Successful married men will agree with me that a man's wife provides key support for a man's successful and blissful life.

Madam Urmila Nandey, the quiet wife of the late Mr S R Nathan, has a major part to play in the former president's success in life.

She supported him right from their 16-year courtship in her younger days. She supported their love against all odds, as an Indian girl who is normally mired in societal customs. She stood with Mr Nathan from all those days long ago.

Madam Urmila continued her total support for Mr Nathan, who had many public service commitments all his adult life.

For any wife, her husband going on a journey with terrorists, as Mr Nathan did during the 1974 Laju ferry hijacking, would have been a most gruelling experience.

Yet, Madam Urmila supported Mr Nathan, so that he could stand with Singapore and its people.

As Singaporeans, we salute the selfless service of the Nathans.

T. N. Srinivasan