6 November 1945 to 24 August 2024
Dr. Maria Joseph Swaminathan or Joe as he was affectionately called was one of the several heroes of the Faith who deserve special mention. His love for the Faith and its Founder Bahá’u’lláh was boundless that he was fully immersed in service to the Cause till his last breath. This story carries the many episodes and events associated with this God-intoxicated servant. Joe may be viewed as one of those unsung heroes of the Faith, but his footprints are there forever in our history for all those impactful services rendered very quietly and without fanfare.
Joe’s first encounter with Bahá’ís was at the wedding reception of the sister of his cousin Mr. Raymond Peter, held in Cochrane Road, Kuala Lumpur at the end of 1962. Peter, originally a Roman Catholic had accepted the Faith in Jasin town in Malacca state in March 1958. At the end of 1962, Joe had just completed his Form Five and waiting for results. He was in the highest of spirit, waiting to be called into the Regional Seminary for Jesuits. He was already under the guidance of the Jesuits in Petaling Jaya town, all approved to enter the seminary in Hong Kong. Joe could not accept on hearing that Peter, a strong Catholic had left the Catholic Church and joined the Bahá’í Faith. Joe was simply shocked beyond description, not even knowing what the Bahá’í Faith was all about. But there was the unforeseen forces which had decreed Joe’s own life otherwise.
In 1963, Peter invited Joe to visit him in Malacca. Peter was serving as a Health Officer based in the General Hospital in Malacca town. When Joe accepted the invitation, Peter drove Joe to Malacca in his Volkswagen car. Along with them was Mr. M. Maniam (Penghulu Maniam). These two never uttered a word of the Bahá’í Faith throughout the journey. Joe was surprised, waiting for the first opportunity for them to open their mouth as he was all prepared for an intellectual debate to silence them with all the proofs he had that Bahá’u’lláh was nothing but a “false prophet.” Joe was carrying with him a book entitled “Radio Questions Answered by the Paulist Fathers,” a set-up of the Catholic Church in Australia. Joe was pretty sure he could win back Peter into the Christian fold.
After dinner in a restaurant, Peter had brought Joe home and they both went out for a stroll. Unable to wait any longer for his curiosity to go right into the matter, Joe asked Peter point blank, “What is this Bahá’í?” Peter gave the essence of the Bahá’í teachings and stressed that Bahá’u’lláh is the return of Christ. The shocked Joe asked how that could be possible as Christ was expected to come at the end of the world, while the world was still around and had not ended.
Peter then asked Joe about the prophecies that he had known about the return of Christ. Joe shared some prophecies and pointed out one of the prophecies that spoke about the “stars falling down from the heavens.” Peter asked, “How could it be possible for all these stars in the sky to fall down on this earth, as in your understanding, when we know that just one star is one thousand times larger than Earth?” That one question from Peter cracked the mirror! Peter who was already well grounded in both Christianity and the Bahá’í Faith went on to explain more clearly how ridiculous and impossible for the prophecies to be fulfilled literally. Peter went on to explain the spiritual meaning in all those prophecies and gradually the discussion found its way to the explanation of “Progressive Revelation.” Joe caught the spark as that was the only answer that had been baffling him all these while as to why so many religions existed. With that explanation on the concept of Progressive Revelation Joe was on cloud nine and was quite ready to accept the Faith. Something new was being born within him!
The next day evening, they ended up in the residence of Mr. Anthony Eustace Tony Fernandez, or Tony Fernandez as he was called. Tony was Assistant Superintendent of Police in Malacca at that time. He and his wife Betty invited both Peter and Joe to share meals at the dinner table. Betty had prepared some food with beef as a side dish. Joe said he could not partake of that as it was a Friday, on which day he would not consume meat. They respected his concern and found something else for him to go with. Joe was moved by the warm hospitality accorded to him, someone completely unknown to the couple before.
Then came the fateful day. Joe declared the Faith on 18 January 1963 at the Nineteen Day Feast of Sulṭán (Sovereignty) held in the house of Mr. Leong Tat Chee in Malacca town. Thus Joe became a believer during the tail end of the Ten-Year Crusade period. There were many friends Joe met in that Feast, but the most unforgettable impact about it was the overpowering spirit of love and fellowship that had no match to anything he had experienced in his entire Catholic life. There, he was suddenly thrust into a banquet of God-intoxicated souls, and the spiritualizing energies that enwrapped him left such a mesmerizing effect that it was this experience of heavenly confirmations that saved him from the violent tests that were in store for him.
The following day, Betty Fernandez drove Joe along with a few others for a teaching trip to Batu Pahat. The Faith was shared with some enquirers, and among them was a potential political candidate keen to learn of things new. What touched Joe most, apart from the unbelievable eagerness and receptivity among the listeners, was the way Betty responded to a question raised by an enquirer, “How sure are you all if Bahá’u’lláh and His message is really the Truth?” Betty responded, “Can’t you see the fire in our spirit? Is this possible if Bahá’u’lláh is not the Truth?” This response astounded Joe. To Joe, that was the dominating spirit that moved the early believers of Malaysia. That trip convinced Joe further of what courage and reliance in God they had whilst teaching the Faith. It was his first fresh encounter with the overwhelming interacting ways of the Bahá’ís. They were so full of spirit, full of love, and full of reaching out to every soul turning to them. They were teaching the Cause in a way that one cannot but be uplifted by the impact of their words. These God-intoxicated souls deeply moved Joe’s spirit.
As Joe returned from Malacca as a new person, he started his activities in Petaling Jaya where Mr. Maheshwar Dayal, a pioneer from India, and Dr. R. J. Wolff from the USA who came to study the dietary habits of the aboriginal people of Malaysia and attached to the Institute of Medical Research in Kuala Lumpur were residing. He took a bicycle ride all the way from Bukit Bintang to Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya to attend the Feast at the residence of Dr. Wolff who welcomed him warmly and several friends gathered in his place, many of whom were from Sikh backgrounds. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, fellowship, and spirited conversation, leaving him feeling recharged as he made his way back home.
After his declaration in the Faith, Raymond Peter paid Joe a visit in Kuala Lumpur and took him along for an Asli teaching trip in the Bidor area in Perak. They spent an overnight with those simple folks. In the aboriginal village, Joe witnessed the depth of the love the simple people had for Bahá’u’lláh. These aborigines were not intellectual, neither literate nor wealthy, yet their belief in the Faith was remarkably strong and unwavering.
DARTS OF DOUBTFULNESS
While Joe was becoming active in the Faith, some darts of doubtfulness started to bother him. He became a believer by a mere conversation with his cousin Peter. Joe started to think if he had made a hasty decision. He wanted to be very clear in any major decision he was to make. Joe had been so deeply engrossed in prayer and reflection upon the issues that had confronted his Catholic mindset. There was a clash between his attachment to Christianity and the absolute truth in the new-found Bahá’í Faith. In April 1963, within three months into becoming a Bahá’í he left the Faith temporarily in order to become well-grounded in the Bahá’í Writings. He then studied the writings with greater depth and looked for concrete answers to the fulfillment of the prophecies in Christianity in the Bahá’í Faith. He was sincere in his quest for the right answers that God guided him to the Bahá’í books, especially Some Answered Questions and the Promulgation of Universal Peace by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; The Wine of Astonishment as well as the Thief in the Night by Hand of the Cause of God Mr. William Sears. What astonished him most was the praise upon praise heaped on Christianity by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. As a voracious reader Joe went deeper into the Bahá’í writings for some two years, and he could see the essence of the teachings and the truth of the mission of Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í writings started clearing his doubts on the fulfillment of Christian prophecies. At last, Joe emerged fully satisfied and completely convinced with the answers the Bahá’í Faith offered for the questions that had bothered him. By January 1966, Bahá’u’lláh had pulled Joe out of this spiritual quicksand which was swallowing Joe’s soul little by little through many signs of confirmations. He brought Joe back to certitude. Joe now re-entered the Faith, and this time there was no turning back. After his re-entry, he became so empowered that he felt taken over by a new missionary spirit, that dictated him to storm all battles of opposition from any quarters.
Joe started to teach the Faith to everyone he knew, with an irrepressible zeal. The first group was his own family and close relatives, who were all regular Church going members of the famous St. Anthonys Church in Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. Next Joe reached out to the Church members and whoever he could share the message. There probably was not a single Catholic with whom he had been interacting left unaware of his belief in the new Faith. He faced strong condemnation and criticism, but nothing was to shake this firm believer who was already like unto a solid mountain and unshakable in the straight path that he had discovered!
As he reentered the Faith, Joe was working as a temporary teacher in the St. John’s Primary School. There was a co-teacher friend who invited Joe to one of the meetings held in Kajang town in the house of Mr. R. K. Kannan, who was like a fire on the mountain top. When Joe entered Kannan’s house, he saw ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s photo hung on the wall. Joe smilingly greeted Kannan, “Allah-u-Abhá.” Seeing an enquirer greeting the Bahá’í way, Kannan was pleasantly surprised. Joe clarified that he was a believer and not an enquirer.
Several incidents in 1966 further strengthened Joe’s faith in the Cause. Joe who was residing in Kuala Lumpur became well grounded in the Faith through his close association with S. Vasudevan who served as Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia and stayed at the National Bahá’í Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Vasudevan took special care of Joe and ensured his clearer understanding of the Faith. At this time, Joe also moved closely with other key believers namely Choo Yeok Boon, Batang Kali Maniam, T. Thanabalan, and the Singam brothers who used to frequent the National Bahá’í Centre. Vasudevan used to consolidate them with his inspiring stories and passages from the Writings. Joe also went on many teaching trips, some in the company of Mr. Appu Raman, a member of the national institution and one who was spearheading such teaching projects and availing his car to shuttle the teachers around. In 1966, Joe also served alongside with Vasudevan and Mr. Wong Kok Mee in the Local Spiritual Assembly of Kuala Lumpur. In the mid-1960s, Joe devoted himself energetically to serving the Faith demonstrating remarkable dedication and enthusiasm.
The Third National Convention of 1966 was another eye-opener for Joe. Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Collis Featherstone was the official representative of the Supreme Body at this convention. The dynamic guidance that Mr. Featherstone gave to the convention and the community sank deep in his heart. What touched his heart further was Mr. Featherstone’s sharing with the friends of his fondest memories with the beloved Guardian in one of his first visits to the Holy Land. The convention left a profound and lasting impact on Joe, deeply influencing his perspective and commitment to the Faith.
The next important event was the Eighth Malaysia Summer School, with the theme of “Life of Bahá’u’lláh” held at the Malacca Youth Hostel in August 1966. S. Vasudevan who wanted Joe to grow deeper in the Cause got him to read the message from the Universal House of Justice, bearing guidance to the youths of the world. This was discussed paragraph by paragraph. Joe very ably coordinated this session and caught the attention of those gathered as a great asset to the community.
Then came the Bahá’í Seminar held in Singapore at the end of December 1966. This seminar had the special honour of the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Ṭarázu’lláh Samandarí accompanied by his son Dr. Mehdi Samandarí who was pioneering in Somalia. The talks by Mr. Ṭarázu’lláh Samandarí the only living person then to have seen Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian with his own eyes moved the soul of Joe even further. During the youth session, Joe who was already a highly knowledgeable believer, talked about the need for well-planned programmes for the youths in Malaysia. An analysis was conducted to determine why the youth were inactive in some cases, and potential solutions were identified. The Holy Writings were said to be the strongest motivating factor for both youth and adults. Thus, the comeback year of 1966 for Joe had sealed his fate forever—to die as a Bahá’í as a moth would in the fire.
In 1967, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed Joe to the National Bahá’í Youth Council. In the same year, the national institution appointed Joe to serve on the Aborigine Committee, which later came to be called the Asli Teaching Committee.
One of the earliest major conferences that the National Bahá’í Youth Council organized was the Bahá’í Youth Seminar held from 14-16 April 1967 at the New Era High School in Kajang. This was about the first-time workshops were introduced in youth gatherings. Joe and Mr. Doraisamy, who were at that time teachers at the New Era High School in Kajang, very ably conducted the workshop on topics like “Consolidation”, “Living the Life” and “Teaching the Faith”. Joe was identified as a dynamic member of the National Bahá’í Youth Council.
Bahá’í Youth Seminar held at the New Era High School, above the Foh Hub Bus Station in Kajang. Joe stands second from left. Seated L-R: R. K. Kannan, Tushar Kanti-Paul, Leong Tat Chee, Evelyn Ng, Lily Ng, Appu Raman, and Kathleen Kanti-Paul.
In May 1967, Joe went to India to pursue his studies. Sometime earlier while Joe was still school going in Malaysia, there was a family friend, a Catholic, visiting Joe’s family from India. Being a Catholic residing within the premises of a Medical College in Madras City, he assured Joe’s parents that he would help secure a medical seat for Joe in that college. That friend sent Joe an application form, in which Joe boldly mentioned his religion as “Bahá’í”. On Joe’s arrival in India, he was denied any assistance on account of his belief in the Bahá’í Faith. But Joe was not to retract his belief! This had a significant impact on Joe’s parents; from then on, his father felt betrayed and deeply let down, and he was never able to fully reconcile with Joe. Clearly, Joe was sad that his father felt bad but was clear that his Heavenly Father was there for him under all situations!
Joe was back in Malaysia and was one of the participants and speakers at the First Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference organized in December 1968 at the Malayan Teachers College in Kuala Lumpur. The event was graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Abu’l-Qásim Faizí, whose talks stirred his soul and strengthened him further in the Cause.
Joe speaks at the First Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference, December 1968.
Securing a good job now became the uppermost priority in his mind. From August 1969 till the end of 1970, Joe found a job as a salesman in the business of Mr. R.K. Kannan and was operating from Kajang town. From 1970 till November 1971, he was a salesman for the Commonwealth Educational Society. But these were temporarily held jobs.
GENTING HIGHLANDS
In 1971, Joe was still desperately looking for a stable job. Around this time the Genting Highlands Mega project was gradually unfolding, and Joe had a Sikh friend who encouraged him to look for a job in Genting Highland. Joe visited the Genting Highlands some twelve times and slept overnight in one of the worker’s quarters. There was no job to suit Joe’s qualifications with a Higher School Certificate in his hand. So, the desperate Joe made a deal with Bahá’u’lláh that whatever job came by he would go for it. He was informed that labourers were needed for the new flower garden project, located mid-way up the hill going up the Genting Highlands. When Joe agreed to become a labourer, he was discouraged as it needed muscle work, and he had to work alongside the rough labourers from Cameron Highlands. Joe went ahead and took the job just to satisfy Bahá’u’lláh because he said he would accept any job He might send. The horticulturalist in charge was surprised that Joe would opt for this. But there was a divine will that started to unfold.
The first two weeks were tough with rough work, cold weather, and constant rain. Everything was beyond what his body could take. One day when Joe took a shower, his whole body became almost frozen stiff. He could not take the cold. He resigned and ran home. When Joe’s Sikh friend heard of this tragic news he suggested Joe should try the Security Department for which any kind of recommendation from some police personnel could help. The face of Mr. Tony Fernandez, an officer-in-charge of the Police District of Petaling Jaya flashed in his mind. Joe then rushed to him. Tony who remembered Joe and his Bahá’í activities, gave a recommendation letter addressed directly to Mr. Ko Kim Chen, a high-ranking officer in Genting Holdings, who happened to be Tony’s friend. Mr. Ko, on reading his letter, looked at Joe and said, “You don’t look fit for any kind of security work, but I recommend you for a job in the Casino as Croupier”. Joe could not believe his ears. He said to himself, “Bahá’u’lláh! It is all your work.” Only a few days earlier Joe was carrying cow dung in the flower garden. Today he was given such a high position. Joe had shared this experience of confirmation in his life with many youths as an example of trusting the Blessed Beauty, praying to Him, and having total reliance in His ways. He miraculously changes everything dramatically and in the most unexpected manner!
Joe started as a croupier in the casino. This opening was like a release from a spiritual hibernation into a spiritual season of spring when everything around him was inviting. Apart from learning the skills of the new job, Joe seized every opportunity to teach the Faith and gradually the Genting Bahá’í Community was emerging. Through the vigorous teaching efforts of Joe, some of those working there started to accept the Faith. In 1971, Joe on his part invited believers from Kuala Lumpur to come over for weekends to deepen them in the Faith, and when they returned he usually slipped some currency notes into their pockets. Mr. C. Kanagaratnam who was working as an Administrative Assistant in the National Bahá’í Centre in Kuala Lumpur was one of those who was invited for the deepening sessions. The new believers were sent to the Bahá’í conferences in Kuala Lumpur and Port Dickson where they became truly charged. During Ridvan 1972, there were exactly nine adults, and a Local Spiritual Assembly was formed for the first time in Genting Highlands, by joint declaration. The initial Bahá’í community of Genting Highlands was made up of Joe himself, Eddie Sia, Ronnie Koh, Emily, Steven Tan, Lai Weng Keong, Rudy Teh, and Molly. After the formation of the Local Spiritual Assembly a few other believers such as Jenny from Malacca, Susan from Taiping, Sri Krishna from Seremban, and Linda Seow joined them. These believers were closely knit and happy while in Genting Highlands. Everyone in Genting knew about the Bahá’í Faith and the Bahá’ís. The best achievement of these band of believers was getting the Genting Highland administration to allow them to place Bahá’í books in the library of the staff. Joe, with his high command of the English language contributed several articles on the principle of the Bahá’í teaching to the Genting Highland newsletter.
The Local Spiritual Assembly could not meet often owing to different working hours, and yet they soldiered on with conducing deepening sessions and breaking of fast together. The small Genting community started to get much support from other communities Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya as well as visiting Bahá’ís from outstations who came for holiday.
Genting Highlands group in 1973. Standing L-R: unknown, Toh, Eddie Sia, Molly, Joe and Rudy Teh. Squatting L-R: Khor, Yee Wai Cheong, Steven Tan and Sri Krishnan. (Photo credit: Eddie Sia)
At this point in time, there were about 1500 plus workers in both the Hotel and the Casino. Life was dull. Boredom was becoming a burden. Joe and a few started a Literary and Debating Society. The suggestion reached the higher authorities and the daughter of the owner of Genting Highlands, Dato’ Lim Goh Tong responded favorably and called for a meeting for those interested. Of the ten over people present, a committee was set up and Miss Lim Siew Kim, daughter of Dato’ Lim Goh Tong was elected Chairman and Joe as Secretary. The first debate was organized, and the motion was “Marriage is Obsolete.” Miss Lim was on the proposition and Joe was on the side of the opposition, bringing in Bahá’í concept of marriage. The entire Genting crowd was there to see Miss Lim being challenged. It was the most exciting and memorable event that everyone enjoyed, with the Faith being promoted. After the debate, Joe presented Miss Lim the book “Some Answered Questions”. Miss Lim was no ordinary person, being ranked among the most well-known executives in the corporate world at that time. One son of Dato’ Lim Goh Tong was Mr. Lim Kok Thay who was the manager of the entire operations. They all knew Joe almost personally and through him the Bahá’í Faith as well. The Faith had reached the highest in the corporate world through Joe.
Owing to the high turnover of employees, the management wanted to set up a worker’s union to address the issues of the workers. The union was set up with Joe as the Chairman and in charge of training the members of the union. All these were happening parallel to the teaching and consolidation work undertaken by the friends in the community. By this time, the Bahá’ís had formed a library for the community, and everybody was getting attracted to the kind of things they were doing. But there was a lot of infighting among the union members and Joe who could not come to terms working in this ugly milieu. Joe threw in his towel in August 1973 after prayerful reflections. When Joe went to the ground office in Kuala Lumpur to collect his balance salary, Mr. Tan Koon Swan came out of his office room and wondered why he was leaving and assured him that he was always welcome to return.
In 1970 this Tan Koon Swan became the General Manager of Genting Highlands Berhad, helping Lim Goh Tong to establish Genting Highlands Resort as a successful tourist destination. Tan also became the fifth president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a component party of the National Front (Barisan Nasional) coalition. From November 1985 to September 1986, Tan Koon Swan was also a member of the Parliament. Joe left after creating a good name for himself and the Faith. Not long after the Genting Highlands Bahá’í community became dispersed as all of them left to work in other parts of Malaysia.
PIONEERING TO BANGLADESH
After resigning from Genting Highlands, Joe went through a period of spiritual rendezvous with Bahá’u’lláh. Joe was praying, meditating, and reflecting on why no stable job came his way despite repeated and earnest attempts. Then the thought flashed that he should leave the shores of Malaysia as a pioneer to a country that needed manpower. First, he thought of Sabah or Sarawak. He contacted one dear Bahá’í pioneer, Mr. Vishnupatham, a teacher in East Malaysia, hoping he might help arrange a temporary teaching job in East Malaysia as he was a teacher himself. His response was negative.
Joe then went to the National Bahá’í Centre in Kuala Lumpur hoping to find the address of the Bahá’í School in Yasothon in Thailand and see if there could be a job offer for him. Miss Lean Beng Liew, then working in the National Centre, suggested that Joe write to the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia and seek their guidance on this matter. He did that and the National Assembly invited him to its meeting and offered to subsidize him for one year as a full-time pioneer in Thailand, as they had a goal to fulfill.
He then attended the National Youth Conference in the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) in Port Dickson in December 1973. At this conference, Joe spoke about a call from the Supreme Body for pioneers. Although Joe was set to leave for Thailand, deep down he had a strong pull towards Bangladesh. Miraculously, in the meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly held in NUBE, the Spiritual Assembly changed his post from Thailand to Bangladesh. His prayer was answered. He was fated to be in Bangladesh from January 1974 till December 1985, a period of twelve years of pioneering and studying in Bangladesh, with marriage included.
In January 1974, Joe took his first steps into a hitherto unknown country, but one that would be spiritually rewarding. On the eve of his departure, Joe conducted a fireside in Kuala Lumpur, where one Miss Emily Ang who would later marry Ronnie Koh accepted the Faith. Joe took the ocean liner Chidambaram from Port Klang to Madras City (now Chennai) in Tamil Nadu. Within two days of arrival in Chennai, he bought a train ticket to go to Calcutta. On arrival in Calcutta, everything was new to him – the people, language, food, and worst of all climates. It became clear that there were several hurdles to be addressed in a new and strange country. It was winter in Calcutta and the temperature biting cold for him. Joe managed to get into one Asoka Hotel and fell sick with a fever and other complications, and the owner was kind enough to send him to a nearby clinic. Joe could not eat any of their food that was cooked in mustard oil, with so alien a taste. He resorted to reciting the Tablet of Ahmad, and he got well in a few days. When able to move Joe left the hotel and headed for the Howrah Station to find the train for Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh.
ARRIVAL IN BANGLADESH
Joe came to Bangladesh which had just emerged after the war between India and Pakistan. Following the coming into existence of a new nation of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in March 1971, the National Spiritual Assembly was elected on Ridván in 1972. Joe was literally in tears when he was met by a local Bahá’í elder, Mr. Shah Alam Choudhury, Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Bangladesh, who came to pick him up from a hotel reception. He was taken to the National Bahá’í Centre. Meeting the Bahá’ís in the National Centre was quite an emotional experience. A room was prepared for him in the National Centre, and on meeting the National Spiritual Assembly, he was directed to his pioneering post in the city of Rajshahi. Mr. Shamsheer Ali, a full-time worker for the Cause and a member of the National Spiritual Assembly was to be Joe’s guide in all matters related to his pioneering activities.
As Joe had not learned the local Bengali language, his vocal conversational teaching was limited to such as those who could understand English. He resorted to the power of prayer and reliance on it in any Bahá’í endeavor. So, Joe made it a point to get up early by sunrise daily, repeated the Remover of Difficulties prayer a few hundred times, and walk around the town. One result was a young man inviting him to his house for lunch and learning about the Faith. That man took Joe to meet his friends in the University and that opened many opportunities to share the Faith. Joe also made efforts to distribute an introductory booklet on the Faith that he has at his disposal.
Mr. Shamsheer Ali brought Joe to Rajshahi, a metropolitan city and a major urban, administrative, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh. On the following day, he brought Joe to the Rajshahi Medical College and successfully delivered a public proclamation talk to a large gathering of medical students. In Rajshahi, Joe was making great progress in the propagation of the Faith. There were many other marvelous things that Joe did. But situations did not permit Joe to remain in Rajshahi. Joe had to pack and leave Rajshahi heartbroken, and the mission was disrupted. He married Nargis Banu in 1975 and returned to Rajshahi in 1977 with his newly wedded wife and stayed much longer. This time there were many interesting achievements.
After returning to Dhaka, the capital city in February 1974, the fasting period began the following month. By this time, a second Bahá’í pioneer Mr. Sunny Lim Beng Joo from Malaysia, had arrived. Both Joe and Sunny Lim were advised to move out to the city of Comilla, another District capital in East Bangladesh, and to remain there until further notice. They were taken to Comilla by Shamsheer Ali and arrangements were made to accommodate them in the residential Hostel in the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Department (BARD) located in Mynamati, near Chittagong. It was also the training center for the co-operative societies in the country. As Joe was personally quite involved in building cooperatives in Malaysia via the Socio-Economic Upliftment Movement (SEUM) in 1967, this place had a special significance and attraction for him.
Another touching incident was the meeting of the heroic and pious Bahá’í elder, Mr. Safter Ahmed. He was in his late eighties, passing through the twilight of his long and significant life. Shamsheer Ali made arranged for them to meet this holy man, who was staying in his son’s staff quarters, provided to him as his son was the Principal of the entire establishment. When they were brought to meet him in the guest room, he found it difficult to communicate comfortably. Nevertheless, he made great efforts to express his deep feelings of attachment to their beloved Faith. He took pride and pleasure in pointing out to them the many references to the Faith in the Holy Quran.
ENCOUNTER WITH AMATU’L-BAHÁ RÚḤÍYYIH KHÁNUM
Pioneering would always entail special spiritual bestowals. Meeting Amatu’l-Bahá was Joe’s greatest blessing in his pioneering field in Bangladesh. Amatu’l-Bahá made a special visit to Bombay to attend a Teaching Conference in May 1974. Joe and Sunny Lim went to Bombay Airport first to receive her. A large tent was raised outside of the arrival lounge. She was then positioned for friends to shake hands with her, while they were being introduced. When Joe and Sunny Lim were introduced as the Malaysian pioneers now serving in Bangladesh, Amatu’l-Bahá immediately raised her right hand with the thumbs-up sign as a way of attracting everyone’s attention to the heroic services that the Malaysian pioneers were performing everywhere. That gesture was a sign that much was expected from Joe and Sunny Lim. In Bombay, the Teaching Conference and many related activities went extremely well. Amatu’l-Bahá graciously agreed to visit the newborn Bangladesh and spend some time after her agenda in India. In June 1974, elaborate programs were arranged for Amatu’l-Bahá and her traveling companion Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani in Dhaka.
Ever since Amatu’l-Bahá arrived in Dhaka, she had been staying in the Intercontinental Hotel. Her free time was always spent in the National Bahá’í Centre. Mr. Bahaman Moggadas, a pioneer from Iran, his wife Simin, and their two little children were staying in the National Centre as caretakers. Joe, Sunny Lim, and Sinna from Bombay were also staying at the same Centre. They were the most lucky people as Amatu’l-Bahá, along with her assistant Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani would come in the morning and spend the whole day with them like members of a family. Joe had the highest respect for Amatu’l-Bahá. He was always keeping his distance and cautious in carrying himself, to make sure he did not overdo his interactions with her. She on the other hand was always looking forward to being with Joe and Sunny. Whenever mealtime came, if these two were not there on the table, she would ask, “Where is Joe, where is Sunny?” Once when Joe was in the backyard, she spoke to him and was concerned if the USD50.00 he was receiving as pioneer allowance was sufficient to take care of his needs, as she felt it may be too little to take care of himself. She further added that if necessary she would ask the National Institution of Malaysia to increase his allowance. Joe replied very affirmatively that the allowance was more than enough.
It was the usual practice that every day Amatu’l-Bahá would be picked up and sent back to the Intercontinental Hotel by a ‘baby taxi’. No Bahá’í had a car to shuttle her; the only property of the Faith was the auto rickshaw to help believers move around for work for the Faith. It was a privilege given to pioneers to accompany her on her way back to the hotel with Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani. They were seated at the back, and Joe was sitting in the front seat on the left of the driver. While travelling she turned to Joe and said, “Joseph you have high maturity…it is important that you must be practical. We Bahá’ís must be practical”. As soon as Joe reached the Bahá’í Centre, he immediately took a paper and wrote down whatever she said, because he knew this was direct guidance from Amatu’l-Bahá, the wife of the beloved Guardian. Joe had always tried to follow this cardinal advice.
He also had a great privilege of meeting Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir in Bangladesh in 1974 itself. 
Believers meeting Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir at the old Airport of Dhaka in 1974. Dr. Muhájir is standing sixth from left. Squatting second from left is Joe. Standing at extreme right is Sunny Lim.
HIS OTHER ACTIVITIES
Joe went to Bangladesh at a time when so much had to be done for the Faith with so many challenges coming from all directions. It was this situation that stoked a fire in him to serve the Cause relentlessly, alone and also in league with the local believers. The National Spiritual Assembly was delighted to have Joe in Bangladesh recognizing his deep devotion to the Faith, which he cherished even more than his own well-being. While in Bangladesh, Joe studied Veterinary Medicine at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. It was the first agricultural university and also the second-largest public university in Bangladesh. But when there was an urgent need for service for the Faith, he discontinued his studies and attended to the more important task of serving the Cause. It was later that he resumed his studies at that university.
More than anything else, he was obedient to the national institution and willing to take up any task entrusted to him. He was also seen to be detached from all material things and attached to Bahá’u’lláh alone. Since he was passionate about teaching the Cause he was tasked with mass teaching, to bring in a lot of new enrolments. Joe had opened so many new localities – both urban and rural during his days in Bangladesh. He had initiated firesides in many places in Bangladesh. During his entire stay in the country, Joe was willing to go to any part at any given time to serve the Cause. He taught the tribal people and at the same time gave the Faith to university students and professors. He was always prepared to meet any person from any standing in society given the depth of his knowledge of the Faith. Though highly knowledgeable, Joe was also very humble. The combination of deep knowledge and humility seldom see eye to eye, but it worked well in the case of Joe. In 1976, just two years after stepping into Bangladesh Joe was appointed an Auxiliary Board member.
Mr. B. Afshin’s first visit to Bangladesh after his appointment as Counselor. Standing: L-R: Hooshmand Badi, Joseph Swaminathan, Gourango, Wajid Ali, Mohammed Yasin. Seated L-R: Shah Alam Choudhury, Nargis Banu (Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly), Counselor B. Afshin, Amjad Ali (Auxiliary Board member), and Nazar Abbas Abidi.
Joe had the habit of going deep into the letters issued by the Supreme Body. He would go paragraph by paragraph and even sentence by sentence if need be to go to the root of the message. On 20 October 1983, the Supreme Body sent out a circular to the Bahá’í world on economic solutions to help the poor. This was always a topic close to the heart of Joe and he sat down to go deep into the circular in an attempt to find out how he as an individual could give a helping hand to the downtrodden in society. There is a story on the humility of Joe. Mr. Hooshmand Badi wrote a book on “Spiritual Solutions to Economic Problems” that was published later in 1997. While in Bangladesh, Joe contributed a lot of input and suggestions. When the book came out, Joe totally refused to be acknowledged. He would say that the Faith is important, not the individual.
Occupying a room in the National Bahá’í Centre, he gave a series of deepening classes, especially on the station of Bahá’u’lláh, which was his favorite topic. Close to his heart was the subject on Christianity as he was well-grounded on this subject. The friends who attended his classes invariably had all their ears tuned to catch every word he uttered. They were very touched when they saw him sharing whatever deepening materials he had with him at that time. Joe saw the dearth of reading materials and set to get some Bahá’í books translated into the local Bengali language, mainly from English and Farsi. For that purpose, he also tried to take up learning Farsi. He was assisted by his wife Nargis Banu. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Shiva. Joe wrote a 72-page book on some of the teachings and concepts of the Bahá’í Faith which was translated by Mr. Sheikh Shahiduudin. It was greatly helpful in deepening classes.
Conference of 1977 held during the height of mass teaching. Standing L-R: unknown, unknown, Joseph Swaminathan, Masoomul Hoda, Danish Ali, Shamaheer Ali, Wajid Ali, unknown, unknown. Seated L-R: Bahman Muqqadas, Simin Muqqadas, unknown, Nazar Abbas Abidi, Choudhury, Hooshmand Badi. On the floor L-R: Azam Ali, Mohammed Yasin, unknown, unknown, unknown.
A short compilation on the Bahá’í way of life that was prepared by the Universal House of Justice and translated and published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India, West Bengal, India. Joe had it cyclostyled with the help of his assistant in Bangladesh. It was also used widely in classes and lectures.
In 1981, Joe became the editor of the first Bahá’í Newsletter in Bangladesh, called Shongbad Porikroma which was published in the Bengali language for the Assistants of the Auxiliary Board members in Bangladesh. This was issued from Mymensingh with the assistance of some friends. This newsletter played an important role in the teaching and proclamation activities as well as deepening the believers. When Joe left Bangladesh for Malaysia for good in 1985 this newsletter ceased publication. Thus, Joe had rendered invaluable services to the development of Bahá’í scholarship in the early stages of development of the Bahá’í Faith in Bangladesh.
Selection of some Holy Writings compiled by Joe and translated by Mr. Sheikh Shahiduudin. This was published in Rajshahi in 1982.
RETURN TO MALAYSIA
From 1984 to 1985 Joe and his wife Nargis Banu served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Bangladesh. They came for a brief visit to Malaysia in 1984. That was the first time the members of the family of Joe met Nargis. After a brief stay in Malaysia, they returned to Bangladesh. As soon as he completed his veterinary degree in Bangladesh in December 1985, he returned to Malaysia for good with his wife and daughter Shiva. The believers in Bangladesh were proud that Joe had returned to Malaysia after creating satisfactory and abiding results in that pioneering country. This time he tried his very best to get a permanent job to have a settled married life. From 1985 till December 1987 Joe worked different jobs and resided in two places – Klang and Johor Baru. As pioneers were needed in Guyana, the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia requested Joe and his wife to consider pioneering to Guyana. But Joe went alone to that country from January 1988 to September 1988. While he was away in Guyana his wife and daughter returned to Bangladesh. In Guyana, he stayed with the family of Kalavathy Ramasamy of Alor Star who is married to Mr. Seegopaul and serving the Cause most effectively. While on the hunt for jobs, Joe conducted weekly deepening classes in a few communities. He also advised and assisted farmers on cattle-rearing and general animal care. Joe was much loved by the locals there. In Guyana, his strenuous efforts to get a stable job did not work out. He returned to Malaysia heartbroken, yet with the thought that there has to be a wisdom known to God alone. It was only when he returned to Malaysia that a letter offering a job as a lecturer at the National Agriculture Research Institute arrived in the home of Seegopaul. But Joe did not return to Guyana. Instead, from September 1988 to December 1989, Joe was in Canada making every effort to get a job and settle in that country as a family. But that too did not work. Getting a permanent seemed to be a hazy and distant dream despite all the strenuous efforts he undertook. Joe returned to Malaysia. Sadly, from December 1989 till September 1992 he and his wife went through divorce proceedings. Joe had faced many challenges and tests in his life. His life was strewn with formidable pains, but the motivating force that kept him going all along undaunted was the inner strength and joy in serving the Cause. Joe then worked in Johor Bahru, and later as Veterinary Clinical Practitioner in Kuala Lumpur.
CAMBODIA
Joe’s passion was always for serving as a field worker for the Cause. It was at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia to revive the Faith in the Kingdom of Cambodia, that Mr. Raymond Peter and later his cousin Joe pioneered to that country from September 1992 till June 1998. These two were teamed up well and were able to assimilate easily into Cambodian society and won their love. They together started the City Lotus Restaurant and Guest House which served as a defacto Bahá’í Centre. They communicated with the World Centre, giving suggestions to how the Faith could be re-established, and Peter wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia to send pioneers to Cambodia and flew down to meet the Secretary of the national institution to speed up the process. Dynamic forces were let loose, and many Malaysian believers went to Cambodia for short and long-term pioneering. Whoever came to serve the Cause in Cambodia was magically attracted to the City Lotus Restaurant and Guest House that provided food and hospitality and disseminated the Bahá’í teachings, all in one package. New believers were brought to be deepened in the Faith. These believers were put through the institute process that was first started in Cambodia on the rooftop of the City Lotus Restaurant and Guest House. Thus, there was a new zeal, renewed spirit, and irrepressible enthusiasm at the City Lotus Restaurant and Guest House, which had become a beacon of light in disseminating the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. All these developments had earned the good pleasure of the World Centre. In a letter dated 11 November 1993 addressed to Peter and Joe Swaminathan, the Universal House of Justice mentioned that they were very proud of the significant progress of the Cause ushered by them in Cambodia and assured prayers for their efforts in the Holy Shrines. In Ridván 1994, the National Spiritual Assembly of Cambodia was formed with Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum representing the Supreme Body. She was accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani. Both of them were quick to recognize Joe whom they had met earlier in 1974 in Bangladesh.
First National Bahá’í Convention of Cambodia, 1994. L-R: Joe Swaminathan, Mr. Nasir Uddin, a pioneer from Bangladesh at the Bahá’í Centre near Wat Langka in Phnom Penh, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani.
Joe in his own way labored tirelessly to establish and strengthen the Bahá’í community. His focus was on empowering and consolidating the early Bahá’ís while sharing the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh among the Khmer community, known for their deep spiritual thirst. He collaborated closely with international pioneers, visiting Bahá’ís in villages, provinces, and townships throughout the country. This systematic and grassroots-oriented approach brought about significant growth and deepened the community’s spiritual roots. Additionally, he served as an English teacher at the Raffles English School, operated by the Bahá’ís, enhancing the reading and conversational abilities of local friends and making the school a bridge for spiritual and cultural exchange.
From June 1998 till July 2016, he was back in Malaysia and worked as a Clinical Practitioner for the Thomas Veterinary Clinic in Klang town. On the request of Counselor Dr. Loh Lee Lee, Joe once again left on 31 July 2016 to serve in Cambodia.
By the late 1990s, as the Ruhi Institute programs began to flourish in Cambodia, Joe redirected his energy toward establishing a dynamic pattern of action that would lead to the vibrant development of local communities. He played a key role in initiating and nurturing activities such as devotional meetings, home visits, children’s classes, junior youth groups, and study circles, ensuring that these core activities became firmly rooted in the community. His keen sense for identifying new areas for community-building led him to focus on neighborhoods such as Dei Thmey (“New Land”) and Chroy Changvar (a satellite city of Phnom Penh). At the request of Counselor Reth Sokuntheary, Joe moved to Dei Thmey, where, with the support of an active local Bahá’í youth Mr. Rith Chanveasna, he established children’s classes, junior youth activities, and study circles. His home became a vibrant hub, drawing many receptive souls to the area. The classes he conducted quickly gained a reputation for their spiritual depth, and their attendance grew steadily.
In Chroy Changvar, he worked closely with Mrs. Rajwantee Lepain and Mrs. Ramani Velayutham to establish junior youth classes within a predominantly Muslim cluster. The team’s thoughtful approach, which included meeting with and briefing the village chief, a Muslim Imam, was met with great success. The Imam not only embraced their initiative but also became a steadfast supporter of the junior youth program, offering his assistance whenever needed and becoming a cherished friend to the Bahá’í community in the area. Mrs. Rajwantee’s residence became a hub of activities.
Feast at the home of Mr. Velayutham and Ramani Devi in Toul Kork in 2017. L-R : Joe, Mrs. Rajwantee Lepain, Mr. Keo Daravuth, Mr. Raymond Peter and Mr. Ly Sorsane.
Joe was also instrumental in conducting study circles in another prominent neighborhood, Chbar Ampov. There, he was invited by Mr. Madhen Singh, Chairman of Ahha Education, to provide moral education to their students. His expertise in teaching and deepening proved highly effective, and his approach to education—steeped in love, patience, and understanding—left a lasting impact wherever he went.
Teaching of Ruhi and empowerment class to teachers at Chbar Ampov neighbourhood near Ahha Education Center in 2014. Joe stands third from right, and Madhen Singh at third from left.
Fifth National Bahá’í Convention of Cambodia (22 – 24 May 1998). Photo taken with delegates, observers and international pioneers with Counsellor Mrs. Zenaida Ramirez from the Philippines (standing second row center with glasses). Joe is standing on the extreme left in white long sleeve shirt. (Photo credit: Mrs. Ramani Velayutham)
Joe attending with other believers a deepening on Ḥuqúqu’lláh conducted by Mrs. Marzia Rowhani Dalal, a member of the International Board of Trustees from India, sitting third from left. This was in 2015 when Joe was serving on Local Spiritual Assembly of Phnom Penh.
Joe seated at the extreme left, at the premises of the Bahá’í House of Worship at Battambang.
Intensive Junior Youth Course for the South Region conducted during school holidays in Phnom Penh on 27 August 2016. Joe explains the significance of the Bahá’í symbol.
In 2017 Joe attending Feast at Toul Kork neighbourhood at Mrs. Rajwantee Lepain’s residence.
In 2017, while still actively serving the Cambodian community, Joe returned to Malaysia for good due to health concerns. Unfortunately, he could not return to Cambodia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and his declining health. Yet, his legacy of selfless service, dedication, and love for the Bahá’í Faith continues to inspire all who were blessed to know him. His steadfast commitment to pioneering in diverse and challenging environments stands as a testament to his dedication to the Cause—a commitment that continues to inspire and guide all who follow in his footsteps. To many Cambodian friends, he was more than a mentor, a spiritual father, a spiritual guide, a dear friend, an uncle, and a steadfast supporter. His advice was always imbued with spiritual wisdom and profound insight. He constantly reminded the believers how they could serve Bahá’u’lláh with love and harmony in every possible way. In many ways, he helped them gain spiritual strength, focus, and steadfastness in the Covenant.
HOME FRONT PIONEERING
Back in Malaysia, Joe would not rest. The national institution of Malaysia saw that there was a need for manpower to build communities in the state of Pahang. Joe went to the town of Bentong first as a home front pioneer and then to the Mentakab community. Joe was in Mentakab as a homefront pioneer from mid-2021 till June 2024. He was sent by the Regional Bahá’í Council of the Southern Region and was financially supported by it. He went there to carry out community-building activities, focusing more on training up youth to become the resources in the community. It was quite a challenge for him as he found their literacy level was too low. Thus, he engaged mostly in literacy classes.
He stayed at Mentakab Bahá’í Centre and was very independent. He was deeply involved in training the youth and organizing Junior Youth sessions and also children’s activities. He also gave free English classes. He had a good mastery of the English language, yet he was able to speak well in the Tamil language, which was the most widely spoken among the believers. It was rather very challenging for him as the community’s ability to speak, read, and write the three languages–Tamil, Malay and English was rather very low. Whenever there were classes for children, Junior Youth programs, or study of Ruhi books, he always cooked for them. Most of the children who attended his classes were from very poor family backgrounds. His policy was that no child should feel hungry when they attended classes. If the class were for half a day he would provide breakfast, but if they were full-day sessions, Joe would cook and provide three meals. He even taught the youth to cook, and later the youth started cooking lunch under his guidance.
Some participants of the free English Classes that Joe conducted at Mentakab Bahá’í Centre.
Most of the time he cooked meals for himself and also for participants of the activities he arranged. He was also a valuable member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Mentakab for one term from 2022 to 2023. He had a house of his own in Sepang town which he rented out, and with which he was able to have a car of his own and sustain himself. But there was also a time when the tenant did not pay rent for one whole year. Within the limits of his wallet, Joe lived a very simple and prudent life.
While serving in Mentakab, Joe developed some heart complications. He had other complications as well and they started to take a cumulative toll on his health, but not on his unquenchable spirit! The National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia was concerned over his health matter. Yet he stayed on in Mentakab in the spirit of home-front pioneering and to fulfill the needs of the local teaching field.
Joe’s tenure as a home front pioneer ended on June 24, 2024, and yet he felt he was not over the hill as yet. Once his term as a home-front pioneer concluded, Joe wanted to become financially self-sufficient and had discussed with Dr. Peter Chew Huat Chin to join his Veterinary Clinic in Rawang town. Joe then had his veterinarian license renewed at the office in Putrajaya, the Federal capital. The last activity in Mentakab was a class on character building and the importance of academic excellence conducted on 17 August 2024 by his sister Jaysie from Klang, with Joe giving all the needed support and assistance. After this event Joe followed his sister Jaysie to Klang and then went on to stay in his brother Vincent’s place in Selayang.
On the morning of Friday 23 August 2024, Joe met up with Dr. Peter Chew in Rawang, and conversed very normally. In the afternoon he started his return journey to Mentakab to continue conducting Ruhi classes for the youth. One hour later the family received a call from a doctor in Rawang to say that Joe was rushed to a private hospital in Rawang as he had succumbed to a heart attack and had difficulties in breathing. He was on a ventilator and unconscious. The family then transferred him to the hospital in Selayang where he passed away around 4 am on 24 August 2024.
A funeral was held at his Selayang home and was taken to the Bahá’í Memorial Park in Seremban for a befitting burial. The National Spiritual Assembly of Bangladesh organized a memorial service for Joe on 25 August 2024 where accolades were placed upon him. During the Feast of Izzát (Might) held on 6 September 2024, the Phnom Penh Bahá’í community warmly commemorated Joe’s dedicated services, offering heartfelt tributes to his enduring contributions. His unwavering devotion and efforts were remembered with deep admiration, reflecting the profound impact he left on the hearts and lives of those he served.
Last activity of Joe on this earthly plane-a class on character building and the importance of academic excellence in Mentakab. Seated next to Joe is his sister Jaysie.
HIS LEGACY
Joe died with his spirit as a pioneer. In his passing, the community of the Greatest Name has lost yet another sincere servant molded by the wondrous hands of Baháʼu’lláh. Joe faced too many challenges in his life, yet he was immovable as a mountain where faith in Bahá’u’lláh was concerned. A large number of years of his life went to pioneering abroad—twelve years in Bangladesh, seven years in Cambodia, and a few months in Guyana, and the last leg of his fieldwork as home front pioneer in Mentakab, Pahang. Joe had always wanted to set up his veterinary clinic. Each time he made a move in that direction, calls came for service, and he gave his priority in answering the calls. It was in this service for the Blessed Perfection that Joe found an inner and inexpressible joy and happiness. He believed in carrying out his spiritual duties behind the scenes, without any fanfare. Joe was not one who had anything to complain on anything or anyone in the path of service.
Joe was known for his generous spirit and kind heart. He often donated his personal effects, equipment, and furniture to Bahá’í friends and institutions, embodying the principle of selflessness. He found immense joy and fulfillment in serving Bahá’u’lláh and was always ready to travel wherever needed to fulfill his heart’s desire. The Bahá’í Faith was his everything—his ultimate heart’s desire and soul. With a radiant smile, he once said, “I had only beseeched Bahá’u’lláh to grant me five more years to live, but surprisingly that period has exceeded to nine instead”. His warm smile and friendly face will be missed forever but shall always be fondly remembered.
Joe returned to his Creator consumed by the fire of the love of Bahá’u’lláh. We are sure the Blessed Beauty would reward this God-intoxicated servant his full share of blessings for his relentless labors for the progress of the Faith, performed with so much devotion, zeal, and sincerity. He has left behind great examples of a sincere worker. In summing up, his life was nothing less than pure sacrifice for the glorious Faith of Bahá’u’lláh!
SOURCES:
1. Jewel Among Nations – An account of the early days of the Bahá’í Faith in West Malaysia, Splendour Publications, (2003) by the author
2. Notes from Joe, submitted to the author in 2019
A. Manisegaran
30 September 2024
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