FOR Dr Hari Harilela, yesterday was about celebrating two very big occasions - his 90th birthday and 65th wedding anniversary.

And the chairman of the Hong Kong-based Harilela Group marked the occasion by donating $250,000 each to two very good causes. One cheque went to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund while the other was for self-help organisation, the Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda).

Dr Harilela said at the event held at the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre: "I think education is so important in this world... Peace and understanding can only come from learning." He married his wife Padma in 1947.

The Harilela Group runs businesses ranging from hotel and real estate investment to import and export trading.