VIDEO

48 Singaporean Seconds: Thanks to this nature lover, a ficus tree gets its name

Madam G. Kannagi has a special tree in her heart. She hasn't shared it with anyone else other than her sister - until now. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Madam G. Kannagi has a special tree in her heart. She hasn't shared it with anyone else other than her sister - until now. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

Singapore celebrates its 48th birthday on Aug 9, and to tie in with this, The Straits Times Picture Desk has put together 48 Singaporean Seconds, an audio-visual tribute to Singaporeans who have made this little red dot their home.

In the 24th instalment of our series, we talk to NParks' G. Kannagi.

G. Kannagi, 45, assistant director at NPark's development division

Madam G. Kannagi has a special tree in her heart. She hasn't shared it with anyone else other than her sister - until now.

It's a bodhi tree in the compound of Bendemeer Secondary School, located about two blocks from Block 3 in St George's Road where she used to live as a child.

"I was so much in love with the greenery, I even gave a name to one of the trees I used to admire," says the mother of three who is an assistant director at NParks' development division.

She called the tree "Kashmiram".

"Kashmiram, because I've always loved Kashmir and in Tamil, tree means maram", she says.

Her love for nature extends to her work, which includes developing parks around the island.

"This is my only job. It's my first love and I'm still very much in love with it," she says.

- Photos and videos by The Straits Times Picture Desk

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.