end?
Photo source: Malaysian Indian Anthology Facebook.
Thu Aug 22 2019


The Science Behind Vaastu Shastra and Why It's Important
What is Vaastu Shastra about and how is it applied in the real world?
.png?ext=.png)
Tasty Maracurry Mess Recipes Fresh from The Pot!
Maracurry Mess is a show airing on Astro Vaanavil (Ch201), featuring renowned local chef Rajesh Subramaniam whipping up delicious vegetarian dishes.

Wet Days: The Dos and Don'ts Before, During, and After Floods
The rainy season is upon us yet again, and with that, the risk of floods. Here are some tips to prepare for floods, and the dos and don'ts during and after a flood.

These Seven Driving Habits Will Damage Your Car
You may not know it, but you may be guilty of these seven driving habits which are secretly damaging your car.

Metaverse: What is it and Why it's Important
Ever wondered what the Metaverse is? This quick article may help shed some light on this rapidly developing technology and its benefits.

Hi Genius: 10 Science Facts to Make you Sound Smarter than the Rest
So you love science? Here are 10 interesting science facts that you may want to know, so that you can stand out as a genius in your next family/friends gathering.

Follow These Tips When Buying Furniture Online
Buying furniture online can often turn to be a bad experience, as the end product arrives not as advertised. Here are some tips you should follow to avoid such a situation.

Remembering The Modern Age Yoga Gurus
While many new-era yoga gurus and political leaders have promoted yoga to the world, let us remember some of the greatest modern-time yoga gurus in India who have brought the art to the West, and the rest of the world.

15 Mind-blowing Facts About the Human Body
Here are 15 mind-blowing facts about the scientific marvel that is the human body.

Thinning Hair: Causes and Remedies
Experiencing premature hair thinning? These are some of the causes, and remedies, for your benefit.

Five Kollywood Celebrities Who Got Hitched During the Lockdown!
Here are five celebrities who tied the knot during the lockdown and went viral on social media!

Why These Villagers Can't Forgive Lord Hanuman?
There's a group of villagers in the Uttarakhand Himalayas who refuse to place Lord Hanuman's idol in their temples.

The Science Behind Vaastu Shastra and Why It's Important
What is Vaastu Shastra about and how is it applied in the real world?

Khushbu's Eldest Daughter to Become an Actress, But...
Actress Khushbu and director Sundar C's eldest daughter Avanthika plan to pursue an acting career, but her parents won't be launching her!

Join "Baba's & U Enggal Insta Chef" Contest & Stand A Chance To Win Up To RM10,000 Grand Prize!
Participate in the "Baba's & U Enggal Insta Chef" monthly contest by uploading your cooking video on social media and be in the running to win RM1,000 monthly cash prize and RM10,000 grand prize!

Five Actresses Who've Shared Their Struggles with Mental Health!
Check out these five Kollywood actresses who were bold enough to break through celebrity boundaries and open up about their mental health!

Rap Porkalam is Back; Bigger, Better, Bolder!
The second season of local Tamil rap competition Rap Porkalam is back - bigger, better, bolder! Catch the premiere on June 4, 9pm on Astro Vinmeen (CH202).

Isaignani Ilayaraja Composes Title Track for Stranger Things Season 4!
Isaignani Ilayaraja scores the theme music of Stranger Things S4, in partnership with Netflix India!
.png?ext=.png)
Tasty Maracurry Mess Recipes Fresh from The Pot!
Maracurry Mess is a show airing on Astro Vaanavil (Ch201), featuring renowned local chef Rajesh Subramaniam whipping up delicious vegetarian dishes.

Man Sentenced to 10 Years' Jail for Driving Wife to Suicide Over Dowry
A court in Kerala, India, has sentenced a man to 10 years in jail for harassing and abusing his wife over dowry, which ultimately resulted in the woman's suicide.