Sri Murugan Centre

The Sri Murugan Centre (SMC) was founded in September 24, 1982 by Dato Dr. M. Thambirajah together with a group comprising 42 students of the Tamil Language Society and some lecturers of University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.

From its inception SMC formulated immediate and long-term objectives. SMC's immediate concern was to prepare students for the STPM (Form Six) Examinations. Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s the performance of Indian students in the STPM Examinations had begun to decline to the extent that there were insufficient adequately qualified Indian students to take up the seats allocated for Indian students in the local varsities.

Conducted any other way, the classes would have been subjected to the individual experience and whims of the teachers. It was conceived from the beginning that there would be run in exactly the same manner academically and administratively. In brief, the belief of SMC was that if it cannot offer to the Indians something far better than what they are exposed to, then it better not offer anything. Again, SMC set itself the goal of wishing silently to produce results - "We need workers not talkers".

The followers of SMC adhere to 3 beliefs:
*That all are created EQUAL
*That all have been bestowed with the SAME Intelligence
*That faith in RELIGION is crucial to SUCCESS in education These simple principles embody a whole philosophy that has acted as a dynamic agent of change. A belief in equality bestows upon the person a respect for fellow beings and above all a profound respect for himself. He does not tremble at the sight of a superior nor despise an inferior. He views with a balanced non-partisan attitude merits, strengths and. weaknesses of each individual. No individual is type-cast along categories of caste, socio-economic background, sub-ethnic group or employment. Every person is a unique human being with the same strengths, weaknesses and potential to rise through his will or fall through ignorance.

The belief that every child at birth is endowed with the same intelligence is the driving force behind the SMC youth, teachers, organizers and supporters. They are imbued with the conviction that any child touched with love, affection and care and guided by the accurate method to studies can perform as well as any other child anywhere in the world. This is a core belief held with the same favour as fundamental religious doctrines we practice.

The are dissidents of the above who propound, that hereditary factors determine the intellectual capacity and that a child is predetermined at birth, as to whether he is brilliant or weak. It is to be admitted that there are differences in capacity but there are as few Einsteins in this world as there are people who can complete the 100 meters dash below 10 seconds. The vast majority of human beings fall in between and the difference between them is minimal or non-existent.

Human beings unlike plants and animals have the capacity to choose what they want to be. In SMC we believe that if a child elects to be a brilliant and successful person he has the innate, god-given talents to achieve whatever he desires. There are absolutely no obstacles to his ambition except himself.

The beliefs in equality as an individual and similarity in hereditary powers is brought to fore and internalized by a firm belief in religion. SMC holds that a child cannot achieve his full potential unless he has faith in the principles of religion. There are some doctrines, axioms, truths, canons and tenets he must accept with faith and practice without question to succeed in life. Only religion can impart these. In order to understand, accept and practice religious teachings one needs discipline. The discipline derived from religion will permeate one's actions and give results in all endeavors including education. Hence, SMC emphasis on religion as the way to education.