When Tharani Gunalan kept her Police application a secret from her father, Supt Gunalan Govindasamy, he never expected what would happen next... This Father's Day, discover how one family’s story of service came full circle.
By: Domnic Dass
Every morning at Training Command (TRACOM), two Gunalans report for duty – Superintendent of Police (Supt) Gunalan Govindasamy as Head Planning, and his daughter Tharani Gunalan as a Senior Officer Trainee (SOT).
While they rarely cross paths during working hours, their shared commitment to serving Singapore speaks volumes about a father’s influence. This Father’s Day, we discover how one officer’s dedication to both his Police career and family has inspired the next generation of leadership in blue.
What inspired you to join the Police?
After serving as a Platoon Commander at Pulau Tekong during my National Service, I discovered my passion for leadership. While the Singapore Armed Forces had given me valuable experience, I was drawn to explore a different dimension of leadership in the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Frontline policing appealed to me, and I felt my leadership skills would be well-suited to law enforcement. This led me to join the SPF as a Senior Officer in 1996.
What are your current responsibilities at TRACOM?
As Head Planning, I oversee budget management, operations, official visits and publicity matters. I ensure these aspects work together to support TRACOM’s mission of developing future officers.
What have been your most memorable postings?
In my 29-year career, I’ve had 12 postings. I helped to establish the Public Transport Security Command in 2009. I also experienced strong esprit de corps as Head Corporate Services with the Traffic Police (TP) in 2014, and supported major events such as the North Korea-United States Singapore Summit in 2018 during my time as a Commanding Officer in Kampong Java Neighbourhood Police Centre in 2017.
What was your first reaction when Tharani told you she wanted to join the Force?
She kept it a secret until she was shortlisted for an interview. She wanted to keep it as low-profile as possible. I was pleasantly surprised and hoped she’d be successful in her application – which she was!
As someone who has dedicated his life to policing, what advice do you have for Tharani as she builds her own career in the SPF?
Policing is an extraordinary career that also requires personal sacrifice. The SPF offers many opportunities for growth and officers must be ready to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with wearing the uniform.
What’s it been like for you to undergo training at TRACOM, where your father is also working?
Despite being in the same compound, we rarely cross paths! We've only seen each other twice, both during mass deployments – we exchanged a quick nod from afar. Our dynamic remains unchanged as we’ve always kept our professional and personal lives separate. He’s still my dad first, and a Police officer second when I need specific advice.
What are your earliest memories of your father as a Police officer?
My earliest memory is from a Police Family Day Fair when I was about four or five. I remember taking photos with Police vehicles and enjoying the attractions. I thought my dad had many friends because he kept stopping to chat with officers while guiding my brother and me. Looking back, I now realise those were his colleagues.
There wasn’t one single moment that made me want to become an officer, but years of watching my father serve. I remember him coming home for a brief rest between long hours of work, yet his dedication and satisfaction always shone through. It was his quiet commitment to justice that inspired me.
What aspect of your father’s career do you most admire?
I admire how he consistently upholds the law with fairness. As I begin my own journey, I hope to help build a Force that’s not only respected for keeping Singapore safe and secure but also cherished for its connection to the community.
What do you want to tell your dad on Father’s Day?
Happy Father’s Day, Appa! Thank you for always being ready to answer my questions, even if it was at the crack of dawn. I’m so grateful for your wisdom, humour and every single memory we’ve made. Wishing you a day filled with love and joy!
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