• The brass steamer that saves our lives

  • Dec 30 2023
  • Length: 19 mins
  • Podcast

The brass steamer that saves our lives

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  • Summary

  • In this episode of The Objects that Made Us, the story starts with a brass steamer used to make idli, an Indian steamed cake. Secondary school teacher Tharmendra’s mother came to Singapore in 1966 from South India. She came from a poor family and the only dowry they could afford was the brass steamer.

    After Tharmendra’s father passed away from illness, his mother became a young widow with no source of income. In these dark days, the brass steamer became a lifeline - she used to make idli which she sold to make some money. Coupled with the social welfare aid she received, she managed to feed her children and pull through this period of hardship.

    Today, Tharmendra has inherited the brass steamer. Every time he sees the fermented rice and beans transform into delectable cakes in the brass steamer, he feels warmth in his heart, knowing that even the simplest days of our lives can be wonderful and rich.

    This podcast is produced by Amy Sim and Yap Seow Choong.
    Music and Sound Design by Mandric Tan
    Translation by Lim Hui Sin
    Voice Over by Lim Fong Wei

    This podcast is made possible with the support of the National Heritage Board of Singapore.
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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.