Guna Ramachandran’s Mission to Keep Sentul’s Railway Legacy Alive
A Nostalgic Journey Through Sentul’s Railway History
Petaling Jaya: For Guna Ramachandran, the sound of the siren marked the beginning of a new day, signaling the start of a new day for the railway men who lived and worked in Sentul. As a child, Guna’s life revolved around the railway, and the siren became a part of his daily routine.
The Rise and Fall of the Malayan Railways’ Central Workshops
Guna’s grandfather and father worked at the Central Workshops in Sentul, built in 1905 by the Federated Malay States Railways. The workshops were a hub of activity, with the sound of steam locomotives, the smell of soot, and the noise of machinery creating a lively atmosphere.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
However, times changed, and the railway workshops that once kept Sentul buzzing are now just a memory. Guna was determined to leave a legacy behind for future generations, and with encouragement from friends, he wrote "Sentul Gems: A Hidden Treasure of the East".
The Book
The 124-page self-published book chronicles the rise and fall of the Central Workshops, capturing a piece of Sentul’s past before it disappears completely. Guna’s research was extensive, scouring digital archives, old newspapers, and books written about the Malayan railways. He also spoke to former railwaymen, some now in their late 80s and 90s, who shared their memories of life inside the workshop.
Uncovering Hidden Gems
Through his research, Guna discovered many hidden gems, including the importance of sports in the railways. In fact, Sentul’s railway community produced some of Malaysia’s top athletes, including the late Mike Shepherdson and former national cricketer Hector Durairatnam.
A Hope for the Future
Guna’s hope is that his book will spark more interest in the history of the Malayan railways in Sentul, and maybe even inspire a new generation of railway enthusiasts. "There’s always a way to bring history to life," he mused. And with "Sentul Gems", Guna’s already taken the first step.
Conclusion
Guna’s mission to keep Sentul’s railway legacy alive is a testament to the importance of preserving our history. His book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Malayan railways, and a great resource for researchers and historians.
FAQs
Q: What is "Sentul Gems: A Hidden Treasure of the East" about?
A: The book chronicles the rise and fall of the Central Workshops in Sentul, capturing a piece of Sentul’s past before it disappears completely.
Q: How did Guna research the book?
A: Guna’s research was extensive, scouring digital archives, old newspapers, and books written about the Malayan railways. He also spoke to former railwaymen and visited the National Archives.
Q: What is Guna’s hope for the book?
A: Guna hopes his book will spark more interest in the history of the Malayan railways in Sentul, and maybe even inspire a new generation of railway enthusiasts.
Q: Is "Sentul Gems: A Hidden Treasure of the East" available for purchase?
A: Yes, the book is now available at major bookstores.