THE book Dance of Destiny by Eurobodalla resident Raja Ratnam is a personal
story. It details the major events affecting his life chances, career prospects, and
personal relationships, as well as his memories of significant social, cultural
and political impacts. The fact that these details are related against the backdrop of the recent
history of three modern nations, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia makes for a
unique memoir, with historical value.
Ratnam's story is shaped by many cross-cultural, spiritual, psychic, and
philosophical influences. His early years were in colonial Malaya, first
controlled by the British and then occupied by the Japanese. He later moved to
Australia and stayed there, even though the marriage that took him there ended,
leaving him isolated from a supportive extended family, and denying him the
prosperity available amongst his own people.
Readers will be drawn to Ratnam's work on several levels. First and foremost,
The Dance of Destiny is a remarkable story of an unusual person: life
experiences in colonial times and under a military occupation during World War
II; the love life of a young Hindu Malaysian/Anglo-Australian couple in British
Singapore;the settlement experiences of an Asian living in an often
racially-charged Australia; and his substantial contribution to civil society
(especially in education) despite denial of equal opportunity in the workplace.
Also appealing is Ratnam's attempt to understand the role of Destiny and the
spirit world in his life (because of some significant psychic experiences), and
to make sense of the often surprising paths that revealed themselves on his
journey. Despite the disasters he describes as "wheels falling
off" his life-chances cart, and his falling into holes "which were
not there", Ratnam learns to accept the best of each outcome. His
well-written story is not only enlightening but also inspirational.
The Dance of Destiny is published by Trafford Publishing.
Raja Ratnam was born in British Malaya of Ceylon Tamil parents. Sixty of his 80
years were spent in Australia, where he was able to achieve both societal and
professional success, despite the overt racism and tribal discrimination that
he experienced.
He has a extensive record of community service in both Narooma and
Batemans Bay. He was secretary of the Batemans Bay Probus Club (3 years); Committee Member of
Eurobodalla Adult Education (2 years); member and leader of
training panel of the Bay Speakers Club (4 years); vets'
committee member of the Bay Tennis Club (2 years); and member of The
Daylight Masonic Lodge at Moruya.
Ratnam is the author of three books and a number of critical articles on policy
on migrant settlement; multiculturalism; citizenship; refugee entry; and
national identity. For more information, visit www.dragonraj.com .
