Leaving Home At 17 by Uttam Kripalani

Описание: Uttam has 64 years of experience in the Insurance field and is currently the Chairman and Founder of Galaxy Insurance Consultants. He is an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Singapore and is actively involved in community service activities. A keen sportsman, he now actively plays only Golf, which at 82 years is about all that he can handle.

In November 2025, we had a showcase of 9 stories by StoryingSeniors. The stories were:
1️⃣ A Memorable Experience
A reflective story of flag day and service learning at a children’s home, where youthful encounters with giving quietly planted seeds of compassion, responsibility, and lifelong social awareness.

2️⃣ School Life in 1967 Singapore
Set in a humble farming school, a young teacher discovers joy, mentorship, and belonging—learning that it was simple days and small kindnesses that shaped her most meaningful years.

3️⃣ My Mother, My Model, My Heroine
Through memories of a large family and shared struggles, this tender story honours a mother whose strength, love, and sacrifices quietly shaped generations.

4️⃣ Leaving Home at 17
At seventeen, Uttam Kripalani leaves home for London, confronting fear and racism, and finding unexpected mentors who reshape his courage and his future.

5️⃣ When “So Young” Became a Gift
A first tutorial begins with laughter and doubt, but courage and competence transform a dismissive remark into a lifelong reminder of growth, resilience, and possibility.

6️⃣ The Mediation That Shaped My Life
Facing an enraged subcontractor, hidden wrongdoing, and a furious boss, Ng Lee Lee discovers purpose through an unexpected trial that defines her professional path.

7️⃣ A Woman Who Shaped My Life
Growing up beside his mother’s everyday compassion, Jimmy realises her quiet generosity became the moral compass guiding his own life.

8️⃣ Found: Someone Who Had My Back
Rejected by his own family yet embraced by another, Gopinathan Menon shares a powerful story of healing, belonging, and love found in unexpected places.

9️⃣ How to Read and Use Your Boss
A witty, sharp look at workplace survival—where observing power, playing roles, and reading people reveal the humorous dance between employees and those who lead them.

About StoryingSeniors:
Made up of seniors who are passionate about storytelling, StoryingSeniors helps its members discover new and creative ways to get their stories heard and support one another.

We want to thank Jimmy Png, another member of StoryingSeniors, for offering to video-record this event.

About the Facilitators:
Our facilitators, Wong Swee Yean, Mabel Lee and Anamika Bhati are experienced professional oral storytellers who have conducted workshops and performed stories to public audiences. They will prepare story prompts and equip everyone with public speaking skills in order to speak our stories with confidence.

About LearnX Communities
StoryingSeniors is one of NLB’s many LearnX Communities that connect like-minded people to create a modern kampong of communal learning. These communities cover a wide range of topics and can be found in libraries all over the island.

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