Fighting to a Finish 8 by Siva Sivapragasam Among Different Types of Government, with It's Demerits, Save the Children Promises Have Been Made

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KUHAN SHIVANANTHAN, CFP, FMA, FCSI, M.Sc Tel: 416.282.2167 Direct: 416.566.4036 Sunset in Udappu, North Western Province, 885 Progress Ave, Suite UPH-14, Toronto, ON. M1H 3G3 Sri Lanka [humanityashore.org] Monsoon Journal A parfait media publication VOL 3 ISSUE 5 OCTOBER 2008

Monsoon Canada Votes - October 14th, 2008 Fighting to a Finish 8 By Siva Sivapragasam Among different types of Government, with it's demerits, Save the Children Promises have been made.. Democracy is still the best time Pledges have been given.. tested system to feel the pulse of Performances have been a nation as to who should govern told… them. It is a form of Government, The plea for Mr. & Mrs. Citizen as Abraham Lincoln put it "for the Canada's vote to win power in people, to the people and by the Parliament Hill will end in a few people". Under Democracy the 18 days when the booming cam- people are given an opportunity unstable Government living in Government will grapple the crisis constant fear of being thrown will no doubt be one of the main Financial Market... paign guns go silent. The fight to once every four or five years to finish the win will end by Oct.14. decide who should be the custo- out. This is a sad state of affairs factors influencing the voter in Canada goes to the hustings dian of their country for a specif- for the political and economic sta- the current elections. Other 39 before the scheduled date for ic period, and the chance to bility of a country. This is what issues that will dominate the vot- want of a majority in Parliament. judge their performances during happened to the Conservatives ers mind are healthcare, child During the last few weeks, the this time. If the chosen party forcing them for an election care, housing, crime rate etc. voters have had the opportunity does well, they are given a fur- before the scheduled date and Come October 14 and the to see, hear and read what the ther opportunity to govern, and if costing the country the tax result will be known. Leaders and candidates have to they don't, they are sent home. payer's money. We are certain that Citizen Meditation... say what they will do and what When a party does not have a The current economic condi- Canada is intelligent enough to they will achieve if elected to sizeable majority in Parliament, tions in the U.S., it's repercus- know where to put the cross on power. the result is chaotic with an sions in Canada and how a new ballot day. Tamil Nadu CM calls for Indian TSH intervention to “ stop genocide 43 Because We Care “RUN for the BEAT” Because We Care

Diwali Finish of Tamils in Sri Lanka” The BEAT After Party śȱǭȱŗŖȱȱȦȬȬ Kidstown Water Park 3159 Birchmount Rd. Chief Minister of Southern Indian think whether the government at the Birchmount Rd. Sunday, October 26, 2008 Monsoon Health 9 7.5 km State of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi Centre should continue - if its warn- checkpoint 5 km Start ŝǱŖŖȱȱȬȱŗŘȱ Huntingwood Dr. & 5 km checkpoint on Sunday October 5th called upon ing to Sri Lankan government to stop Agincourt Collegiate Diwali Recipe 14 Midland Ave. ǻȱȱȱŞǱŖŖȱǼ the people of his state to send the attacks on Tamils there went 2 km checkpoint telegrams to Indian Prime Minister unheeded. ȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ Election Canada 25-228 Ellesmere Rd. Manmohan Singh requesting him to Karunanidhi expressed the hope ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ȱ “intervene immediately and stop the that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh N Birkdale Ravine Campuses! Family fun for all! GTA Square 37 10 km Start genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka.” and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi W E Lyon Heights Rd. ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱǯ S Waterloo News 33 Following up and explaining his would take steps to end the ethnic Dorcot Ave. ȱŗŘȱǭȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȦ stand at a rally on Monday Oct 6th strife in the island nation and ensure Thomson Memorial Park ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ£Ƿ near Chennai, Chief minister M that Tamils there got justice. "If they ȱȱ Ǳȱwww.geocities.com/tshfoundation Monsoon Events 44 Karunanidhi delivered a veiled threat (Centre) cooperate, we have a life. If ȱȱǱȱwww.runningroom.com to withdraw his party’s support to they don't, Tamils in Sri Lanka and in Volunteers Needed! Monsoon Film 45-446 the Indian government at the centre; India will also perish," he said at the ȱȱǱȱȱǰȱ¢ȱȱĜǰȱŚŗŜǯŚřŗǯŞŘŖŖȱ¡ȱŜŜŜŘ DMK leader said it would have to rally. ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱǰȱȱȱǰȱŚŗŜǯŚřŗǯŞŘŖŖȱȱŜŜŜŗ Buy or Expand a Business Property Financing up to 90% with 2% Cash Rebate for Special Low Rate of TD Prime plus 1% Shamala Kumar, PFP Small Business Advisor 416.291.9566 Ext: 230 2 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 3

Terry Fox Run a huge success! Simpl e and pr actical hel p Organized by Nicole & Duncan Fletcher for fir st-time homebuyer s (Markham-Unionville) The time homebuyers in Markham- Cutting the GST to 5% from 7% Conservative Government realizes Unionville" says Duncan Fletcher, The $100-per-month child care the surprising list of closing costs, M.P. Conservative Candidate for benefit transfer taxes, inspection fees, Markham-Unionville. The $2,000 tax credit for chil- appraisal fees, and legal fees for The Conservative tax credit dren under 18 first-time home buyers. Prime will not only benefit first-time The newly-established Tax-Free Minister Stephen Harper homebuyers, but the Prime Savings Account announced if re-elected, the Minister also assures a boost to “The Conservative Govern- Conservative Government will the construction industry as more ment's plan is simple, practical, give first-time homebuyers a tax jobs will be available because the and can be trusted unlike the credit for up to $5,000 of the clos- demand for homes will be greater. opposition's new carbon tax" ing costs on the purchase of a At a time of global economic Fletcher adds. new home. "As a Markham- uncertainty and the continuation For further comment, informa- Unionville resident, I understand of rising prices, the Conservative tion on Duncan Fletcher or the the expensive process of purchas- Government has protected the Conservative Party of Markham- ing your first home. I believe this standard of living for Canadian Unionville, please contact; tax credit will ease the process families with highly beneficial Ben Seto - Campaign Mana- (Markham-Unionville) Unionville! and be incredibly helpful for first- measures such as: ger; 416-859-6868 The 28th annual Terry Fox The Terry Fox Run has always Run in Markham-Unionville was a been a special event, not just PM Harper meets with leaders from the hot, sticky affair, but hundreds because it resonates with so braved the heat and threat of rain many at a personal, emotional cultural communities in Toronto recently to complete the 5km and 10 km level, but also because it is made course around scenic Toogood possible by grass roots donations Pond to support the annual run rather than traditional corporate done in memory of Canadian hero support. This year was no differ- Terry Fox. Runners were sent on ent with dozens of volunteers and their way by Mayor Frank Scarpitti donors helping from every walk of and Deputy Mayor, Jack Heath, life. both of whom have supported the Special thanks to businesses run for many years. who helped make the run possible Organizers Nicole & Duncan like Village Grocer, Garden Basket, Fletcher challenged the communi- Longo's, Starbucks, Markham ty to not only beat the previous Economist and Sun, Long & year's total of $31,000, but reach McQuade, as well as the Town of $50,000. With a few dollars still to Markham. be added from on-line donations For more information of the the final total looks to be above Terry Fox Run please visit that. Well done Markham- www.terryfoxrun.org. TSH to benefit from

Mid-AAutumn Ball proceeds Joining Prime Minister Harper Enverga (Philipinne Independence Jewish Appeal Federa-tion), Fall has officially arrived, and will be awarded to outstanding was Jason Kenney, Secretary of Day Council), Wladyslaw Lizon Maxwell Vo (Vietnamese Associ- with it comes a traditional student volunteers from both hos- State for Multiculturalism and (Canadian Polish Congress), Paul ation of Toronto), Don Meredith Chinese harvest celebration pital campuses, and four $1,500 Canadian Identity, Grod (Ukrainian Canadian (GTA Faith Alliance), Mohamed known as the Moon Festival. In scholarship awards will be pre- Conservative candidates: CS Congress), Aris Babikan (Arme- Manji (Ismaili Council of Canada), recent years, the festival has sented to healthcare profession- Leung ( Richmond Hill ), Melissa nian National Congress), Naseem Peter Han (Ontario Korean Bhagat (Mississauga East- Madhi (Ahmadiyya National Churches Alliance), Abdirashid been celebrated locally at the als including pharmacists, dieti- Cooksville), Jillian Saweczko Congress), Zubair Choudry Hassan Hersi (Cana-dian Somali Mid-Autumn Ball, an annual gala tians, nurses and social workers (Parkdale High-Park) and Richard (South-Asian Alliance), Victor Oh Congress) and Mark Persaud to raise money for local health- dedicated to serving the Lorello (Vaughan), (Mississauga Chinese Business (Canadian International Peace care initiatives. The Scarborough Scarborough community. Community leaders: Tobias Association), Alan Winer (United Project) Chinese Outreach Committee is "As The Scarborough Hospital once again hosted this event on works to strengthen its relation- CONSERVATIVES OFFER STABILITY Sept. 27 at the Metro Toronto ship with the diverse communities Convention Centre-and The we serve, we are proud to partic- AND A CLEAR DIRECTION Scarborough Hospital is honoured ipate in this wonderful annual cel- Harper says Conservatives economic uncertainty," said Prime Clarington. to be the major beneficiary of this ebration of togetherness," says helping to grow the GTA's econo- Minister Harper. "It's a choice Widening Highway 7 in highly popular and successful Michael Mueller, Chair Designate my between modest, focused invest- Durham Region. fundraising event. of the incoming Board of Prime Minister Stephen Harper ments and enormous, reckless Now in its 13th year, the Mid- Directors at TSH. highlighted the choice facing vot- spending promises. A choice Extending Highway 404 north Autumn Ball will feature a dinner, Mueller took part in a recent ers between now and Election between keeping taxes down and from Green Lane to Ravenshoe dance and silent auction, as well press conference to announce the Day. Speaking to supporters in hiking them back up. A choice Road . as a special performance by upcoming Mid-Autumn Ball, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) between staying in surplus and Rapid transit projects in Philadelphia soul group The where he thanked organizers for riding of Ajax-Pickering, the Prime going back into deficit." Brampton, Mississauga, York Stylistics. Since its inception, the their ongoing commitment to Minister contrasted the The Prime Minister went on to Region and Durham Region. Mid-Autumn Ball has raised over improving healthcare in Conservative's proven, prudent discuss FLOW, the Conservative "Our government is delivering $2 million. This year's fundraising Scarborough. plan with the risky promises being Government's ambitious long- for the GTA, but there's more to made by the opposition parties. term transportation action plan to be done," said Prime Minister goal is $250,000. Further details are available "Canadians will choose a gov- reduce gridlock, decrease smog Harper. "And we need a strong In addition to TSH receiving a on the Scarborough Chinese ernment to look out for their and grow the GTA's economy. team of Conservative MPs from share of the proceeds from the Outreach Committee's website or interests, their earnings and their Projects to be funded include: the GTA in Ottawa to make it hap- event, two $1,000 scholarships by calling 416-720-3900. opportunities at a time of global Extending Highway 407 to pen." 4 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Monsoon Journal Printing the Winds of Change From the Publisher’s Desk ... around us All lands home, all men kin. November 14th, Creating diabetes awareness "Whatever you do, do it well" - on World Diabetes Day Auvaiyar, Sangam era Poetess Diabetes is a leading killer and World Diabetes Day is a cam- diabetes community. time to communicate the serious- increased awareness is key for a paign that each year features a Diabetes is one of the most ness of diabetes and the impor- Managing Editor & Publisher healthy living. theme chosen by the common chronic diseases to tance of proper diabetes control, Logan Velumailum The Monsoon Journal takes International Diabetes Federation affect children. It can strike chil- as called for by researchers and the opportunity of the upcoming to address issues facing the glob- dren of any age, even toddlers medical professionals. Editorial & Marketing Consultant World Diabetes Day to draw al diabetes community. In 2008, and babies. An increased awareness about Siva Sivapragasam attention and awareness. the World Diabetes Day theme is If not detected early enough diabetes and knowing its serious Promotion Co-ordinator The International Diabetes diabetes in children and adoles- in a child, the disease can be fatal complications such as heart dis- Senthi Senthivel Foundation has this to say on the cents. or result in serious brain damage. ease, stroke, kidney disease, World Diabetes Day initiative, on World Diabetes Day was intro- Yet diabetes in a child is often blindness and amputations calls Layout Design its website: duced in 1991 by the completely overlooked: it is often for a life style towards healthier Santosh Kumar K.A World Diabetes Day is cele- International Diabetes Federation misdiagnosed as the flu or it is not living and realizing living success- brated each year on 14 November. (IDF) and the World Health diagnosed at all. fully with diabetes is achievable. Graphics Consultant The campaign is led by the Organization (WHO) in response Every parent, school teacher, Joining hands to realize this Gnane B. Gnanendran International Diabetes Federation. to the alarming rise in diabetes school nurse, doctor and anyone mission, the Monsoon Journal Contributing Columnists In 2007, World Diabetes Day around the world. involved in the care of children supports all initiatives in creating Anand. J became an official United Nations World Diabetes Day is a cam- should be familiar with the warn- diabetes awareness and will bring Abizar Badani world day, following the passage paign that features a new theme ing signs and alert to the diabetes information through our Monsoon Arun Senathirajah of the United Nations World chosen by the International threat, says the International Health column and other pages Prof. Ghai, Saran Diabetes Day Resolution in Diabetes Federation each year to Diabetes Federation. throughout future issues. Harish . G December 2006. address issues facing the global Monsoon Journal takes this K.T. Kumaran Krishni. L Voice of Amer ica Editor ial , Kumar Punithavel U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Now Mithura Anandarajah Nate. V 29 Sept ember 2008 Raymond Rajabalan Open, 50,000 from around the In Sri Lanka, fighting has Rudy Ruthran intensified between government Shiyam. L forces and the insurgent Libera- Sri Krishnan. S tion Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or Circulation Co-ordinator world will win Green Card S.S. Mathavan The 2010 Diversity Immigrant Visa This confirmation screen can be Tamil Tigers. Thousands of Sri Lankan civilians, many of whom Disclaimer: Lottery will be formally declared open printed as proof of registration in the Opinions and I nterpretations in Washington, DC on October 2, lottery. An applicant may only register are ethnic Tamils, are suffering as appearing in the newspaper are 2008. This program allows randomly ONCE; more than one entry will result a result. As many as 200,000 those of the writers and need selected applicants to immigrate to the in automatic disqualification. men, women, and children are not be necessarily of United States on an expedited basis, The Department of State Kentucky estimated to have been displaced. Monsoon Journal provided they meet all the criteria. A Consular Center in Williamsburg, The number of those civilians placed and affected by the fight- person may only enter the lottery if he Kentucky, will notify the lottery win- killed or injured in the fighting is ing. "Both sides need to make To place community and or she has: 1) citizenship of a qualify- ners by mail (NOT e-mail) between not known, but the risk is great. sure that they're not catching non profit organization news ing country (Sri Lanka and the May and July, 2009. If they qualify, submit by email to: Many of the refugees are short of Maldives both qualify); and 2) either a they will then have a one-year window civilians in the crossfire, that [email protected] food, water, and other necessities. high school equivalent education (Six in which they may immigrate to the they're letting people go to places Tel: 416-358-3235 GCE O-Levels including compulsory United States. The government of Sri Lanka where they can be safe, and that subjects) or work experience within No fee is charged to enter the recently requested that the United humanitarian deliveries can take ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No contents the past five years in a profession that annual Diversity Visa program. The Nations and international humani- place for these populations that in Monsoon Journal may be printed requires at least two years of training U.S. Government employs no outside tarian organizations depart areas are affected by the fighting," he without the written consent of the or experience to perform. Individuals consultants or private services to of ongoing conflict in northern Sri Publisher. said. wishing to participate in the visa lot- operate the visa lottery program. Any The views and opinions expressed in Lanka. Mr. Boucher also said the Co- tery are strongly urged to apply early companies or intermediaries who offer the articles in Monsoon Journal are The Sri Lanka Donor Co- Chairs strongly support "United to avoid any possible delays. 50,000 assistance to prepare DV casework for those of the authors and do not nec- Chairs, consisting of the European Nations organizations and human- individuals will be selected for the lot- applicants do so without the authority essarily reflect those of the Publisher. Union, Japan, Norway, and the itarian actors who are trying to tery worldwide. or consent of the U.S. Government. While all efforts have been made to United States, met in New York For more information about the Beware of persons or companies mak- take care of the displaced people ensure accuracy Monsoon Journal is City on September 24th and program, as well as details on the nec- ing claims of affiliation with the U.S. and people affected by the fight- not responsible for any errors or essary qualifications, please see the Government or promising improved stressed the need for humanitari- ing, working in government areas, omissions in the contents. Advertisers US Embassy Colombo website at: odds of selection. an action to help civilians under working with the government" of are responsible for the contents in http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/ A qualified entry submitted elec- threat. Sri Lanka. the Advertisements and all liabilities The lottery registration period will tronically directly by an applicant has U.S. Assistant Secretary of for their claimers. Since the Sri Lankan conflict be October 2 to December 1, 2008. an equal chance of being selected by State for South and Central Asian began in 1983, more than 60,000 Calling Students Registration for the Diversity Visa the computer at the Kentucky Affairs Richard Boucher said that people have died and about one “Earn Pocket Money during your Lottery is free. The lottery will be con- Consular Center as does an entry sub- the Co-Chairs are placing "a lot of million others have been dis- spare time” helping with ducted entirely by electronic means mitted electronically through a paid emphasis right now on the protec- placed. During 2007, the U.S. pro- “Monsoon Journal” Subscriptions over the internet. Paper entries will no intermediary who completes the entry tion of human rights for civilians vided some $26 million in human- “Monsoon Journal”, the monthly longer be accepted. The State for the applicant. Use of any outside English publication for the South who are caught in the fighting, Department has established a website intermediary or assistance to prepare itarian aid to the displaced. Asian community is recruiting stu- and the democratic government's for the submission of entries, which a DV entry is entirely at the applicant's The United States urges all dents to canvass subscriptions for the responsibility for respecting and parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka paper during their spare time. can be accessed at: http://www.dvlot- discretion. Students will be provided leads and tery.state.gov/ Every entry received during the extending human rights protection to respect the human rights of all lists of prospective subscribers to Successfully registered entries will lottery registration period will have an to the people in the areas that Sri Lankan civilians, including make their job easy. They will be result in the display of a confirmation equal random chance of being select- they [the Sri Lankan government] allowing freedom of movement compensated for every subscription screen containing the applicant's ed within its region. However, receipt take over." and humanitarian access. obtained. name, date of birth, country of of more than one entry per person will Interested applicants, please call: Another urgent need, said [Voice of America Editorial chargeability (the country the appli- disqualify the person from registration, 416 358 3235 Assistant Secretary Boucher, is - reflecting the views of the cant enters the lottery from), and a regardless of the source of the entry. Or e-mail: [email protected] humanitarian access to those dis- US Government] “Source for Multi Ethnic Exposure” date and time stamp. MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 5

U.S. conservation win - in Canada Foreign Minister visits the Forestland half the size of riding of Duncan Fletcher Texas is being saved to help thwart climate change. Foreign Minister David sions and answered questions By Jeff Wells, David Wilcove Emerson met several candidates raised by the media. Other candi- and Scott Weidensaul in Markham on Tuesday, dates also spoke were, Duncan from the September 22, 2008 September 30th at Duncan Fletcher, Markham-Unionville can- edition Fletcher campaign office. Duncan didate, Benson Lau, Scarborough- Philadelphia - It may be the Fletcher introduced the minister Agincourt candidate and biggest conservation victory for to the media and audience. Chungsen Leung, Richmond Hill the US in decades. It ensures that One of the agenda was the candidate. massive amounts of greenhouse latest development of Canada Then the Minister went on a gases won't be released to add to China relations. Minister in his tour and met the shop owners at global warming. It ensures an speech explained the importance Kenneday Square, SW corner of abundance of birds for genera- of the immigration and trade mis- Kennedy/Hwy 7) tions of Americans to enjoy. And you may not have heard anything about it. that the carbon currently stored habitat protection under the That's because it just hap- there stays put. And it protects Endangered Species Act. pened in Ontario, Canada. the habitat of the abundant Ontario is setting an example Over the summer, Ontario's wildlife of the boreal forest. of leadership and large-scale premier, Dalton McGuinty, Moreover, by protecting large, thinking for the rest of Canada announced that at least 55 million unfragmented blocks of habitat, and, indeed, for the world to fol- acres - half of the province's bore- McGuinty may help to ensure the low. Now it's up to the leaders of al forest - will be off limits to survival of still other species that the US, whether they work in development. And he has prom- are forced to move north to adapt state houses or the White House, ised no new mining or logging to our warming planet. to fight to protect our last wild projects until local land-use plans In recent years, scientists places. have support from native commu- have increasingly come to realize In the meantime, thanks to nities. The scale of the decision is Foreign Minister David Emerson with Duncan Fletcher and Chungsen Leung that the old benchmark of pro- the actions of McGuinty, genera- staggering, and it commits tecting 10 to 15 percent of an tions of Americans will be able to Ontario to setting aside lands ecosystem is not enough. That step out on their back porches more than twice the size of level of protection cannot ensure this fall and witness the splendor Pennsylvania as parks or wildlife that abundant wildlife, clean air of migration as millions of birds refuges. and water, and a stable climate head south from the now-protect- Equally impressive was are maintained. Instead, scien- ed lands in Ontario's boreal forest. Premier McGuinty's strong tists recommend a benchmark o Jeff Wells is the science reliance on the recommendation closer to 50 percent protection. adviser to The Pew Charitable by scientists, led by Nobel Prize- McGuinty's bold announcement is Trusts' International Boreal winning authors of the one of the few instances where a Conservation Campaign. David International Panel on Climate government leader has met these Wilcove is a professor in the Change, to make that decision. recommended goals. Woodrow Wilson School at Prince- Scientists identify the Politicians operate within the ton University. Scott Weidensaul Canadian boreal forest, larger confines of public support. has written more than two dozen than the remaining Brazilian Without strong public interest in books on natural history. Minister with Conservative candidates Amazon, as one of the world's conservation, McGuinty would not largest and most intact forest have made this move. That's a ecosystems. It stores 186 billion good reminder for those who care tons of carbon - equivalent to 27 about maintaining and protecting years of the world's carbon diox- our natural resources to make our ide fossil fuel emissions - and pro- voices heard so that politicians, vides habitat for billions of breed- on both sides of the border, have ing birds, plus many other wildlife the opportunity for bold, environ- species. mentally friendly leadership. There are herds of caribou, And while strong public inter- healthy populations of bears and est in and support of conservation wolves, and some of the world's was important in making this last wild undammed rivers and landmark decision, bold environ- pristine lakes. Many of the birds mentally friendly leadership does- either winter in the US or pass n't come from the polls alone. It through during their spring and comes from strong leaders who, fall migrations. as McGuinty did in this matter, put Millions of dark-eyed juncos, the greater good over everyday white-throated sparrows and politics. Swainson's thrushes are among You've got to admire his the songbirds that raise their courage when, in the United young in this now-protected States, many leaders seem intent region and that will soon be arriv- on trying to weaken laws that pro- ing in Pennsylvania and New tect the country's conservation Jersey. Hunters have reason to be lands. Consider Wyoming: State happy, too, since those forests officials, with the help of a feder- also sustain huge numbers of al judge, recently took a disap- waterfowl like American black pointing step toward overturning ducks, common goldeneyes and the Roadless Area Conservation buffleheads that grace US waters Rule, which protects roughly the in the winter. last one-third of the nation's Placing half of Ontario's bore- undeveloped national forest al forest off limits to development lands. Then there is the Bush and industrial use helps to ensure administration's plans to weaken 6 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Raj Rajaratnam among Restor ation time at the 400 richest Americans Madur ai Meenakshi templ e By: R. Sairam Mr. Raj Rajaratnam, who Centuries-old pillars to be together with his Galleon Fund is cleaned scientifically one of the biggest shareholders of MADURAI: A major effort is Sri Lanka's John Keells Holdings under way to restore the cen- (JKH), has been ranked No.262 in turies-old pillars of the Meenakshi the Forbes Magazine's list of 400 Sundareswarar Temple to their Richest Americans. original state. Rajaratnam, a self-made bil- Under a restoration process lionaire, has a net worth of US$ using non-toxic chemicals, techni- 1.8 billion according to the cians have begun to remove mul- respected Forbes publication. Now 51 years old, he is mar- tiple coats of limestone, paint and ried with three children, and has other artificial substances that substantial investments in some have accumulated on the pillars. well known companies other than Initially, 350 pillars would be JKH listed on the Colombo bourse. Forbes Rich List said. covered in three months at an He took a Bachelor's degree Six years later he founded the estimated cost of Rs. 5 lakh, K. from the University of Sussex in hedge fund Galleon group, "mak- Rajanayagam, Executive Officer, structures from environmental process, he said that while the the UK before taking a MBA from ing big bets on healthcare and said . Painting done decades ago pollution and decay, which could former almost altered the original Wharton School of the University technology companies" and today has resulted in accumulated coat- be caused by application of oil. structure, the latter went to of Pennsylvania. manages US$ 7.5 billion across six ings over the original pillars. The application of a preservative extreme lengths to avoid damage. His father who was a senior funds. "In those days, people wanted coating had been proposed to the The water pressure to be used Singer executive in Sri Lanka later According to the Forbes report the temple to be colourful during temple authorities, he said. is determined after ascertaining ran the Asian operation for Singer the annual return on funds man- big events and painted them," he Highlighting the difference the strength of each pillar. multinational from New York. aged by the Galleon group had said. Thankfully, there is more between sand-blasting, a process Courtesy: The Hindu Rajaratnam had an early been 21% net of fees since 1997 awareness on the need to pre- prohibited in 2000, and chemical career as an investment banker in and last year Galleon's flagship serve the original beauty of gran- Needham & Company of which he fund returned 30% before fees. ite pillars. The natural beauty of became President in 1991, the [island.lk] the sculptures should be there for all to see and the present exercise In Search for a home would ensure that, he said. Bollywood, India's 'soft A Sri Lankan widow with her one-year-old child and daughter at The restoration is undertaken Dhanuskodi, I ndia on Sep 26th. They were among eighteen refugees power' of future, says book by a firm headed by V.R. from Sri Lanka who landed on Arichalmunai, Dhanuskodi on Thursday Gunasekaran, a heritage conser- Sep 25th, bringing the total number of refugees who have reached Bollywood, considered a living films produced and second largest Rameswaram in September to 133. Rameswaram is a town in vator trained by the National example of success of cultural after Hollywood in terms of its Ramanathapuram district in the I ndian state of Tamil Nadu. openness, has all the traits to global reach. Research Laboratory for emerge as India's 'soft power' of "Indian films and music have Conservation of Cultural Property, the future, says a Deutsche Bank long been popular from Morocco Lucknow. chief economist. to Indonesia. Expatriate Indians The chemicals being used, he "Over the years, Bollywood have spread them wherever they said, would not have any adverse has copied, twisted and even have settled - the UK, Singapore, effect on the original structure. An 'stolen' ideas from other countries Dubai and the US. Despite politi- appropriate mix of liquefied and cultures. Indian musicians cal differences and government ammonia, non-ionic detergent and directors are entering and bans, Indian films are watched in and other stone-friendly materials exploring the world of Western every town and village in is initially applied and then entertainment. Yet, this has Pakistan. washed off by spraying plain diminished neither the growing One of the first things that water. The process is repeated till global popularity of Indian enter- Afghans did after NATO forces all additional layers are removed. tainment nor its unique flavour. drove out the Taliban was to bring A preservative coating is applied Hopefully, the resurgent India of out their hidden collections of on the pillars. the future will be like Bollywood," Hindu music." According to the It would protect the heritage writes Sanjeev Sanyal in "The writer, India was at the height of Indian Renaiss-ance: India's Rise its power a thousand years ago, after a Thousand Years of influencing the world with its Decline", by Penguin India. ideas and trade. Now, ten cen- + He questions: "So what will turies later, India's recent eco- The Law Office of India's 'soft power' of the future nomic performance is once again look like? One example is already attracting world attention as the visible - Bollywood. India's film country re-awakens not just as an T. Jegatheesan industry is already the world's economy but as a civilisation. Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, ON. largest in terms of the number of [PTI] Tamilnadu Chief Minister Karunanithi receives Periyar Real Estate, Refinance & Mortgages Award from Finance Minister Anbhalagan. Standing left to him is his son, Minister M.K. Stalin Business Law Family Law Power of Attorney & Any other Legal Services

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I am a true Dravidian, India's Defence Minister: While taking action against LTTE, steps should also be taken to protect Tamil civilians says Jayalalitha India's Defence Minister A K At least two Indian radar oper- Antony was quoted by Press Trust ators were wounded recently of India (PTI) on Monday Sep when LTTE launched a major 15th as saying: "While taking attack on Sri Lankan forces Vanni action against the Liberation headquarters, located in Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Vavuniya. Following the reports of steps should also be taken to pro- Indian personnel at the offensive tect the civilian Tamils in Sri Lanka headquarters of the Sri Lankan and ensure their safety and secu- forces in Vanni, several Tamil rity." leaders in Tamil Nadu, including The statement by the Indian the leftist parties have con- Defence Minister has come in the demned India's active engage- wake of reports that Indian mili- ment in Sri Lanka's war against tary personnel were involved in Eezham Tamils in the island of Sri assisting the Sri Lankan military. providing military support to the Lanka. "Now the Indian Government Sri Lankan forces. Vaiko, the general secretary of is caught red handed in its unpar- "We have already expressed the MDMK, in a letter to sent donable betrayal against the our concern to the Lankan author- Indian Prime Minister Dr. Tamils," he said and blamed the ities," Mr. A K Antony told Manmohan Singh, has charged top level bureaucrats in India, reporters while replying to ques- that according to the information particularly the national security tion on the situation in the island he had, there was a large number adviser, for "clandestinely conspir- country, the PTI reported adding of Indian technocrats and military ing" with the Sri Lankan govern- that India has asked Colombo to personnel, up to 265 persons, ment. By N Ravikumar Jayalalitha refrained from her ensure their safety and security. who were fully engaged and [TN] In an attempt to erase her usual allegations of LTTE infiltra- image of a Brahmin with Hindutva tion and avoided comments leanings, AIADMK chief Ms against the LTTE, an outfit strong- India need not be alarmed by Jayalalitha has said that she was ly backed by her ally Mr Vaiko and a true Dravidian, possessing the a potential ally the PMK, besides real characteristics of the race. the CPI, which too is supporting US crisis:Chidambaram Quoting a film song from the self determination rights of matinee idol and party founder Tamils in the island nation. Indian banks are largely insu- regard to international situation MGR's Mannadhi mannan, which The AIADMK leader also lated from the US financial crisis, and having regard to our ability to says: "Fear is foolishness and refrained from mentioning the which consumed that country's keep regulations one step ahead courage is the characteristic of Ram Sethu issue, which would fourth largest investment bank, of innovation... Dravidians", she said that she have embarrassed the Left par- and there was no cause for any "As long as regulation remains alone had the courage to stand ties, which are considering an alarm, Finance Minister P a step ahead of innovation, there up to the Centre and fight for alliance with the AIADMK and Chidambaram said recently. is no reason to fear that financial state's rights, unlike DMK leader keenly observing Ms Jayalalitha's In his first reaction to the col- sector reforms will cause us diffi- Mr M Karunanidhi, who had moves and utterances. lapse of Lehman Brothers and culties or problems." "betrayed the rights of Tamils to Setting the momentum for the bail-out of insurer American [PTI] stay in power", while addressing a Lok Sabha election campaign, the International Group (AIG) by the public meeting recently. AIADMK leader listed the prices of US Fed, he said the government When it came to issues con- essential commodities, comparing would continue to pursue reforms cerning Tamil Nadu: "The Centre them with the prices during her to retain near 8 per cent econom- was afraid of me. The Centre was regime. "Should the Central and ic growth momentum. afraid to go against the rights of state governments, which are "Let me assure everyone there Tamil Nadu, when I was the chief unable to contain the skyrocket- is no cause for any alarm that any minister", she said while addressing prices, continue or not?", she Indian bank is exposed or vulner- ing a mammoth gathering, at this asked, eliciting a loud ` no' from able like a couple of banks that southern district bordering the the huge gathering. have failed in the United States," Western Ghats, a stronghold of Flaying the DMK government Chidambaram told reporters after the AIADMK right from its incep- for frequent power cuts, she said a briefing on decisions taken by tion. lack of planning and co-ordination the Cabinet Committee on She alleged that Mr had resulted in this situation. Economic Affairs here. Karunanidhi was afraid to fight Having a dig at the State He also said the Tatas, major- the Centre for state's rights and Electricity Minister Mr N ity stakeholders in Tata-AIG joint asked: "Can anyone who does not Veerasamy, by calling him as venture, have assured the gov- have courage, the real character- "state powercut Minister", she ernment that they would meet all istic of the Dravidian race, call said, he had failed to retain the the obligations to their policy- himself a Dravidian". quantity of electricity, being pro- holders. In a bid to exploit the growing vided to Tamil Nadu by the Centre As far as PSU banks are con- anger of Tamil nationalist outfits during the AIADMK regime. cerned, Chidambaram said they against the DMK, which is a part She also charged Mr didn't have any undue exposure of the UPA government, providing Karunanidhi with nepotism and and whatever exposure they have military assistance to the Sri said the chief minister was pro- are in accordance with RBI's Lankan government, the AIADMK moting the interests of his sons, guidelines. Although ICICI Bank chief charged that the DMK gov- daughter and grand children. Ms had some exposure, it has made ernment had sacrificed the inter- Jayalalitha also charged that the disclosures for the same. ests of Tamils, since he was rely- state government was having Putting a brave face, he said ing on Congress' support to save many power centres, since the Indian economy will grow close to his government in Tamil Nadu. members of the chief minister's eight per cent. "I still maintain my Charging Mr Karunanidhi with family were interfering in the view that growth in 2008-09 will sacrificing Tamils' rights in the state administration and appoint- be close to eight per cent." Katchatheevu (an island acceded ment of officials. Chidambaram saw no reasons to to Sri Lanka), Cauvery and [thestatesman.net] halt financial reforms. "Having Mullaiperiyar issues, Ms regard to the context, having 8 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

by Usha Sri-Skanda-Rajah toll on Tamil children. The deplorable conditions in Full Text of Speech given at which our Tamil children are UN rally by Eelam Tamils on Save the Children growing was highlighted by the September 24, 2008 International Federation of Tamils' A plea to the UN to Save Tamil have been warning the (IFT) Working Group on the Children in Sri Lanka as Mahinda International Community that Rights of the Child in its report Rajapakse addresses the UN Mahinda Rajapakse's unilateral "Cry Of NorthEast Child" where it General Assembly: abrogation of the ceasefire agree- laid a damning indictment at the Ladies and Gentlemen, ment was of great concern to us. feet of successive Sri Lankan gov- Brothers and Sisters, We have said his determination to ernments who have by their I come to you as a mother; I pursue a destructive war would actions and omissions violated make this desperate plea on result in civilian deaths, ethnic international law, namely the behalf of mothers - Tamil mothers cleansing and displacement of a Convention on the Rights of the all over all over the world who are magnitude that would end in the Child - article 2 (non discrimina- traumatized by the suffering of extermination of a people. And tion) article 3 (best interests of innocent children - our Tamil chil- true to our word Mahinda the child) article 6 (survival and dren who are facing genocide at Rajapakse having ordered local development) article 10 (family the hands of Mahinda Rajapakse and international humanitarian reunification) article 20 (protec- and his treacherous Sinhala aid agencies out, denied access to tion of child without family) article forces. International media and imposed 23 (disabled children) article 24 It's despicable and morally an embargo on all essential items (health and health services) arti- Children's education has been severely disrupted by continual run- reprehensible that Mahinda needed to sustain life including cle 26 (social security) article 27 ning between the classroom and bunker. Nearly food and medicine is all poised to Rajapakse is being given a plat- half of the children in the Vanni are now displaced, having to share (standard of living) article 28 form in the United Nations to tell destroy the Tamil people. If the overcrowded schools [pic: BBC] (education) article 29 (aims of lies, while he is right on cue in his United Nations does not act, I say education) and article 31 (leisure agenda driven to pursue the con- before it's too late - Sri Lanka will recreation and cultural activities). tinuing genocide of the Tamil peo- be another Rwanda. Having As our children stand at ple. learned the bitter lessons of death's door we plead to the I say, Mahinda Rajapakse has Rwanda as mothers we urge the world. As death and displacement blood on his hands. United Nations to be vigilant and rise our children in Sri Lankan I ask that I be heard in these not let another Rwanda happen in government controlled areas of "August Halls." Sri Lanka. the Tamil homeland are the most I make this earnest appeal to Ladies and gentlemen as vulnerable children in the world all the moral super powers of the mothers we fear for our Tamil and more so in the war affected world, the caring and compas- children. We want urgent action. targeted zone of the dreaded Sri sionate member states of the We want a United Nations field Lankan armed forces in the North United Nations to "Save Tamil presence in the Tamil Homeland. including the Vanni. children". I urge you to stop We urge the United Nations to The grim realties of the future Mahinda Rajapakse from starving force Mahinda Rajapakse to: of our children are being felt and bombing our children in con- * Comply with obligations deeply by us mothers. The pain travention of the Geneva to stationing a human rights mon- and the suffering of children in an Conventions. itoring mission in Sri Lanka to ever worsening crisis with no Let me tell you about Mahinda stop all human rights abuses and reprieve, with no end in sight are Rajapakse. - Mahinda Rajapakse acts of state terrorism Sri-Skanda-Rajah Speaking at UN Rally. Photo: TamilNet agonizing for us mothers. * To end the military offen- a virtual dictator, aided and abet- the International Community forcing Rajapakse into compli- We as mothers ask that our sive and re-instate the ceasefire ted by his brothers and family is when he gleefully boasts about ance, the United Nations member cry be heard. agreement running Sri Lanka like his 'own what he has done in the East countries must: We want the United Nations * To reopen the major high- household' where he is in full con- after placing his stooges there * stop all military support TO FREE THE TAMIL PEOPLE and ways to the north and east ensur- trol of major part of the purse and making a mockery of democ- including the sale of arms to the SAVE THE CHILDREN from the ing access to the north and East strings. It's "all in the family' racy with promises of develop- government of Sri Lanka. tyranny of Mahinda Rajapakse for local and international human- ladies and gentlemen - it's "all in ment but none so far. We guaran- * withdraw all foreign-aid and his men - who claim to be itarian aid to flow freely and for the family." tee that it would be few that and debt relief to Sri Lanka 'guardians of the state' but have providing for the free movement We are talking about Sri would enjoy the perks and privi- * Impose trade and econo qualms of killing a people who of people goods and services. Lanka! leges he is offering as patronage - nomic sanctions against Sri have just as much right to live in * To address the Tamil - Where corruption nepotism, if not stopped it would ruin the Lanka. a safe and secure environment national Question and come to a family bandy-ism and terror rule very fabric of 'Eastern Values' and As mothers we ask this so that enjoying self determination in negotiated settlement that supreme. sustained development. Tamil children living in their tradi- their homeland in the island of Sri reflects Tamil aspirations for self - Where democracy is a farce. Tamils do not approve of tional homeland in the island of Lanka as any other. determination in their traditional True democracy is defined as a Provincial Councils which accord- Sri Lanka can enjoy true freedom, As mothers we make this plea homeland. form of society characterized by ing to legal luminaries are glori- security and human rights THAT to the United Nations to please We do not approve of social equality and tolerance. It's fied "local authorities" It shows EVERY CHILD is entitled to under "save our children." Mahinda Rajapakse's bid to set up not so in Sri Lanka. The kind of that Sinhalese politicians 'do not the United Nations Conventions So that soon they too can 'bogus' provincial councils pre- democracy prevalent in Sri Lanka get it'; it shows a callous disre- on the Rights of the Child. Death enjoy full rights under the United senting it as a viable solution to has led to the very oppression gard and contemptuous lack of and destruction, abject poverty, Nations Convention on the Rights the ethnic crisis and canvassing and persecution of the Tamil peo- understanding of the legitimate poor health, malnutrition, hunger, of the Child. support for it in international cir- ple. aspirations of the Tamil people. lack of education, depravation [sangam.org] cles. Mahinda Rajapakse is fooling As women and mothers we As an effective deterrent to and displacement has taken its MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 9

By Mithura Anandarajah, PT Massage Therapy… Registered Physiotherapist The powers of touch There are days when you tive with little side effects and a and Egyptians applied forms of crawl out of bed and you feel the lot of gain. Massage therapy massage for many ailments and creaking of your joints or the refers to a group of practices or Hippocrates wrote papers recom- aching stiffness as you stretch. techniques which involve the mending the use of rubbing and You feel the knots in your shoul- application of different pressures friction for joint and circulatory ders or the ache in your back. on soft tissue; therapists primari- problems. Today, massage thera- There are other days when you're ly use their hands to manipulate py techniques are varied and far- at work until eleven at night, try- the tissue. The result is an reaching. As an accepted part of ing to make a deadline. Your increase in circulation, the break- many physical rehabilitation pro- head is pounding and fatigue is down of scar tissue and a grams, massage therapy has also catching up. There are different decrease in pain or stiffness. proven beneficial for many chron- ways to cope with pain, stress or Massage is one of the oldest ic conditions, including low back fatigue. Massage Therapy is an healing arts: Chinese records dat- pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, tight and knotted. Trigger point Massage therapy relieves stress, alternative that has been around ing back 3,000 years document its high blood pressure, diabetes, massage is another technique reduces the intensity of migraine for many years. It is an alterna- use; the ancient Hindus, Persians immunity suppression, infertility, where a deeper force is used on headaches and can lessen smoking cessation, depression, focused locations called myofas- depression or anxiety. It is often and more. And, as many millions cial trigger points - knots that used to facilitate labor for expec- will attest, massage also helps form within the muscle, which can tant mothers. relieve the stress and tension of often refer pain throughout the In choosing a practitioner, it is everyday living that can lead to muscle or elsewhere in the body. probably best to choose a disease. The benefits of massage ther- Registered Massage Therapist The techniques of massage apy are many. The manipulation who is governed by their profes- can be varied. It can involve the of soft tissue increases circulation sional body. Extended insurance use of hands or elbows. Swedish which promotes healing; it plans may offer coverage to cover massage is a technique where the enhances lymph flow which the cost of the service. As the therapist uses long strokes, increases immunity. If facilitates end of the year approaches, this kneading and applying friction on the stretch of tight muscles and is the best time to take advantage the tissue. Deep tissue massage breaks down scar tissue or adhe- of your plan and benefit from the may involve using extensive pres- sions. This results in improving powers of touch. sure through the muscles that are flexibility and range of motion.

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Diwali Recipe - by Chef Nate Rawa Ladoo Coconut Bur fi

I ngredients 1 cup Sugar 1 cup Water 2 tsp.ghee (clarified butter) 1 cup Desiccated coconut I ngredients 6 Crushed cardamoms 2 cups semolina (rawa) 1/4 cup Chopped cashewnuts 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup ghee Method 1 tbsp. broken cashew nuts, fried 1. Heat the sugar and water on a low heat to make thick syrup. 1 tbsp. raisins, fried 2. Remove any scum from the syrup. Add the finely grated coconut and crushed 1 tsp. cardamom powder cardamoms. Mix thoroughly. 3. Grease a plate with the Ghee (clarified butter) and set aside. Method 4. Turn off the heat while the mixture is still a thick pouring consistency. Add the 1. Heat 1 tsp. Ghee (clarified butter) in a pan and dry roast the rawa till pink chopped cashew nuts. Mix thoroughly. 2. Grind the fried rawa and powdered sugar in a mixer to a fine powder. 5. Pour the coconut mixture onto the greased plate and quickly spread with a 3. Heat the remaining Ghee (clarified butter) and add the powdered rawa, cashew spatula. nuts, raisins and cardamom powder. Mix thoroughly 6. After a few minutes, cut into diamond-shaped pieces with a sharp knife and 4. While still warm, make into small lemon-sized balls .Cool and store Store in an airtight container.

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2677 Kennedy Road, Unit # 06 Scarborough, ON. M1T 3H8 MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 15 Sarah Palin with PMs "You look gorgeous." The comment by the Pakistani President, Mr Asif Ali Zardari, and his offer to hug the Republican vice presidential candidate, Ms Sarah Palin, has got him into some trouble with Pakistani media. "You look gorgeous. Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you," Mr Zardari said on meeting Ms Palin here on Wednesday. "You are so nice," Ms Palin responded. When an aide asked them to pose again, Ms Palin said with a smile, "I am supposed to pose again?" To which Mr Zardari quipped: "If the aide is insisting, I might hug." Earlier, a sense of unease was written large on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's face when Ms Palin came calling on him. Some journalists present at the meeting said that Ms Palin was equally uncomfort- able. A journalist said: "Our people seem to focus on Dr Singh's level of discomfort, but look at her level of discomfort. She is an fortable meeting Dr Singh, a first rate econ- ordinary moose hunter, no experience in omist, Prime Minister of the world's largest politics. She should have been more uncom- democracy." Demon king Ravana eulogized in Allahabad

Scores of people in Allahabad participated in a procession to sing praise of Ravana, the mythological demon-king representing evil on Thursday, Sep 25th. A number of tableaux depicting Ravana's strength and the grandeur of his court formed a part of the procession. Many people participated in the procession dressed up as Ravana, his wife Mandodari, his brother Kumbhakaran and his son Meghnath. They said although the demon-king Ravana represented evil in Hindu mythology, he was a learned Brahmin and is worshiped for that reason. "Today, we are worshiping the king of Lanka, Ravana. A big procession is also being taken out in the city. Since he (Ravana) was a Brahmin by caste, he is worshipped just like any Brahmin," said Jitendra Prasad Chaudhary, a resident. Locals claimed that this procession has been traditionally taken out every year for more than 500 years. "This tradition has been going on for years. I have come here to see this procession. The world Statue of Ravana in Thirukoneswaram, a can see this. This does not take place anywhere temple for lord Shiva in Trincomalee, Sri else," said Hamendra Nath Goswami, a spectator. Lanka. Historians believe Ravana wor- Local priests said the city was the location of shipped Thirukoneswaram [Photo: Sage Bharadwaj's hermitage and as per his Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai] preaching upper caste Brahmins are to be wor- According to Hindu epic Rama-yana, Ravana shiped and Ravana was also a Brahmin. abducted warrior king Ram's consort Sita. Rama But after about 13 days on 'Dussahara', which then waged a war against Ravana to release Sita symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the effi- from demon-king's captivity. He defeated Ravana gies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath on Dussehra day. Rama's victory over Ravana is would be burnt amid great fanfare and religious depicted as the triumph of good over evil. devotion, marking the end of the nine day long (ANI) Hindu festival of "Navratri". Get set to relive the magic of MGR, NTR classics

South Indian cinema buffs are in for a treat length has, however, been trimmed to 120 - classic films of yesteryears superstars N.T. minutes and its sound has been digitised to fit Ramarao and M.G. Ramachandran are all set it into the modern movie idiom. to be rereleased with better colour and addi- Mani has also acquired the rights to re- tional visuals. release movies of late Tamil Nadu chief minis- Srinivasa Kalyanam, a black and white cos- ter M.G. Ramachandran. Spurred by the suc- tume drama that catapulted former Andhra cessful re-release of the Hindi classic Mughal- Pradesh CM N.T. Ramarao to fame in the e-Azam, the producer said that three of MGR's 1960s, is being colour-corrected for release classics were being re-edited and would be later this month, producer O.K. Mani said. released soon. Its Telugu version Venkateshwara Mahatmyam too is getting ready simultaneous- "While people were not very sure about ly. Two fresh songs composed by M.S. the commercial angle for the Hindi films, NTR Vishwanathan have been added to the movie. and MGR-starrers are evergreen box office According to Mani, several computer bets because whenever they are released, graphic visuals and snatches of the annual fes- they collect a sizeable amount of money. tival at the famed temple in Tirupati have been Besides, both are cult figures even today," added to Srinivasa Kalyanam. The film's total Mani said. 16 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Selva Sannithi Murugan Temple Chariot Festival

The Selva Sannithi Murugan Devotees on Chariot Festival day Temple, Jaffna is situated in the village of Thondaimanaru. The village is nestled in Vadamarachi region of Jaffna district in Sri Lanka towards the northern tip of the spectacular Jaffna Peninsula. It is landscaped by mountains, desert land, coast- lines and fertile plains. The Selva Sannithi Temple, Jaffna serves as the abode of Lord Murugan. The god of Love, beauty and knowledge has been exerting his Kaavadi on Chariot Festival Day charm on devotees around the reports, and subjected the devo- globe. The word Muruga is Sep 14, 2008 Selva tees to rigorous checking and derived from the Tamil word Sannithi Murugan Temple interrogation. ` Murugu' which means honey, It is not known whether any- beauty, fragrance and eternal one has been taken into custody youth. He is handsome, brilliant, during the check and interroga- elegant and enchanting. He sym- tion. bolizes valour, youthfulness, Though transport facilities benevolence and compassion. were available for the festival the Annual Chariot festival of number of devotees was found Selva Sannithi Murugan temple less this year than the festivals took place Sunday 14th of drew from all parts of Jaffna September 2008. peninsula last year, the temple The Sri Lanka Army troops authorities said. were present everywhere in the temple vicinity according to media Mridhanga Arangetram of Master Thineshan K athirchelvan

Mridhanga Arangetram of Master and blessings for his talent and perform- Thineshan Kathirchelvan presented by ance from the Chief Guest Ashok Ramani, Sabtheswara Fine Arts of Toronto was held Guest of Honor Thampiah Sripathy who is on August 10th at Armenian Youth Centre. also Lawyer and President of Thamil Isai He is one of the proud disciple of Shri. Kala Manram. He also got blessings from Uthayakumar Krishnamoorthy. Thineshan his parents, family and friends and well learned under his direct guidance for the wishers. Ramprashan Jeyaram did an excel- last seven years to demonstrate his per- lent job as the master of ceremony. formance in front a large audience. Some Pictures taken at the event. Thineshan got congratulatory messages

ELECTI ON DAY Tuesday, October 14th 2008

9:30am to 9:30pm MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 17

The Making of a President Part 1 - " America in Danger"

By Siva Sivapragasam Signals are flashing that the economy is heading for a crumbling crash As confetti rained on him and with downward home prices, fore- fireworks burst across the Colorado closures and plunging retirement sky, Barack Obama accepted his benefits, in spite of a $ 700 billion nomination at the Denver Football bail-out by the Government for the Barack Obama & John McCain, the contenders for the Presidency Stadium to be the most powerful ailing economy. man in the world, "with profound Who will rescue the country multi-racial heritage. voters vigorously. Obama seems to Young Obama with his mother, gratitude and great humility", and the people from this step sister Maya and step father Barack Obama's opponent for enjoy a unanimous support of the before a stunning crowd of over impending catastrophe? the Presidency John McCain is a war African Americans. However, 60,000 cheering supporters. Barack Obama or John veteran who fought for his country Obama does not pitch his campaign In his soul stirring nomination McCain! in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately on race. He says"I reject a politics acceptance speech, Obama blamed Come November 4th. and for McCain, he has an uphill task in that is based solely on racial identi- President George Bush for his failed the world will know the winning the Presidency due to the ty, gender identity, sexual orienta- policies resulting in the present eco- answer. present economic conditions in the tion or victimhood generally". nomic conditions in U.S. and insist- U.S. for which the blame is laid on The Clinton couple has given ed that "America needs a change". Barack Obama is the result of a the incumbent Republican their fullest support to Obama by He said "America, we are better midnight unison between a black Government. U.S. economy is declaring that Obama is their candi- than these last eight years. We are young man from Kenya and a white The Obama Family - Barack, wife crashing and the danger of a mas- date for the Presidency. Many Michelle and his two daughters a better country than this". Barack young woman from Kansas. When sive recession is looming large. Americans see Obama as the light Obama has an advantageous posi- his parents separated, young brightness which led him for a Law Plummeting house prices, failing at the end of the tunnel and expect tion in his campaign as compared Obama grew up in the very early Degree from the Harward Law mortgages, millions losing employ- him to bail out America from it's with Republican candidate John years under the wings of his moth- School. He worked for a Law firm ment, Bank closures, evaporating present ills. McCain because of the present eco- er who took him to Indonesia. He where he met a fellow associate- retirement savings are some of the Forty Years ago, Rev. Martin nomic conditions in the U.S. with studied in a Muslim school in Michelle, later his wife-to be. In his danger signals ahead for America. Luther King had a dream. high oil prices, loss of jobs and Djakarta and returned to Hawaii young days Obama was conscious No doubt, White House needs a Now, Barack Obama is is bent falling house prices. No lesser per- where he was baptized as a of racism and what it meant to be Democrat if a change is to take on making the dream a reality. son that the incumbent President of Christian and grew up with his African-American. In his memoirs, place. As the Presidential campaign U.S., George Bush himself has maternal grand parents. Barack he describes how he struggled to enters it's last chapter both candi- (Next: Part 2 - "America admitted that America is in Danger. Obama showed intelligence and reconcile social perceptive of his dates are staking their claims to the needs a Change")

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Mortgages defaulted, Credits Arun Senathirajah MBA crunched, Dollar value cracked, (Banking Mgmt) Economy inflated by structured Financial Mar ket Tur moil my or market economy is the products narrowing to reality, and right one? Now we can see cen- now finally US Financial system is tral government is intervening in in turmoil. It is not going to end and the Gl obal Impact the market system to bail out the up with the US. It is going have sale to JPMorgan Chase in March economy. So, it is in other words impact on Canadian financial mar- this year. Lehman Brothers was market economy is also becoming ket and economy, and further competing with Goldman Sachs as centralized economy? spreading to have serious impact another investment banker. But it Future I mpact on global financial system and the failed in the competition and final- US Congress passed the legis- world economy. This is a major ly went into bankruptcy. Lehman lation and authorize government crisis since the Great Depression. Brothers leveraged their position to buy the troubled assets created Economists and bankers call it as 35 times its capital. It invested by home foreclosures from finan- 'Systematic Failure' in other terms heavily in derivatives. When cial institutions. It is expected to financial failure of the institutions underlying assets market value restore the confidence in the involved, that would bring finan- started diving down the deriva- banking system. Will the $700 bil- cial death spiral in which firms tives in which Lehman Bros lion rescue plan save the financial suck one another through their invested lost their contract values. system and the economy? It is assets and liabilities link into the Lehman's fall is a downside of being commented as 'this is not a abyss. By buying US financial using borrowed money. State bailout for Wall Street, but for the products, investors spread the authorities failed to bailout banks in the Main Street'. Unless risks around the globe. Nouriel Lehman Bros. UK based Barclays there is real control of the highly Roubini, economics professor at negotiated but agreed to buy only risky derivative products and New York University said that if some divisions of the Lehman ment product and sold in the mar- is being undermined with uncer- restrictions over subprime mort- the economy slips into recession Bros. Finally Lehman Bros had to ket. As assets in the market, the tainty. "The dollar is being under- gages are brought in, there is no 'when you have a systemic bank- file action under Chapter 11. value of the mortgages is double mined by a lack of clarity," said way to regulate the market and ing crisis like we haven't had since Judge in the case James Peek counted. This product gave slight- London-based Bank of America economy. But the crime is already the 1930s'. said 'Lehman Bros became a vic- ly higher interest rate than tradi- currency strategist David Powell. committed, bailouts would soothe As we mentioned in our tim, in effect the only true icon to tional US treasury securities. The Is Karl Marx Right? Market a little, it is not going to stop the Monsoon Journal April 2008 issue, fall in the Tsunami that has befall- advocates of the products when Economy Becomes a Centralized consequences. $700 billion US tax subprime mortgage crisis has en the credit markets.' initiated are US government sup- Economy payers' money will not be a safe- caused to the ongoing economic CDS (Credit Default Swaps) is ported Fannie Mae and Freddie German philosopher and fat- guard to the failing financial sys- problem manifesting itself designed to protect investors Mac. Many of these CDOs were her of communism Karl Marx saw tem. Banks and financial compa- through liquidity issues in the from failures of the issuers. AIG owned and guaranteed by these the destructive forces of capital- nies around the globe are strug- banking system owing to foreclo- (American International Group) two federal sponsored organiza- ism. Although capitalism using gling to pull out themselves out of sures which accelerated in the an insurance company was faced tions. The big reason Fed and the productive forces, and creates this crisis. Governments and cen- United States in late 2006 and to settle under a CDS $14 billion US treasury felt compelled to productivity, he said 'Capitalism tral bankers are channeling bil- triggered a global financial crisis overnight, which amount of liq- bailout the failing Fannie Mae and has its own roots of destruction.' lions of dollars hoping to stabilize during 2007 and 2008. The crisis uidity in fact they did not have. As Freddie Mac was the fear that if British economist, Maynard Key- the market. But housing market is began with the bursting of the US similar obligations grew fast with- they didn't, foreign investors nes also diagnosed the problem, still a concern. When it is going to housing bubble and high default in a week, AIG was in a state to would not continue the funding of and designed welfare state edifice be a positive upturn, then there rates on subprime and other settle $250 billion. So, suddenly US trade and federal budget in order to save the capitalism are some hopes to improve the adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) they could not 'balance' their deficits. In order to maintain the from its inborn destructive forces. economy. How long it will take? made to higher-risk borrowers books, no way other than to go super economic power status, it is If the capitalism has free market Nobody knows. Much of the with lower income or lesser cred- failing. Finally Uncle Sam important for the Fed to bridge economy, why should the govern- future relies on future regulatory it history than prime borrowers. (Federal) came to the rescue. the annual budget deficits. This is ment to intervene and bail it out? measures and funds availability. If Defaults and foreclosure activity While the 700 billion U.S. govern- achieved partly with enormous It should be left to the market remedial actions or bailout fail, increased dramatically as ARM ment bailout plan was being dis- inflow of foreign investments in itself to recover whatever the financial sector collapse will thre- interest rates reset higher. During cussed, WaMu (Washington government issued securities. consequences are. Now the aten to plunge the US and much 2007, nearly 1.3 million U.S. Mutual Bank) was seized by These are mainly issued in the greatest economists should think of the world into a deep reces- housing properties were subject authorities and its assets were form of CDOs by Fannie Mae and twice whether centralized econo- sion. to foreclosure activity. sold. This is the first case of US Freddie Mac and other notes and Impact of Derivative Products failure to rescue a retail bank. JP bonds issued by US treasury. If and Failure of Investment Giants Morgan Chase the third largest US Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fail and Banks Websites for Sale bank has bought the WaMu has a foreign investors will lose confi- Investment banks are heavily heavy burden of writing off $31 dence in the US Government and relied on derivatives to increase billion loan portfolio - mainly mas- its economy. That's the reason profits. Greed was dominating sive amounts of defaulted mort- Fed jumped to bail out these two Wall Street by developing all sorts gages of WaMu. Merrill Lynch is organizations costing tax payers of financially engineered spiffy another investment giant under with 300 million dollars. nouveau derivative products such pressure and may be taken over Banking System as CDOs (Collateralized Debt by Bank of America in order to The $700 billion U.S. govern- Obligations), CDSs (Credit Default Recently a site was sold to 4th largest bank in the world. Make your avoid bankruptcy action. There is ment bailout plan to prop up the Swaps) taking too much of risks. Offer now ! a general believe that Goldman creaking banking system by buy- There are too many. We only Sachs and Morgan Stanley will ing banks' bad debts could renew For Sale by best offer within 30 days. mention here the ones which survive the crisis, but Professor confidence in the U.S. economy BESTN EWSAGENT.COM brought the current mess. The Nouriel Roubini says 'they will be and fuel greenback gains. Gaining CLICK2HOMESEARCH.COM situation was left unregulated by gone in a matter of months as customers confidence for their DOLLARS2SAVE.COM Fed Reserve or US Treasury. well. …because their business deposits and their accessibility in Everyone was amazing about HELP2BUYHOME.COM model is fundamentally flawed'. getting lending facilities at lower Greenspan era. But, during the HOME2LIVE.COM All these actions caused the mar- rate is paramount important to Fed Reserve Chairman Alan ket to lose confidence. A most keep the banking system func- HOW-2-MORTGAGE.COM Greenspan's period market was successful investor Warren Buffett tioning. But it could also spark I2IRESEARCH.COM left to flourish with numerous in 2003 indicated these derivative fears that the package may cost IPHON ES4LESS.COM derivative products without being products as 'weapons of financial too much, drive up inflation, swell adequately regulated and the MYCENTURY21HOME.COM mass destruction'. Nobody lis- the already bloated U.S. deficit mortgage lenders also went wild. N FLBAN KCARD.COM tened to him. and hurt the ailing economy, ana- He could not see the forthcoming Why Bailout Fannie Mae lysts said. The $700 billion is N IKE4LESS.COM financial disaster. Bear Stearns and Freddie Mac? being added as a 7% of the $9.8 OUTSOURCEANDYOU.COM investment banker had to write Based on the pools of mort- trillion national debt. The dollar REALTOR121.COM down their defaulted CDOs, and gages, major investment banks value as an international currency Call: 416-560-4375 eventually underwent a forced created CDOs as another invest- MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 19 MOVIE WATCHING WORLD CHAMPION SHIP 8 CO NTESTANTS, 56 MO VIES, 121 HO URS, THE G UINNESS WO RLD RECO RD O N THE LINE Netflix Movie Watching World Championship to Take Place in Times Square from October 2-7. TORONTO, Jan. 16 / 2008 Canada's No.1 Guinness record breaker Suresh Joachim has been chosen to represent Canada at this movie watching world championship. At stake is the undeniable notori- ety associated with holding the title of world champion, a $10,000 cash prize, a lifetime subscription to Netflix and the first-ever Popcorn Bowl trophy. Suresh will represent the Tamil people across the world at this world championship. He has asked them to play 5 Tamil movies during the championship and they have agreed to it. Since he will be producing the world fastest movie this December, this competition will help him to acquire many ideas by watching 56 movies. Following are the 5 Tamil movies that will be played: Sivakaasi, Thiruvilayadal Arambam, Arunachalam, Something Something.....Unnakum Ennakum and Vasool Raja M.B.B.S. Guinness World Records rules require the contestants to watch films non-stop without averting their eyes from the screen. Competitors will be given 10 minutes between each movie, or approximately every two hours, to refresh themselves. Eating, drinking, standing and stretching are allowed as long as eyes are on the screen. Medical professionals will monitor the contestants' conditions throughout the event and assess if contestants are truly watching or are simply staring blankly at the screen Eastern time with competitors assuming Their eyes may be glued to the screen, their positions in the Netflix Movie Watching but all eyes will be on the eight competitors Arena, a plexi-glass living room in the cen- who will participate in the Netflix Movie ter of New York's Times Square. Gawkers Watching World Championship: The Quest and passersby will have ample opportunity for the Popcorn Bowl. Hosted by Netflix to cheer on or watch in wonderment as each (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world's largest online competitor creatively and, towards the movie rental service, the grueling movie finale, desperately attempts to stave off watching marathon will begin on October sleep. 2nd in New York's Times Square and is Suresh Joachim's Next Attempt: expected to last until a new Guinness World FASTEST MOVIE SCRIPT TO SCRNING IN 12 Record® , for most consecutive hours spent DAYS. watching movies, is set five days later on STARTING ON DECEMBER 6.00 PM FIN- October 7th. ISHING AT DECEMBER 20TH 6.00 PM The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. US Vice Presidential Candidates agree on intervention to stop genocide "I don't have a stomach for genocide" said US vice Presidential candidate Senator Joseph R Biden during the one only live tel- evised debate for the Vice Presidential candidates aired on Thursday Oct 3. Senator Biden advocated a no-fly zone over Darfur, a major push to get peace- keeper helicopters into Darfur, and a U.S.- led NATO action of some kind. Senator Biden added: "When a country engages in genocide…that country forfeits the right to say, 'you have no right to intervene.'" Governor Sarah Palin, Republican Party's vice presidential candidate nodded and declared, "We can agree on that." Gov. Palin debate "I don't have a stomach for geno- was less specific but she did clearly say that cide."" she favored a no-fly zone in Darfur as well. The New York Times added that this is a A New York Times column commenting "historical milestone", for candidates of both on the debate said "Senator Biden broke the parties saying forthrightly that they would tradition of American leaders waffling on intervene to stop genocide, "not because of genocide over generations in a splendid way our national interests but because of our when he very forthrightly said during the national values". 20 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Sri Lanka Political party leader refutes Canadian HC claim as absolute untruth Dr. Wickramabahu Thamil in Madrid and in London. Thank you for your letter Karunaratne has refuted claims of In addition, you have publicly dated 16 Sep 2008, which I found the Canadian HC that said "his announced your support for quite amusing. actions constitute membership in B.Nadesan. As a prominent mem- Firstly, let me correct some the LTTE" as "absolute untruth." ber of a political party that has absolute untruths included in your He had been invited to Canada to historically and consistently letter. I have never been to Spain; attend as a guest speaker at a shown support for the LTTE." And and I could not attend Pongu conference on the Sri Lankan eth- therefore is constituted he is a Thamil meeting in London as I nic conflict, organized by a group member of the LTTE. got the British visa after the of Sri Lankans living in Canada. Dr. Karunaratne responding by event. Dr. Karunaratne told "Lankadi- letter addressed to the First Secondly, our party is a social- ssent" that he handed over his Secretary of the Canadian High ist party that believes in mass application on 25th August, 2008 Commission in Colombo says, he actions while the LTTE is a Tamil Dr Vickramabahu Karunarathne (Centre) at a recent well in advance of the conference had never been to Spain and had nationalist bourgeois party that and wanted only a few days stay not attended the "pongu thamil" uses the method of terror in the rally in front of the Fort Railiway Station in Colombo in Canada. event in London. In his hard hit- course of the struggle. If you calling to safeguard rights of Journalists in Sri Lanka In response to Dr Karuna- ting response to the Canadian HC, have an iota human rights for Tamils we have ment. ratne's application for visa, a let- Dr. Karunaratne says, "if you have of knowledge in political sci- participated with LTTE supporters. Finally if you have any sense ter from C McKinney, First any sense of democracy left, ence you will see that I could not How ever in all such meetings we of democracy left, please let me Secretary, Immigration at the please let me know whether I be a leader of the New Sama have stood for voluntary unity of know whether I have the right to Canadian High Commission in have the right to appeal against Samaja party and also be a mem- Sinhala and Tamil nationalities. appeal against your irresponsible Colombo, has written to Dr your irresponsible and dangerous ber of the LTTE. Thirdly, if you have such cred- and dangerous conclusions. Karunaratne to say he fails the conclusions." Of course we have defended ible evidence of my self being a Sgd: Dr Vickramabahu admissibility tests laid out in [Full text of Dr Karunaratne's the right of self determination of member of the LTTE, I am sure Karunarathne, President, Left Canada's Immigration and reply follows] the Tamil people and the autono- you would have shared that Front, General Secretary, New Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) as Mr.C McKinney, my for the Tamil home land since knowledge with the Mahinda Sama Samaja party 17 Barracks "it has been reported that you First Secretary, Immigration, 1974. In spite of that, the LTTE regime. It is strange that the gov- Lane, Colombo 2 [Lankadi have publicly participated in LTTE Canadian High Commission, has used terror against our party ernment has taken no action what ssent.com] activities by personally and know- Colombo. members. so ever. Your ludicrous claim is ingly attending and speaking at File: V080800395 Disregarding that, in common not taken seriously even by this pro-LTTE events such as Pongo Dear Mr. McKinney, demonstrations that demands chauvinist war mongering govern- House for Sal e Hotel Business for 12 Bed house in 24 perches, Sal e/ Lease adjoining with 20 perch bare land is IDEAL FO R FAMILYBUSINESS fo r sale in Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka. 33 Bed ro o med ho tel in Mo unt Lavinia, (O ff Ho tel Ro ad) Ground plus

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Sri Lanka Aims to Meet Asia' s Demand for Technology Graduates By Ron Corben the Asian region there is a lot of persuading graduates to stay in demand for IT technicians," he Sri Lanka, instead of seeking jobs Sri Lanka hopes to take said. in other countries. advantage of the growing region- Mr. Fernando hopes the insti- "It is a huge concern not just al demand for information tech- tute will allow more young Sri for Oracle but the industry as a nology graduates. A new training Lankans to stay at home to study, whole. People who get skilled up institute opens next year to pro- instead of going abroad. The are quite valuable to the industry vide skilled graduates to meet campus will have space for 1,000 and we keep losing these people increasing demand. students, and will offer classes in to the region or the West mostly On the outskirts of the Sri business administration, commu- and lots of skilled migration," he Lankan capital Colombo, con- nications technology, and man- said. struction is fast progressing on a agement in areas such as The dean of the new insti- new $5.7 million information tourism. tute's information technology fac- technology and management Vickum Senanayake is the Sri ulty, Chandima de Silvais, thinks institute. Lanka country chief for the U.S. the school will go a long way The institute, at Malabe, sits technology company Oracle. He toward meeting demand in Sri in a new industrial park for infor- says the number of technology Lanka. But, he says, India will mation technology businesses. graduates each year falls short of remain a draw for many gradu- The institute is the dream of vet- demand. ates. eran Sri Lankan businessman, "Our need is around 20,000 "In terms of India as a desti- Neville Fernando graduates coming out of the uni- nation for employment I do not Fernando, who personally versity and various other tertiary think Sri Lanka or any other Asian financed the institute, says lan- education institutes. But we pro- country can match. There are guage courses are key to the duce maybe about a maximum thousands of jobs demands in comes at an opportune time in Sri project," she said. institute's program, so that grad- 3,000, 5,000 in the IT sector," he India. Our institute can cater to Lanka's IT development. Sri Lanka is gaining attention uates will be able to work for said. that in time to come. But in terms "People are beginning to see from international companies multinational companies. Senanayake says there also is of education alone Sri Lankan particularly the IT-related career looking to invest in its IT sector. "So what we teaching will be a gap between the skills needed parents might still opt to send pathways and Sri Lanka because One international bank already IT-related subjects, even the and the training offered at exist- their children to a good institution of its language skills and I think it plans to set up a support office in English language course. All this ing schools. He says the IT indus- in Sri Lanka. So I think it would be is a very good area for future Sri Lanka to take advantage of will be IT-based so that they work try has been grappling with these a landmark in Sri Lankan educa- employment and career develop- the country's English-speaking in any IT factory anywhere in the problems for more than five tion," he said. ment. If the timing is right then workers and trained technical world. Even Korean, Japanese, years. Businesswoman Geetha the project works and I think the staff. Chinese will be taught because in An even bigger problem is Karandawala says the institute timing is right now for this kind of [VOA] Sri Lanka accused of using Amnesty International urges full probe of "food as weapon" attack on Human Rights Lawyer in Sri Lanka

The London based Amnesty harassment or intimidation. pound of the house and which International (AI) has urged the Human rights lawyer J.C. they managed to defuse. authorities to conduct a full probe Weliamuna has gone into hiding J.C. Weliamuna is the head of into the attack on leading human since the incident as he remains the Sri Lankan branch of rights lawyer in Sri Lanka, J.C. at risk of further attack, AI said. Transparency International, an Weliamuna and bring those The grenade attack came at international NGO which cam- responsible to justice. 11.40pm as J. C. Weliamuna, his paigns against government cor- AI urged the authorities to wife and two sons, aged 2 years ruption. protect J.C. Weliamuna and his and the other 2 months old, were On September 23, the NGO family, who survived a grenade asleep. The grenade exploded on published a report naming Sri attack on September 27, using all the balcony of their bedroom Lanka as 92nd out of the list of measures deemed appropriate by though luckily they were not 184 corrupt governments around J.C. Weliamuna himself. harmed. the world. He also represents a It also asked the authorities to However, the explosion number of citizens, who claim that ensure that human rights defend- caused extensive damage to their state officials have violated their ers are able to continue their home. Police found a second, “fundamental human rights” legitimate work without fear of unexploded grenade in the com- under the Sri Lankan Constitution. Tamil Nadu Chief TRO lorry & I DPs-TRO is the only organization working in the conflict zones assisting I DPs to move to safer areas Minister Karunanidhi's

Food for Internally Displaced military had found explosives and daughter Kanimoli, who Persons (IDPs) allowed to trickle other contraband inside nine of is an M.P. in the Lok in for now by Sri Lanka. the vehicles, the U.N. said. A U.N. convoy of 51 vehicles The U.N. said it "condemned Sabha, is handing over carrying 800 metric tonnes of the attempt by persons unknown food aid crossed the Omanthai to disrupt the aid effort" by plac- a letter of protest from checkpoint, the north of which is ing the illegal cargo on trucks pro- LTTE-held territory, on October 2 vided by the government. Karunanidhi regarding and was due to deliver food to Tamil daily Uthayan reported, Sri Lankan Navy's four areas east of Kilinochchi "only food sufficient for one week where most of the refugees are. is being allowed", quoting UN shooting of Food deliveries have been fac- sources. ing denials for the past several Several Tamil dailies and Tamil Nadu weeks at Sri Lanka military check humanitarian agencies have con- Fishermen.... points. demned Sri Lanka government's It originally had 60 trucks, but use of "food as weapon" in its Picture Courtesy: Hindu the number was reduced after the "onslaught on the Tamil region". 22 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Temples W here Gods Come to Life By Edward Wong subject to all the emotions and expe- ous poses: Buddha reclining, Buddha THE god was ready for his night riences that we humans are all too meditating beneath the bodhi tree, of conjugal bliss. The priests of the familiar with - including carnal desire. Buddha's head. At one workshop, I temple, muscular, shirtless men with Few things in India express the held up a statuette of Ganesh, the ele- white sarongs wrapped around their continuous presence of the gods bet- phant-headed god. He was typing on thighs, bore the god's palanquin on ter than the ancient, massive temple a laptop. their shoulders. They marched him complexes of Tamil Nadu. Walk "Computer companies like to buy slowly along a stone corridor shroud- through any city there and what these," the manager said. ed in shadows to his consort's shrine. catches your eye first are the soaring This was India: the modern Drumbeats echoed along the walls. temple entrances known as gopuras, alongside the classically ancient. Candles flickered outside the doorway sacred skyscrapers decorated with a By the crashing waves of the Bay to the shrine's inner sanctum. There, phantasmagoria of Hindu statues of of Bengal sits the town's most impor- Meenakshi, the fish-eyed goddess, multi-armed, bug-eyed gods, mythical tant architectural site, the Shore awaited the embrace of her husband, beasts and chiseled warriors. Temple. My Rough Guide said the Sundareshwarar, an incarnation of Thousands of such statues adorn the Shore Temple was built in the early that most priapic of Indian gods, largest gopuras, like the ones rising eighth century during the Pallava Shiva. from the Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar dynasty and is considered the earliest Along with hundreds of Indians temple in Madurai, one of the holiest stone temple in the south. Its two clustered around the shrine entrance, pilgrimage sites in India. towers were modest compared with I strained to get a glimpse of the stat- "Here, we have a proverb: 'Where some of the gopuras I would later see, ue of Sundareshwarar, but green there is a temple, people can live,' " A Hindu shrine in Madurai but the style - a layered, wedding- cloths draped over the palanquin kept said Ram Kumar, a guide I had hired cake look whose sharp edges have it hidden. Worshipers surged forward in Madurai. "The temple is the center been eroded by the seaside weather - in mass delirium, snapping photos of a person's living space." had enormous influence on the devel- with their cellphones, bowing to the Though Kerala, the state just to opment of later temples both in India palanquin and chanting hymns. They the west, draws larger tourist crowds, and in Southeast Asia. The corncob stretched out their hands to touch the Tamil Nadu is an increasingly popular towers of the beautiful Angkor com- carriage. Priests ordered them back. destination. One of India's most plex in Cambodia, built by the Hindu Then the priests veered into the developed states, it also has beaches Khmer rulers, are one example. inner sanctum, carrying the unseen and lush farmland, and its cuisine is Perhaps the most beautiful piece god toward the eager arms of his among the most flavorful - and of art in Mahabalipuram, though, lies wife. They too had a night of divine hottest - in India. in the heart of town, an open-air bas pleasure ahead of them, so we were But it is the temple circuit that is relief known as Arjuna's Penance. all ushered out as the guards began the main draw, as it has been for cen- Dozens of figures from Hindu mythol- locking up. turies. Indeed, many of Tamil Nadu's ogy are carved from the surface of an This union of Meenakshi and residents see the state as a repository enormous granite boulder. Sundareshwarar is a nightly ritual in of "pure" Hindu culture. In many The central scenes depict a well- Madurai, the largest city in the south- ways, it is a country within a country, known tale from the Mahabharata - ern state of Tamil Nadu, drawing proudly preserving its ancient that of the revered warrior Arjuna feverish crowds of Hindu devotees. In Dravidian culture, most noticeably in turning ascetic and going into the for- much of India, the gods are not crea- the widespread use of the Tamil lan- est to seek the aid of Shiva in a com- tures of distant myth to be worshiped guage. Making tea in front of a cafe in Mahabalipuram ing battle. Tourists were kept far from as abstractions. They exist in our I had been to India four times, the rock by a rail, but monkeys clam- world, in our time, and are fully inte- but never to the south, so I had little bered all over it, just like the forest grated into the daily lives of Hindu idea of what to expect in December, creatures in the mythological scene. believers. They move simultaneously when I flew with my friend Tini into HEADING south from through the world of the divine and Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram, Tini and I hopped on the world that we inhabit, and are We were met by a driver from a hotel a bus to Pondicherry, the former French colonial town. It was a good stop for dining and some new bou- tique hotels, but it did not have much in the way of grand temples. So we hired a car to reach the temple of Gangaikondacholapuram, a few hours' drive southwest, where the detailed statues and friezes from the Chola dynasty are as remarkable as the temple's name. What astounded me were the demon-protector statues flanking each doorway, towering over me, snarling at me with fanged teeth, telling me in a not-too-subtle way that I didn't belong here. Students study at a school for Hindu priests in Tamil Nadu The drive to the temple had taken in Mahabalipuram, a beach town 36 relaxed way of taking in the sights, so us deep into the Tamil Nadu country- miles south. He whisked us into an off we went to a set of mini-temples side, past the electric-green rice fields Ambassador, those grand 1950s-style on the southern edge of town. The of the Cauvery Delta. Storms broke sedans ubiquitous throughout India, place was already crowded with out as we were leaving the temple, A sculptor works in Mahabalipuram, the stone-sculpturing capital of and off we went, veering past cows, Indian tourists and juice vendors but I didn't mind. It all seemed part of I ndia. Likenesses of major Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu and Ganesh motor rickshaws and overcrowded standing next to carts piled high with the landscape, these rains that would roll out of these workshops and into homes and offices around the buses. green coconuts. country bring a harvest for the farmers mak- The chaos of India - sometimes The ancient site was designed to ing a living the same way their ances- the very quality that draws me there - be a big outdoor showroom that tors had done thousands of years ago. wasn't quite what I needed on this exhibited the skills of the town's archi- Eager for a roof over our heads, vacation. For a moment, as we were tects. Incredibly, the set of temples, we told our driver to head for flying through the insane traffic, I had the Five Rathas, was carved from a Thanjavur, where I hoped to see the second thoughts about the whole trip. single large slab of granite: models in finest surviving works of the Cholas, Then we pulled into the Dravida style. who ruled a large swath of south India Mahabalipuram; I could see the ocean As I pedaled north, I heard the from this city. as we cruised into town. There was chiseling of stone coming from road- The downpour was ceaseless, the smell of salt in the air, and we side workshops - a sound I would continuing through the night and the drove through quiet lanes to the sea- hear throughout the day - reminding next day. I spent my first morning in side hotel. The beach there is not of me that Mahabalipuram is still the Thanjavur looking at marvelous the golden-sand-and-swaying-palms stone-sculpturing capital of India, just bronze statues in the Royal Palace kind you find in Goa or Kerala, but it is as it was in ancient times. Likenesses compound. The famous bronze depic- a pretty stretch to walk along and of major Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu tion of Nataraja, lord of the dance, unwind from sightseeing (think fishing and Ganesh roll out of these work- standing in a ring of fire, strands of skiffs and seafood restaurants). shops and into homes and offices the cosmos swirling from his head, It is the town's stone architecture, around the country. was created during the Chola dynasty some of the oldest in India, that I stopped in at a few of the work- and has since been replicated end- makes Mahabalipuram a good first shops, where men sat on the floor lessly. stop on the temple crawl. Biking chiseling. They were creating statues Worshipers and observers at the ritual of Meenakshi and between temples seemed the most of Hindu gods and of Buddha in vari- Contd. in Pg 29 Sundareshwarar in Madurai MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 23 24 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce Holds 1st Golf Classic at the Silver Lakes Golf and Country Club By: Krishni Loganathan The weather was perfect for the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce 1st Golf Classic that was held on Wednesday September 10th at the beautiful Silver Lakes Golf and Country Club in Newmarket. Many people joined together to enjoy the great day of golf, some being first timers and others more experienced. It would have seemed as if business was closed or at least on pause for the day as many bank mangers, lawyers, doctors, real estate agents and many others came ready to play for the 1st Golf Classic hosted by the CTCC. Many golfers were up for Putting Challenge Competion winner, Grant the challenge of taking the first place trophy, but only McAllister receives Award from Scarborough Town one team could claim it. The lucky, but talented first Centre Branch Manager Mano Thillainathan place winners included the team of NJ, Shaffin, Sarfaraz Dayaz, and M. Sundin, receiving the first place Challenge Trophy from CTCC and a golf pack- NJ Team receives the Challenge Cup Winners Trophy from Dr. Giri age allowing them a free pass back to the course for another year that was sponsored by Silver Lakes. Tying in second place was the team TVI/CMR along with The Co-operators. Unfortunately due to a term "retrogradation" (opposite to the usual order) the TVI/CMR team managed to pull through to second place, leaving The Co-operators at third place. As the golfers finished their 18 holes they lined up one by one to face the Putting Challenge. This was another chance to join the winners circle. There could only be one winner and that was Grant McAllister Scotiabank Cederbrae branch Manager Nigel from the team The Co-operators. The Co-operators receiving the longest drive competition award from Shamala Kumar of TD CanadaTrust were winning many of the trophies at this tournament including the trophy for Closest to the Hole, which was won by team leader Senthooran Punithavel. The longest drive competition was won by Nigel Samaroo, 2nd Price winners (TVI ) receives award from Kanish Thevarajah as Branch Manager for Scotiabank located at Cederbrae President Gary Anandasangaree makes the announcements Mall. There were many hole sponsors that should be pointed out beginning with TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, RBC Royal Bank of Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Meridian, The Co- operators, Suntharalingam & Associates, The Law Office of Gary Anandasangaree, and TVI/CMR. Also a Senthooran of Co-Operators receiving prize for supply of Golf balls for the tournament were donated closest to the hole competition from South Asian by Customer President John Gilespi of Pizzaville and Market Vice President for RBC, I mtiaz Seyid other prizes were donated by Sinnadurai Jeyakumar, Hertz car rental and Asiyans. After the long day of golf, the evening closed with prizes for the winners and a scrumptious steak dinner. The day was eventful and talks about next years tournament was already in the works, as many of the golfers could be heard of refining their skills before RBC team with CTCC President Gary the next tournament. Photos by: Ken Photo & Gnane

Co-Operators Team

Jeyakumar team with Ken kirupa and Liland I nsurance Team Scotiabank Team other members

Media Coverage Sponsors Monsoon Journal Pr emium Savings 3.45% TVI Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5.30 pm Suite 100A, 2100 Ellesmere Road, Toronto, ON. M1H 3B7 CMR Tel: 416-915-8989 TD Canada Trust Team MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 25 26 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

ABOUT PAUL CALANDRA KEY ISSUES OF

Paul Calandra is a hard In 1995 Paul accepted a CONSERVATIVE working, practical conserva- position with the Mike Harris tive who grew up in Markham government where he served PARTY OF before settling on the family as Chief of Staff to MPP Steve farm in Ballantrae, where he Gilchrist, former Minister of CANADA UNDER now lives with his wife Municipal Affairs & Housing, Melanie and daughter Natalie Chair of the Red Tape HARPER (and their dog Phoebe). Commission and first Paul first engaged in the Commissioner of Alternative LEADERSHIP Paul and Prime Minister Hon. Stephen Harper political process when he was Energy. His time in provincial only nine years old, deliver- government gave Paul the 2008 ing literature in his neigh- experience needed to bourhood. His passion grew become an effective Member over the years and since then of Parliament. LEADERSHI P Paul has continued to work Currently, Paul works as a tirelessly to elect like-minded Commercial Insurance Broker Conservatives to office at the in York Region. ACCOUNTABI LI TY Municipal, Provincial and Paul continues to serve Federal level. Most recently, the Conservative Party as a Paul served as Campaign Member of the Board of the CHI LD CARE Manager in two federal elec- Oak-Ridges Markham tions and three provincial Conservative Association and Paul with Federal Labour Minister Hon. Jean-Pierre Blackburn elections. He also served as a as Past-President of the Oak SOVEREI GNTY regional organizer for Ridges-Markham Provincial Stephen Harper's Leadership P.C Association. Campaign and Jim Flaherty's Paul also served as a TACKLI NG CRI ME Provincial PC Leadership member on the Board of: Campaign. The Toronto Children's Safety After completing full-time Village, The Integrated LOWER TAXES university studies, Paul Shoreline Management Plan, opened and successfully The Manson Environmental operated two small business- Review Committee, Highland HEALTH CARE es and managed a commer- Creek Heritage Day Advisory cial, residential and agricul- Committee, and Oak Ridges tural real estate portfolio. Trail Association. ENVI RONMENT Paul with Federal Finance Paul with his wife Melanie Minister Hon. Jim Flaherty and daughter Natalie MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 27 MonsoonMonsoon FFeatureeature Canada Parliamentary Structure & Federal

Elections - An in-depth analysis By: Raymond Rajabalan Parliamentary Hill - to be candidate from 21 years to Canada and Atlantic Canada - vative) 1984 to 1993 Canada's Parliament 18. Facts & Figures Pierre Elliot Trudeau Canadian Parliamentary Voter Turnout Ontario (Liberal) 1968-1979, 1980-1984. Structure is made up of the fol- Voter turnout at the 2004 Long serving Ontario MP Louis St.Laurent. (Liberal) lowing: June Federal election was John Graham Haggard 1948 to 1957 A) Queen of Canada (60.9%) percent which was the (Conservative) served 41 years Wilfred Laurier (Liberal) The Queen of England is rep- lowest since 1896. from 1872 to 1913. 1896 to 1911. resented in Canada by the The highest turnout in Youngest Ontario MP Western Canada Governor General. Canadian history was (79.4%) Patrick O'Sullivan (Progressive Longest serving Western The incumbent Governor percent, that was received at the Conservative) elected 1972 at the MP General is, Her Excellency the General elections of 1958, when John Diefenbaker (Conserv- Right Honourable Michaelle Jean. John A Diefenbaker's Government ative, Progressive Conservative.) B) Senate Agnes Macphail - First Woman was re-elected. Served 39 years from 1940 to Elected to House of Commons Members of the Senate are Closest Results of any 1979 appointed by the Governor had 181 members in the House of Federal election in Canada Youngest MP from West Commons. The number increased One of the closest election Lorne Nostrum (NDP) to 301 during the Federal elec- results of any federal election in Elected 1968 at the age of 22 tions in 2000. Since then the years. number increased to 308 during First Western female MP 2004 June elections and contin- Doris Winifred Nielson ues to remain unchanged up to (Unity Party) Elected 1940 now.. Province with the most Monique Begin- First female MP Western Prime Ministers number of electorates from Quebec Kim Campbell (Progressive The Province of Ontario has age of 20 years. Conservative) 1993 to 1993. 106 electorates, which is the Ontario's first female MP. John Turner (Liberal) 1964 largest number for any of the Agnes MacPhail (Progressive to 1984 provinces, territories in the whole United Farmer's of Ontario elect- Joe Clarke (Progressive of Canada. Only the party which ed 1921. Conservative) 1979 to 1980 Sir John A Mcdonald obtains the most number of elec- Ontario's Prime Ministers John Diefenbaker (Progre- General on the recommendation torates will be able to form the Lester Pearson (Liberal) ssive Conservative) 1957 to 1963 of the Prime Minister. Federal Government. Pierre Elliot Tudeau 1963 to 1968 Stephen Harper (Conserva- C) House of Commons Members of the House of Period Party Prime Minister Period in Power Commons are chosen by eligible 1957-1958 Progressive Conservative John Diefenbaker 5 Months citizens through federal elections. 1962-1963 Progressive Conservative John Diefenbaker 6 Months 1963-1965 Liberal Lester B. Pearson 2 Years 4 Months Formation of Canada 1965-1968 Liberal Lester B. Pearson 2 Years 4 Months On March 29, 1867, Queen 1972-1974 Liberal Pierre E. Trudeau 5 Months Victoria signed the British North American Act and in July 1st the 1979-1980 Conservative Joe Clark 6 Months same year, it came into effect. A 2004-2005 Liberal Paul Martin 1 Year 6 Months new nation was born, Canada 2006-2008 Conservative Stephen Harper 2 Years 8 Months consisting of 3.5 million people Governor Genral of Canada - and four provinces. Michelle Jean Canada occurred in 1972, when William Lyon McKenzie tive) 2006 to 2008 The Original four charter the Liberals led by Pierre Eliot King (Liberal) 1921 to 1930, members of Confederation were Electorates with the least geo- Trudeau won 109 seats and the 1935 to 1948. Atlantic Canada (Eastern as follows: graphical and most geographical progressive Conservatives led by Sir John A McDonald Canada) New Brunswick areas. Robert Stanefield obtained 107 (Liberal, Conservative) 1867, Longest serving Eastern Nova Scotia Laurie-Sainte-Marie electorate seats. 1873, 1878, 1891. MP Ontario in Quebec has an area of only 9 Provinces and Territories Alexander McKenzie (Liberal, Conservative, Liberal) Quebec square kilo meters. of Canada (Liberal) 1873 to 1878 John Costigan On the 16th of July this new The electorate with the Province of Ontario Quebec Served 40 years from 1867 to country was named the Dominion largest geographical area in Province of Quebec Longest serving Quebec 1907 of Canada. Nunavut. This electorate in the Western Canada: 4 MP First Eastern Woman MP In the first election held in North West Territories region has Provinces and 3 Territories Wilfred Laurier (Liberal) Margaret Mary Macdonald 1867, Sir John A. Macdonald, the area of 3,111, 463 square kilome- Four Provinces Served 45 years from (1874 to (Progressive Conservative) leader of the Conservative Party ters. British Columbia 1919) Elected 1961. won a working majority and Voting rights for women Alberta Youngest Quebec MP Eastern Prime Minsters became the first Prime Minister. In 1918, the franchise at Saskatoon Claude Andre' Lachance Robert Laird Borden Federal elections was extended to Manitoba (Liberal) (Conservative, Unionist) 1911 to The Number of General all women of 21 years of age and North West Territories Elected 1974 at the age of 20 1920 Elections. over. During the following year West Arctic years Charles Tupper (Conserva- The general election to be women became eligible for elec- Nunavut First female MP of Quebec tive). 1896 to 1896 held on October 14th, 2008 will tions to the House of Commons. Yukon Monique Begin (Liberal) Minority Governments be the 40th election within the The first woman Member elected Atlantic Canada Elected 1972 In the past 50 years Canada past 141 years since the forma- was Agnes Macphail of the pro- New Brunswick Quebec Prime Ministers has had eight minority tion of Canada. gressive Party in 1921. Nova Scotia Paul Martin (Liberal) 2003 to Governments. In 1957-1958, The growth of the number Change in the voting age Prince Edward I slands. 2005 1962-1963, 1963-1965, 1965- of Electorates In 1970, a newly revised New Foundland and Jean Chrétien (Liberal) 1993 1968, 1972-1974, 1979-1980, At the first election after the Canada election Act, lowered the Labrador to 2003 2004-2005 and 2006-2008. confederation in 1867, Canada voting age and the minimum age Ontario, Quebec, Western Brian Mulroney (Conser- 28 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

The Destiny of Canada is in Your Hands "Until someone some day ment was reduced to $ 490.00 from achieves a majority, the fight is not $975.00 as per the election agenda. Samy Appadurai won or lost" said Steven Harper on This has lifted a substantial burden the Election Day night on June from the shoulders of new immi- takes a lead... 28th, 2004. It now appears that the grants who are an invaluable Sovereignty of Quebec and fight will be over and the end is resource to our economy. national unity are both delicate near. The protection of our Northern issues and need to be handled with The warm -north east winds border was one of the top priority extra care. Brian Mulroney put out blowing with the world's media items in the election manifesto a wonderful effort in keeping from south of the border, is carrying when many of us were not aware of Canada intact but Mr. Chrétien did a substantial influence from the U.S its importance. After the discovery so more diplomatically and narrow- presidential election campaign to of oil and minerals in this region, ly kept the unity of Canada intact by ours. The 40th Canadian parliamen- the USA, Russia, and Denmark less than a full percentage in the tary election is scheduled to take became very keen in claiming their 1995 referendum. Harper has rec- place on 14th October 2008, after rights over this cold, remote place. ognized Quebec as a nation within a the 12th minority government that As promised, he has done it. The united Canada, instead of Quebec was elected and formed almost reduction of our national debt by as a distinguished society, without three years ago was dissolved on over $ 30 billion during an econom- any constitutional changes and this 9th September 2008. One week ic slowdown and in the wake of an has boosted the morale of prior to the announcement, the uncertain American economy that With the recent collapse of a his boldness, integrity and determi- Quebecers. Prime Minister, requested that the buys almost 80 % our exports has major financial institution in the nation. Harper is a man of integrity, Governor General postpone her helped us realize the true vision of USA and the mad scrambling of Family values among many foresight and gratitude and he is state visit to China and stated to the Harper. other financial institutions, the glob- urban Canadian families, irrespec- never worried about the conse- nation that there might be an early Afghanistan is very controver- al economy has been in a state of tive of their ethnicity are deteriorat- quences of taking bold steps. Some election. sial issue for the NDP, not for the panic. It will certainly take at least a ing and it has paved the way for examples include his apology to the There are some interesting con- sons and daughters of the soil. The year to get back on a more sure broken families, the melting of Chinese Canadian community for tributing factors that helped the Canadian involvement in footing. This will also have an mutual trust, drug abuse and alco- the discriminative head tax which government determine the timing Afghanistan was initiated by the adverse effect in Canada, because holism. Not having enough quality was collected between 1885 and of the election: before the US pres- Liberals and continued by the of the income generated from time with the family is a social prob- 1923, to Canada's First Nations idential election, at the early part of Conservatives. This is unavoidable exports accounts for 80% of our lem that leads to an unbalanced life peoples for the adverse effects of a global recession, somewhat slow for various reasons such as: Canada total export income and many com- which in turn affects productivity the residential school system, and moving war in Afghanistan and can not isolate itself from the rest of panies and financial institutions and societal cohesion. Harper is the 1914 Komagata Maru incident in Iraq led by the United States coali- the world and have the same have a strong hold in the USA. A married with children and spends which hundreds of Indians were tion forces, skyrocketing oil prices strength and protection, second troubled stock market, uncertain reasonable time with his family and turned back from the Vancouver and the adamant policy of the factor is that Canada may become capital investments, the protective advocates for balanced community Harbour. OPEC nations in not increasing the next target for the same rebels measures that financial institutions and family lives in Canadian socie- Canada needs more skilled crude oil production, the Russian who rally against America and the are planning to take will certainly be ty... Although the results of the time immigrants to fill the gap in the nat- invasion of Georgia, coupled with United Kingdom. Osama bin Laden a new development in the USA and and the resources spent on it can- ural declining birth rate and the cur- the unimpressive captain sailing has already targeted Canada Canada and this will have an effect not be measured in terms of money, rent immigration standards have to the Liberal Party ship. Hopefully on because of our exporting of more in both the American and Canadian and the resulting happiness is more be more flexible and accommodat- the 14th of October, we will crown crude oil to United States of elections. Of course voters will have an abstract idea, it certainly makes ing towards both skilled workers the captain of if not a majority gov- America than any other oil export- to look into the economic policies, sense for all of us. and internationally trained profes- ernment, at least a minority govern- ing country. I salute all the plans and the capabilities of the He has won the trust of many sionals. These people have the ment with more members of parlia- Canadian soldiers who have sacri- leaders. This will determine the final Canadians by fulfilling most of his education and experience required, ment in the ruling party. ficed their lives for our country in outcome of both elections. election promises, in a minority but the system as it currently Many Canadians did not get a Afghanistan. I believe that what I appreciate the minority gov- government, where the opposition stands does not allow these new better opportunity than the last they have done today, will certainly ernment of Harper paying down the parties obstructed the passing of immigrants to fully realize their minority government to know, protect us in the future and they will government debt by over 30 billion bills, compared with some of the potential for many years. This leads measure, and gauge the leadership be remembered forever with hon- dollars in a short period of time and previous majority governments. to frustration, anger and in some qualities of Mr. Harper. He is a our and dignity. the reduction in interest that we Some political leaders are very gen- cases repatriation to their former leader who says what he means Canada's current relationship pay from our taxes. We cannot pass erous in making wonderful but country. One of the main reasons is and does what he says. His track with the United States might be the burden to the next generation unrealistic promises and after the because they could not find record in the last government is viewed as close, but not dancing to as it is unfair. It may not catch the election allow them to blow in the employment in their field. We are all well proven in the following exam- the tune of the American piper. It is eyes of the masses, but it is certain- wind. Some Canadians have told aware of taxi drivers who were once ples. both the internal and, mostly at this ly a move that keeps the shape of me openly during my provincial doctors. We cannot continue to First of all he promised to time, the external circumstances the economy better. election campaign that they would allow this to happen as immigrants reduce the GST by 2%, whereas that prevails in our foreign policy: Harper is a man of principle; he not cast their votes to any politician are a valuable asset to our commu- former Prime Minster. Jean current threats, world economic will not compromise his vision with at all because they do not do what nities. Chretien campaigned against Mr. slowdown and its effect in Canada any adjustments, or deviating to they promise and why should they Brian Mulroney saying that once he and so forth. Harper was not sup- please anyone. This was evident at "waste their vote". These frustrated The government of Mr. Harper was elected as Prime Minister he portive of the American missile the British Commonwealth Summit ones are few in number but there is appears to be very concerned about would remove it and until the last defense policy in relation to having held in Pakistan in 2008. He a message in this for all of us. In this issue and is committed to monday the Liberals were in power, Canadian air space for it. He was expressed concern regarding the past Canadian elections, the actual itoring this situation in collaboration never had it revoked. Another case able to receive a portion of the democratic rights of Pakistanis and number of voters who caste ballots with all of the provincial govern- in point: all of the G8 countries import duty levied and collected its human rights violations whereas in percentage is: 1986- 73%, 1917- ments to best determine the appro- were not able to balance their back and made America relax the the US president praised the 90%, 2004-60.5%, 2006-64.7% priate changes and amendments to budgets and had gone into deficit import restrictions that were Pakistani president with flowery .The confidence that people have in our existing immigration policy. except Canada which had both a attempted by Jean Chretien and words. On another occasion, many a leader matters a lot any election . In closing, this is not a time for balanced budget and surpluses. Paul Martin had failed miserably. of the western Presidents and Prime Unlike Australia for example, in "experiments". We must elect a This is due to the prudent manage- Eventually, the economy is going to Ministers took time to attend the Canada voting is a right under the leader who can sail the ship in a ment of Finance Minister Mr. Jim supersede the rest of the major 2008 Summer Olympic Games in law but it is not mandatory to cast a globally disturbed ocean and act Flaherty under the leadership of factors, climate change, global Beijing. He was involved with other vote. Rights and responsibilities are with confidence, charisma and most Harper. warming and a cleaner environ- important matters and did not two sides of the same coin. The of all prudence. The end, I assure ment are also very important but attend. He has been advocating and public gets the government that you, is near. The heavy right of landing fee they are plans destined for the far fighting against human rights viola- they deserve, even when they do Samy Appadurai is a for sponsored relatives of immi- future and do not directly touch tions around the world, and will not cast their vote. In today's elec- renowned broadcast journalist, grants to Canada and skilled work- the day to day lives of ordinary peo- continue to fight in many other tion, amongst the leaders who are author, educator and public ers levied by the Liberal govern- ple the way the economy does. areas so far untouched. I appreciate able to form the government Harper speaker who lives in Toronto. MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 29

Temples where Gods come to life Sri Lankan man wins seven-year Contd. from Page 22 The next morning, with the rain In Pondicherry, a pleasant place to lessening, I went to the Brihadishwara stay is the Vatika Guest Home, on the battle for asylum in the US Temple, the most jaw-dropping archi- northern edge of the old colonial center tectural achievement of the Cholas. The (67 François Martin Street; 91-413-233- Ahilan Nadarajah fled his native country in 2001 after being arrested, impressive scale of it was apparent as 3980; www.vatikaguesthome.com). It soon as I walked past the temple's pet has seven rooms, three with air-condi- beaten and tortured for allegedly belonging to a terrorist group. He elephant in the outer courtyard and tioning (and plans to add it to all), cost- toward the interior. The vimana, the ing 1,000 to 1,500 rupees. won his case despite secret evidence presented by U.S. lawyers. tower above the inner sanctum, rises In Thanjavur, I stayed in at the By Anna Gorman tragedy that he suffered because In 2003, a U.S. immigration 216 feet into the air and is topped with Hotel Oriental Towers (2889 Srinivasam an 81-ton-ball of stone. One theory says Pillai Road; 91-4362- 230-724; After being beaten and tor- it offers a window into the human judge granted him asylum, that the builders used a 3.5-mile-long www.hotelorientaltowers.com) for 990 tured by the Sri Lankan army, costs to the mistakes -- and there despite the secret evidence pre- elevated plank to roll the ball to the top. rupees a night. Ahilan Nadarajah fled his native are thousands of mistakes that sented by government lawyers As I peered at the thousands of In Madurai, the Hotel Park Plaza is country in 2001. the government has made by accusing Nadarajah of belonging statues decorating the tower, pilgrims in the old city (114-115 West Perumal He sought asylum in turning the war on terror into a to the Tamil group. The govern- streamed into the compound, many Maistry Street; 91-452-301-1111; Immigration Court here and won, war on immigrants," said ment appealed, and the case was going into the inner sanctum to be www.hotelparkplaza.net), and charges blessed by the priests and to gaze on 1,925 rupees for a double. Ask for a twice. But because of secret evi- Arulanantham, the director of reheard, leading to a second the 10-foot-tall black lingam. In appear- room with views of the Meenakshi dence accusing him of being a immigrants rights and national grant of asylum. The government ance, a lingam is essentially a big phal- Sundareshwarar temple. terrorist, the U.S. government security at the ACLU. appealed again and in 2006, the lus. It is the most common representa- All the rates cited above include a kept him behind bars and then on Board of Immigration Appeals tion of Shiva - the destroyer, the trans- luxury tax. You can bargain down the an electronic monitor. The attorney general's office, ruled in favor of Nadarajah. former, the god who embodies both life rates during low season. and the negation of life - at temples WHERE TO EAT Seven years after his arrival, which had the case for more than across India. Tamil Nadu has one of the most fla- Nadarajah's ordeal is finally com- two years, declined to comment. Then the government took an Male pilgrims draped in orange vorful regional cuisines in India. The tra- ing to an end. Late last week, the Nadarajah, an ethnic Tamil unusual step, referring the case to robes shuffled past us to stand in front ditional style of cooking, called U.S. attorney general declined to farmer, was first arrested in Sri the attorney general for review. of the lingam. Many were Shaivites, eas- Chettinad, often mixes curry leaves, review the case, clearing the way Lanka in 1997. The government Nadarajah spent 4 1/2 years ily recognized by three white lines tamarind, anise and even rosewater. Hot drawn on their foreheads. I saw them pepper is used more liberally than in for Nadarajah, 28, to receive asy- accused him of belonging to the in immigration detention, includ- everywhere in Tamil Nadu, including at other parts of India. Mahabalipuram is a lum. "I'm so happy today," he Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, ing six months in isolation, as he the Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple great place for seafood. Moonrakers on said. "I want to [give] thanks to which was battling the country's fought his case. The ACLU sued in Madurai, my final stop. I stood by the Othavadai Street (91-4114-242-115; America because they finally gave army. Nadarajah denied participa- for his release, resulting in a U.S. bathing tank in the courtyard outside users. telenet.be/ oochappan/moonrak- me my freedom." tion in the group, but soldiers still 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling the Meenakshi shrine, watching as pil- ers) uses authentic spices in its dishes. The American Civil Liberties beat him, hung him upside down saying that the lengthy detention grims dunked their heads or entire bod- A dinner for two there costs no more ies into the water, a scene repeated at than 390 rupees. Another great place is Union of Southern California, and burned him with cigarettes, was illegal. He was released but rivers, lakes and pools all across India. Mamalla Bhavan, on Shore Temple Road which represented Nadarajah, according to court papers. still had to wear an ankle monitor. A massive, brightly painted gopura rose in the town center. It's a typical south announced the victory Tuesday Nadarajah was released on a Nadarajah said he is not angry above each of the four entrances to the Indian "eats" canteen, where you can and said he is only one of thou- bribe from his family but was with the U.S. government but temple, the 12 towers visible for miles order a set meal of rice and curry, sands of asylum seekers who rearrested. Soldiers tortured him rather grateful that his name was around. The tallest, above the south known as a thali, for about 30 rupees. It entrance, was more than 150 feet tall. is very popular with locals and few have fled persecution in their again, holding his head inside a cleared. He said he is eager to see Madurai is one of the most ancient tourists go there. countries only to be imprisoned bag full of gasoline and beating his parents, who also fled the vio- cities in India, so it is only fitting that at An atmospheric place to eat in here. In many of those cases, him. Again, his family bribed lence in his country and now live the center of its teeming bazaars stands Pondicherry is Satsanga, in a converted attorney Ahilan Arulanantham authorities for his release. in India. what some call the most magnificent colonial mansion at 30, rue de la said, the government takes far After paying smugglers to help "I know that there are many, temple complex on the subcontinent. It Bourdonnais (91-413-2225-867). It is actually two temples joined, one ded- serves Continental and Indian cuisine. too long to decide cases and often him escape, Nadarajah traveled many people like me . . . unfairly icated to Meenakshi and the other to In Thanjavur, I had a memorable denies them based on incorrect through Thailand, South Africa, kept in jail," he said. "I am hoping her husband, Sundareshwarar. Unlike dinner at the Thillana restaurant in the evidence. Brazil and Mexico. U.S. immigra- that they will also get their free- many temples in India, the female god Sangam hotel, on Trichy Road "Ahilan Nadarajah's story is tion authorities arrested him as he dom." is the dominant one here. (www.hotelsangam.com/tindextan.html important beyond the personal tried to enter the country. [courtesy: LA Times.com] "This temple is a special one," said ). The restaurant offers excellent tradi- Mr. Kumar, my guide. "You feel it as tional Chettinad dishes, the best of soon as you walk in." At least 15,000 which are made with fish or shrimp. visitors come each day. That afternoon, They also have live Carnatic music, a pilgrims kept pouring in. Mr. Kumar said tradition of the south. A dinner for one Gates reclaims top place many had temporarily left behind their runs around $10. Tech guru Vinod Khosla and material lives - jobs as software engi- In Madurai, there are some good, three other men of Indian origin neers, rickshaw drivers, whatever - to cheap canteens on West Perumal spend weeks walking to these temples Maistry Street, the busy lane where are on the 2008 list of the 400 barefoot and in robes. That night, when Hotel Park Plaza and other popular richest Americans prepared by I went to see the ceremony that would hotels are located. The hotel restaurants Forbes magazine. The list, bring about the union of the husband- are also good. Meals at the canteens released on Wednesday, is topped and-wife gods, the pilgrims were there run 50 cents to $1, while ones at the by Microsoft founder, Mr Bill as well, bearing witness to the holy cou- hotel restaurants run $5 to $8. Many pling. They believed the gods had given hotels on West Perumal Maistry Street, Gates, followed by legendary them life. But it was, in fact, they who - including Park Plaza, Supreme and investor, Mr William Buffet with through their devotion, through their Chentoor, have great temple views from fortunes of about $57 billion and journeys to these great temples - were their rooftop restaurants. $50 billion respectively. Oracle breathing life into the gods. GUI DES Corp founder Lawrence Ellison, VI SI TOR I NFORMATI ON The Rough Guide to South India worth $27 billion, is in the third Once in Tamil Nadu, the easiest way (www.roughguides.com, $23.99) strikes to get between cities is to use local a good balance between historical con- position. While Mr Khosla, co- buses or to hire a car and driver, text and practical information. founder of Sun Microsystems and depending on your budget. To give an In Madurai, I hired Ram Kumar, a a venture captialist, is ranked 355 al wealth of $1.7 billion, is a Ins-titute of Technology (IIT) idea of prices, a driver from the Hotel guide recommended by the local tourist with a personal wealth of $1.4 bil- Chennai-born entrepreneur who product from India with an MBA Sea Breeze in Mahabalipuram met me at office, to take me around the Meenakshi lion, the other three Indian the Chennai airport and took me Sundareshwarar Temple. He charges started at Netscape in 1994. from Stanford. straight to the hotel, 36 miles, for 1,200 300 to 400 rupees, depending on the Americans on the list are Google Later, he created shopping site He co-founded electric design rupees, or about $26 at 46 rupees to the length of the tour. He can also take you investor, Mr Kavitark Ram Shriram Junglee, which he sold to Amazon automation company Daisy dollar. In a car without air-conditioning, around other parts of Madurai, including (rank 281), Syntel founder, Mr in 1998. An early investor and a Systems in 1980. the ride would have cost 900 rupees. the Royal Palace Compound, which has Bharat Desai and family (321), board member of Google, he still Two years later he joined oth- The two-hour bus ride between a stunning collection of Chola-era and Amar Bose (also ranked 321) Mamallapuram and Pondicherry cost the bronze statues, as well as an interesting owns 1.3 million shares worth ers to form Sun Microsystems. equivalent of $1 or $2. library with Sanskrit manuscripts. His of Bose sound systems. $600 million. He served as its chief execu- WHERE TO STAY cell phone number is 91-984-263-6312, All four are self-made billion- Today, the Californian backs tive before turning to finance full- In Mahabalipuram, I stayed at the and his e-mail addresses are profession- aires. To get on the Forbes' list, some Indian and US startups and time in 1996. In 2004, he started Hotel Sea Breeze, a stone's throw from [email protected] and guide4uall@ the minimum net worth needed sits on the board of Indian job site Khosla Ventures, which funds "sci- the beach (Ottawadai Street; 91-44- rediffmail.com. was $1.3 billion this year. Naukri.com. Mr Khosla, 52, also ence experiments" like solar pan- 2744-3035). A double costs 2,025 [courtesy: NY Times] Mr Shriram, 51, with a person- rupees a night.. based in California, is an Indian els and clean technology. 30 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

WORDS OF PEACE Rewrite Your A Matter of Perspective Karma It's understood that the way It's the same noise that's been The word karma literally karma. But you must understand people see the world depends on going on for as long as human what kind of lens they are looking beings have been around. There is means action. There are a variety that the kind of action- physical, through. Maharaji introduces the an alternative, and it's really simple. of actions - physical actions, men- mental and emotional - you per- possibility of experiencing reality It's called clarity. tal actions, emotional actions and form this moment will decide the directly, without any lens at all. The scene does not need to be energy actions. You may not have quality of your life. "Imagine a prisoner in a jail cell re-arranged. The window doesn't experienced energy actions, but If you perform action through making paintings," Maharaji says. need to be changed; only the dirt you will know physical, mental your life energies then we call it "If he sees a sunset through his needs to be removed, and it's all and emotional actions. This Kriya. Karma is binding, Kriya is window, on all his paintings of it, there as it always was and always residue or the impression of every liberating. The moment you per- there are the bars. He might see a will be. That's what clarity is all beautiful bird flying by, but on his about. painting of it, there are the bars. He Look, the beauty I talk about is Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev might see a beautiful cloud come not the beauty of a sunset. This is a by, but on his painting, there are beauty that is beautiful within itself. the bars." Because we are alive, we can enjoy Like that prisoner, he says, most a party. Because we are alive, we people are accustomed to looking at can enjoy a movie. Because we are everything through a distorting win- alive, all these things are made pos- dow. sible. This life is what allows us to "What window are we talking enjoy everything-so let me enjoy about here?" Maharaji asks. "It's a that. window of concepts, a window of Q: Isn't that a way of avoiding definitions, a window of ideas. It's a reality? window created by all the noise of A: I know some people say, qualities is to have the heart to what's happening in this world right "Life is terrible. If you think life is admire it. It's very hard for us to now. fun-if you think life is about joy- admire the simplicity of being alive, "There are a lot of ideas out then you've lost touch with reality." but this is our greatest commodity, there, but I think once in a while a I ask, what is your reality? Who our greatest wealth, our greatest human being has to sit down and are you? What are you about? To riches. It is only waiting for accept- action that you have performed, form an action with your life ener- stop looking at the world through a me, life is not about coming into ance. When the heart is fulfilled, from the moment of birth to now, gies instead of your body, mind when each breath is being wel- window that is very, very dirty and this world or going from this world. is within you. It is from these and emotion the entire karmic then trying to draw conclusions No. It's about what happens in comed into this existence, then that impressions that you have made substance becomes loose. When about what's really going on." between. is cause for unbelievable celebra- yourself the kind of person you you take away the foundations of Born in India, where he began At least once in your life-just tion. talking publicly about finding peace once-wouldn't you really like to see To receive a free DVD to know are now. the karmic substance you move to and fulfillment within, Maharaji has the scene on the other side of the more about what Maharaji offers, These impressions are there at a new level of freedom within been traveling the world since his window without having to look Call 416 657 2124 the level of your memory, your yourself and outside yourself. I've early teens with a message that is through dirty glass? 1 877 707 3223 Toll Free physiology, your chemistry and on seen any number of people who simple, direct and universal in its Q: So you're saying life itself e-mail wordsofpeace@sympa- the very level of your energy. when they started doing a simple appeal. He says that what people can be a source of joy? tico.ca These are all the backup systems kriya suddenly became so creative are looking for already exists within A: To me, it is a great fortune To Learn More visit to make sure that you don't lose that they started doing things www.tprf.org them, and he can assist in discover- that I am alive. I do not take it light- your karma. Even if you lose your they never imagined possible in ing it. ly. Life is delicate, but it has an www.wordsofpeace.ca mind you will not lose it. If you their life. This because they had "For the first time in your life," incredible beauty, and one of our www.contactinfo.net lose your body your will not lose it loosened their karmic foundations he says, "make a painting in which there will be no bars, because you because it's impressed on your a little bit by shaking up the life will be free-free to get involved in very life energies. You will see energies rather than doing things this life." that the very way in which energy with either their body, mind or Maharaji frequently makes him- functions differ from person to emotion. self available to answer questions person. The very way the body So if you can create something from those who are interested in moves is different from person to unconsciously you can also create finding out more about what he person. The very way everybody the same consciously. If you write offers. thinks and feels is different. This is it consciously, you will only write a Q: There's so much that is ugly because the kind of impressions software of well being into your- and noisy in this world that I ques- they have decides this. Or in other self. But that is not to freeze the tion whether it's possible to see it in any other way. How can I see all words, karma means that uncon- world so that nobody dies, nobody this as beautiful? scious software that you wrote for is born or nothing changes. All this A: Don't think this noise is new. yourself. How you are or what you will happen anyway. When you are is based on the software you write a software of well being you wrote for yourself. know how to go through the Your karmic substance con- process of life and death graceful- Inspiration Driving Institute trols the very way you think, feel, ly because you have made your- understand and perceive life. This self internally strong. The whole doesn't mean you are stuck. If system of what we call as inner you function consciously is this engineering is just to write this moment you can change the next software consciously. moment's karma for yourself. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a Inspiration Driving Institute What you did in the previous realized master, yogi and mystic, moment is this moment's karma. who has founded Isha 3430 Finch Ave East # 103 What you do this moment is the Foundation, an international pub- next moment's karma. What you lic service organization that strives Scarborough. did yesterday you cannot change for ultimate human well-being. but what you do now you can For world-wide program informa- Cell: 416-939-4913 always change. What you do this tion, visit www.ishafoundation.org moment is in your hands. Toronto local contact 416 300 Bus: 416-847-9773 This moment's karma is the 3010 or email Toronto@ishafoun- most important thing. People are dation.org always talking about the previous MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 31

Canadian Tamils Celebrate the World Premiere of Kanchivaram at TIFF The Canadian Tamil Congress Speaking on behalf of the The presentation of memen- (CTC) felicitated the makers of CTC, Dushy Gnanapragasam wel- tos followed, presided over by the Tamil film 'Kanchivaram' which comed the guests and said that Piragal Thiru of CTC. Prominent had its world premiere in a red the warm and red carpeted wel- Tamil Canadian broadcaster and carpet Special Presentation event come given to this Tamil film at director P. Wickneswaran present- at the Toronto International Film the TIFF will inspire and encour- ed a commemorative trophy to Festival (TIFF). The film by age the many young Tamil actor Prakash Raj who played the acclaimed Indian director Canadians who aspire to be film main protagonist in the movie in a Priyadarshan was screened at the makers. convincing manner. VISA screening room at the Elgin He also noted that the fact Tam Sivathasan, who is one of and Winter Garden Theatre that a major Tamil film such as the directors of Independent Art Centre in Toronto on Friday Sept. 'Kanchivaram' chose to have its Film Society which organizes the 12 at 6:00PM. The movie was well world premiere in Toronto annual International Tamil Short received by the 1400 people in acknowledges Toronto's emer- Film Festival in Toronto, presented attendance. gence as a major centre for activ- the memento to Director Priyadar- Following the screening CTC ities promoting Tamil language shan. Both Prakash Raj and Director Priyadarshan with Producer Shailendra Singh receives the Memento from Pon Balarajan hosted the film's director and culture. Popular Tamil poet Priyadarshan spoke briefly after Priyadarshan, stars Prakash Raj Prof. Cheran of Windsor University receiving their mementos. They and Shammu, and Producer critiqued the movie. He com- thanked the attendees for the Shailendra Singh of Percept mended the film makers for mak- warm welcome and CTC for the Picture Company at The Young ing a "meticulously researched" support given them. They Centre for the Performing Arts in movie that travels well off the stressed the importance of such the Distillery Historic District in beaten path of Tamil filmdom. support for the emergence of Toronto. The event was attended He drew parallels between the meaningful Tamil cinema. Pon by other Canadian film makers alienation suffered by the protag- Balarajan, on behalf of the board including young Tamil Canadian onist in the movie and the Eelam of directors at CTC, presented the filmmakers, film producers and Tamils. He made special mention producer of the movie Shailendra promoters, and prominent Tamil of the reference to 'yarlpanam Singh with a memento. Actress Canadian artistes. Tamil Canadian puhayilai' (tobacco leafs from Shammu, who played a significant visual artist Gaya Ranjith emceed Jaffna) in the movie and conclud- role in the movie also spoke the event. In her opening remarks ed if one understands how 'yarl- briefly at the event. she compared the plight of the panam puhaiyilai' ended up in The event drew to a close with Eelam Tamils to that of the pro- Malaya then one will understand the emcee Gaya Ranjith thanking Actor Prakash Raj receives the Commemorative Trophy from TVI Program Director P. Wickneswaran tagonist in the movie. the struggle of the Eelam Tamils. the attendees and bidding adieu.

Pragal Thiru presiding the pres- Actress Shammu thanking all for Visual Artist Gaya Ranjith emcee- Dushy Gnanapragasam welcomes Prof. Cheran from University of entation of mementos the support given to her ing the event the guests Windsor reveiws the film

Guests seen at the Reception Real Estate Broker Tam Sivathasan presents the Memento to "Monsoon Journal'' Editor Siva Director Priyadarshan Sivapragasam and Publisher Logan Velumailum in conversa- tion with Director Priyadarshan

For best media coverage contact Monsoon Journal Tel: 416 358 3235 E-mail: toronto@monsoon Actor Prakash Raj with Christeen and Mahindan Seevaratnam at the journal.com Reception Young Film Fans with Actress Shammu at the Reception 32 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 33

Cultural diversity, another mile- Fairfax's Prem Watsa to serve as 9th chancellor of the University of Waterloo WATERLOO,Ont. (Friday, Sept. firm GW Asset Management. stone for Mela celebrations 19, 2008) -- One of Canada's fore- Watsa co-founded Hamblin most business leaders, Prem Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. Kitchener: The local Indo- Watsa, will be the next chancellor (now fully owned by Fairfax) in Canada Association along with of the University of Waterloo. 1984. The next year he took con- Tamil Cultural Association of India-born Watsa, chairman trol of Markel Financial Holdings and CEO of Fairfax Financial Ltd. In 1987, he re-organized Waterloo Region and Guajarati Holdings Ltd., will serve as UW's Markel and renamed it Fairfax, Association celebrated the annual next chancellor. He will assist UW which is short for fair and friendly Mela festival. It is annual event to in its mission to become one of acquisitions. The name reflects show case Indian culture and North America's premier universi- the company's guiding principles, Heritage to the public. The event ties, with international academic which maintain that honesty and was held at the Rotunda Hall, City programs and exchanges that integrity are essential in all rela- of Kitchener on the 10th of reach around the world. tionships and will never be com- Watsa's appointment was promised. October.. approved by UW senate earlier Watsa's ties to UW go back The Chief Guest, the Mayor of this week and he will begin his more than a decade. His nephew Kitchener, His worship Carl Zehr term as chancellor, succeeding Mano was a two-time Canadian inaugurated the festival. The RIM founder and co-CEO Mike Interuniversity Sport all-Canadian president of Indo-Canada Mrs. Lazaridis, on May 1, 2009. The and a four-time Ontario University Kokila khanna welcomed all the chancellor presides over all convo- Athletics all-star while playing guests and sponsors. The inau- cation ceremonies, conferring basketball for Waterloo from 1994 degrees, diplomas and certificates to 1999. He was a two-time aca- gural program was the South on graduating students. The demic all-Canadian and team cap- Indian Classical dance, Bharatha chancellor also serves as a leading tain from 1996 to 1999, and won Natyam. The whole day program ambassador for the university. the Ken Shields TSN Award for included dances, Music and "Since its founding just over community involvement. He later Fashion shows. Food and con- 50 years ago, the University of served in coaching positions on sumer goods vendor booths were Waterloo has distinguished itself UW's men's and women's basket- filled with a large number of as a learning institution that is ball teams. quite unique among its peers in Fairfax is currently working guests. It was another successful Canada and abroad," says Watsa. with UW to create a one-year pro- year for the Indian association. "I look forward to working with fessional master's program in students, faculty and staff in actuarial science at UW, for launch whatever small ways I can to help in fall 2009. Still subject to the university achieve its ambi- approval, the program will provide tious plans for the coming actuarial training to 30 students, decade." one-third of them from India, who Watsa brings to the position have strong quantitative under- considerable international experi- graduate degrees. UW will also ence as well as a strong belief in seek to partner with Indian uni- the value of supporting students versities to increase local teaching and community. The university's and research capacity in actuarial sixth decade plan, which took science. effect last year, calls for a focus on Prem Watsa will serve as the the undergraduate student expe- ninth chancellor. He succeeds rience, a growing of grad studies Lazaridis, a UW alum who devel- and an expansion of UW's inter- oped the technology that led to national reach that will include the the creation of the BlackBerry and opening of two campuses abroad. Research In Motion. "Prem Watsa is a remarkable The University of Waterloo has human being, a family man and a long been recognized as the most strong believer in Canada with an innovative university in Canada, international outlook," says UW widely known for its innovative president David Johnston. "This and entrepreneurial spirit, and outstanding and self-made leader non-traditional approaches. UW demonstrates integrity and, as pioneered co-operative education such, reflects the qualities the in Canada and today offers the university embraces and tries to largest post-secondary co-opera- encourage amongst our stu- tive education program in the dents." world. Watsa was born in Hyderabad, To mark its 50th anniversary India in 1950. He earned a bach- last year, the university embraced elor's degree in chemical engi- an ambitious sixth decade strate- neering from the Indian Institute gic plan entitled Pursuing Global of Technology in 1971. He moved Excellence: Seizing Opportunities to Ontario the following year and for Canada. By 2017, UW plans to later earned an MBA from the triple the size of its graduate stu- University of Western Ontario. dent body, intensify its research His professional career began activity, strengthen its commit- at Confederation Life Insurance ment to helping undergraduate Co. in Toronto and he served as students learn by experience and vice-president of Confederation expand its international connec- Life Investment Counsel from tions by, among other things, 1974 to 1983. He then served a opening two international cam- year as vice-president of start-up puses. 34 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

New tax breaks and savings Toronto Centre MP and Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic for families with children says "Sri Lanka war is entering a tragic new phase" Bob Rae MP issued the follow- suicide bombings and recruits EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES ing statement recently about the child soldiers), they have also Conservatives delivering more refundable. situation in Sri Lanka: been critical of the Sri Lankan and better tax breaks and savings Expanding the Registered "The UN's humanitarian government. Consequently, the for families with children Education Savings Plan (RESP) to agency recently declared Sri Sri Lankan government turned to Prime Minister Stephen Harper allow charities and not-for-profit Lanka one of the world's most China and Pakistan for support. announced new tax breaks and organizations to establish RESPs dangerous places for aid workers Even the President of Iran visited savings initiatives to expand for children from low-income fam- and journalists. Sri Lanka's war is recently. These governments are opportunities for Canadian chil- ilies in partnership with parents. entering a tragic new phase as far less likely to criticize Colombo dren. The Prime Minister said that the Sri Lankan government issues for a democratic deficit. They are "Giving working families a today's announcement builds on an official warning that the gov- offering billions of dollars with no break is one of the most impor- modest, practical, credible and ernment can no longer 'guaran- strings attached. tant Conservative priorities," said affordable improvements intro- tee' the safety of aid workers in There is much that the war- the Prime Minister. "It is why we duced by the Conservative the north and east, and encourag- ring parties in Sri Lanka can do to have taken bold action to deliver Government since 2006, including them to leave the area. reverse this situation. A complete Above all, Sri Lankans need to real results to parents and their ing: As violence between the gov- ceasefire and a return of the gov- be able to imagine a country children." Reducing the GST from seven ernment and the LTTE spirals out ernment, the LTTE and others to where mutual respect, new forms Harper announced three new to five per cent. of control once again, the coun- the negotiating table could of autonomy and shared gover- initiatives to help Canadian fami- Introducing a $100 per month try's once admired democratic reverse the escalating violence. nance, and an abandonment of lies: Universal Child Care Benefit. institutions are buckling under the But a simple return to a nego- extremist ideologies are possible. Establishing a new Children's Providing targeted tax cuts for strain. The LTTE emerged in the tiating table is not enough. The It will require extraordinary Arts Tax Credit, worth an estimat- apprentice tools, textbooks and 1970s against a backdrop of ceasefire of 2001 did not hold courage and determination to get ed $150 million annually, to transit passes. mounting grievances in the north because there was no deep com- there. The alternative - more encourage greater participation "These new policies will help and east over declining access to mitment to non-violence, and no death, more repression, more cor- by children in arts activities. give a break to working Canadian language, employment, and polit- irrevocable commitment to a ruption, deeper economic stagna- Extending the benefit of the families," Harper said. "And they ical rights. democratic devolution that would tion - must not be allowed. existing Children's Fitness Tax will make arts and fitness pro- The response of the Sri see both self rule and shared rule. Canada can hardly be indiffer- Credit and the new Children's Art grams more accessible to all fam- Lankan government to these That is what now must be bro- ent to this conflict. Our own expe- Tax Credit to lower-income fami- ilies, including families where grievances was as swift as it was kered between the parties. rience with federalism and conflict lies that pay little or no income financial costs impose real barri- severe. It has waged a virtually Thousands of civilians have prevention, our deep attachment tax, by making both credits fully ers." uninterrupted military campaign been violently killed and displaced to pluralism, and our ties to this against the LTTE since the early since the resumption of war. Re- troubled country should push us CONSERVATI VES STAND UP FOR 1980s. The number of deaths in engaging independent monitors to far more active engagement. NEWCOMERS AND THEI R FAMI LI ES the fighting is now estimated at and getting them on the ground is Our aid and our diplomacy 75,000. critical to rebuilding confidence. need to be focused on a renewed Such wars are inevitably Sri Lanka's standing as a push for a ceasefire, for a demo- accompanied by authoritarianism model democracy in South Asia is bilization of the conflict, and for a and fear. In addition to the grow- suffering under the weight of war. commitment to parliamentary ing role afforded to the military The warning signs are clear. In democracy, the rule of law, and and the introduction of emer- 2006 the Worldwide Press human rights. Anything else will gency regulations, the govern- Freedom index placed Sri Lanka in mean more repression and more ment has also clamped down on between Zimbabwe and the suffering. We don't need a independent oversight bodies and Democratic Republic of the Canada on the sidelines, or a press freedoms. Congo. Likewise, Transparency Canada wagging its finger 10,000 War-related militarization has International consistently reports kilometres away. We need a far-reaching implications for corruption at the highest levels of Canada that is knowledgeable and democracy. Symptoms include executive and legislative govern- engaged. That is what the Liberal sky-rocketing military spending ment. The relentless conflict con- Party believes in, and what we are and related racketeering. The cur- tinues. Democracy itself hangs in committed to achieving as the rent Minister of Defence the balance. government." Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's determination to 'win' the conflict militar- Current finance crisis less serious than 1929: Stiglitz Diane Finley, Conservative candidate for Haldimand-Norfolk during ily is matched by an equally The crisis now gripping world the Great Depression. a campaign platform for Wajid Khan in Mississauga-Strretsville quoted; impressive will to spend. Defence financial markets should be less seri- However, Stiglitz, a former chief Conservatives welcomed the highest number of newcomers in our expenditures in 2007 were more ous than that of 1929, Nobel Prize economist at the World Bank and history - 429,649 in 2007 - surpassing the previous high in 1911. than 50 per cent higher than in laureate Joseph Stiglitz said recently, long-standing critic of the “The Conservative Government believes in immigration," Finley because new "instruments" could International Monetary Fund, cau- the previous year. They are said. "We want more newcomers and their families to join us and we prevent a depression. tioned that "knowledge is not always expected to grow by another 20 want them to become successful Canadians." "The general view is that we have translated into actions". per cent in 2008 to USD 1.48 bil- instruments, monetary and fiscal pol- He argued, as an example, that lion. Defence now accounts for a icy, that we know how to prevent during the Asian financial crisis of fifth of all public spending. another great depression," he said. 1998 the "IMF had the knowledge ENGLISH ACADEMY While Western governments A devastating stock market crash how to prevent Indonesia from going have been unanimous in their in the United States in October 1929 into depression but took measures labeling of the LTTE as a terrorist sparked a worldwide economic slow- that actually led it into depression." We teach English from Grade 1 to College level organization (the LTTE practices down, which came to be known as For children to do well in their scho o l For adults to impro ve in their jo bs We have special methods to improve your language skills

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Meditation - a path towards utter freedom Meditation fills hearts with Love Prof. Saran Ghai moments you loved. Don't stop. earth doing the same kind of act. Remember your deeds which Each one is filling in the emotions "The love you take is equal were adored by others and you of love in his brain, heart and to the love you make." - St. said at that time - O' I love it. other parts of body. Feel as if John Lennon Do you have a boy friend or a everyone has become a messen- girl friend? Try to recollect the ger of love. This world has been This one quotation is enough moments you were in love most. packed in with the people who to explain the significance of love. Recollect all those memories are the ambassadors of love. How Love is the first emotion that God when your father or your mother loving and beautiful this feeling is. fills in everyone. The moment a hugged you, kissed you, appreci- Now visualize the entire universe child takes birth in this world ated you. Remember the pulsing with love. No hate, just starts experiencing love. The first moments when you used to play love. moment of his life and the first with your brothers and sisters and Whenever you feel like breath he inhales of this world's now you miss those moments. repeating this exercise, do it. environment fills in him the emo- Recollect every such moment Make this world a place of love tions of love. When he cries the when you had the best sex with and a place to love. You will real- very first time, it is not that your husband/wife or someone ize that there are no separate he/she is suffering from any kind who you love. Try to remember emotions in all of us- there is only of pain, but is sad that he/she had every such memory which could infinite love and bliss. Those who to leave his/her mother's womb bring a smile on your face. You are engaged in spreading hatred, which was the most protected will find the list countless. At this forgive them as they do not know and loving places to live in. He moment just give a try to make what they are doing. As a matter cries that he lost his secured and one another list of the things or of fact God has sent them on this warm abode. But immediate after persons you hate. You will count a earth with a purpose. God knows when the mother lays him/her on few but immediately you will find that in the absence of fear, love her, hugs and kisses, he/she that your mind refuses to help starts diminishing. This is as per understands that yes, he/she is you here as the brain is still human psychology that if you are still protected, loved and being engaged in the things you loved not answerable for any particular cared about. Those moments of and not the things that you hate. thing you will become careless give and take of love and warmth Your mind will refuse to think about it. If you are not scared of body are remembered by both about negativity because you are that you will be punished, you will of them and they live and love enjoying the moments of positivi- engage yourself in vices. So, do their relationship as a mother and ty. Positive thoughts will fill your not worry about others for what tence of the universe. Meditating -Continued son/daughter ever after. heart with love. Visualize and feel good or bad they are doing. Just minds know that love is like a (Prof. Saran Ghai is an author, In the same manner when the love being radiated from you concentrate on your deeds. Your magnetic power which keeps the editor and publisher of a number someone dies, people cry and and the whole world is being filled deeds should be good for you and state of coherence between peo- of books, magazines and newspa- mourn on his/her departure as with the emotion of love. Spread for others. ple to people, community to com- pers. He is also a palm reader and they then realize that how useful love and merge in love with When you are in a state of munity and country to country. a numerologist. Readers of the departed person was for them everyone. confusion what to do and what Love is the first and the last thing Monsoon Journal can contact and now what would they do as Once you have experienced not, meditate. Sit calm in a quite to know on this earth. If on any Prof. Ghai at (416) 816-5559, E- he/she is not present anymore in that state of love you will notice corner of your house. Sit in a pos- stage in your life you get puzzled mail: muktipath@muktipathmedi- this world and will never come to that love is omnipresent. ture you feel comfortable. to choose between 'to love or not tation.com or visit his website: them again. Everyone feels sad Everyone is in love with the things Concentrate on your breaths com- to love', choose love and you will www.muktipathmeditation.com. because they loved the departed and persons they like. The emo- ing and going out. Start contem- live happily ever after. person and they know that they tion of love is above all other plating about the good and bad are going to miss the person for emotions. Every breathe you take deeds. With each breathe that ever. in and take out, each time when you inhale, get in something good Pill to halve hear t We cry and we mourn as your heart beats and in every for you and with each breathe someone leaves us for time being sensation amalgamated with love, that you exhale, extract an evil attack r isk or forever. In the same manner you will find there nothing but from your body. Purify your Indian generic drug company Dr but got nowhere. Basically, their we become happy if we come to love. thoughts and make your body Reddy's new tablet that can halve whole business model is around know that someone is coming to Make one more experiment. pious. Let your brain distinguish the risk of death due to heart people paying a few hundred see us. Why? This is because we Sit in a comfortable place in a between good and bad. Take the attacks and stroke is set to go pounds a year for the latest block- under clinical trials this week in buster drug. love the person coming to see us. posture easy for you to sit in. Free good ideas in and throw the bad London. "A pill with established medi- We love as God has filled our yourself from every kind of ten- ideas out. Inhale wisdom, exhale The once-a-day tablet called cines that halved cardiovascular risk hearts with love. Though we keep sion. Close your eyes and start ignorance. Inhale courage, exhale Red Heart Pill combines four differ- and could be available for £20 a grudges, shame, pain, anger, big- feeling your breaths coming in fear. Inhale humility, exhale ego- ent medicines - aspirin, a statin to year could be seen as a threat," he lower cholesterol, and an ACE added. otry and other feelings of hatred and out. Harmonize your feelings ism. Inhale tranquility, exhale inhibitor and a thiazide to counter "There are particular groups in in our heart but as a matter of with your breathing. Start feeling nervousness. Inhale peace, high blood pressure in one tablet. our community who are not getting fact above all these feeling we every single breathe and concen- exhale suffering. Inhale compas- Seven hundred volunteers have the required preventive therapy, have the feeling of love which is trate for a while. Your experiment sion, exhale cold-heartedness and been recruited in six countries for a both among those at modest car- 12-week pilot trial. diovascular risk who are not being supreme. Love keeps purifying starts here. The next breathe that above all inhale love, exhale hate. If all goes well, the main trial evaluated and those at pretty seri- our hearts. you take in, mix it up with a feel- You will notice that you are with 5,000 to 7,000 volunteers will ous risk who have already had a Make an experiment. Sit at a ing of love. Let the breaths going changing. You will be in a position begin at the end of 2009. heart attack," said Prof. calm and quite place somewhere out, go. Concentrate only on the to control your emotions. You will Anthony Rodgers, codirector of Simon Thom, from the interna- the clinical trials unit at the tional centre of circulatory health at in your house. Keep your eyes breaths that you are taking in. notice within yourself that now University of Auckland, leader of the Imperial College London, where the closed. When you find you are in Keep on filling your body with the you are a better person as com- project, said it had been a struggle UK arm of the trial is taking place control of your heart start visual- emotion of love coming in you pared to before. You will start to get the polypill this far. and where the first volunteer will izing all those things that you along with your breaths. Keep noticing that there is always "The chances of mainstream begin taking the tablets this week. pharmaceutical industry taking this The research teams, with the love. Keep making a list in your storing that love in your heart, in something in each one of us on are slim," the Guardian quoted backing in the UK of the Welcome mind of all such things you love, your mind, in all the organs and in which is lovable and adorable. him as saying. Trust and the British Heart like and adore. Keep on counting. each and every cell of your body. Love is the phenomenon of "We spent a few years around Foundation, are just a few years Stress your mind and try to recol- Make your body storage of love. the universe. The definition of about 2000-2002 trying to persuade away from making the polypill an a number of companies to do this, accessible reality. lect the memories of all such Now feel every living being on this love is the definition of the exis- 40 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Arumuga-Naavalar was an was 19, he had earned a reputa- He had realised the value of edu- outstanding Saiva-Tamil revivalist tion as an accomplished scholar, cation when he was young, and and orator. Born on 18th uniquely proficient in Tamil and wanted everyone else around him December 1822, he died young English, and versed in Saivite and to become educated also, as far by today's standards, on 5th Christian doctrines. In 1834, as practicable, at least in Tamil. December 1879, at just 56 plus. when he was 12, he joined Rev. Ceylon, renamed Sri Lanka in His unique lifetime achievements Peter Percival's new Methodist 1972, was ruled by the Portugese and social contributions could English School, later named from 1505, the Dutch from 1646, conveniently be grouped into six Jaffna Central College. While and by Britain from 1796. Foreign categories, in terms of his servic- learning English at school, he had rule triggered the usual strains on es to the progress of: 1. continued his studies in Tamil lit- indigenous religions, languages Education; 2. Tamil Language and erature and grammar, under the and education. These traumas Literature; 3. Saivism; 4. The private tutorship of eminent peaked in the 1820s & 1830s dur- HEXAHEDRAL ORATOR WITH A HAZY SEVENTH FACET? Prof. Kopan Mahadeva M.Sc, PhD, Hon. D.Litt, FIET, FCMI, FSH

Arts of Debating and Oratory; 5. teachers such as Senaathiraaya ing the British reign, as perceived His Country's Development and Muthaliyaar and Pulavar by young Arumugam. He decided Prosperity; and 6. Humanity. In Saravanamuththu. By the time he to arrest the decline and reverse recognition of his internationally completed his schooling six years that trend, and hence sacrificed tences or even full stops. He many other children of his time acknowledged prowess in the arts later, he was admiringly invited to his prospects to marry a rich girl, rebuilt perished school sheds, who joined the new missionary of debating and oratory, the Head teach Tamil even to his English secure employment, and thereby started classes in domestic fore- schools, got baptised, and took of the Thirvaavaduthurai Tutor, Rev. Peter Percival. live comfortably. courts and under trees, and later on even Christian surnames for Aatheenam in South India con- At this stage, a proper Tamil built new Tamil Saiva schools in personal benefits. He, of course, ferred on him in 1849, the title of translation for the Bible was being It was the Christian missionar- Jaffna in Ceylon, and refused to change his religion. 'Naavalar' (as a permanent suffix sought. There were some 13 ies who studiously caused maxi- Chithamparam in South India, For, by studying Christianity and to his name) before a distin- translations then, in South India mum damage to Tamil and and then a few more in Jaffna Saivism deeply, he was able to guished gathering of religious and Ceylon, but all considered Saivism, openly aided by the for- including an English school, all of see the merits and 'maybe's in leaders and intellectuals. In later inferior. Western authors with eign rulers. Anglican missionaries them properly established as both religions, and decided that and modern times, the title of scanty knowledge in Tamil had arrived in 1804, Baptist Society in Trusts. (2) there was no case for his peoples' Naavalar has become almost syn- written them. (1) 1812, Wesleyan Methodists in In serving the cause of educa- conversions based on intrinsic onymous with our hero himself. Hence the Review Committee 1814, American Priests in 1816, tion, Naavalar turned himself into religious merits alone. And he And in 1971, the Government of Chairman, Rev. Percival, recom- and the Catholics in 1818. They a prolific author, commentator, went further. He vigorously Ceylon brought out a special mended his own Tutee/Tutor for chose the Tamil areas of the editor, printer and also publisher rebuked the ridicules spread by stamp in his honour posthumous- this task, and Arumugam gladly North and East for their work, as of books on grammar, literary the visitors against Saivite prac- ly to (at last) recognise his reli- accepted it. The first steps on the best pastures, focused on comment, poetry, religion, and in tices such as idol worship, multi- gious, educational and social con- this book were taken in 1840 but building churches and schools fact on any topic that he felt was plicity of deities, caste system, tributions to their Indian Ocean writing began only in 1846, it was there, and began by imposing immediately needed in schools or fasts, and poojas, partly by point- island state. completed in 1848, and his Bible English education as the first step by society. When he found that ing out many parallel enigmas in Navalar's birth-name was was published in Madras in 1850 to religious conversion of Hindus easily understandable textbooks their imported doctrines, and Arumugam-Pillai. He was consid- with unanimous acclaim. Percival to Christianity. They lured the just did not exist or were in short partly by persuading his own folks ered a child prodigy. His Saivite had in mind, converting his bril- locals by offering food, clothing, supply or too dear, he wrote his to cease untenable, unhealthy rit- family lived in Jaffna District's liant protégé to Christianity. Thus cash, and board with lodging to own books and printed and pub- uals and practices. Nallur of 19th Century Ceylon. he asked Arumugam to teach young pupils, and higher social lished them and either sold them He travelled to South India, One of his famous forefathers was English to lower classes, and status and priesthoods to their cheap or gave them free. He also worshipped in all the better- Gnanapragasa Swamigal. His Tamil to higher forms at his families. At one stage, in most painstakingly collected palm-leaf known shrines there, and estab- grandfather was Gate Mudaliyar school, which was done, but the areas, education was available manuscripts of old and popular lished working rapport and mutu- Paramananthar. His father was offer of a permanent teaching only in the mission schools, Saiva and Tamil literature, and al respect with the leading Kanthar-Pillai, himself an Aaraachi position was declined. And because Tamil schools of the day printed them as poetry-based Saivites, social and temple lead- for 18 years during the Dutch Armugam began his own, lifelong were forced to close down with- originals and also with prosaic ers of that time, as he did with administration -- replaced by the crusade for Tamil and Saivism. out further state funds, as a result commentaries, each properly Percival, back in Ceylon. His new British in 1796. Kanthar was a Service as a Pioneering, of unfair allegations that their syl- edited and reputedly with no mis- title of Naavalar gave him an reputed poet and dramatist. He Dedicated Educationist in labuses, curricula and administra- takes at all, in paper-book format, added air of authority internation- had written over 20 plays, and South East Asia tion were inferior and unsuitable. both in Ceylon and in South ally, and as a propagandist also practised medicine. Of the six facets of his servic- In order to rectify the above Indian Tamil Naadu. For this pur- against conversions to Arumugam, when only nine, is es to humanity, by serving his situation, Naavalar himself wrote pose he even learnt and taught Christianity. Two of the pioneering said to have completed a play own people without ever even textbooks on grammar, literature, the arts of typesetting, printing methods by which he achieved started by his father, after the lat- thinking of harming anyone else, religious practices, logic and and binding, and bought machin- this goal were through pamphle- ter's death. Arumugam's mother he excelled most as an educator. debating, ethics and morals, gen- ery and set up his own presses. teering, and by hard-hitting arti- was Sivakaamy who passed away He taught willingly without any eral knowledge, and even on Thus he is reported to have cles, with pseudonyms, in Tamil when he was just five. Arumugam fees, almost from the time he fin- Ceylon Geography, printed them brought out over 75 books before and English papers like: Ilankai had four older brothers who, he ished his secondary education at and sold them cheap or gave his death, as in the list of Nesan, Morning Star, Suthesa later wrote in 1868, provided him 18 years. He taught anyone who them free. His books were written Appendix-1. Miththiran, Uthaya Thaarakai, and with little material support. wished to learn, in the mornings, in his own revolutionary and pio- I n Vigorous Defence and Lankaapimaani. Young Arumugam received evenings and at night, first at neering crisp style of simple, pro- Furtherance of Saivism both private and institutionalised home and later at schools and saic Tamil with punctuation As advised by his eldest broth- Will be continued in education in Tamil language and temples. And many were attract- marks, etc, as different from the er, Arumugam enrolled with Rev. literature, grammar, English, and ed, inspired by his intellect, hon- verse-form of written Tamil that Percival for his secondary educa- November I ssue... Hindu scriptures. By the time he esty and astounding enthusiasm. then existed without specific sen- tion in 1834, at 12 years, like MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 41 MonsoonMonsoon AppreciationAppreciation

sial cases, including the defense of another opposition leader, Chee Soon Juan, who, like JBJ, J.B. Jeyaretnam: had lost a defamation suit brought by Mr. Lee. Mr. Jeyaretnam leaves behind a small group of opposition leaders, including two members of A Singapore Hero Parliament and a rowdy blogos- phere of Singaporeans who agi- JB Jeyaretnam, the veteran joined the Workers' Party. At the another libel suit, became bank- tate for more freedoms. opposition politician in Singapore time, he was a wealthy lawyer rupt, and was disqualified from At the time of his death, Mr. and the first opposition member who vacationed in Europe and running for re-election to Jeyaretnam, who was 82, was to be elected as Member of had a maid and driver. He con- Parliament. gearing up to contest for office Singapore opposition icon again. At a press conference in Parliament in Singapore, passed tested the 1972 and 1976 elec- Yet to the end, Mr. Jeyaretnam J.B. Jeyaretnam April to announce the news, he away on Tuesday, Sep 30th of a tions and lost to the PAP, which was never cowed by a fight. year, he was readmitted to the said: "We are just beginning!" heart attack at the age of 82. held every seat in Parliament. When he paid off his debts last bar and soon took on controver- Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1926, Joshua Benjamin Mr. Jeyaretnam soon had his Jeyaretnam, a Lawyer educated first legal run-in with the PAP. In in Britain, was called to the bar in 1976, he lost a defamation suit Splendour and Beauty... 1951. Settled in Singapore and brought by Mr. Lee over a speech For Sale: Home of the month... engaged in politics, he became the opposition leader gave at a the first opposition MP to win a campaign rally. To pay the dam- seat in the Singaporean ages, Mr. Jeyaretnam sold his Weston/Major Mackenzie Parliament in 1981. house and moved into a rented Fieldgate-Augusta Model in Excellent Condition, The following appreciation of apartment. 4 B/R All Brick/Stone Detached Home, Approx 2400 Sq Ft, J.B. Jeyaretnem appeared in the Over the years he was repeat- Granite Kitchen Counter Top and Breakfast Bar, Wall Street Journal Asia on Oct 1, edly sued by PAP leaders, and Crown Moulding in Living Room and Lobby, Decorative Arches, 2008: repeatedly bankrupted as a result Finished Basement with 4 Pc W/Room and Rough-in For Kitchen, Singapore lost a man yester- of the judgments against him. But Large Windows in Basement, No Sidewalk, Double Garage, Direct Access from Garage to Home, day whose life reflected the best the convictions didn't stop him Main Floor Laundry, Deck, Patio of the city-state. He suffered from winning public office, which and Shed in the Backyard, Gas Fireplace, Included: Fridge, Ensuite Washroom under the Japanese World War II he did in 1981, becoming the sole Stove, B/I Dishwasher, Washer, occupation of the island; earned a opposition MP elected to Dryer, CAC, Humidifier, Alarm System, place at the British bar; devoted Parliament, and again in 1984 and Possession is flexible. himself to his work, family and 1997. During a 1986 inquiry into $519,000 faith; and forewent personal whether he had violated parlia- Upgraded Kitchen wealth to fight for democratic mentary privilege by questioning ideals in public office. the integrity of judges, Mr. Master Bedroom No, we're not talking about Jeyaretnam asked Mr. Lee, "So, the country's founder and long- do you think I have to be time Prime Minister, Lee Kuan destroyed?" "Politically, yes," Mr. Lot Size: 42’ x 82’ Yew, for whom much of the above Lee responded. In his autobiogra- Taxes: $4,150.72 is true. Yesterday Singapore lost phy, Mr. Lee called his old oppo- its pre-eminent opposition leader, nent "a poseur, always seeking Joshua B. Jeyaretnam. publicity, good or bad." The ruling People's Action Mr. Jeyaretnam lost his seat in Party liked to paint Mr. 1986 and was disbarred after Jeyaretnam as a communist, but being convicted of mishandling he was more a moderate social party funds. In 1988, the Privy Finished Basement democrat who spoke of his "call- Council in London overturned Mr. ing as a Christian" and talked of Jeyaretnam's disbarment, con- "social justice." His economic cluding that through a series of ideas -- a welfare state and a min- "misjudgements" Mr. Jeyaretnam Ask for more details: imum wage -- struck a chord had suffered "grevious injustice." V. Logan, Broker among some voters, as did his The Law Lords found that JBJ and Backyard Coldwell Banker Exceptional R.E Services message that an overcentralized a colleague "have been fined, government could be harmful. imprisoned and publicly disgraced 416-497-9794 (Office) "JBJ" entered politics in for offences of which they were 416-410-1620 (Direct) Singapore in 1971, when he not guilty." In 2001, JBJ lost

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Sri Lanka denies and delays Thousands of Tamils participate in protests, vigils and fasts Several vigils, fasts and Canada, Kandaswamy temple food convoy entries for IDPs protests are being held across located at 733 Birchmount Road, North America and around the Scarborough during the same Sri Lanka military is repeated- After the long wait, the lorries globe, drawing attention to the weekend. ly denying or delaying convoys of returned to Vavuniya in the plight of Tamils living amidst 30 youths commenced "30 essential items into Vanni, the evening. Later, the military agreed human rights violations by Sri Hour Famine", a fast at the region seeing intensified war and to allow 5 lorries but they couldn't Lanka Government and Sri Lanka Richmond Hill Hindu Temple on internal displacement. travel as dusk had fallen. armed forces military onslaught. Sep 26th. On Sep 23rd, Colombo based For the entire last week, offi- On Sep 20th and 21st, a The youths called upon to Tamil daily Virakesari reported of cials said the military did not protest was held during the "Sri help Tamils in the homeland who lorries carrying food items being grant permission to transport Lanka Day" celebrations at the face hunger and starvation due to denied entry at Sri Lanka mili- essential food items. Toronto Harbourfront Centre: Sri Lanka government halting food tary's checkpoint in Omanthai, for Now for the second time in further said, 73 lorries fully loaded A light aircraft carrying the convoys to war ravaged regions. the second time in two weeks. two weeks, rejection of entry with essentials were allowed into banner "Sri Lanka, Stop Killing Over one thousand American The report further said: beyond Omanthai has put severe Kilinochchi and Mulaithivu dis- Tamils", circled Toronto city centre Tamils, Canadian Tamils and The authorities in Vavuniya burden on already stressed relief tricts between Sep 5th and Sep in the clear skies of the sunny friends of Tamils protested said entry was refused at the operations amidst emptying food 11th. weekend. Wednesday, Sep 24th in front of Omanthai crossing even though stocks, officials said. The military hq website adds Sources said there were more the United Nations Headquarters senior government officials Virakesari's report of entry for rice, lentil, dry fish, spices, cloth- protesters than participants in New York to draw attention of recently concluded several essen- food lorries being denied comes ing, fuel, building materials, med- attending the "Sri Lanka Day". the United Nations, demanding tial and relief products will have amidst Sri Lanka defence ministry icine and auto parts were sent The protest drew the attention of sanctions against Sri Lanka, and to be sent to meet the needs of claiming several relief convoys through the check points. During thousands of people, at one the advocating to invoke the principle Kilinochchi district by Tuesday were allowed into Vanni recently. this 7 day period, a total of 1,228 most highly visted - heavy traffic of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Sep 23. The officials had decided Sri Lanka defence website is persons crossed into Vanni and tourism areas in the City of as a means to halt what the pro- 20 lorries load of relief supplies stating essential items are being 1,119 travelled from there to Torornto. testers alleged "genocide of will be needed. But none were allowed into Vanni via Omanthai Vavuniya trough these entry Thousands of people attend- Tamils." allowed beyond Omanthai military and Uyilangkulam checkpoints. points, according to a report on ed the 27 hour musical vigil, The protesters also check point throughout the day. The website of Sri Lanka military Sri Lank military website. "Thaai madi Thanguvom" . denounced the visit to the UN by A continuous a vigil for 27 the Sri Lankan President Mahinda NEW DEMOCRAT STATEMENT hours with an accompanying Rajapaksa. musical journey by "Vanam paadi- [pix: puthinam.com] ON SRI LANKA gal" group was held at the Sri Lanka has been involved in end the war and urge the Sri trators immediately. a deadly and violent conflict for Lankan government and military Reopen the A9 land link and over two decades. The situation to resume discussions to establish work with all sides to establish an has resulted in widespread death peace with the Liberation Tigers international peacekeeping force, and destruction, impacting inno- of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). that is acceptable to all parties, to cent civilians and international aid Additionally, we stand by the maintain the link. workers and humanitarian efforts. following points, as outlined by We remind our fellow New Democrats unequivocally Louise Arbour, the former United Canadian politicians and parties condemns the violent actions Nation's Human Rights High not to use the situation in Sri committed by both sides of the Commissioner: Lanka as a partisan issue. The conflict which have caused the All sides of the conflict must human rights and dignity of the loss of civilian life. commit to an immediate peace Sri Lankans, Tamils and other Jack Layton and the New settlement. minorities need to be respected Democrats are listening to the All sides must respect human- and preserved. community. They are telling us itarian law and accept monitors to Peace must always be the that the violence is escalating, report and address all serious vio- goal and New Democrats are pre- human rights are being violated, lations of human rights and war pared to explore options and solu- and the number of deaths, politi- crimes. tions to bring peace to Sri Lanka. cal disappearances and forced The government of Sri Lanka For more information: evictions are growing. must support an independent Rupinder Kaur, Media Officer: As in the past, New Democ- inquiry into the human rights vio- 613-222-5048 or rats continue to repeat calls to lations and prosecute the perpe- [email protected] Fast in Tamil Nadu CPI-led hunger strike against Sri Lankan Government military draws thousands in action in Vanni Tamil Nadu Thousands of people took to Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.G. the venues in Tamil Nadu's capital Ramachandran (MGR) in the mid- city Chennai and other district 80's addressed the participants at capitals in the southern state of Seappaakkam. CPI National India on Oct 2nd to participate in Secretary D. Raja, in his address, a fasting campaign on Mahatma charged that New Delhi was clan- Gandhi's birthday demanding New destinely assisting Sri Lanka in its Delhi to withdraw military assis- war against Tamils and ques- Political parties in Tamil Nadu tance to Sri Lanka. tioned what the Indian personnel organized a fasting campaign in Several Tamil leaders, includ- who came under attack in the Chennai protesting against mili- ing Panruti S. Ramachandran, North of Sri Lanka were doing tary action in the Wanni area and against civilian casualties and who was actively engaged in the there. food shortages. Sri Lankan process under the late MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 43 India is a land of festivals. ed. It is believed that those who to their happiness by lighting Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, worship Goddess Lakshmi on this earthen 'Vilaku' (lamps), decorat- is celebrated with fervor and gai- Deepavali day will be bestowed with all rich- ing their homes, bursting fire- ety. The festival is celebrated by es. The third day is "Kartika crackers and inviting near and young and old, rich and poor, Shudda Padyami." On this day dear to their households for par- throughout the country, to dispel Bali came out of Pathala Loka and taking in a sumptuous feast. The darkness and light up their lives. ruled Bhuloka as per the boon lighting of lamps is a way of pay- The festival symbolizes unity in given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it ing obeisance to god for attain- diversity as every state celebrates is also known as "Bali Padyami". ment of health, wealth, knowl- it in its own special way. The fourth day is referred to as edge, peace, valor and fame. Deepavali is a celebration of a "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sis- four-day festival. The first day of ters invite their brothers to their It is the one time in the whole the festival Naraka Chaturdasi homes. year that children volunteer to marks the vanquishing of the However, in the northern part leave their beds long before the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna of India Deepavali, known as day begins. In fact, the tradition- and his wife Satyabhama. Diwali, is celebrated as the return al oil bath is usually held at 3 am! 'Puranas' have it that Naraka, of Rama along with Sita and is the only chore that stands son of Bhudevi, acquired Lakshman from his 14 years of between them and the pre-dawn immense power from a blessing exile, after killing Ravana. To adventures? They emerge, given to him by Lord Brahma after commemorate his return to scrubbed clean to get into their a severe penance. He soon Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated festive attire, and light up little oil unleashed a reign of terror in the the kingdom and burst crackers. lamps, candles and scented sticks kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing For the Gujaratis, Marwaris (agarbathis), the wherewithal for celestial beings with his invincible and other business community setting alight crackers and might. Unable to bear the tyranny Deepavali marks the worship of sparklers. of the demon, the celestial beings Goddess Lakshmi and also the Who shall set off the first pleaded with Lord Krishna to save beginning of the new financial chain of crackers that go boom, them from his torture. But Naraka year. For Bengalis, it is the time to bang and vroom? And who is the could not be easily killed as he worship Goddess Kali or Durga. owner of the 10-minute 'banger' had a boon that he would face The Goddess Durga continued her that steals the thunder from your death only at the hands of his "Vilaya Tandava"(Devine Dance) little chain of needle-sized crack- mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks even after killing Mahishaasura. ers? Does the boy next door have his wife Satyabhama, the reincar- For the Jains, Deepavali has more crackers than me? nation of Bhudevi, to be his char- an additional significance. It is Competition is stiff, and even ioteer in the battle with Naraka. celebrated as the day Mahavira the little girls in silk frocks and When Krishna feigns uncon- Second day is Amavasya when quered the earth and the sky in attained the eternal bliss of their finery are watching out for sciousness after being hit by an Lakshmi puja is performed. It is two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Nirvana. The passing into eternity the best sparklers, flowerpots, arrow of Naraka, Sathybhama believed that on this day Goddess Bali into the Pathala Loka (nether on the same day of Swami rockets and Vishnuchakras, which takes the bow and aims the arrow Lakshmi will be in her most land) by placing his third stride on Dayananda Saraswathi (that leo- light-up the night sky like a thou- at Naraka, killing him instantly. benevolent mood and fulfill the Bali's head. Later, pleased by his nine Sanyasi who was one of the sand stars. Grown-ups are the Later Lord Krishna reminds her of wishes of her devotees. One ver- generosity, Lord Vishnu grants first to light the torch Hindu soul of generosity. Festive bon- the boon she had sought as sion says that it was on this day him a boon and he in turn Renaissance during the last cen- homie abounds. Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by that Goddess Lakshmi emerged requests the Lord himself serve as tury and founder of the Arya Deepavali is a wonderful day Sathyabhama could also be inter- from the Paal Kadal (Ocean of the guardian of Pathala loka. Samaj Movement) and Swami to change one's way of living to a preted as an indication that par- Milk) when the Gods and demons Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable Ramathirtha (who carried the fra- new one. Children should be ents should not hesitate to punish were churning the kadal (ocean) to bear the separation and her grance of spiritual message of encouraged to make resolutions their children when they stray for Amirtham or nectar. grief affects the functioning of the Hindu Dharma to the western to become good ones. The elders onto the wrong path. The mes- Another version is that when entire universe. Brahma and Lord world) have brought the national too could change their way of life sage of Naraka Chaturdasi is that Lord Vishnu in the guise of Shiva offer themselves as guards / spiritual tradition of Deepavali to better themselves. It is never the well being of society as a Vamana, sought three feet-size of and plead with Bali to relieve right up into modern times. too late to become a better per- whole should always prevail over land from the generous demon Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Deepavali is a festival where son!! one's personal needs and loyal- king Bali, the latter had to surren- Lord Vishnu returns to his abode people from all age groups can By: Kumar Punithavel ties. der his head as Vamana had con- and Goddess Lakshmi is delight- participate. They give expression [email protected] Monsoon Kids Corner

Color Me Competition - 8

Dead Line fo r entries: Winners for September 2008 Color Me competition-7 October 25, 2008 Congratulations from Monsoon Journal Entries have to be made on origi- $10 will be mailed to the winners. nal paper, photo copies not Once again we have selected more

accepted. winners for this issue too. S. Sharona - Scarborough The Winner will be selected and Rishi Chandrakumar - Scarborough Entry Form: October 2008

po sted in the No vember issue. Anjana Chandrakumar - Scarborough Casius Noel. J - Mississauga Name: ……………………………………………...... Please mail to: Karthehan. V - Scarborough Bairavie Piravakaran - Scarborough Address: …………………………………………...... Monsoon Journal S. Marrilyn Sabina - Scarborough 3107 Sheppard Ave East Abu George - Scarborough ……………………………………………………...... Adit Patel -Ajax Toronto, ON. M1T 3J7 Tel No:…………...... ….E-Mail: ……………...... ………… Anushree Patel -Ajax 44 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MonsoonMonsoon EventsEvents

Invitation JAFFNA COLLEGE 185TH wHat iF tHe "Puthiyavan Arts" ANNI VERSARY CELEBRATI ONS proudly presents its new creation of The Jaffna College Alumni Association of Ontario has decided rAin fAils "PRI YAMUDAN SAHANA" A Play By Cheran directed by Dushy to celebrate the 185th year of establishment of the College with a The enchanting melodies are recorded on a compact disc with the coop- Gnanapragasam eration of our Tamil Musical Talents in Canada. dinner on the 25th of October, 2008 at the Radisson Hotel Toronto The special release of East. Professor S.T. Ariaratnam, Ph.d., D.Sc. (London), D.Sc. Saturday, October 11, 2008 "PRIYAMUDAN SAHANA" (Cantab), retired Head of the Faculty of Engineering, Waterloo 1.00, 4.00, and 6.00 p.m. will take place on: University will be the Chief Guest to grace the occasion. He is also Sunday, October 12th, 2008 an Alumnus of the College. A few other persons of eminence will Young Centre for the Performing Arts at 6:00 o' clock in the evening @ also be present at the occasion. Distillery Historic District Milliken Mills Community Center This gathering will be another opportunity for all in the alumni located at 7600 Kennedy Rd Markham (14t Ave. & Kennedy Rd) and well wishers to renew bonds of fellowship and love for their Tickets at We assure your presence will be an encouragement and moral uplift for Young Centre Box Office out artists. We cordially invite you to join us in this musical experience. revered alma mater. In spite of all the present travails in Sri Lanka, www.youngcentre.ca, Thanking you! especially in the North, the College is progressing in providing a Puthiyavan Arts wholesome education and keeping alive it's spirit initiated 185 416.866.8666 years ago. Satha Wijayanayagam is the Chairman, Celebrations or Mohan Remisiar Sub Committee for the Dinner. Further details can be obtained by Canadian Tamil Congress Office (416) 528-0372 Cell contacting the following telephone numbers. 416.240.0078 (905) 910-4494 Home Tel. 647 686 8773, 416 299 0672, 416 497 3956 www.blackjuly83.com Women and youth equally vulnerable to heart attacks jhuhkphuGtlkpjhsGklu{hsGkl}lsvwtlu{Ghzzvjph{pvu jkpo;; itj;jpaH epWtdk;; - fdlh R. Sujatha "By 2020 India will lead in inci- NOT FOR PROFI T ORGANI ZATI ON – ONTARI O CHARI TY NO: 8 23467279RR0001 www.afterthewave.ca CHENNAI: When B. Krishna- dences of heart attack. Whoever G kumari, 47, walked into a private has diabetes will be prone to clinic in Royapuram complaining heart attack. South Indians are CMDDA Lights of Healing 2008 of chest pain the doctor advised genetically prone to heart blocks Venue: Woodbine Banquet Hall an ECG. The readings were alarm- and heart attack," says K. Date: Friday November 21, 2008 @ 6:30 pm ing, indicating that she had suf- Harshavardhan, head, Cardiology fered a massive heart attack. She department, SRM Medical Projects Completed this year: was advised to get admitted to University. Save a heart project-donation towards heart Catheterization unit Government Stanley Hospital. "India is spending 15 per cent for The Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Reached 55% of our goal of $200,000 There, she was given drugs to of its health budget on treating To continue your donation Please call: 905-949-5656 or 905-273-7946 stabilise her condition. She will heart attacks. This can be brought undergo a treadmill test before down by creating awareness." Direct depoist By mail being discharged on Tuesday. Pollution factor Bank of Montreal Dr.R. Mohan -Treasurer Doctors will ask her to return to As a cardiologist at the Transit No: 29862 CMDDA Account No: 8140197 206-3033 Palstan Road the hospital periodically to moni- Government General Hospital Payable to: “CMDDA Save a Heart” Mississauga ON L4Y 4E7 tor her progress. from which he retired recently, he Please write to Dr. Mohan "I was careless in taking my has operated on 20 auto drivers, (Treasurer) if you are making direct BP medicines. I am a diabetic for he says. deposit nine years and have high BP for "They smoke, drink alcohol, six years now," Ms. Krishnakumari eat junk food and are stressed Health forums - Seminars for health education and awareness for the Sri Lankan community in Canada. says. out. Pollution, particularly sulphur Funding through Providence Health Care foundation to develop a phone help line for the In the adjacent ward, a 29- dioxide emission from vehicles Sri Lankan community in Canada. year-old smoker, with a family his- and lack of exercise makes them Release of health education magazine-“Nalamthana” annually. tory of diabetes and BP is recu- susceptible to heart attacks." Funding for CARE projects. perating from a heart attack. R. According to statistics on the Donation to Saivaite counsil for spiritual conselling. Subramanian, head of the cardiol- website of World Heart Donation to The Tamil Nurse’s Assocation project. Sponsored a lane at “Bowl a Thon” to raise fund for Tamil care giver projects through ogy department, says the hospi- Federation, which has designated Providence care. tal, which caters to the relatively the last Sunday in September as Donation of Medical equipment,Library materials to Hospitals in Sri Lanka. less affluent population of north World Heart Day, half of the 17.5 Funding to refurbish Dental unit for Puttur mission hospital. Chennai is regularly getting million people who die of heart Funding for medication supply for the displaced people in Sri Lanka. patients with coronary artery dis- disease and stroke every year are Funding for the Medical clinic in “Canada Thamil Oor” project for the displaced. ease. women. "Until 20 years ago, rheumatic Women, unlike men, exhibit Please give generously for our ongoing Medical/Humanitarian projects in Canada and heart disease, caused by strepto- symptoms such as chest or stom- abroad coccus bacteria was common. ach aches, nausea, breathless- Now, in a month, I see 4-5 cases. ness and unexplained tiredness. But, while the more educated are Very often, they remain undiag- NOTI CE careful about what they eat, the nosed for these symptoms. poor have taken to junk food. Maintaining a healthy weight Annual General Meeting- Notice and Nomination Form for Heart attack had become common would reduce the risk of heart dis- the election of Directors and Internal Auditors 2008/2009 at the age of 20 and 30," Dr. ease, stroke and diabetes doctors Subramanian says. point out. The CTCC Annual General Only paid members will be eli- Nomination Committee, Profiling the youngsters who To keep away coronary artery Meeting will be held on November gible to nominate or second a Canadian Tamils' Chamber of suffer heart attacks, he says they disease, it is important to test for 8th, 2008 at 8:30AM at the nomination. Commerce are generally smokers, with high lipids and cholesterol, they say. Embassy Banquet Hall located at The CTCC kindly requests you 5200 Finch Avenue East, Suite lipid, cholesterol levels, a familial A routine of 30-45 minutes of 5210 Finch Ave. East Unit# 11 to renew your membership and 209 history of diabetes, very stressed brisk exercise such as walking, and 12, Scarborough. take part in the AGM. Scarborough, ON M1S 4Z4 and hypertensive. drinking lots of water, eating plen- Breakfast will be served at Nomination forms should be As seating will be limited, Earlier, it was perceived that ty of fresh fruits, vegetables and 8:30AM and the Board proceed- received before 6:00PM on please RSVP prior to November women were protected from heart whole grains, and reducing salt ings will commence at 9:30AM. Wednesday October 22nd, 2008. 1st, 2008 by calling or leaving a attacks until menopause but now intake can help keep away heart We expect the meeting to adjourn Nominations for the CTCC message at the chamber office at increasingly, younger women are attacks. at 11AM. Board of Directors are to be sub- 416-335-9791, or e-mail webmas- also affected, he says. Courtesy: The Hindu Nomination Regulations: mitted to: [email protected] MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 45 SIVAJI, THE ORIGINAL BOSS OF TAMIL CINEMA REMEMBERED ON HIS 8OTH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

have been attending the Birthday mild. Next was Padmini and her Ifunctions of NT for the last 3 years. thillanaa was shown followed by But never have I seen such a huge Nalamthaana song. When NT winks his crowd like the one that thronged the eyes, the crowd went berserk. It was a venue today. The Kalaingar Arangam at little disappointment that more Anna Arivaalayam wore a festive look clippings were not shown. adorned by banners and posters on either side of the entrance and Post Master General Indira throughout the way to the auditorium. Krishnakumar released the postal In fact the banners, posters and Sivaji covers and Kalaingar received it. Mandra Flags had been put up from Mohanram asked Lalitha's daughter Kamarajar Arangam till Arivaalayam. Sethu Lakshmi and her son Krishna, As I mentioned earlier the crowds Raagini's daughter Mahalakshmi and coming from as far as Nagerkoil, actor Vineeth to come to the stage for Bangalore, Andhra, Pazhani, Madurai, receiving the postal covers on behalf of Vellore had come for the birthday Lalitha, Raagini and Padmini function and even by 5.30 pm, the respectively. They came to the stage auditorium was full. The heartening and received the covers. After this the aspect of the crowd was women Mrs. Indira spoke. She talked about numbered up to 40% of the crowd. Postal Department's initiative in Again youngsters comprised 35- 40% of honouring artists and said that the the crowd. artists are great ambassadors who could bring diverse people into their The stage was decorated with the fold that bodes well for the country. banner which had NT on the left and [Sorry could not reproduce her speech Kalaingar on the right. It read JB in full. Even otherwise it was low in volume. Because of security reasons, 80 - IYQB{IY} T¢ LP|I JX the mobile jammer was put in use and TSX, 01.10.2008. Two portraits of NT this was in a way affecting the were placed on either side if the stage. performance of the mike]. All the dignitaries were seated by 6.15 pm and CM arrived by 6.20 pm and After this the Sivaji Virudhu vazhangum function started by 6.30 pm. By the programme started. The first one to time the function started the hall and receive was Mellisai Mannar the balcony were over flowing and it T.K.Ramamurthy. Clippings from looked that an equal number of people Thanga Surangam, the only film TKR were standing. But in spite of knowing had worked for NT was shown. It was that they had to stand, people still Naan Pirandha Nattukku endha Naadu were coming in, not to mention a big periyadhu song sequence. Seeing NT in crowd (without invitations) pleading a young and charming avatar, the with the police to allow them in. crowd went wild and especially when NT briskly walks down the steps in his Thamizh Thaai vaazhthu was rendered usual majestic manner, cheers become to mark the beginning. One of the MCs Exclusive for Monsoon Journal by Murali Srinivasan, Chennai louder. Then the clipping for Chachhu of the evening Y.Gee Mahendra came was shown. It was the scene from to the mike and announced that Ram Sumathi En Sundari where NT for the Kumar would do the welcome address. sake of Nagesh bluffs about Nagesh The mood of the crowd was evident by killing the man-eater Tiger and getting the deafening applause one heard when caught. Then it was the turn of Y.Gee mentioned NT's name. Ram Aroordas and the clipping was from welcomed everybody in his usual Deiva Magan showing Kannan coming to manner making it short and sweet. The meet his Father and handing over the next item was honouring the CM and blank cheque [my day was made]. the other speakers and Ram and Prabhu There were claps, whistle and sounds presented shawls and memento to for each and every reaction. K.R.Vijaya Kalaingar, Sivakumar, Vairamuthu and was the next and Saraswathy Sabatham Post Master General Mrs. Indira scene starting with Deivam Iruppadhu Krishnakumar on behalf of the trust. Enge song ending and the subsequent The act was repeated on behalf of Akila war of words between NT and KRV were Indhiya Sivaji Mandram with its shown. Now people started reacting President Bhoominathan doing the more aggressively and especially when honours. The next function was NT retorts [selvakku solvakkai releasing of Postal cover in memory of adakkalaama] the cheers were huge. Travancore sisters. Mohanram came to Following this Nallathoru Kudumbam the mike and he gave a brief song started and crowd was on their background to the whole exercise being feet. When SP Choudry after singing done every year by the Sivaji – Prabhu Annai ennum kadal thandhadhu, Trust. Mohanram recalled that in the Sivaji’s sons Ramkumar, Prabu with the chief guest CM Mu. Karunanithy while actor Sivakumar looks on. started his stylish light dance year 2000, when he suggested about movements all hell broke loose. The the idea of bringing out the postal made an announcement that it would function, Ram and Prabhu have been crowd was dancing with deafening covers on cine personalities, NT not be done on an annual basis. Though he carrying out the event with the same sounds. Saroja Devi's turn came and only responded favourably but also was not there for the next year's involvement as NT desired. Mohanram when people saw Gopal saying please sponsored the entire programme and went on to list the names of legends of followed by Unnai Ondru ketpen, there Tamil cinema in whose memory the was no stopping the fans. Aalayamani postal covers have been brought out starting scene was shown followed by and the list included AV.Meiyappan, Nadhi Enge Pogirathu from Iruvar K.Subramaniam, MKT, PUC, MR.Radha, Ullam. With the sound so deafening and Chandrababu, Bheemsingh and fans seem to be on a high, police had MK.Radha to name a few. With this to move in and take positions along the recap he said this time the trust has entire stretch to control the crowd. For All Your decided to bring out a special postal This brought some control and when cover on Travanacore sisters namely Once More was shown, the cheers again Family & Business Lalitha, Padmini and Raagini. In order started but were within limits. With PHOTOGRAPHIC to highlight their contribution, this clippings came to an end. Needs clippings from the films in which they acted with NT were shown. It started All the dignitaries then were called up ……………. with Lalitha. A scene from Thooku and presented the Sivaji Virudhu. TKR, GNANE Thooki was shown. It was Lalitha and Aroordas and Film News Anandan NT conversing with each other and required help to walk and after all the (647) 388-3483 crowd was reacting aggressively. For six received the awards, a photo Ragini it was her song sequence in session was arranged for the dignitaries Uthhama Puthiran but since there is no with the CM. With this the first part of NT in the scene, the reaction was little the function came to an end. 46 OCTOBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Kollywood Film Review

threatened by Nasser and a gang dubbing that often seems to ance in the society which contin- and Nithin Sathya, Nithin has per- by Anand. J of his goons claiming ownership takeover, giving you a feeling as if ues to treat him as a mentally ill fectly enjoyed essaying his role Poi Solla Porom of the land. He eventually loses Rajesh himself is in the role. Now, person. As he is left with no and has delivered the best. the ownership and settles down that makes it two actors in one option, he is not able to continue Cheran's role requires him to to his earlier life with much dis- role! But this doesn't mean his studies and resigns to the fate evoke sympathy right from the Director Vijay's cross roads tress. Nasser comes second - he's just of taking care of his dad's beginning and beyond a point it second venture Poi Solla Porom is Karthik, Venu's son, is on the as good as Venu. Be it a callous mediocre business of printing starts getting a bit tiresome. Khosla Ka Ghosla meets Veedu. verge of flying to the US for and fraudulent real estate con- invitations. Heroines have done their bit. Only, it's neither as witty as employment and stumbles upon tractor or a loser, Nasser shows As the years roll by, he reach- The director needs to be Khosla nor as intense as Veedu. the visa agent Bossky who throws different shades of emotions, not es marriageable age and is in the appreciated for delivering a film That apart, the movie is fun and some light on this land-grabbing for a moment letting the grip of process of scouting for a suitable without kissing or glamorous enjoyable, with a slightly different incident. Together, they (the his character get out of hand. The bride. Not wanting to hide his scenes. However, he could have storyline that has not been tried entire family including Karthik's effervescent and spontaneous past, Cheran reveals that he was tried to make the subject a bit for a long time in Tamil cinema. fiancé's family) hatch a plan to Mouly is riotous while playing in the mental asylum for some- more interesting. With a decent cast that fits to the trap Nasser for his crookedness. dumb -something that comes nat- time and as expected this truth Music by Vidya Sagar is a big T, and its unpretentious, on-the- urally to Cochin Haneefa - a qual- becomes a deterrent factor in his let down for the film. ity that Malayalam movies cashed mission of getting married. He Heavy sentiments and pathos in. gets rejected and it takes three drench the film which may not go M G Sreekumar definitely has years for him to get married. In down well with the youth. a long way to go before he can this process five women walk into Perhaps, RTS may find some tak- tune songs for Tamil movies. For his life and the film revolves ers in newly weds and may be starters, he has to realize that around them and who accepts Malayalam and Tamil film music Cheran forms the rest of the are a world apart. Not to mention story. Gopi Sundar's background score, Pasupathy as the blind Radio which is passable. Jockey does a brilliant job. His A neatly crafted screenplay, mannerisms and body language near-witty dialogues, and situa- are par excellence. The movie is tions that are easy to relate with sure to be a landmark in his real life form the crux of Poi Solla career. However, the natural Porom, making the movie more than just watchable. face narration, the movie easily What follows is a series of inci- Verdict - Watch it, it's fun! passes through as a perfect dents that keep you engaged until excuse for killing time without the movie reaches its lightweight, being bored to death. Finally, this Raman Thediya yet agreeable climax. is one movie that does not Poi Solla Porom is of course a Seethai revolve around mushy romances story of suffering losses in life and or vengeful villains. wreaking vengeance. However, Cheran appears once again on Nedumudi Venu is a middle what makes the movie tick is its screen after Pirivom Sandippom, class father who nurses the clas- realistic script, making the entire this time he is directed by his pro- sic middle-class dream of owning process believable and close to tégé K P Jagannath in Moser Baer a house. He purchases a plot with real life. productions' Raman Thediya his hard-earned 30 lakhs with the Nedumudi Venu breathes life Seethai. As the title indicates, the help of real estate broker Hanifa. into his middle class father char- film is all about the search of an To his shock, on the day of the acter with the support of Rajesh's apt soul mate for Cheran. groundbreaking ceremony, he is Cheran is an exceptionally brilliant boy who ranks 2nd in the state in the 10th standard exams. However this does not seem to sequences linked with Pasupathy liked by some patient souls. please his mom who taunts him get jarred with the artificially However it would be a strict no- for not bagging the first position thrust fight scene and his charac- no for those who adore commer- and his feat goes without being ter suffers a serious blow at that cial potboilers. The ray of hope given due recognition. Though juncture. comes in the form of ladies and bogged down by this, he raises The hospital scene where other domestic audiences who his bar too high to perform exem- Cheran gets slapped by enjoy the daily soaps on TV; they plary well in the 12th exam which Manivannan when the former are likely to find this kind of a eventually affects his mental tries to hold Manivannan's grand- subject and narration suitable to health and he finds himself in child moves the audience. their tastes. Kilpauk Mental Hospital. Though Karunas' presence does not evoke Verdict - Has its chances if he recovers and returns to nor- any laughter. soap lovers show up malcy, he does not find accept- Among Cheran, Pasupathy MONSOON JOURNAL OCTOBER 2008 47 QUICK DIVORCE Wanted Medical SPONSORSHIP You can bring your Secretaries loved one to Canada as a Caregiver Medical Secretaries are needed for a clinic (if qualified) PARDON / US in Scarborough. WAIVER Three Full time positions are available. Lawyer Assisted Candidates must speak excellent English Start your file with and Tamil. $100 Please fax resumes to 416.649.4200 416-292-0677

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