The year she was born was the first time NTUC had participated in the National Day Parade – 1966.
After 16 weeks of rigorous training, 53-year old NTUC Central Committee member and Healthcare Services Employees Union President K Thanaletchimi will be leading NTUC’s 47-member-strong contingent at this year’s National Day Parade.
She is the third female NTUC contingent commander in long line of commanders since the first parade.
In case you’re wondering who the other two female commanders were, read on.
How does it feel to be the third female in a long line of NTUC contingent commanders?
K Thanaletchimi: I would say it is a rare moment to have a woman as a contingent commander. It is undoubtedly a proud moment for women union leaders. I feel a sense of delight to be the third female commander.
All my predecessors were women of high status; President of Singapore Halimah Yacob was the first, Sister Diana Chia, the former NTUC President was the second. I only occupy a small space among them who have made history.*
Women play a significant role in putting forth our talent and contributing to society. There is certainly no better way to represent working women and to demonstrate that we are a part of Singapore’s economic growth than by leading this contingent.
After months of training, can you tell us about your experience?
I am proud to represent the nation. I’m proud to represent NTUC and the working people of Singapore.
Indeed, it is not an easy journey to reach the standard we are at now. There was a lot of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
The fact that we stand at the Padang and Singaporeans are watching as we march past is a dignified honour. It’s a moment of pride.
I’m marching with my sisters and brothers from the Labour Movement. Like we say in the Labour Movement, every worker matters. Every participant in the contingent matters too. All of them have worked very hard to be one solid contingent.
It seems like you’ve had previous marching training.
Yes, but the last time I marched was when I was in secondary school. I was in the brass band.
Back then, we focused more on playing the music. Of course, we did march also, but the music we played was the priority.
It’s been such a long time since I marched. So it was still a struggle for me. The army enciks were all so wonderful and patient. We made so many mistakes during the training, but they motivated us to do better. I think all the encouragement helped us improve.
Any advice for the next contingent commander?
Regardless of your age, gender, commitments like balancing time with work, family and training, if you have the heart, resilience and willingness to do it, you can make it.
I had to alter my entire schedule to go for training. And there was a lot of adjustment. It was a pleasant struggle, but it was definitely worth it!
*Singapore President Halimah Yacob led the NTUC contingent in 2002, when she was NTUC’s Assistant Secretary-General, while Ms Diana Chia, marched as the contingent commander in 2011, when she was an NTUC Central Committee member.
