Description
Praise
About the Author

“… these are my stories, but these are also the stories of my friends. Each one of them, being social underdogs, have paid a heavy price for standing up to be counted for their beliefs and for their loved ones. These marginalized individuals have been oppressed, discriminated against, and faced significant challenges when they spoke out against the status quo. Some of them have experienced social, economic or political consequences for daring to challenge the prevailing norms of their society. But all of this did not stop them from being who they are.”
—From the Author

Step into the life of Ravi Philemon, a dedicated social activist whose tireless efforts have touched the lives of many marginalized individuals in Singapore. In this book, Ravi shares his deeply personal journey, recounting stories of compassion, resilience and unwavering commitment to social justice. From aiding a homeless pregnant woman to confronting systemic injustices in housing and education, Ravi’s memoir is a powerful testament to the impact one person can have on the lives of many.
“People who care about Singapore and our forgotten and marginalised brothers and sisters and uncles and aunties are often treated with suspicion and accused of all kinds of ulterior motives. But yet, we persevere. In the words of the poet Alfian Saat who Ravi quotes approvingly, “If you care too much about Singapore, first it’ll break your spirit, and finally it will break your heart”. Ravi’s heart comes through these stories, often stubborn, always compassionate well on the road to being broken.”
—Dr Paul Tambyah, Doctor, Professor of infectious diseases, Politician, Writer
Ravi Philemon is the Secretary-General of Red Dot United and the author of Here I Am: Memoirs of a Social Activist in Singapore. With over two decades of experience managing charitable organisations, Ravi has dedicated himself to improving the lives of Singaporeans, and especially vulnerable communities. His commitment to social justice and inclusivity underpins his work in both the political and civic spheres. Through his memoir and his ongoing efforts, Ravi continues to advocate for a more transparent, accountable, and equitable Singapore.

Authors

Here I Am: Memoirs of a Social Activist in Singapore