New Beginnings
SUPRAMANIAM VASARGA'S
ACCOUNT
Indian Milkmen who worked locally for years eventually began to start their own families and businesses in the cattle trade. These individuals invested in the purchase of cattles and well-built cattle sheds, followed by expansion and publicity plans as their trade thrived in the 1930s.
Milking Cow
An Indian elderly Milkman carries out his daily routine of milking the cows every morning before they prepare to deliver it. Once these Indian Milkmen start their career in Singapore, they dedicate more than half of their lives to the job in order to earn a livelihood and feed their families.
National Archives of Singapore. Indian Milkman. 1980-1990. Image size: unknown. Photograph and negative. Item from the collection of the National Archives of Singapore.
Children of Milkmen
Families of Indian Milkmen lived near their cattle sheds in the rural areas of Serangoon Road. Often unable to afford education, children in the villages often help their families in taking care of and herding the cattles.
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National Archives of Singapore. Indian Milkman. 1980-1990.
Image size: unknown. Photograph and negative.
Item from the collection of the National Archives of Singapore.
Yogurt Fermentation
Indian Milkmen often use the fresh milk to make yoghurt as part of an expansion of their business. These yoghurt were sold to Indian households and the Sikhs, which was mainly used to cook thosai and other traditional indian cuisines.
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National Archives of Singapore. Indian Milkman. 1980-1990.
Image size: unknown. Photographs and negatives.
Item from the collection of the National Archives of Singapore.
Publicity Poster
As part of the plans for business expansion, Indian Milkmen began to invest in publicity posters to attract more buyers..
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Sharon Siddique. A Poster on Cow Products Posted at Serangoon Road. 1970s.
Image size: unknown. Photograph and negative.
Item from the collection of the National Archives of Singapore.