Shining World Compassion Award Recipient: ItsRainingRaincoats Brings Sunshine to Migrant Community

Dipa Swaminathan is a magnanimous woman who was born and raised in Bangalore, India, where, as a young person, she felt a deep sense to work with the community by visiting the slums and teaching English, along with volunteering at animal shelters. In 1995, Mrs. Swaminathan moved to Singapore to practice law with a desire to care for those who required support and assistance. In 2013 Mrs. Swaminathan came to realisation on the issue of migrant workers when the riots broke out in “Little India.” “Foreign workers were already a marginalized community in Singapore, but when these riots happened, I felt like they became even more maligned. Though it was just a few who rioted, the whole community was painted with the same brush,” says Dipa.

Let’s hear from Dipa about some of the things “ItsRainingRaincoats” is doing for migrants in Singapore. "We’re distributing hot food, care packs, data cards, things like phones, fridges, washing machines, hair clippers, 3-in-1 coffee, dry packs of noodles, a whole host of things. And in addition to that, even workers who need help with finding a new job or who've not been paid their salary, we also take up individual cases and we help them."

Supreme Master Ching Hai: “Gladly present the Shining World Compassion Award to ItsRainingRaincoats, plus a US$30,000 contribution in support of your kind efforts, with all love and gratitude, in Heaven’s grace.”

"Dear Ms. Swaminathan, It is with great admiration and appreciation that we present to ItsRainingRaincoats the 'Shining World Compassion Award' for showing gratitude to foreign workers, and uplifting their spirits, bringing smiles of joy. This Award is presented in recognition of your caring altruism, benevolently considering migrant workers and the enormous benefit they provide to host nations. Your loving concern heralds a new era of empathy, making our world a love-filled home for all. With Great Honor, Love and Blessings in God’s Grace. Supreme Master Ching Hai."