Mr Jagjeet Singh, a 79-year-old school counsellor who described himself as “one of the surviving grassroots leaders” from Mr Lee’s time, attended the exhibition with his wife Jasbir Kour, 72, with whom he lived in Tanjong Pagar for over a decade in the 1970s.
Though Mr Singh’s family has since moved to Changi, he continued to serve in grassroots organisations in Tanjong Pajar at Mr Lee’s behest.
“When he came to know I was moving, he was pretty upset and said, ‘You must still come here and serve.’ That’s why I’m here today,” said Mr Singh.
He added that he fondly remembers Mr Lee for always asking after his family and remembering his two children whenever he would meet the minister mentor at the community centre or during house visits.
Retiree Magaret Xavier, 65, who has lived in neighbouring Radin Mas SMC for 40 years said the event brought back memories of Mr Lee from her childhood.
“I’ve seen him when I was a young girl when I got myself involved in grassroots. I had the opportunity to see him during walkabouts, Meet-The-People sessions, so it’s a great honour for me to be here and commemorate the moments with him,” said Ms Xavier.
“He has done a lot for Singapore, and I’m proud to be a Singaporean,” she added.
