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Lee Youn Chin children dates and names of community collaborators. Some more on his personal life and leadership as no archives were kept or digitized to record historical events in the development of the Hakka Chinese in Kolkata. Its barely scattered with a few lines here and there as almost non existence of a man such as Lee Youn Chin.
→Lee Youn Chin: Added a few citations, dates and grammar correction Mar 11th
Line 13: Line 13:
The New Pei May High School, Kolkata India
The New Pei May High School, Kolkata India
| spouse = Koo Tek Siu
| spouse = Koo Tek Siu
| children = Lee Shiu Fang 1933 -
| children = Lee Shiu Fang 1933 -
Lee Hok Seong 1935 -1969
Lee Hok Seong 1935-1969
Li Chun Fang 1936 -
Li Chun Fang 1936 -
Lee Jun Fong 1940-1992
Lee Jun Fong 1940-1992
Lee Yam Fong 1943-
Lee Yam Fong 1943-
Lee Sin Fong 1946 -
Lee Sin Fong 1946 -
Lee Siu Fong 1948 -
Lee Siu Fong 1948 -
Lee Chun Hsiang 1950-2010
Lee Chun Hsiang 1950-2010
Lee Tung Hsing 1953 -
Lee Tung Hsing 1953 -
Li Kin Fang 1956 -
Li Kin Fang 1956-
| mother = Choo Kyuk Yin
| mother = Choo Kyuk Yin
| father = Lee See Shan
| father = Lee See Shan
Line 32: Line 32:
Lee Youn Chin (1903 – 1991) was a visionary and a distinguished Chinese Hakka community leader for over half a century in India.  Born in the Hakka village of Moiyan in [[Guangdong|Guangdong,]] China. At age 18, together with a few elders he embarked on a voyage to prospect for better life opportunities arriving in British India’s east coast of [[Bay of Bengal]], [[Queen Victoria]] crown city [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] then, ([[Kolkata]]). He went back to China first and last time to wed his wife, Koo Tek Siu, at age 24 and took her to Kolkata, where they would spend a lifetime until his death in 1991.
Lee Youn Chin (1903 – 1991) was a visionary and a distinguished Chinese Hakka community leader for over half a century in India.  Born in the Hakka village of Moiyan in [[Guangdong|Guangdong,]] China. At age 18, together with a few elders he embarked on a voyage to prospect for better life opportunities arriving in British India’s east coast of [[Bay of Bengal]], [[Queen Victoria]] crown city [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] then, ([[Kolkata]]). He went back to China first and last time to wed his wife, Koo Tek Siu, at age 24 and took her to Kolkata, where they would spend a lifetime until his death in 1991.


As a business tannery owner, he also volunteered his time and contributed immensely, the interest of the community. His leadership lasted over fifty years (1930-1985), together with a dedicated community loyalists and collaborators, many new plans were initiated, implemented and managed to address the needs of the growing [[Hakka Chinese]]. From managing The Chinese Tannery Owners Association; The Overseas Chinese Commerce Association of India<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Homegrown |title=Kolkata’s Tannery Neighbourhood Is Home To India’s Only Chinese Language Newspaper |url=https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-explore/kolkatas-tannery-neighbourhood-is-home-to-indias-only-chinese-language-newspaper |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=Homegrown |language=en}}</ref>; the need for a local Chinese [https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3115286/end-indias-last-chinese-language-newspaper-editors-death Seong Pow] [https://thebengalstory.com/english/a-chinese-newspaper-that-represents-the-indomitable-spirit-of-kolkata/ newspaper]; a bigger The New Pei May Chinese High school and even to buying land for the community burials. His loyalists journeyed with him in the vested interest of the common good. The community would go to him to settle their woes with each other.  He was a man of great intellect and sound judgement and settled over hundreds of disputes. In the course of such he received great admiration and appreciation from the community at large, as well as had a fall-out with a few with his judgement. They would plot to take him down later through his most promising eldest son. They tore a part of his living when his right-hand man, his young son Lee Hok Seong, an educated with a mind that reflected his own, was assassinated by a grenade thrown on his back (1969).
As a business tannery owner, he also volunteered his time and contributed immensely to the interest of the community. His leadership lasted over fifty years (1930-1985). Together with a dedicated community loyalists and collaborators, many new plans were initiated, implemented and managed to address the needs of the growing [[Hakka Chinese]]. From managing The Chinese Tannery Owners Association<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pathak |first=Nilima |date=2018-01-01 |title=Chinese newspaper that's Made in India |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/chinese-newspaper-thats-made-in-india-1.2150089 |access-date=March 11, 2023 |website=Gulf News}}</ref>; The Overseas Chinese Commerce Association of India<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Homegrown |title=Kolkata’s Tannery Neighbourhood Is Home To India’s Only Chinese Language Newspaper |url=https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-explore/kolkatas-tannery-neighbourhood-is-home-to-indias-only-chinese-language-newspaper |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=Homegrown |language=en}}</ref>; the need for a local Chinese [https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3115286/end-indias-last-chinese-language-newspaper-editors-death Seong Pow] newspaper; a bigger The New Pei May<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Abir |date=2016-06-30 |title=The Story of Chinese People in Kolkata and How it Gave Us Our Favorite Chinese Food |url=https://www.storypick.com/chinese-food/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=StoryPick}}</ref> Chinese High school and to buying land for the community burials. His loyalists journeyed with him in the vested interest of the common good. The community would go to him to settle their grievances with each other. He was a man of great intellect and sound judgement and settled over hundreds of disputes. He received great admiration and appreciation from the community at large and had a fall-out with his judgement. His oldest son, Lee Hok Seong, an educated young man with a promising future was assassinated by a grenade thrown on his back (1969). Then another attack on his body was attempted when a youth was sent to his house on a pretext to deliver him a letter.


⚫
He had just lifted his head from the desk and saw a swing of a dagger behind him. His reflex in a second was to bend forward narrowly missing a fatal injury. The dagger jabbed in his left upper back inches from his heart. His family rushed to him then refrained and held the juvenile until he was taken away.
Through a storm of emotions, both grief and fury that evil minded would choose a life to eliminate to bring him down! Even at the lowest point of his life, yet Lee You Chin proved true to his mettle, to never lose his conscience.


⚫
Lee Youn Chin<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Rajdeep Datta |date=2008-07-26 |title=News from Tangra |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/TirR2KGKv23EAopEbHSnUP/News-from-Tangra.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Mint}}</ref> looked straight ahead and continued his life’s journey through adversaries in honor, valor, grace, wisdom, courage and strength.  He left behind a legacy of distinguished works both within the community and to his children. In his lifetime the community grew strong to over 15,000. Today that number now stands over 2,000 (unofficial census) most having left for North America.
⚫
Then another surprise attack on his body was attempted when the same evil minded sent a youth on a pretext to deliver a letter to him at his house. Lee Youn Chin had just lifted his head from the desk, saw a swing of a dagger behind him, his reflex in a second to bend forward, narrowly missing a fatal injury. The dagger jabbed in his left upper back inches from his heart. His family rushed to him, refrained and held the juvenile until he was taken away.

⚫
Through adversaries, Lee Youn Chin looked straight ahead and continued his life’s journey within the community even in later years, in honor, valor, grace, wisdom, courage and strength.  He left behind a legacy of distinguished works both within the community and to his children. In his lifetime the community grew strong to over 15,000. Today that number now stands over 2,000 (unofficial census) most having left for North America.


=== His Life and Works ===
=== His Life and Works ===
[https://thebengalstory.com/english/a-chinese-newspaper-that-represents-the-indomitable-spirit-of-kolkata/ Lee Youn Chin] was born in 1903 in Guangdong, China, the fourth of five children of Lee See Shan and Choo Kyuk Yin, consisting of 1 older sister and 4 brothers. At six years of age, his father died.  Raised by his humble mother and relatives, he loved books and completed high school before being encouraged to follow the next wave of migrants to British India.  At 18 years, he embarked on a sea voyage to India in 1920s.  When his ship docked in the Bay of Bengal capital, Calcutta then (Kolkata), he braved his first step on foreign soil with a confidence. The Hakka community had early settlers in India since the first known pioneer by the name of, [https://www.getbengal.com/details/how-did-the-chinese-land-up-in-kolkata-and-bengal Yang Tai Chow]. 
[https://thebengalstory.com/english/a-chinese-newspaper-that-represents-the-indomitable-spirit-of-kolkata/ Lee Youn Chin] was born in 1903 in Guangdong, China. The fourth of five children of Lee See Shan and Choo Kyuk Yin, consisting of 1 older sister and 4 brothers. At six years of age his father died.  Raised by his humble mother and relatives, he loved books and completed high school before being encouraged to follow the next wave of migrants to British India.  At 18 years, he embarked on a sea voyage to India in 1920s.  When his ship docked in the Bay of Bengal capital, Calcutta then (Kolkata), he braved his first step on foreign soil with a confidence. The Hakka community had early settlers in India since the first known pioneer by the name of, [https://www.getbengal.com/details/how-did-the-chinese-land-up-in-kolkata-and-bengal Yang Tai Chow]. 


Lee Youn Chin had uncles already in Kolkata, with whom he received shelter and help. He earned money at his uncle’s shoe shop and from taking other apprenticeship. He saved enough money in a few years to visit China to find a wife, Koo Tek Siu. Returning to Kolkata with his new wife, the young couple labored hard and had savings to buy a large plot of swamp land, the address at 46, South Tangra Road, Kolkata, India. This swamp was transformed into dry land over tons of dirt. Lee Youn Chin built his house where he raised ten children of seven daughters and three sons. Later, he extended to establish and built his tannery factory beside it.  He sent for his mother Koo Tek Siu, to join him arriving on a flight and she lived in his care until the ripe age 101 (198?).
Lee Youn Chin had uncles already in Kolkata with whom he received shelter and help. He earned money at his uncle’s shoe shop and from taking other apprenticeship. He saved enough money in a few years to visit China and married his wife Koo Tek Siu. Returning to Kolkata with his new wife, the young couple labored hard and had savings to buy a large plot of swamp land, at 46 South Tangra Road, Kolkata, India. This swamp was transformed into dry land over tons of dirt. He built his house where he raised ten children of seven daughters and three sons. He extended later to establish and built his tannery factory beside it. His mother Koo Tek Siu joined him arriving on a flight and she lived in his care until the ripe age 101 (198?).


In 1945, the British Raj was over, with an independent young India gained [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]]. In 1950s he applied and was granted Indian Citizenship. For the community, he also helped the community who spoke little to no English or local language with their citizenship application by having his oldest son, Lee Hok Seong, who was educated, knowledgeable to help with their paper works for Indian Residency Status.
In 1945, the British Raj was over with an independent young India gained [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]]. In 1950s, he applied and was granted Indian citizenship. He also helped the community who spoke little to no English or local language with their citizenship application by having his oldest son, Lee Hok Seong who was educated and knowledgeable, to help with their paper works for Indian Residency Status.


⚫
As a community leader, Lee You Chin was surrounded by volunteers and contributors who formed a team for decades in the running of the community affairs.

⚫
As a community leader, Lee You Chin was surrounded by volunteers and passionate contributors who formed a team for decades in the running of the community affairs. These dedicated loyalists and notable persons are
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
! colspan="4" |Notable Collaborators
⚫
!Chung Yit Shing
⚫
!Lee See Yim
⚫
!Chung Lee Ming
!Liao Shih Shen?
|-
⚫
|Lee Van Yao
⚫
|Lee Fong Chaan
|Youn Yu Yun
|Liu?
|-
|-
⚫
|Chung Yit Shing
|
⚫
|Lee See Yim
|
⚫
|Chung Lee Ming
|
|
|
|-
|-
⚫
|Lee Van Yao
|
⚫
|Lee Fong Chaan
|
|
|
|
|}
|}
⚫
When the [[Sino-Indian War|Sino-Indian]] war broke out in 1962, his family and those who had Indian citizenship were not affected by the Indian government relocation (internment) of the Chinese Indians from the east coast of Bengal to the west coast of Deoli, [[Deoli, Rajasthan|Rajasthan]], India. Those that held a "Stateless" status or were not of Indian descend or citizenship had their lives, their families and livelihood disrupted in the relocation program.


⚫
When the [[Sino-Indian War|Sino-Indian]] war broke out in 1962, his family and those who had Indian citizenship were not affected by the Indian government relocation (internment) of the Chinese Indians from the east coast of Bengal to the west coast of Deoli, [[Deoli, Rajasthan|Rajasthan]], India. Those that held a Stateless status or were not of Indian descend or citizenship had their livelihood and their families disrupted in the relocation program. Another relocation by the order of the Supreme court 1995 to relocate the Kolkata tanneries<ref>{{Cite web |last=GB Get Bengal |first=Information Desk |date=2019-02-20 |title=How did the Hakka Chinese Community learn Bengali |url=https://www.getbengal.com/details/how-did-the-hakka-chinese-community-learn-bengali |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=GB Get Bengal}}</ref>, further caused more Chinese community to leave India.
⚫
Together with his team, the community prospered. He never sought accolades nor vengeance for death of his son or had any effect on him when a few systematically destroyed his legacy. His life's work was done, and he never cared to collect plumes to decorate his hat. This great life came and lived in the memories of many, the generation of which are dying out. The younger generation long gone abroad barely know the history of the Hakka Community in Kolkata. This is a tribute to honor a great man that he was not a myth, but such a legend did exist, came and went.


⚫
Together with his collaborators, the community prospered. He never sought accolades nor vengeance for death of his son or had any effect on him when a few systematically destroyed his legacy. His life's work was done. This great life came and lived in the memories of many with no printed record. As the older generation age die out, the younger generation lack the knowledge of their Hakka community history or of their influential leader.
As a man, a leader he demonstrated the consistencies through his life's works in wisdom, strength, courage and strength. One such constant with him to his very end, was his great minds and conscience.


=== References ===
=== References ===
{{Reflist}}<references />
{{Reflist}}

Revision as of 04:36, 12 March 2023

Lee Youn Chin

Lee Youn Chin
BornJune 1903
Guangdong, China
Died1991/10/07
Kolkata, India
Burial placeBaptized a Christian. Chinese Cemetary Kolkata India
CitizenshipIndian
Board member ofThe Chinese Tannery Owners Association

The Overseas Chinese Commerce Association of India Seong Pow - Overseas Chinese Daily Newspaper

The New Pei May High School, Kolkata India
SpouseKoo Tek Siu
ChildrenLee Shiu Fang 1933 -

Lee Hok Seong 1935-1969 Li Chun Fang 1936 - Lee Jun Fong 1940-1992 Lee Yam Fong 1943- Lee Sin Fong 1946 - Lee Siu Fong 1948 - Lee Chun Hsiang 1950-2010 Lee Tung Hsing 1953 -

Li Kin Fang 1956-
Parents
  • Lee See Shan (father)
  • Choo Kyuk Yin (mother)
RelativesLee See Kam (Uncle)

Lee See Sham (Uncle) Lee See Lim (Uncle)

Lee See Chim (Uncle)

Lee Youn Chin (1903 – 1991) was a visionary and a distinguished Chinese Hakka community leader for over half a century in India.  Born in the Hakka village of Moiyan in Guangdong, China. At age 18, together with a few elders he embarked on a voyage to prospect for better life opportunities arriving in British India’s east coast of Bay of Bengal, Queen Victoria crown city Calcutta then, (Kolkata). He went back to China first and last time to wed his wife, Koo Tek Siu, at age 24 and took her to Kolkata, where they would spend a lifetime until his death in 1991.

As a business tannery owner, he also volunteered his time and contributed immensely to the interest of the community. His leadership lasted over fifty years (1930-1985). Together with a dedicated community loyalists and collaborators, many new plans were initiated, implemented and managed to address the needs of the growing Hakka Chinese. From managing The Chinese Tannery Owners Association[1]; The Overseas Chinese Commerce Association of India[2]; the need for a local Chinese Seong Pow newspaper; a bigger The New Pei May[3] Chinese High school and to buying land for the community burials. His loyalists journeyed with him in the vested interest of the common good. The community would go to him to settle their grievances with each other. He was a man of great intellect and sound judgement and settled over hundreds of disputes. He received great admiration and appreciation from the community at large and had a fall-out with his judgement. His oldest son, Lee Hok Seong, an educated young man with a promising future was assassinated by a grenade thrown on his back (1969). Then another attack on his body was attempted when a youth was sent to his house on a pretext to deliver him a letter.

He had just lifted his head from the desk and saw a swing of a dagger behind him. His reflex in a second was to bend forward narrowly missing a fatal injury. The dagger jabbed in his left upper back inches from his heart. His family rushed to him then refrained and held the juvenile until he was taken away.

Lee Youn Chin[4] looked straight ahead and continued his life’s journey through adversaries in honor, valor, grace, wisdom, courage and strength.  He left behind a legacy of distinguished works both within the community and to his children. In his lifetime the community grew strong to over 15,000. Today that number now stands over 2,000 (unofficial census) most having left for North America.

His Life and Works

Lee Youn Chin was born in 1903 in Guangdong, China. The fourth of five children of Lee See Shan and Choo Kyuk Yin, consisting of 1 older sister and 4 brothers. At six years of age his father died.  Raised by his humble mother and relatives, he loved books and completed high school before being encouraged to follow the next wave of migrants to British India.  At 18 years, he embarked on a sea voyage to India in 1920s.  When his ship docked in the Bay of Bengal capital, Calcutta then (Kolkata), he braved his first step on foreign soil with a confidence. The Hakka community had early settlers in India since the first known pioneer by the name of, Yang Tai Chow. 

Lee Youn Chin had uncles already in Kolkata with whom he received shelter and help. He earned money at his uncle’s shoe shop and from taking other apprenticeship. He saved enough money in a few years to visit China and married his wife Koo Tek Siu. Returning to Kolkata with his new wife, the young couple labored hard and had savings to buy a large plot of swamp land, at 46 South Tangra Road, Kolkata, India. This swamp was transformed into dry land over tons of dirt. He built his house where he raised ten children of seven daughters and three sons. He extended later to establish and built his tannery factory beside it. His mother Koo Tek Siu joined him arriving on a flight and she lived in his care until the ripe age 101 (198?).

In 1945, the British Raj was over with an independent young India gained Independence Day. In 1950s, he applied and was granted Indian citizenship. He also helped the community who spoke little to no English or local language with their citizenship application by having his oldest son, Lee Hok Seong who was educated and knowledgeable, to help with their paper works for Indian Residency Status.

As a community leader, Lee You Chin was surrounded by volunteers and contributors who formed a team for decades in the running of the community affairs.

Notable Collaborators
Chung Yit Shing Lee See Yim Chung Lee Ming
Lee Van Yao Lee Fong Chaan

When the Sino-Indian war broke out in 1962, his family and those who had Indian citizenship were not affected by the Indian government relocation (internment) of the Chinese Indians from the east coast of Bengal to the west coast of Deoli, Rajasthan, India. Those that held a Stateless status or were not of Indian descend or citizenship had their livelihood and their families disrupted in the relocation program. Another relocation by the order of the Supreme court 1995 to relocate the Kolkata tanneries[5], further caused more Chinese community to leave India.

Together with his collaborators, the community prospered. He never sought accolades nor vengeance for death of his son or had any effect on him when a few systematically destroyed his legacy. His life's work was done. This great life came and lived in the memories of many with no printed record. As the older generation age die out, the younger generation lack the knowledge of their Hakka community history or of their influential leader.

References

  1. ^ Pathak, Nilima (2018-01-01). "Chinese newspaper that's Made in India". Gulf News. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  2. ^ Staff, Homegrown. "Kolkata's Tannery Neighbourhood Is Home To India's Only Chinese Language Newspaper". Homegrown. Retrieved 2023-03-10.
  3. ^ Gupta, Abir (2016-06-30). "The Story of Chinese People in Kolkata and How it Gave Us Our Favorite Chinese Food". StoryPick. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
  4. ^ Roy, Rajdeep Datta (2008-07-26). "News from Tangra". Mint. Retrieved 2023-03-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ GB Get Bengal, Information Desk (2019-02-20). "How did the Hakka Chinese Community learn Bengali". GB Get Bengal. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
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