Born in Japanese-occupied Malaya at the tail end of World War II, Dato' Ramanathan Vengadesan's tale mirrors the growth of his country. He lived through the Communist Emergency, Merdeka Day, the Confrontation, the formation of Malaysia and the May 13 riots. He was also one of the pioneering batch of Universiti Malaya students and went on to enjoy a 35-year career in the Malaysian diplomatic service, working with most of the country's prime ministers and eventually occupying the role of Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy. He travelled to over 70 countries and speaks a half-dozen languages. Along the way, there have been triumphs and tragedies and he remains steadfast to the goals of the nation. Ultimately his story is that of an unbowed patriot.