S’porean With Cerebral Palsy Who Was Carried Up Batu Caves By Brother Every Thaipusam Passes Away At 42

A heartbreaking story has made headlines after a 42-year-old Singaporean man with cerebral palsy passed away on 29 August.

The news was shared by his brother, Suresh Vanaz, in a Facebook post yesterday (30 August), where he paid tribute to his late brother, Gunaseelan, who was known for being carried up Malaysia’s Batu Caves by Suresh each year during Thaipusam.

Singaporean man who carried late brother up Batu Caves every year pays final tribute

In his heartfelt message, Suresh shared his grief over Gunaseelan’s sudden loss, saying that his late brother would always hold a special place in his heart.

“With a very heavy heart, I share the heartbreaking news that my beloved brother, Gunaseelan, has passed away peacefully. I am deeply saddened by this sudden loss, and words cannot express the pain of losing my brother. He will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish all the beautiful memories we shared,” he wrote.

In a separate post shared after Gunaseelan’s passing, Suresh also opened up about how his late brother had taught him to stay strong and be a warrior, even when life got difficult.

“My king, I believe I have served you well, and I hope you know how deeply I loved you and how much you meant to me. I believe you are now going to a better place, where our parents and many of our loved ones are waiting to welcome you with open arms.

“I know I am going to feel so alone without you here. But until the day my turn comes, I will carry you in my heart and live with all the beautiful memories you have given me.”

He made it his mission to achieve his late brother’s dreams

In an earlier interview with local media, Suresh explained why he carried his late brother up Batu Caves, describing it as both a duty and an act of devotion, especially after Gunaseelan had “given him a purpose”

For Suresh, Thaipusam was more than just fulfilling a religious obligation, but a way for him to celebrate the divine in the people he loves.

Suresh also made it his mission to fulfil Gunaseelan’s dreams, wanting him to experience as much joy as possible and live a life filled with meaningful moments.

“Why wait until it’s too late to show love? I want him to feel it now, while he is here with me. God is in all of us. In you, in me, and in my brother,” Suresh said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Gunaseelan’s family. We hope they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Also read: Filipino Man Gets A Tattoo Of His Deceased Younger Brother’s Grocery Wish List To Remember Him