Photo: K. Rathakrishnan
World Post Day, celebrated on Oct 9, is an opportune moment to honour the quiet heroes who have dedicated their lives to connecting people. One such unsung hero is Rathakrishnan Kalimuthu, a humble and devoted postman who gave 37 years of loyal service to the postal department.
Ratha, as he is affectionately known, lived in the same neighbourhood as me, just opposite the Central Electricity Board (CEB) office in Raub, Pahang, which is where our friendship blossomed. Despite his being a bit senior to me, we formed a close bond that endures to this day.
On Aug 1,1966, Ratha embarked on his journey as a postman in Raub. After a few months of apprenticeship, he was posted to the remote town of Sega in January 1967, where he became the sole postal representative. Sega, about 25km from Raub, was a quiet, isolated town. Each morning, Ratha took the 7:30 am bus from Raub to Sega, ready to deliver mail to its residents.
Twice a week, his route extended even farther – to Kampung Ulu Atok, a village about 15km from Sega. He would ride his bicycle, braving treacherous laterite roads and hilly terrain, to deliver mail to the village's primary school and health clinic. The journey took more than an hour each way, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. His stamina and endurance could have made him a contender in cross-country cycling competitions!
On other days, he was responsible for running the makeshift mini post office in Sega, managing postal affairs for the small community. The challenges were many, but among the most surprising were the packs of baboons that roamed the area. The villagers, concerned for his safety, advised him to keep his distance whenever he encountered these wild and sometimes aggressive animals. He took their advice to heart, relying on their local wisdom to navigate these situations safely.
His daily routine was disrupted in 1969 and 1970 when severe floods washed away the bridge connecting Raub and Sega. Undeterred, Ratha resorted to using a rakit (a makeshift raft) to cross the river to reach the Sega post office. For nearly a year, he endured this perilous commute until the bridge was rebuilt.
Rathakrishnan at the bridge over Sega River that was washed away during the 1969/70 floods. Photo: K. Rathakrishnan
After more than a decade of service in the rural areas, Ratha was transferred back to Raub in 1978, where he continued his duties, delivering mail to the town's residents and its outskirts. In 1980, the postal service upgraded from bicycles to Suzuki 90cc motorcycles, a much-needed relief for the postmen who had spent years covering long distances on their bicycles.
While the roads were no longer as treacherous, Ratha faced new challenges. The biggest hazard in Raub district came not from wild animals, but from dogs. Many houses in villages like Sempalit, Sungai Lui, and Sungai Ruan kept dogs, some of which were left unchained and would charge at him during his deliveries. To protect himself, he wore sturdy leather boots – one of the few defences he had against these unexpected threats.
Ratha retired in 2003, after an admirable 37 years of service. He epitomised dedication, trustworthiness, and the very essence of what every boss dreams their staff to be. A loyal postman through and through, Ratha’s contributions went far beyond simply delivering mail. He connected people and communities, overcoming every challenge that came his way with a smile and unwavering commitment.
Having lived his entire life in Raub, Ratha remains a beloved figure in the town, his warmth and charisma leaving an indelible mark on those who know him. His story is a reminder that even the most unassuming of us can have a profound impact on the lives of many.
May Ratha enjoy many more years of happy and well-deserved retirement.
