Commemorative articles on M K Rajakumar. Usman Awang, National Laureate 1979, wrote this poem for his dear friend who was detained under the ISA in the 1960S. The English translation of this poem is by Wong Soak Koon.
Citation: Tan PL. An Uncommon Hero: MK Rajakumar in Politics and Medicine. Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia: Strategic Information and Research Development Centre; 2011.
Many witness momentous events in their lives, but few participate, much less leave their mark. Dr M K Rajakumar, on the contrary, left an indelible mark at every phase of his eventful life.
The data here published were collected [presumably in Malaya] in 1941. The average diet of South Indian labourers was found to be ill-balanced and deficient in protein, especially animal protein, vitamins, especially fatsoluble, Ca and P. Many conditions generally accepted as being due to dietary deficiency were prevalent, particularly among children and pregnant women. Suggestions for improving the diet include the increased use of millet, maize, legumes, leafy vegetables, fruit and red palm oil. The value of milk is stressed, and it is suggested that the estate should supply this. Dietetic education of the labourers is considered essential.-A. Synge.