Miracles "All things of the Universe are miracles, each from as profound as any" - Walter Whitman 4.0% (1819 - 1892) American poet, essayist, journalist, and humanist.

Jack fruits in Bopath, Kuruwita, Sri Lanka [hummanityashore.org] Monsoon Journal A parfait media publication VOL 3 ISSUE 4 SEPTEMBER 2008 Monsoon Elections Canada - 2008 42 The Battle Begins...

"I 'am a very young man and I ' am not in the mood to think about By Siva Sivapragasam on the Conservatives. Ramadhan ... losing or retiring The plus points for the - Prime Minister Stephen Harper The battle for power in Conservative Government are the tax Parliament Hill, Ottawa has begun cuts they have introduced, added "We have a plan and a vision which we can leave for a better country with the big guns booming on the childcare benefits, new immigrant for our children and grand children" campaign trail across Canada. programs, tougher laws on criminal - Liberal Leader Stephane Dion When Stephen Harper triggered activity etc.NDP Leader Jack Layton a Federal Election for October 14, it has promised Canadians "a change " Stephen Harper has announced that he is quitting his job as Prime was an year ahead of the scheduled not for the past 25 months but for the Minister. I am applying for that job." date. Although Polls research indi- past 25 years". Green Party Leader 22 - Jack Layton, NDP Leader cates an edge for Harper's Elizabeth May was earlier left out of Living in Fear ... Conservative Party over the Liberals, the party leaders televised debates the Prime Minister himself has admit- but has been included now due to ted that it is going to be tough elec- mounting pressure. 28 tion. Party leaders have already start- The Party standings in Parliament ed running their campaigns and at the time of dissolution were as fol- pledges with messages tailored to lows: appeal to the voters. No doubt, the Conservatives - 127 seats current economic storm will dominate Liberals - 95 the election platforms. The major Bloc - 48 slump in the U.S and it's effect on the NDP - 30 Canadian economy, loss of jobs, high Independent - 4 ... concept of Globalization energy prices, a high Canadian dollar Vacant - 4 Stephen Harper - Conservative Party Stephane Dion - Liberal Leader from affecting exports and manufactured October 14 will be another date Leader from 2004. Became Prime 2006. Became Leader of Opposition goods are some of the hot issues that on which Mr. Citizen Canada becomes 39 Minister in 2006. Graduated in 1978 at in the same year.Graduated from would come up on election debates. an important personality when he the top of his class with a 95.7% aver- Universite Laval Political Science and These would be some areas on which decides who will govern him for the age. Obtained B.A. Degree from the later obtained a Doctorate in Sociology. the Opposition will target their attack next four years. University of Calgary in Economics. Married Janine Kreber and has one Married Laureen Teskey and has two child Jeanne. Children-Benjamin (12) and Rachel (9) UN says unable to leave

Sex, Love and Meditation Sri Lanka's war-torn north The United Nations says its aid Monsoon Health 9 staff are unable to comply with a Sri Lankan government order to quit the war-torn north of the island because of protests by local civil- Margosa 24-225 ians. Thousands of men, women and children have been protesting out- GTA Square 36-337 side UN and other international aid agency offices in Kilinochchi since Sep 12th to stop aid workers from Some 160 thousand people Jack Layton -Became Leader of NDP Waterloo News 32-333 in 2003. Studied Political Science at Elizabeth May - Became Leader of the leaving. have been displaced in the past few Mcgill University. Now Married to Olivia Green Party in 2006. She is a Lawyer The rebel Liberation Tigers of months in the districts of Mullaittivu Chow,an MP. and has two children who graduated from Dalhousie Law Tamil Eelam have warned against and Kilinochchi as the government Monsoon Film Review 46 from previous marriage to high school School in 1983.Has one daughter - the pullout, saying it would cause a steps up its offensive against Tamil sweet-heart Sally Halford. Victoria Cate who is 17 years old. "humanitarian crisis." Tiger rebels.

Membership Be a Pr oud Shar ehol der Fee Minimum investment from $500.00 only $25 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5.30 pm Suite 100A, 2100 Ellesmere Road, Toronto, ON. M1H 3B7 Tel: 416-915-8989 2 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 3

CREATING JOBS, BUILDING ONTARIO NEW RBC WICKET CRICKET I nvesting in Ontario Act making our communities Delivers $1.1 Billion for stronger," said Premier Dalton COMMUNITY FUND CALLS Municipal I nfrastructure McGuinty. "The Investing in Ontario Act The McGuinty government is is a balanced approach that will FOR APPLICATIONS investing an additional $1.1 billion stimulate our economy by invest- in municipal infrastructure to ing in municipal infrastructure $50,000 fund takes suc- improve roads and bridges, while being prudent by paying cessful in-school program to expand public transit and build down a portion of the accumulat- the community other municipal projects. ed deficit," said Dwight Duncan, The new RBC Wicket Cricket The investment is expected to Ontario Minister of Finance. Community Fund, which will sup- create as many as 11,000 con- "Through this investment, the port programs and projects to reach out to promote cricket to struction jobs in the short term McGuinty government is taking make the sport more accessible to youth in and beyond schools, and and make Ontario's economy another step forward in our rela- Canadian youth, today began involve more kids in the game," more competitive in the long tionship with our municipal part- accepting grant applications for said Hugh Brodie, president of term. ners. Municipal leaders now have vey of Ontario economic leaders 2008. Pirates of the St. Lawrence Cricket The increase in infrastructure the ability to choose their next and found "91% of those sur- "Cricket is one of the fastest- Club in Montreal. funding comes as a result of the infrastructure project, and to veyed indicated that infrastruc- growing sports in Canada," said Grants will range from $500 - government passing the Investing move that project forward," said ture was the most critical issue to Mark Whitmell, director, Cultural $1,000 each, up to a total of in Ontario Act, 2008. Because of Minister of Municipal Affairs and be addressed today." Markets, RBC. "When we $50,000. Funding will be based on that Act, the government's sur- Housing Jim Watson. " The 2007-08 Public Accounts launched the RBC Wicket Cricket budget and need, preference will plus above $600 million for the QUI CK FACTS were released today, and present program earlier this year, 1,300 be given to programs or projects 2007-2008 fiscal year was able to " This year, the Investing in the audited financial statements classrooms registered for equip- that are at the grassroots level, flow to municipalities to fund Ontario Act, 2008 and regulation of the province, provide financial ment and resources to help intro- focus on young people 4 - 17 infrastructure projects. direct a portion of provincial sur- highlights of the past fiscal year, duce and teach the sport to an years of age, have the potential to Today's announcement was pluses to municipalities for infra- and report on performance estimated 35,000 school children. improve the game of cricket in triggered by the release of the structure needs, such as improv- against the goals set out in the Building on that success, the new their communities, and show evi- 2007-08 Public Accounts, which ing roads and bridges, expanding 2007 Budget. RBC Wicket Cricket Community dence of long-term sustainability. show a $600 million surplus for transit and upgrading social hous- " With today's announcement, Fund will extend our support Whitmell noted that RBC cre- the past fiscal year. ing. in 2007-08 the McGuinty govern- beyond the classroom and fill a ated the Fund to help promote, Investing in infrastructure is " Every municipality in Ontario ment invested a total of $9.9 bil- need at the community level by develop and grow the sport of part of the McGuinty govern- will benefit. $1.1 billion in capital lion in infrastructure to improve providing funding to establish cricket which is an integral part of ment's five-point economic plan grants will be paid to municipali- the province's highways, public youth cricket programs." the cultural heritage and identity to build a stronger economy. ties and $600 million will go transit, municipal roads and Community organizations may of many Canadians and new immi- QUOTES towards reducing the province's bridges, hospitals, places to learn be eligible for an RBC Wicket grants, as well as enabling them "By investing in infrastructure accumulated deficit. and other public assets. Of that, Cricket Community Fund grant if to coach and play a sport many in every Ontario community, we're " In 2007, the Ontario $3.5 billion has gone towards they provide a safe and welcom- enjoyed prior to coming to creating jobs for families and Chamber of Commerce did a sur- municipalities for infrastructure. ing environment for cricket; build Canada. This program is part of awareness for the sport within RBC's ongoing efforts to build RBC NOW OFFERING TELEPHONE their community; show strong deeper connections with multicul- community management with tural communities in Canada. SERVICE IN ANY LANGUAGE solid participation; and/or, demon- Grant applications will be strate innovation in program deliv- accepted until October 31, 2008. More than 2,600 translators standing by round-the-clock ery. For more information about the "With the support of the new RBC Cricket Community Fund, or To help ensure that Canadians able and confident by enabling need to make financial decisions RBC Wicket Cricket Community to apply for a grant, please visit: from diverse backgrounds can communication in a language of at every stage of their transition Fund, organizations like ours can www.rbc.com/cricket. address their financial affairs in their choosing." to Canada - before they arrive, as their preferred language, RBC is Through word-of-mouth they get settled and as they plan offering a multi-language tele- alone, the service introduced in for their future. Paul Calandra, Conservative phone service that can assist April has been averaging about As part of this new redesign, clients in more than 150 lan- 500 calls per month, with the customers can now locate a Candidate for Oak Ridges- guages. most common language request- branch where three or more peo- RBC's new multi-language ed being Spanish, followed by ple speak their language at telephone service makes available Russian, Vietnamese, Mandarin maps.rbc.com. In addition, by vis- Markham starts His Campaign a network of more than 2,600 and Korean. This new service iting findingyourhome.ca, new Paul Calandra and his team starts door to door to campaign on specialized interpreters to help complements RBC's dedicated Canadians can insert the postal Sunday, September 7th. Picture shows, Paul and one of his team, when with day-to-day basic banking phone line (1 888 ROYAL 9-8) set code of their desired neighbor- they assembled briefly at Bur Oak and Williamson Road. inquiries such as opening an up for Chinese speaking clients, hoods and compare locations account, paying bills or requesting which offers service in Cantonese based on a number of key criteria, foreign exchange information. and Mandarin and fields more such as the cultural composition Customers call one convenient than 20,000 calls per month. RBC of the area, the average housing number at 1-800-ROYAL 1-1 to Direct Investing also offers tele- price, average income of resi- access the RBC agent-assisted phone trading and customer serv- dents, as well as available service, and within minutes can ice in Cantonese and Mandarin at schools, services and hospitals. be chatting with an interpreter via 1 800-667-8668. This month the bank also a three-way confidential confer- These and other services for released through its branches and ence call. newcomers are featured on RBC's website new step-by-step fact "We're always looking for newly redesigned website dedi- sheets in 14 languages, introduc- ways to make it easier for cus- cated to new Canadians ing Canadian products and servic- tomers to do business with us," (www.rbc.com/canada), which is es from the perspective of a new- said Mark Whitmell, director, available in English, French and comer. RBC has been reinventing Cultural Markets. "Now with a simplified Chinese and receives itself over the past few years to multi-language telephone service, more than 70,000 visitors a better connect with new immi- customers of diverse backgrounds month. The site, first launched in grants by introducing a variety of can make the call on their terms. 2005, provides newcomers with products and services designed to This is really about helping our relevant and tailored information help newcomers transition, customers feel welcome, comfort- to give them the confidence they explained Whitmell. 4 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Monsoon Journal From the Publisher’s Desk ... Printing the Winds of Change around us All lands home, all men kin. October 1 - I nternational Day of Older Persons The world is getting older. In joint approaches and strategies. programmes that target children of seniors affected by conflicts. "Live your life respecting those the next 50 years, the number of According to HelpAge and women, but neglect older Case in point - In Sri Lanka, whom the world esteems" - older persons will nearly quadru- International, a global network people. When communities return older people in Tamil North-East Aathisoodi by Auvaiyar ple, growing from about 600 mil- working since 1983 to improve home, older people typically face of the country continue to face lion to almost 2 billion people. the lives of disadvantaged older difficulties in accessing land and misery due to internal displace- Managing Editor & Publisher Today, one in every ten is 60 people, says over 100 million other scarce resources. The feel- ment. The Internally Displaced Logan Velumailum years and older. By 2050, one out older people live on less than a ings of loss, trauma, confusion Persons (IDPs) live in open areas of every five will be an older per- dollar a day. and fear that are familiar to all in the North and some in welfare Editorial & Marketing Consultant son, and by 2150, one third of the Older people face particular people in emergencies can be centres in the East. According to Siva Sivapragasam people in the world are expected threats from the world's increas- even more damaging for older the physiatrist in Sri Lanka's to be 60 years of age or older, ing number of conflicts and natu- people. For older people in emer- Eastern town Batticaloa's Promotion Co-ordinator according to data from the United ral disasters, but are not often gencies, isolation sharply increas- Teaching Hospital - M Ganesan, Senthi Senthivel Nations. identified as a vulnerable group. es the levels of risk. Although "most of the patients from these Layout Design In all countries and in devel- In emergencies older people refugee populations tend to welfare centers who come to the Santosh Kumar K.A oping countries in particular, encounter several key issues and include a lot of older women, age hospital are mentally affected measures to help older people concerns. They include Mobility, and gender barriers are more like- patients and are mostly older peo- Graphics Consultant remain healthy and active are a Health, Livelihoods, Psychological ly to exclude them from decision- ple". Gnane B. Gnanendran necessity, not a luxury. and social effects, Isolation and making and resources than older During this time of Ageing is a privilege and a gender. men. International Day of Older Contributing Columnists societal achievement. It is also a As communities flee, many Monsoon Journal joins the Persons, The Monsoon Journal Anand. J challenge, which will impact on all older people, particularly the international humanitarian com- joins hands to make the lives of Abizar Badani aspects of 21st century society. It housebound, can be left behind munity in calling for attention to older persons active, healthier Arun Senathirajah is a challenge that cannot be without support. Most non-gov- the welfare of seniors around the and happier by drawing attention Harish . G K.T. Kumaran addressed by the public or private ernmental organisations (NGOs) globe. The Monsoon Journal calls and supporting relief programmes Krishni. L sectors in isolation: it requires emphasise primary health-care for special attention to the plight targeted for the seniors. Kumar Punithavel Mithura Anandarajah Nate. V Toronto I nternational Film Festival Raymond Rajabalan Rudy Ruthran Shiyam. L Sri Krishnan. S "Kanchivaram" (A Tamil Film) Circulation Co-ordinator S.S. Mathavan - A Review By Siva Sivapragasam Disclaimer: "This film is of artistic value and not merely aimed for box office hit" Opinions and I nterpretations appearing in the newspaper are - Film Director Priyadarshan & actor Prakash Raj talk to "Monsoon Journal" those of the writers and need not be necessarily of "Kanchvaram is a film which took story centers around a poverty strick- Monsoon Journal us a fairly long time to produce and en textile weaver Vengadam from our aim was for film-goers to rate is as Kanchipuram, a city famous for its To place community and a film of artistic value" was the joint Kanchivaram silk sarees. Vengadam non profit organization news comment by it's popular Film Director has a dream to weave the best silk Priyadarshan and veteran Actor saree for his only daughter Thaamarai submit by email to: Prakash Raj, when asked by "Monsoon to wear it on her wedding day. Being [email protected] Journal"'s Editor Siva Sivapragasam poor, he has no money to spend for Tel: 416-358-3235 for a comment on the film at the the silk threads needed for this and reception hosted for the Director and much against his conscience he steals ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No contents stars by the Canadian Tamil Congress the threads on a daily basis from his in Monsoon Journal may be printed after the film was showcased at the factory, stuffing the balls of thread in without the written consent of the Toronto International Film his mouth to go undetected. Publisher. The views and opinions expressed in the articles in Monsoon Journal are those of the authors and do not nec- essarily reflect those of the Publisher. While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy Monsoon Journal is not responsible for any errors or Actor Prakash Raj at Elgin Theatre omissions in the contents. Advertisers Director Priyadarshan at Elgin Theatre are responsible for the contents in son mixed with rice and she of Vengadam with the different facial the Advertisements and all liabilities dies.Vengadam collects the hidden emotions displayed for different unfinished silk saree from the barn for their claimers. sequences in the film. Shreya Reddy and drapes Thaamarai's body with it. takes the role of his wife Annam and Calling Students The story ends here. does an equally excellent portrayal There is a central theme that runs ably supported by Shammu, a new “Earn Pocket Money during your through the film which depicts the comer to the screen and a resident spare time” helping with exploitation of the poor weavers by “Monsoon Journal” Subscriptions from Florida who plays the role of the rich owners of the textile factories “Monsoon Journal”, the monthly daughter Thaamarai. The audience is At Elgin Theatre after the Premiere screening in India. The British colonial masters English publication for the South treated to some nostalgic scenes of who ruled India at that time also Asian community is recruiting stu- pre-independence India and the life of Festival."Kanchivaram' was picked as Meanwhile his wife Annam dies and exploited the economic benefits to dents to canvass subscriptions for the the people in the rural districts such as an award winning film and was shown daughter Thaamarai is looked after by their advantage and this gave room paper during their spare time. long distance bus rides, the role of to a packed audience at the Visa him. One day, he is caught stealing Students will be provided leads and for the spread of communist ideology the policeman in villages, temple festi- Screening Room (Elgin Theatre) the thread, gets beaten up and is sent lists of prospective subscribers to which is shown in the film through a vals etc. recently in connection with Toronto's to jail. He is released from prison to make their job easy. They will be communist party worker who comes "Kanchivaram" is a tragic story International Film Fectival-2008. The see his daughter who is gravely ill. He compensated for every subscription to the village and teaches Vengadam about the price we pay for the prom- obtained. film was thoroughly enjoyed by the returns home to find Thaamarai and his fellow workers the ideals of ises we make. Interested applicants, please call: audience, a majority of whom were bedridden and almost dying. His Communism. "Kanchivaram" is a film worth see- 416 358 3235 from the mainstream communities. dream is shattered, and unable to see Prakash Raj, the veteran actor ing -more than once. Set against a background of rural her suffering he decides to end her who usually plays the role of a villain, Or e-mail: [email protected] Photo Courtesy: Gana “Source for Multi Ethnic Exposure” India during the colonial times, the life, Vengadam feeds her with rat poi- very brilliantly portrays the character MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 5

'Indian Security Advisor, M.K. Narayanan, was lucky that he did not end up disappearing in Sri Lanka' Indian Security Advisor, R. K. faced the risk of a white van In December 2007, U.S. Narayanan, was lucky that he did abduction. This is because he was Secretary of State Condoleezza not end up disappearing. Indian walking on Colombo's streets Rice announced Mano Ganesan as authorities should thank Lord without a Sri Lankan national the Runner-up for the first annual Shiva that no abductors in white identity card and a police registra- Freedom Defender's Award. vans bothered to abduct the dark tion sheet and did not speak any Recently Mano Ganesan was skinned security adviser while he Sinhala. questioned by the Sri Lanka was walking on Colombo's streets "Generally Tamils and dark Terrorist Investigation Depart- without being in the possession of skinned strangers in Sri Lanka's ment (TID) as Sinhala National- a national identity card (NIC) or a capital Colombo are not given istic forces in Sri Lanka continue police registration sheet, said time for explanations if they do to accuse him of having 'links' and Leader of Sri Lanka political party not carry the all important NIC acting as an 'agent' of Liberation Western Political Front (WPF), and Police registration at all Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Mano Ganesan, in a statement times," charged Ganesan. He said Expressing his concern over recently. any 'Tamil' looking person under this 'questioning', the US Mano Ganesan MP It was reported that India's suspicion is bundled away in an I ndia's national security advisor Ambassador in Sri Lanka Robert M.K. Narayanan security advisor Narayanan risked offensive manner in Colombo. bers of the Tamil community had Blake said the US government because he had to meet with his his personal safety by walking "There can be some clever been reported. would be closely monitoring the Prime Minister. He walked to his back to his hotel after getting off academic denials. But I am aware Mano Ganesan is in the fore- situation, according to premier hotel situated opposite Galle Face close to the Slave Island area in of this reality by all means as the front of those seeking an end to Tamil daily of Sri Lanka, green from Slave Island which is a Colombo, while in Sri Lanka to Member of Parliament for the abductions, disappearances Virakesari. white van area where many attend the SAARC summit. Mr. Colombo,' he said. and extrajudicial killings that alleged disappearances of mem- Ganesan said Narayanan also He said Narayanan walked afflict Sri Lanka. Karunanidhi appeals to PM on fishermen attack issue Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Sunday Sep 7th appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up with Sri Lanka, the issue of attacks on fishermen of the state and request them to instruct their Navy to exercise restraint and refrain from firing at them. "In spite of assurances given by the government of India, fish- ermen of the state feel insecure and are reluctant to carry out fishing in Indian seas for fear of attacks by the Sri Lankan navy without any warning," he said in a letter to the Prime Minister. "It will not be out of context to mention that every time a shooting incident takes place near the International Maritime said. Boundary Line, the Sri Lankan He said the protests of the Navy immediately denies occur- Tamil Nadu government and the rence of any such event," he said. Centre with Sri Lanka had not Though the Prime Minister yielded any results. had raised the issue with the Karunanidhi alleged that the President of Sri Lanka at the Sri Lankan Navy was not recipro- recent SAARC summit,10 fisher- cating the goodwill shown by the men of Nagapattinam were Indian Coast Guard and Navy in apprehended on August nine. dealing with Sri Lankan fisher- Besides, fishermen were fired men, apprehended for fishing in upon on September four at Indian waters. Kodiakarai, injuring one. The incidents were continuing From January 2006 to date, unabated and fishermen putting 27 incidents of firing had out to sea for fishing have been occurred, in which eight fisher- continuously complaining about men were killed and 24 injured. the "inhuman treatment" meted "The backgrounds of all fisher- out to them by the Sri Lankan men dead or injured revealed that navy, he said. they were innocent," Karunanidhi [PTI] 6 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Bhutto's widower wins presidency Asif Ali Zardari, the wid- by forging a large coalition and ower of former Prime using it to peacefully unseat Minister Benazir Bhutto, has President Musharraf. won a sweeping victory in Mr Zardari is one of Pakistan's Pakistan's presidential elec- most controversial politicians. tion. For years he has been hound- The election was called after ed by allegations of massive cor- Pervez Musharraf resigned rather ruption - although he has never than risk being impeached. been convicted. Mr Zardari faces severe eco- Former Prime Minister Nawaz nomic problems and a rampant Sharif took his PML-N party out of Islamist insurgency that are the governing coalition last week, threatening Pakistan's stability. accusing Mr Zardari of breaking During the voting a bomb key promises. killed at least 15 people near Many in Pakistan fear the Peshawar city. country is facing a return to an The president is elected by old-style politics of confrontation secret ballots in the national and at a time when urgent action is four provincial assemblies. needed to improve the economy his car, although he was not in it Mr Zardari won 481 votes out and deal with a raging Islamist at the time officials say. of 702, far more than the 352 insurgency. The other candidates for the votes that would have guaranteed Juggling demands The daughters of the Late Benazir Bhutto presidency were Saeeduz Zaman him victory, leaving his two rivals Mr Zardari is seen as pro- celebrate the victory of their father Zardari Siddiqui, a former judge who had trailing far behind. Western and supportive of the backing of Mr Sharif, and as the President of Pakistan. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who WHO VOTES FOR PRESIDENT? was nominated by the PML-Q party that supported Mr India Rushes Medical Total votes: 702 Musharraf. National Assembly 342 votes In the Islamabad parliament, members of the upper house, the Help to Flood Victims Senate 100 votes Senate, were due to vote first, fol- Four provincial assemblies 65 votes each lowed by the lower house. Pakistan's four provincial in Country's East Winner needs simple majority of votes assemblies of Sindh, Punjab, Authorities in eastern India are ings that the swollen Kosi River Balochistan and the NWFP had a In Sindh province, Mr Zardari Washington's self-declared war on rushing medical help to thousands could overrun its banks again. similar schedule. won all 65 votes. In North West terror. He will have to juggle the of people displaced by flood Authorities say many of the However, voting in the NWFP Frontier Province (NWFP) he got demands of the United States, waters, in order to keep disease areas will likely remain flooded capital, Peshawar, was delayed 56 out of the 65 votes. In Pakistan's powerful army, and from spreading. until the monsoon rains taper off when a 5.6 magnitude earth- Balochistan province he won 59 of strong anti-American sentiment in India's health secretary said in November. quake hit the area and neighbour- the 65 votes. the country. 300 tons of medicine, millions of The flooding began two weeks ing Afghanistan, prompting By contrast he only won 22 Our correspondent says Mr chlorine tablets, vaccines and ago when the Kosi River burst its deputies to flee the assembly out of 65 seats in Punjab Musharraf tried to do that and teams of doctors were being sent banks in neighboring Nepal, caus- building. province, the heartland of former failed. She adds that Pakistanis to relief camps in the state of ing river water to spill into India. The provincial assemblies are Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's hope that Asif Zardari will have Bihar. Tens of thousands of people given equal weighting with 65 PML-N party. more success, but they see little Officials say hundreds of cases have also been displaced in north- votes each. In the three assem- The two daughters of Mr in his past to encourage them. of diarrhea and other water-borne eastern India's Assam state, Nepal blies which do not have 65 Zardari and Ms Bhutto hugged The fortunes of the Bhutto- diseases are already being report- and Bangladesh. Officials say the deputies, the value of each friends in delight in the gallery of Zardari family have fluctuated ed in government-run shelters, floods have killed at least 80 peo- deputy's vote is adjusted by a the national assembly as the dramatically. due to water contamination. ple -- a figure they expect to rise. mathematical formula. results became clear. Members of Mr Zardari spent years in Flood waters have receded in South Asia's monsoon season There is only one round of Mr Zardari's Pakistan People's prison while Gen Musharraf ruled some areas, prompting some vil- runs from June to September. voting and whoever has most of Party (PPP) declared the result to Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto was lagers to return to their homes [VOA] the 702 votes wins. be a "victory for democracy". assassinated at an election rally in today, despite government warn- Courtesy: BBC Controversy December. Her father, Zulfiqar Ali Mr Zardari was thrust into the Bhutto, was hanged during the centre of political power by the military dictatorship of President + killing of Ms Bhutto last December Ziaul Haq. The Law Office of after which he became head of A further reminder of the dan- the PPP. gers of public life in Pakistan The BBC's Barbara Plett in came on Wednesday when gun- T. Jegatheesan Islamabad says that in recent men attacked the motorcade of Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, ON. months Mr Zardari has shown skill the prime minister. Two bullets hit Indian industrialist Birla passes away Real Estate, Refinance & Mortgages Well-known Indian industrialist K.K. Group and also Chairman of several Business Law Birla died in his Calcutta home recent- other business organizations. He is ly. Birla was ninety years of age at the survived by three daughters while his Family Law time of his death. He was Chairman of wife pre-deceased him a month ago. the Hindustan Times Newspaper Power of Attorney & For Advertisements in Any other Legal Services

Monsoon Journal 2620 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 201 Scarborough, ON. M1K 2S3 call 416.358.3235 Tel: 416.266.6154, Fax: 416.266.4677 www.monsoonjournal.com + MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 7

The Latest 'Great Game' Involves Indian Ocean

by Gavin Rabinowitz mercial move, and by all appear- Hambantota - This battered ances, it is. But some in India see harbor town on Sri Lanka's south- ominous designs behind the proj- ern tip, with its scrawny men sell- ect, while others in countries sur- ing even scrawnier fish, seems an rounding India like the idea. A unlikely focus for an emerging 2004 Pentagon report called international competition over the Beijing's effort to expand its pres- energy supply routes that fuel ence in the region China's "string much of the global economy. of pearls." An impoverished place still Relations between China and recovering from the devastation India are at their closest since a of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsuna- brief 1962 border war in which mi, Hambantota has a desolate China quickly routed Indian air, a sense of nowhereness, forces. Last year, trade between punctuated by the realization that India and China grew to $37 bil- looking south over the expanse of lion, and their two armies con- ocean, the next landfall is ducted their first joint military Antarctica. exercise. But just over the horizon runs Still, the Indians worry about one of the world's great trade China's growing influence. arteries, the shipping lanes where "Each pearl in the string is a thousands of vessels carry oil link in a chain of the Chinese mar- from the Middle East and raw itime presence," India's navy materials to Asia, returning with chief, Adm. Sureesh Mehta, said I ndian Ocean Sea Lanes television sets, toys and sneakers in a speech in January, expressing in Mozambique and Madagascar, military budget would jump essentially India's backyard. for European consumers. concern that naval forces operat- in part to monitor Chinese move- 17.6% to about $59 billion, fol- Meanwhile, Sri Lankans -- who These tankers provide 80% of ing out of ports established by the ments, Bedi noted. It also has an lowing a similar increase last year. have looked warily for centuries China's oil and 65% of India's -- Chinese could "take control over air base in Kazakhstan and a The U.S. estimates China's actual at vast India to the north -- wel- fuel desperately needed for the the world energy jugular." space monitoring post in defense spending may be much come the Chinese investment in two countries' rapidly growing "It is a pincer movement," Mongolia -- both China's neigh- higher. their country. economies. Japan is almost total- said Rahul Bedi, a South Asia ana- bors. India has announced plans Like India, China is focusing "Our lives are going to ly dependent on energy supplies lyst with London-based Jane's to have a fleet of aircraft carriers on its navy, building an increas- change," said 62-year-old shipped through the Indian Defense Weekly. "That, together and nuclear submarines in the ingly sophisticated submarine Jayasena Senanayake, who has Ocean. with the slap India got in 1962, next decade and recently tested fleet that could become one of seen business grow at his road- Any disruption -- from terror- keeps them awake at night." nuclear-capable missiles that put the world's largest. side food stall since construction ism, piracy, natural disaster or B. Raman, a hawkish, retired China's major cities well within Though analysts believe began on the nearby port. "What war -- could have devastating Indian intelligence official, range. It also is reopening air China's military buildup is mostly China is doing for us is very effects on these countries and, in expressed the fears of some force bases near the Chinese bor- focused on preventing U.S. inter- good." an increasingly interdependent Indians over the Chinese-built der. vention in any conflict with [Courtesy: Associated Press world, send ripples across the ports, saying he believes they'll Encouraging India's role as a Taiwan, India is still likely to per- ~ Associated Press writer globe. When an unidentified ship be used as naval bases to control counter to China, the U.S. has sist in efforts to catch up as China Christopher Bodeen contributed attacked a Japanese oil tanker the area. stepped up exercises with the expands its influence in what is to this report from Beijing] traveling through the Indian "We cannot take them at face Indian navy and last year sold it Ocean from South Korea to Saudi value. We cannot assume their an American warship for the first Arabia in April, the news sent oil intentions are benign," said time, the 17,000-ton amphibious prices to record highs. Raman. transport dock Trenton. American For decades the world relied But Zhao Gancheng, a South defense contractors -- shut out on the U.S. Navy to protect this Asia expert at the Chinese gov- from the lucrative Indian market sea lane. But as India and China ernment-backed Shanghai during the long Cold War -- have gain economic heft, they are Institute for International Studies, been offering India's military moving to expand their control of says ports like Hambantota are everything from advanced fighter the waterway, sparking a new, strictly commercial ventures. And jets to anti-ship missiles. and potentially dangerous, rivalry Sri Lanka says the new port will "It is in our interest to devel- between Asia's emerging giants. be a windfall for its impoverished op this relationship," U.S. Defense China has given massive aid southern region. Secretary Robert Gates said dur- to Indian Ocean nations, signing With Sri Lanka's proximity to ing a visit to New Delhi in friendship pacts, building ports in the shipping lane already making February. "Just as it is in the Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri it a hub for transshipping contain- Indians' interest." Lanka, and reportedly setting up ers between Europe and Asia, the Officially, China says it's not a listening post on one of new port will boost the country's worried about India's military Myanmar's islands near the annual cargo handling capacity buildup or its closer ties with the strategic Strait of Malacca. from 6 million containers to about U.S. However, foreign analysts Now, India is trying to parry 23 million, said Priyath Wickrama, believe China is deeply concerned China's moves. It beat out China deputy director of the Sri Lankan by the possibility of a U.S.-Indian for a port project in Myanmar. Ports Authority. military alliance. And, flush with cash from its Wickrama said a new facility Ian Storey of the Institute of expanding economy, India is was needed because the main Southeast Asian Studies in beefing up its military, with the port in the capital, Colombo, had Singapore said China sent strong expansion seemingly aimed at no room to expand and diplomatic messages expressing China. Washington and, to a less- Trincomalee port in the northeast opposition to a massive naval er extent, Tokyo are encouraging was caught in the middle of Sri exercise India held last year with India's role as a counterweight to Lanka's separatist war. the U.S., Japan, Singapore and growing Chinese power. Hambantota also will have facto- Australia. And Bedi, the Jane's Among China's latest moves is ries on-site producing cement and analyst, added "those exercises the billion-dollar port its engi- fertilizer for export, he said. rattled the Chinese." neers are building in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, India is gearing its India's 2007 defense budget The Chinese insist the military expansion toward China, was about $21.7 billion, up 7.8% Hambantota port is a purely com- and has set up listening stations from 2006. China said its 2008 8 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Five years... and still sitting pretty India's Expanding Media, Devayani of Kolangal fame Entertainment Industry Moves She is television's popular face. Devayani tells CHITRA SWAMINATHAN about her serial Into Regional Languages success, marriage and mother- hood It's 11 in the morning. The sun is searing. When you reach the bungalow tucked inside a nondescript lane in Nesappakam, the crew is scurrying to get a shot ready. Shooting for the serial 'Manjal Mahimai' (Kalaignar TV) is on. After a few minutes of waiting, you see the door of the caravan Straddling two worlds Devayani: Photos : S.S. Kumar parked in the compound, open. Television offers came to her every other day. Besides, the unit The protagonist of the serial, before marriage. "I didn't give it is like a big, extended family. We Devayani in a deep red sari, long serious thought then because I have lots of fun during the shoot. tresses cascading down her back, was busy doing films. But now, I had both my babies during the steps out with her make-up man the small screen has helped me making of 'Kolangal'," she laughs. and hairdresser in tow. strike a beautiful balance "So it's an emotional bond too." You can't miss that lustrous between work and home. I am How much of a hands-on complexion and endearing coy happy with my screen roles and mom is she? "When I'm at home smile. Post-partum (she delivered also being there for my husband all my time is spent with the chil- By Anjana Pasricha ing revenues generated by region- her second daughter Priyanka and children," says the quintes- dren. Mornings are particularly Star India is launching a new al markets. He says television seven months ago); she is almost sential girl-next-door. hectic. Besides taking care of the TV entertainment channel in channels in particular are grab- back to her slender self. Losing no The moment she read the little one, I have to get my elder Bengali - a language spoken in the bing a larger slice of advertising time, Devayani starts posing in script of 'Kolangal', Devayani daughter Iniya ready for play- east of the country. Star also plans money. the manner of a pro and the pho- knew she was going to play Abhi, school. I drop her everyday at to start TV channels in five other "Earlier what would typically tographer happily goes on a click- the tough middle-class girl who school. I also often take them out regional languages in the coming happen that the regional market ing-spree. fights her way through odds and in the evenings." months. would typically garner close to 30 "I think you have taken pic- comes up trumps in life. The affable actor created a Star India is owned by media percent of the viewership share, tures for the next ten years," "I was never comfortable flutter in the industry when she jokes the reigning queen of Tamil doing glamorous roles. I prefer a suddenly tied the knot with "good giant, News Corp, and was the but would only get 15 percent of television as she invites you into minimalist look. When director friend" and director Rajakumaran. first foreign broadcaster to enter the revenue share," said Phadnis. her caravan for the interview. She Agathiyan asked me if I could play "Nobody knew about our affair. India. So far, its main focus in "So there was clearly an imbal- leans back on the cushioned seat a simple sari-clad heroine in his We would hardly meet. The love- India has been on English and ance. Today that situation has and talks about her run in the film film "Kadhal Kottai", I said a loud talks were restricted to the Hindi speaking audiences. improved considerably. Regional ndustry, marriage, motherhood 'yes'. This hit film announced my phone. It was he who proposed But like other media groups, language channels get upwards of and serial success. Professionally, arrival in Kollywood." first. Though I took some time to Star wants to expand into a large- 25 percent of overall market share the transition is complete - from a Born in Mumbai in a Konkani say 'yes', I am happy I did. He is ly untapped market for entertain- of ad [advertising] revenues." teeny-weeny girl in fluttering family with no film connections, an easy-going person and ment and news in local languages. Television channels beaming skirts, to a sari-clad, demure Devayani started her career with extremely supportive," coos It plans to invest $100 million in in local languages initially offered heroine, to a woman with grit and a Hindi movie that was a non- Devayani. the regional language TV chan- greater entertainment content. gumption. starter. "The co-producer of the All in the family nels. But of late, several media groups Abhi (her character in film was known to our family and Her caravan has a good stock India has as many as 20 offi- have launched news channels in 'Kolangal') as she is more popu- offered me the lead role of a of DVDs. Between shots Devayani cial regional languages. And in regional languages. larly known today, is delighted by Pahadi girl (from Himachal catches up on films, usually old recent years, an expanding econ- However, it may not be an the overwhelming response of Pradesh). He thought I looked like Tamil and Hindi films. omy has raised both incomes and easy run for all media groups. Star viewers and the respect and one. I was tempted to give it a try Daughter Iniya is a big fan of literacy in small towns and rural television, for example, faces recognition television has fetched though my parents were not for Shah Rukh Khan and has watched areas. Millions of people, who tough competition from local com- her. "I am like a part of every it. The film never released. Later, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" several mainly speak the local language, panies like Zee Entertainment and family. I haven't received such I got offers to do Malayalam films. times. now have access to television. Sun, which have made huge adulation doing films," she says Again I thought, why not? One Husband Rajakumaran will Others are turning to regional inroads into regional markets. excitedly. project led to another (read Tamil make his acting debut with newspapers for the latest head- A recent report by consultants Thankfully, life is about sec- films) and before I knew I had "Thirumathi Tamizh" for which he lines. PricewaterhouseCoopers says ond chances. Otherwise, entered showbiz." is currently shooting with Kirti As a result, regional audiences India's media and entertainment Devayani would have been Coming back to "Kolangal". Chawla. have been steadily growing in industry is the fastest growing in unaware of her acting potential. Hasn't it been tedious to play Abhi Her brother Nakulan (one of size. Asia, and is attracting many glob- "In the film industry, most hero- for the past five years? "Not at all. the four boys in Shankar's "Boys") Atul Phadnis, chief executive al collaborations. It estimates the ines can only dream of roles like The immense scope the character is making his acting debut in of consultancy group mediaE2E, industry will grow to $32 billion by Abhi. Once they marry, they have offers makes it exciting. There are "Kaadhalil Vizhundhein". says the boom is being sustained 2012. to call it quits or be content play- new twists and turns in the story Courtesy: THE HI NDU ing sister or mother." by a massive increase in advertis- [VOA] MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 9

By Mithura Anandarajah, PT A Dose of Laughter Registered Physiotherapist ... taken as needed It could start out as a simple have a separate pump like the both directly and indirectly adds smile, expand to a chuckle and blood circulation system. The hormones to our body. Chemicals end with a full hearted guffaw. movement of lymph helps to in the brain like neurotransmitters You could be doubled over, clutch- boost our immune system and are enhanced; growth hormone, ing your sides with tears stream- clear out the wastes. At a cellular antibody-producing cells are ing down your face. It may sound and organ level, laughter also increased. like a delicate gurgle or a heaving helps to improve the oxygenation Besides the physical and hyena. Any which way, laughter in our body. Simply by intaking chemical well-being of our body, is a human quality that is not nec- the gulps of air as we double over the act of laughter is an expres- essarily just an expression of joy. in amusement, we are adding sion of joy. It is infectious and In fact, laughter is good medicine oxygen. Oxygen is our most can spread joy to those around not only for our soul but also for important energy source. The you. Laughter adds perspective our body. presence of oxygen also helps to to different stressful situations. It you're looking for an easy destroy cancer cells. Adding humor helps to lessen the way to increase your lifespan, Laughter improves our circula- stress and negativity of the situa- improve your immune system, tion. While you are adding oxy- tion. Laughter connects us with reduce your chronic stress then gen to the system, the physical others and helps them achieve look no further than the act of act of laughter helps to distribute the positive effects of it. laughter. Laughter impacts our it throughout the body. You may Laughter is beneficial, easily body in a physical, chemical and also be getting a great work out. accessible and free. Its impact in social/emotional level. Your abdominal and facial mus- our lives can only enhance our At a physical level, the simple cles are contracting; the harder state of well-being. Find humor in act of laughter and the convul- you laugh, the more the work out the little things; laugh with your sions it often includes, help to is. There are times after a hearty friends and family. Start with a move lymph fluid around our guffaw, when you actually feel smile or perhaps a chuckle and body. Lymph is an integral part of pain and fatigue. end doubled over, clutching your our immune system and does not At a chemical level, laughter sides. It's all good.

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Morningside - Milner Branch

Rated # 1 among New Branches in Canada RBC Royal Bank, Morningside & Milner Branch completes One Year of successful Banking Operations…

Celebration of Excellence Gallacher - Regional Vice- President,Scarborough Markets, Mohan Sundaramohan- Branch Manager, Jan Lum-Manager, Client Care and other members of the Branch Team. Comments One of RBC Royal Bank's newest Branches at Morningside & Milner which opened Last June, RBC officially opened it's doors at our new Morningside & Milner last July has completed one year of successful Banking Operations and is now rated as Olympic Torch Video Taping Function Branch. Since then, the Scarborough community has continued to provide us with # 1 among the new branches across Canada. The success of the Branch culminated in a It was winter time when the above event took place and it was an event of video- tremendous support and make us feel incredibly welcome. Branch Manager Mohan Celebration of Excellence in June this year when customers, members of the neighbour- taping of a runner bearing the Olympic Torch for RBC Annual Meeting was shot opposite Sundaramohan and the Morningside & Milner Team appreciate the opportunity to work hood community and other guests were entertained to a day of festive activities. Visitors the M & M Branch. Becky Kellar, a three-time Olympian was present to sign autographs with you as clients, and take immense pride in serving the financial needs of this com- and their children at the all-day fun were entertained with lots of free fun. Three for members of the hockey team and volunteers. munity and in being part of this community and meeting it's unique needs. We feel very National Cricket Team players participated at the event. Children who turned up for the grateful to have been welcomed so warmly by this community, with it's vibrant social, cul- event were presented with Olympic coin holders. The proceedings of the day at the Compliments tural and business spirit. We look forward to continuing to work with you as clients, as Anniversary Celebrations were televised both by the main stream media and the ethnic I congratulate RBC for it's long-time presence providing financial services at local partners, as friends, and as members of the community. media and international levels. I would also like to applaud the diversity reflected in the RBC - Jennifer Tory - Regional President The Branch at Morningside & Milner provides efficient retail and business banking team Greater Toronto Region, RBC, Royal Bank services five six days of the week. The trained and skilled staff speak ten different lan- Derek Lee - M.P. Scarborough-RRouge River guages to cater to the needs of the multi cultural neighbourhood. Thank You for supporting the Morningside & Milner Branch Speaking to "Monsoon Journal" at the Anniversary Celebrations, Ms.Lisa Gallacher On behalf of the Board of Directors, members and our Advisory Board, I am Over the past year. We are committed to investing in our community by providing remarked that the Morningside & Milner Branch has been rated as # 1 among the new pleased to congratulate you on completing your first year of operation at the solid financial advice for clients ranging from making their first home purchase, getting Branches opened by RBC across Canada. Morningside & Milner Branch of the Royal Bank of Canada. You represent a very impor- their first bank account to starting a new small business. We continue to support a wide According to the Branch Manager Mr.Mohan Sundaramohan who has several years tant partner in the success of the Chamber. We hope to be part of your success in the range of local charitable organizations ranging from: Boys and Girls Club of East of Banking experience with RBC, the Branch at Morningside & Milner is always ready to future too. Scarborough, Scarborough General Hospital to Habitat community, just to name a few. serve it's clients and will accommodate the growing needs of the community at the - Gary Anandasangaree-PPresident, We are dedicated to build a strong and vibrant Scarborough. Branch. Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce - Lisa Gallacher - Regional Vice-PPresident Scarborough Markets, RBC Royal Bank Events at the Branch over the year were as follows: RBC Royal Bank Morningside & Milner Branch has been offering a full range of Banking services to the diverse and growing needs of the Sri Lankan community in this Since the opening of our new Branch, we have had a steady flow of customers from Ribbon Cutting Ceremony area. The Bank has been supporting events of the Sri Lankan community and has associ- our neighbourhood visiting our Branch for their Banking needs. We provide efficient Branch activities commenced officially with the Ribbon cutting ceremony on March ated itself with events organized by the Canada-Sri Lanka Business Council. retail and commercial banking services to our clients. We have a fully equipped and 7,2007.The Branch was officially opened with the ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by - Louse Roberge-PPresident, trained staff who are conversant in ten different languages to serve the needs of the Jennifer Tory - Royal Bank's GTR President, Lisa Gallacher-Vice- President, Scarborough Canada Sri Lanka Business Council multi-ethnic community in our neighborhood.I extend my thanks to my staff team for the Markets and Mohan Sundaramohan- Branch Manager. Over 125 guests from different support they extended to me for providing excellent services to our customers. I also wish walks of life-Professionals, Business persons, Media and customers of the Bank were RBC Royal Bank,Morningside & Milner Branch has been serving the growing needs to thank all guests to our Ribbon cutting ceremony, Grand Opening event and also for present at this function. of our community in the area which has a high percentage of members of the South participating in the summer events held last year.RBC is always there to better serve it's Asian community. The Branch has been providing high quality to members of our com- clients and to accommodate the growing needs of the community. Grand Opening Ceremony munity.An added incentive is that some members of the staff at the Branch speak lan- - Mohan Sundaramohan - Branch Manager This event which took place on June 23rd. last year was attended by over 2,000 guages spoken in Pakistan. RBC Royal Bank, Morningside & Milner Branch persons from the community who came to enjoy the fun. The event was graced by the - Andy Merchant, President presence of Jennifer Tory- RBC's Greater Toronto Region Regional President,Lisa Canada Pakistan Business Council Products and Services Offered by the Branch

Personal & Business Accounts

Special Sudent Programs

Loans & Line of Credit

Residential Mortgages

Commercial Mortgages

Small Business Loans

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Morningside / Milner Branch RRSP / RESP Investments

Safety Deposit Box

Team Profile Mobile Mortgage Specialists

Mohan Sundaramohan Investment & Retirement Planner Manager Royal Credit Line for students Janet (Jan) Lum Manager Client Care Amoor (Theva) Thevathasan Banking Hours: Senior Account Manager, Business and Personal Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri David Bastiampillai Account Manager 9:30 am to 4:30pm Khadija Mirza Grand Opening of Morningside / Milner Branch Thursday Account Manager 9:30 am to 8:00pm Anju Chopra PFP Financial Planner Saturday Herrick K Too CFP,CIM, FCSI 9:30 am to 3:00pm Financial Planer-IIRP Yingtai ( Alicia) Jiang Account Manager 865, Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON Vincent Sinnadurai (Morningside / Milner) Sr Account Manager - Mortgage Manager Mike Ahilan 416.284.2378 Sr Account Manager - Mortgage Manager Kuljith Riyat 1.800.769.2511 Account Manager - Mortgages Olympic Torch Video Taping Function 14 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

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Toronto Rally and Demand

Political Empowerment of

Displaced Community

Indo-Canadian Kashmir Forum (ICKF) the valley do not support fundamentalist and Kashmiri Overseas Association of views and these included Kashmiri Sufis, Canada (KOAC) held a successful rally in Gullar-Bakarwals of the Valley, Shias and a Toronto, Canada outside Indian Consul lot of other educated Sunnis. ICKF General's office highlighting the plight of President also condemned the role of cer- the aboriginal people of Kashmir, the tain Kashmiri separatist and pseudo-secu- Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs, who were driv- larist politicians from the valley in engaging en out of the valley by armed Islamic fun- in false propaganda including Jammu damentalists in January 1990. Kashmiri Liberation Front (JKLF) and Hizb- Demonstrators holding placards and ban- ul-Mujamidin (HM), both Islamic terrorist ners expressed their concern over organizations, and their supporters living in Government of India's indifference towards Canada. ICKF and KOAC supporters also their plight and demanded that they should expressed hope that Government of India be given the Internally Displaced Peoples will truly reestablish the secular traditions of (IDP) status that will pave the way for their the state and treat each and every citizen political empowerment in the state legisla- equally rather than indulge in vote bank ture. These Kashmiri aboriginals continue to politics and refrain from implementing poli- live in refugee camps in Jammu, Udhampur cies to appease the Islamists and anti- and Delhi regions and are scattered all over national politicians. This will hurt the union the country and the Government of India of India in the long run. continues to call them "Migrants" in official I CKF and KOAC Board of Directors documentation. The placards highlighted Contact: the ethnic cleansing aspect of Hindus and Ashok Koul Sikhs by Islamists and reiterated that they President were forced to leave the land of their Indo-Canadian Kashmir Forum (ICKF) ancestors at gunpoint and that they did not PO Box 46125, 2339 Ogilvie Road, leave on their own accord as the word Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1J 8M0 "Migrants" would suggest. Tel. (613) 371-2105 Reiterating their demand of safe return Fax (613) 744-7574 to Kashmir with honor and dignity, volun- ICKF was established in 1993 to inform the teers and activists chanted slogans, Vande world community of the oppression against Matram, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Kashmir Se Kashmiri Pandits that led to their forced exile KaniyaKumari Tak Bharat Aaek Hai, etc. to from Kashmir due to the influx of fundamentalist assert that aboriginal Kashmiris were the Islamic terrorism. ICKF wishes to raise aware- founding members of 8000year old Indian ness of the human rights violations suffered by civilization. the Pandit community, many of whom are still liv- The ICKF President, Dr. Ashok Koul, in ing in makeshift 'refugee' camps in Jammu, his speech towards the end of the rally India. The organization seeks the return of expressed hope that the government of Kashmiri Pandits to the Kashmir valley with guar- India will address the demands of Kashmiri anteed security and freedom to exercise their Hindus and reserve legislative assembly religious faith and cultural way of life without fear seats for the displaced community while in or intrusion. For more information, please call exile. He also suggested that all Muslims in Ashok Koul. 16 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu (Aug.26, 1910 - September 5, 1997) was an Albanian Roman Catholic nun with Mother Teresa Indian citizenship who founded people who feel unwanted, the Missionaries of Charity in by Raymond Rajabalan unloved, uncared for throughout Kolkata (Calcutta), India in 1950. chose the name Teresa after society, people that have become For over forty five years she min- Therese' de Lisieux, the patron a burden to the society and are istered to the poor, sick, saint of missionaries. She took shunned by everyone." It began orphaned, and dying, while guid- her solemn vows on May14,1937, as a small order with 13 members ing the Missionaries of Charity's while serving as a teacher at the in Calcutta and today it has more expansion, first throughout India Loreto convent school in eastern than 4,000 nuns running orphan- and then in other countries. Calcutta. ages and charity centers world- By the 1970s she had become Although Teresa enjoyed wide and caring for refugees, the internationally famed as a teaching at the school, she was blind, disabled, aged, alcoholics, humanitarian and advocate for increasingly disturbed by the the poor and homeless, and vic- the poor and helpless. She won poverty surrounding her in tims of floods, epidemics, and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and Calcutta. A famine in 1943 famine. India's highest civilian honour, the brought misery and death to the In 1952 Mother Teresa Bharat Ratna, in 1980 for her city; and the outbreak of opened the first Home for the humanitarian work. Mother Hindu/Muslim violence in August Dying in space made available by Teresa's Missionaries of Charity 1946 plunged the city into despair the City of Calcutta. She renamed continued to expand, and at the and horror. it Kalighat, the Home of the Pure time of her death it was operating Missionaries of Charity Heart . Those brought to the 610 missions in 123 countries, On September 10,1946, home received medical attention had opened hospices, orphanages Charity. But the nuns of the order, including hospices and homes for Teresa experienced what she later and were afforded the opportuni- and leper houses all over India. in a secret ballot, voted for her to people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy described as "the call within the ty to die with dignity, according to Mother Teresa then expanded the stay. Mother Teresa agreed to and tuberculosis, children's and call" while traveling to the Loreto the rituals of their faith; Muslims order throughout the globe continue her work as head of the family counseling programs, convent in Darjeeling for her were read the Quran, Hindus I nternational charity order. On March13, 1997, she orphanages, and schools. annual retreat. "I was to leave the received water from the Ganges, In 1982, at the height of the stepped down from the head of Following her death she was convent and help the poor while and Catholics received the Last Siege of Beirut, Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity and died beatified by Pope John Paul 11 living among them. It was an Rites. Mother Teresa soon opened rescued 37 children trapped in a on September 5, 1997. and given the title Blessed Teresa front line hospital by brokering a In 1971, Paul V1 awarded her of Calcutta. “ Make us worthy, Lord, to serve those temporary cease-fire between the the first pope John XX111 Peace Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was Israeli army and Palestinian guer- Prize, commending her for her born on August 26, 1910 in people throughout the world who live rillas. Accompanied by Red Cross work with the poor, display of Skopje, now the capital of the and die in poverty and hunger. Give workers, she traveled through the Christian charity and efforts for Republic of Macedonia. She was war zone to the devastated hospi- peace. She later received the the youngest of the children of a them through our hands, this day, their tal to evacuate the young Pacem in Terris Award (1976). family from Shkoder, Albania, patients. Since her death, Mother Teresa born to Kolë and Dranafile daily bread, and by our understanding Mother Teresa traveled to has progressed rapidly along the Bojaxhiu .In 1919 her father, Kolë love, give them peace and joy” - assist and minister to the hungry steps towards sainthood, current- Bojaxhiu fell ill and died when in Ethiopia, radiation victims at ly having reached the stage of Anjeza was about eight years old. M other Teresa Chernobyl, and earthquake vic- having been beatified. After her father's death, her tims in Armenia. In 1991, Mother Miracle and beatification mother raised her as a Roman order. To fail would have been to a home for those suffering from Teresa returned for the first time Following Mother Teresa's Catholic. In her early years Agnes break the faith." She began her Hansen's disease, commonly to her homeland and opened a death in 1997, the Holy See was fascinated by stories of the missionary work with the poor in known as leprosy, and called the Missionaries of Charity Brothers began the process of beatifica- lives of missionaries and their 1948, replacing her traditional hospice Shanti Nagar (City of home in Tirana,Albania. tion, the second step towards service, and by age 12 was con- Loreto habit with a simple white Peace) The Missionaries of By 1996, she was operating possible canonization. This vinced that she should commit cotton chira decorated with a blue Charity also established several 517 missions in more than 100 process requires the documenta- herself to a religious life. She left border, adopted Indian citizen- leprosy outreach clinics through- countries. Over the years, Mother tion of a miracle performed from home at age 18 to join the Sisters ship, and ventured out into the out Calcutta, providing medica- Teresa's Missionaries of Charity the intercession of Mother Teresa. of Loreto as a missionary. She slums." Initially she started a tion, bandages and food. grew from twelve to thousands In 2002, the Vatican recog- never again saw her mother or school in Motijhil and soon she As the Missionaries of Charity serving the "poorest of the poor" nized as a miracle the healing of a sister. started tending to the needs of took in increasing numbers of lost in 450 centers around the world. tumour in the abdomen of an Agnes initially went to the the destitute and starving. children, Mother Teresa felt the Declining health and Indian woman, Monica Besra, fol- Loreto Abbey in Ireland to learn Teresa received Vatican per- need to create a home for them. death lowing the application of a locket English, the language the Sisters mission on October 7, 1950 to In 1955 she opened the Children's Mother Teresa suffered a containing Mother Teresa's pic- of Loreto used to teach school start the diocesan congregation Home of the Immaculate Heart, heart attack in Rome in 1983, ture. Monica Besra said that a children in India. She arrived in that would become the as a haven for orphans and while visiting Pope John Paul 11. beam of light emanated from the India in 1929, and began her Missionaries of Charity. Its mis- homeless youth. In 1991, after a battle with pneu- picture, curing the cancerous novitiate in Darjeeling, near the sion was to care for, in her own The order soon began to monia while in Mexico, she suf- tumor. The beatification of Mother Himalayan mountains.She took words, "the hungry, the naked, attract both recruits and charita- fered further heart problems. She Teresa took place on October, 19, her first religious vows as a nun the homeless, the crippled, the ble donations, and by the 1960s offered to resign her position as 2003, thereby bestowing on her on May24,1931. At that time she blind, the lepers, and all those head of the Missionaries of the title "Blessed."

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Dr. John Wright named permanent President Run For The Beat to and CEO of The Scarborough Hospital Selection follows exhaus- many positive changes since I raise money for TSH tive Canada-wide search arrived here last November, and I Walkers and runners of all favourite music or pop star for a After an exhaustive process look forward to building on that ages and abilities will be lacing up chance to win prizes. involving candidates from across momentum." for the TSH Run For The Beat on the country, the incoming Board When Dr. Wright joined TSH Sunday, October 26, 2008, featur- The event runs from 7:00 a.m. of Directors of The Scarborough on an interim basis last ing a 5- and 10K Run/Walkathon to noon. Hospital has unanimously recom- November, the hospital had one to raise funds for capital equip- The registration deadline for mended Dr. John Wright as the of the worst Hospital ment at The Scarborough the TSH Run For The Beat event is hospital's new President and CEO. Standardized Mortality Ratios Hospital. October 22 at noon. For more "Dr. Wright's lifelong commit- (HSMR) in the GTA. "Thanks to Join us for live entertainment, information please contact Valerie ment and skills in the medical some very hard work by a terrific a barbecue, snacks and refresh- Culham, Community Development profession, his unwavering team of healthcare professionals, ments, and a "Beat" After Party at Officer at The Scarborough integrity and commitment to we are now one of most improved L'Amoreaux Park, across from our Hospital Foundation, at 416-431- excellence, his strength in dealing hospitals in the province," says Grace campus. 8200, ext. 6662, or Lisa Alves, with the community and govern- Dr. Wright. Children 12 and under are Special Events Assistant at 416- ment, and his passion to improve And while improving HSMR encouraged to dress up as their 431-8200, ext. 6661. the quality of health care in data for the hospital has been a remains to be done, a deciding Scarborough, will make a mean- priority for Dr. Wright, it was just factor in his decision to remain at Rob Devitt, Supervisor for TSH. The Scarborough Hospital ingful positive difference for all one of many projects he initiated the helm of TSH. "We interviewed some high- (TSH), Canada's largest urban those that touch The Scarborough during his term as interim presi- "Our community consultation calibre candidates, and in the community hospital, delivers Hospital," says Michael Mueller, dent and CEO. surveys and our employee opinion end, our Board felt Dr. Wright innovative, high quality patient incoming Chair of the TSH Board "I am very proud that we now surveys have told us that our possessed the talent and vision to care, advocates for our communi- of Directors. have a draft Code of Conduct. I'm staff, physicians and community continue leading TSH into the ty's health and wellness issues, Dr. Wright says he is honoured proud of the great strides we members care about the same future," Devitt says. "He has done and is a leader in research, teach- by the appointment, and excited have made with respect to our basic issues, namely quality of an outstanding job over the past ing and learning. TSH is a region- about the opportunity to work relationship with the community. care and patient safety," Dr. nine months, and has demon- al treatment centre for dialysis with a brand new Board. And I'm proud of the work being Wright says. "I look forward to strated his ability to achieve posi- and is renowned for its sexual "I have the utmost respect for done to improve TSH through our working with our new Board of tive results." assault care centre and mental the staff, physicians and volun- employee opinion surveys and Directors as we focus on these A gastroenterologist, Dr. health programs. Affiliated with teers here, and for their incredible community consultations," he issues." Wright was the Vice-President of the University of Toronto, TSH is commitment to patients and the says. Dr. Wright's selection as Medical Affairs at the University also a referral centre for vascular many communities we serve," Moving forward, Dr. Wright President and CEO followed a rig- Health Network when he was sec- surgery, pacemakers and corneal says Dr. Wright. "There have been says a great deal of work still orous recruitment process led by onded to TSH last November. implants.

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It has achieved to smell bad (ask a good friend!), of the night so if you wake at this Oberweger, making wool track- remarkable success in being able time, your chances of nodding off suits. His "Venjulia" tracksuits to reach a larger number of con- The three children of the again are lowest. Eating small, were adopted by the Italian team sumers and is now being sold at founders play a large part in the at the 1948 Olympics in London, business. Vittorio (born 1954) is regular meals every two to three and Tai himself qualified for the the Marketing Director, Luca (born hours until half an hour before final of the 400m hurdle race. At 1956) is responsible for the bed can help. If you wake during Wembley he met Rosita Jelmini, design of the menswear collec- the night, sip fruit juice as it will daughter of a family of shawl tion, and Angela (born 1958) is lift your levels and help you get makers in Golasecco in the Creative Director for wom- back to sleep." province of Varese. enswear. Touch Your Toes They married in April 1953, Luca's daughter, Jennifer Even yoga virgins should be and set up a small knitwear work- Missoni, is an actress who has able to do this without bending shop in Gallarate, not far from appeared in Off Broadway theatre their knees. If you can't, your lack Rosita's home village. In 1958 productions, and in episodes of it can indicate anything from too of flexibility may lead to mobility they presented in Milan their first Damages and the Law & Order much coffee or not enough water problems and can increase your to bum disease," explains Alison risk of injury, says Dr Christane collection, called Milano- premier department and specialty series. Angela's daughter, Wyndham, owner of Wyndham Northrup, author of Women's Simpathy, which was the first to stores across the world. Margherita, is also studying in Centres, a group of alternative Bodies & Women's Wisdom. To bear the Missoni label. The busi- The Missoni Home collection New York to be an actress. She is Physiotherapy clinics. "It usually increase your flexibility, after tak- ness prospered, with the support has its roots in furnishing fabrics the unofficial "muse" of the means poor digestion, or a diges- ing a bath sit with your legs out- of legendary editor Anna Piaggi, produced in 1981 in collaboration Missoni collection and the face of tive-enzymes imbalance caused stretched and ease forwards from then at Arianna. On a trip to New with Rosita's family firm. They their two perfumes. by not eating the right foods." To your hips (not rounding your York, Rosita met the French stylist launched their first perfume in correct this eat more probiotic back), aiming to hold your feet. Emmanuelle Kahn in 1965, which 1982, although that product has Be Your Own DOCTOR foods with live bacteria (such as Bend your knees at first if you led to a collaboration and a radi- nothing to do with the license "It's easy to assess your live yogurt or yogurt drinks) and have to. Do this three or four cal new collection the following now held by Estée Lauder. health at home - just grab a try an acidophilus supplement to times a week. year. Their fame was assured in In November 2005, Missoni friend and tape measure!" April 1967, when they were invit- and the Rezidor Hotel Group Measure Your Waist-To- ed to show at the Pitti Palace in signed an agreement to create Hip Ratio Florence. Rosita told the models Hotel Missoni, a lifestyle hotel A woman's waist shouldn't Websites for Sale to remove their bras, supposedly chain. 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CPJ: " Publishing a magazine should not constitute an offence" CPJ: "Publishing a magazine Tissainayagam wrote for the mag- Tissainayagam pleaded not should not constitute an offence" azine. The journalist's lawyer told guilty today because he does not Statement by Committee to CPJ that the government said the believe he committed a criminal Protect Journalists articles incited communal dishar- act, Sumanthiran told CPJ. He was The Committee to Protect mony, an offence under the denied bail and will go to trial on Journalists condemns the Prevention of Terrorism Act. A September 18, the lawyer said. Colombo high court's recent third charge says he furthered an Rajiva Wijesinha, Sri Lanka's indictment of journalist J.S. act of terrorism by collecting secretary of the Ministry of Tissainayagam on terrorism money from NGOs to publish the Disaster Management and Human charges for articles he published magazine, he told CPJ. Rights, denied to Human Rights in 2006. Tissainayagam, an ethnic Watch on August 12 that Sri Lanka's Terrorist Tamil, is also a columnist for the Tissainayagam had been detained Investigation Division arrested Sri Lankan weekly The Sunday for criticizing the government. Tissainayagam, the editor of news Times. "Some of their publications were Web site OutreachSL, and five of Free Media Movement designed to embarrass the Sri his colleagues within a few days spokesman Sunanda Deshapriya Lankan government through false in March 2008. Three of the group told CPJ that North Eastern accusations," Wijesinha said of were released later that month, Magazine was a known as a pro- Tissainayagam and "his business according to the Sri Lankan Free Tamil English-language publica- associates," according to the text Media Movement. Tissainayagam tion that was not considered pro- of the letter, which is published on and two others, OutreachSL man- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the Web site of the Sri Lankan ager N. Jasiharan and his wife, he said. It closed down over a permanent mission to the UN in remain in custody without charge. year ago. Geneva. He does not name the It is not clear if Jasiharan and his "We condemn J.S. business associates in the letter. wife have also been indicted. Tissainayagam's long detention Tissainayagam's Sunday Today's charges against and harsh charges for publishing Times column, written from a Tissainayagam cite a magazine, a magazine, which should not Tamil viewpoint, frequently tack- North Eastern Monthly, which the constitute an offence," said Bob led issues sensitive to the Sri journalist edited in 2006, accord- Dietz, CPJ Asia Program Lankan government, including ing to his lawyer, M.A. Coordinator. "This is the latest security issues. One of his final Sumanthiran, who spoke with CPJ step by the Sri Lankan govern- columns before his arrest was [J.S. Tissainayagam, an ethnic Tamil senior journalist and columnist (L), walks by telephone this morning. Two handcuffed as prison officers escort him to the High Court in Colombo August ment to intimidate journalists who titled "Child soldiers: What the charges relate to articles 25, 2008-pic: Reuters Alertnet, Buddhika Weerasinghe] write about security issues." govt. report did not report." 20 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Silent protest in Vinayaga Chathurthi, the annual solidarity with festival of lord Ganesh By K.T. Kumaran Kozhukattai neivedhyam Ganesh Chathurthi is observed (offering of food to Lord) tops the civilians in Vanni on the Tamil calendar month of delicacies on Vinayaga Chathurthi. Aavani (August) on Chaturthi Kozhukattai, the steamed thithi day during the waxing moon dumpling made of lentil, coconut period falling after the dark moon and jagery filling spiced with car- (Amagasai). Typically, the day damom is then given as prasadam falls sometime between August 20 to devotees on Ganesh Chathurthi and September 15. day. Pillaiyar is worshiped on Ganesh Chathurthi is observed Chathurthi day by performing with special poojas, prayers and archana with 21 arugampul festivities at temples and Ganesh Pic courtesy of Virakesari, by Hatton Addt'l correspondent (Bermuda grass) and prayers shrines across Sri Lanka and chanting Vinayagar ashtothram. around the globe. Lord Ganesh is the "first god" of all rituals, daily chores and activities for believers and devo- tees and many others alike. Everything begins with a prayer celebrating Lord Ganesh. He is the supreme god of wisdom, prosper- ity and good fortune. University of Jaffna students "The government has system- "He has sweetly graced me, and staff gathered for a silent atically and very effectively cut off with joyous compassion", says protest against the isolation of all connections between Vanni Sangam era poetess Auvaiyar, in civilians in Vanni on Tuesday Aug and the outer world to carry on its Vinayagar Agaval. 19th, a media report said. scheme of annihilating the people Indian historian Ramachandra "We express our deep felt in Vanni in the dark in its next Guha says, "…dancing little statue sympathy and support to the phase of an offensives onslaught," of the Hindu god Ganesh is my thousands of Internally Displaced the JUSU representatives further mascot", even though "he is not a Persons in the Vanni mainland and said. Special Festivities were held at Vanaraja Vinajagar Temple, Hatton, believer". Sri Lanka on Wednesday Sep 3,2008 observing Vinayaga Chathurthi our strong condemnation against The Vice-chancellor Prof. N. the Sri Lanka Government for Shanmuglingan, Faculty Deans, and fuel to communities in LTTE- continually unleashing severe mil- lecturers, administrative staff and World Health Organization controlled areas is difficult. itary and aerial offensives on the students in their hundreds Meanwhile, the humanitarian situ- people of Vanni," the President of observed 15-minutes absolute issues alert on Vanni shortages ation continues to be complicated Jaffna University Students Union silence at Kailasapathy by serious food, drugs and fuel (JUSU) said in his introductory Auditorium, which has become The humanitarian situation in Vanni district is tense due to shortages. District health facilities speech at the beginning of the the venue of 'Silent' plays and Vanni continues to be complicated intense clashes between Sri Lanka are suffering substantial medi- protest which began at 10:00 prayers. by serious food, drugs and fuel military and the LTTE. The fight- cine, personnel and fuel short- a.m. The hall lacked space to shortages, The World Health ing has pushed more than 20,000 ages. "The Jaffna University society accommodate all the participants. Organization (WHO) said in the people to seek refuge in o Small-scale dengue and is observing this silent protest, at Hundreds of students stood out- 'Health Action in Crises' update Kilinochchi and Mannar during the dysentery outbreaks were report- a time when freedom of speech side the hall and participated in for the period through August recent weeks, bringing the total ed in Ampara, Kilinochchi, and freedom of expression are the protest. The lectures and 24th. Assessments of conditions number of reported IDPs to more Batticaloa and Jaffna but inacces- denied to the residents of Jaffna other activities in the University in Vanni and other affected areas than 217 000. sibility and lack of human peninsula," the JUSU representa- were suspended from 10:00 a.m by WHO: o The delivery of supplies such resources have caused much tives said. for an hour. o The situation in the northern as drugs, supplementary foods under-reporting. Weak l iquidity at Vanni Amputee among kidnapped by White Van squad banks adding to woes Relatives have lodged com- She said the two navy soldiers Saudi Arabia and became disabled plaints with Police and Deputy came to their house around 9:30 after an accident in 1995. Managers of Sri Lanka bank of funds available for individuals Minister P. Radhakrishnan, of two in the morning on Friday, assault- His wife Veronica Christho- branches in Vanni fear of severe at these branches. kidnappings by the 'white van ed and dragged her husband tharan said a youth arrested in liquidity shortfall in their branch- People in Vanni are facing squad' on Friday, August 15th. before handing him over to the Vavuniya was also brought along es. They brought their concern on shortages of all essential items, a They are 34 and 49 years old group in the white van. At this and premises around the house the cash crunch to the attention weak liquidity at the banks is and fathers of young children; same address, Markandu Vadiva- and lavatory were dug during a of the authorities at a recently adding to their woes. one of them an amputee after a nanthan was kidnapped on search by around 10 persons. held essential services meeting The displacement has caused 1995 auto accident. They hail August 22nd, 2006 and missing They came to the house in a white held in Kilincochchi. shortages for vegetables and from Nelliyadi and Pungkuduthivu since then, even though a ransom van, an auto and a blue truck, and A erecent report about the fresh produce in places where from North of Sri Lanka but are of 35 lakhs was paid, Thinakkural gruesomely assaulted Veronica meeting in Thinakkural, a Tamil numerous people have taken longtime residents of Colombo added. 49-year-old disabled per- Christhotharan's disabled hus- daily published from Colombo refuge for safety, according to and Watala, a report in Tamil Daily son, Christhotharan Francis was band, Thinakkural report says. says bank managers have been Thinakkural. Thinakkural said. abducted on August 15th, the Deputy Minister P. Radha- avoiding trips to Vavuniya to col- Farmers have been fleeing Rohini Balakumar of 70/2 New same day as Selvarajah Bala- krishnan has said Prime Minister lect the needed cash for their several hamlets abandoning fields Chetty Street has complained her kumar from his residence located Ratnasiri Wickramanayake was branches in fear of the 'deep pen- and crops. husband Selvarajah Balakumar along Jayanthi Mawatte in informed of the kidnappings. The etration unit' attacks inside Vanni Vegetables grown in areas (34), a native of Nelliyadi has Wattala-Hunupity junction during Minister added, of the 210 per- along the way. where people have taken refuge gone missing after he was kid- the night. A complaint in this sons kidnapped this year, 1 per- There was already restrictions for safety are insufficient to meet napped by two Sri Lanka navy sol- regard was made to the son has been shot dead, 22 per- in place on the amount of cash the needs of all internally dis- diers on a motorcycle and an Kiribathgoda police station by his sons being held in Police stations available for Vanni branches. The placed people, adds Tamil daily armed Tamil group dressed in civil wife yesterday. and Boosa and no information is weak liquidity has forced the Thinakkural. clothes riding the white van with- Christhotharan Francis, a yet available on the other 121 banks in Vanni to limit the amount out a license plate. native of Pungkudithivu worked in persons. MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 21

Sri Lanka Army puts public to work Buddhist monk desecrates fortifying with fallen palmyrah Hindu temple in Colombo In the recent weeks several transformers in Jaffna peninsula are getting fortified with Palmyra logs, according to a recent report in Thinakkural, a Tamil daily pub- lished from Colombo. Palmyrah trees are being felled on a large scale for the for- tifying purposes by Sri Lanka Army and general public is being put to 'work', to build the fortifica- tions, the newspaper said. New security arrangements around transformers were intro- duced in Jaffna recently, as sever- al were damaged due to being fired upon by unknown persons. Thinakkural added disappoint- Palmyrah trees are being felled on a large scale by Sri Lanka Military ment is expressed on behalf of electricity and injured while set- tive, members of civil society said. the general public, as people from ting up the fortification. Palmyrah tree and matured the area and passersby are taken The Sri Lanka Palmyrah palms supply basic essentials to at random and put to 'work' with Development Board and private Jaffna citizens in several ways. numerous delays, curtailing the initiatives over the years have They serve as valuable timber for daily routines of those civilians. seen an active palmyrah replanti- construction of dwellings after it's At least in one location, ng scheme. Felling the trees indis- utility period which is more than Sirupitty, 3 youths were stuck by criminately is negating the initia- hundred years. LTTE cal l s Tr incomal ee air str ike 'successful ' Liberation Tigers of Tamil Desecration of Amman Statue at Colombo Hindu Temple Eelam (LTTE) has claimed that the Grandpass Police took a Annual festival of Muthumari 'Air Tigers' carried out a success- Buddhist monk and two others Amman Temple, at De Mel ful air strike on the Eastern into custody after they allegedly Mawatte, Grandpass was held on Headquarters of the Sri Lanka broke devotional statues at the Sep 3, 2008. Navy located in the inner harbour Muthumari Amman Temple, at De Special consecration of Trincomalee on Tuesday Aug Mel Mawatte. Police made the (Kumpaapisheakam) celebrations 26th at 9:15 p.m, according to arrests at 2 AM on Sep 4th. were held that day marking com- media reports. Complaint was lodged at the pletion of recent renovations at The LTTE also said their air- Grandpass Police about the the temple. During the night that crafts safely returned to the base Buddhist monk and two others followed, the Buddhist monk and after carrying out the mission. from a nearby Buddhist Vihara three of his associates got into the However, Sri Lanka climbing on the main kopuram temple through the roof and Government media has said the [monumental tower, usually smashed the newly built Amman LTTE air raid was 'aborted'. It also ornate, at the entrance] of the statue, Vishnu statue, Ramar stat- said the intended LTTE target may temple and braking the statues, ue and Sivalingham. have been 'the base itself and the according to a report on Colombo Grandpass is a borough in The sources said the main tar- sonnel were killed and 24 injured Jetliner troops carrier'. Tamil daily Virakesari's website. Colombo, capital city of Sri Lanka. gets could have been the base in Air Tiger attack'. Excerpts of report in Daily itself and the Jetliner troops carri- The first LTTE air raid was on News.lk: er which leaves Trincomalee for August 11th 2006 when two Devotees profiled for church The aircraft had come in from Jaffna with hundreds of Forces planes flew over Palaly and the Mullaitivu side and was personnel. The ship movement dropped a few bombs. In 2007, entry by Sri Lanka military detected by the SLAF radars. The was not affected. The aircraft air attacks were carried out in Security Forces activated the air In an act being dismayed as withdrew from the area after anti- locations near Colombo. The defence mechanisms. ethnic profiling, Sri Lanka military aircraft measures were activated. strike on Trincomalee harbour on Anti-aircraft fire and tracer didn't allow Tamil catholic devo- Meanwhile an Independent August 26th was the 6th air attack bullets ripped through the night tees to attend services at the Colombo based news website - carried out by LTTE. sky, residents said. To renowned Madhu shrine, but Lanka Dissent said '6 naval per- allowed Sinhala Catholics only. Tamil Catholic devotees were Special units at hospitals in Sri Lanka's deprived from taking part in the special mass of blessing from Our Lady of Madhu on Friday August North for medical care of soldiers 15th, Tamil daily Thinakkural reported. New separate units for med- were taken at a meeting President medical care of soldiers without Thinakkural report further ical care of wounded Sri Lanka had at the Temple Trees with sen- any delay, according to Virakesari. said, around 500 Sinhala Catholic Army soldiers at the war front is ior officials of the Ministry of The Hospitals in Sri Lanka's devotees along with three Sri to be opened at all Hospitals in Health this morning, to discuss North were under neglect for a Lankan ministers were escorted the North, Tamil daily Virakesari's the numerous shortcomings at long time under varoius embargos by the Police to take part in website reported recently. the medical facilities in the North. and restrictions; and the plight of Friday's blessings in Madhu. This year, The Annual Madhu President Mahinada Rajapakse Health Ministry officials have the civilinas were ignored by Sri However, Tamil speaking devo- feast is not being held due to the has issued special directives to been asked to import all needed Lanka government, civil society tees who were present at prevailing conditions in the sur- the Ministry of Health in this medical equipment and medicines sources in Jaffna said. Madawachchi were refused entry rounding area of the Madhu regard. The urgent measures for the Northern hospitals for by the Police. shrine. 22 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Sri Lanka's Tamils Live in Fear of Security Forces

by Ravi Nessman harder.' would grab him again, he said. People in the poor, mainly They say police assume they The residents of Kimbulla Ela Tamil neighborhood in Colombo sympathize with the rebels' fight said the dawn raid on their poor described it as a harrowing day. for a homeland for ethnic Tamils Colombo neighborhood, also It was 5 a.m. on a Wednesday and single them out at check- known as a hotbed of drug crime, when police started knocking on points and during searches on was the second in two months. doors. They searched hundreds of buses. Hundreds of soldiers in the homes, then forced thousands of Many are routinely detained streets funneled roughly 3,000 men, women and children to get on minor infractions or for no rea- people to the neighborhood foot- dressed and walk through the son at all, according to residents ball field to answer questions narrow streets lined with soldiers and human rights groups. Those about how long they had lived in to a nearby sports field. Over the who fled the northern war zone, the area and why they were next six hours, authorities ques- where the rebels control a de there, residents said. Many tioned, photographed and video- facto state, say they risk arrest for missed work after waiting as long taped the neighborhood's inhabi- not registering with police or for as six hours without food or water tants. having overnight guests without to be interviewed, said one man, Still, few of those rounded up police authorization. a 31-year-old shop worker, who Residents of Kimbulla Ela, a poor Colombo neighborhood also known expressed surprise at the intru- In June 2007, authorities declined to be named out of fear as a hotbed of drug crime play cricket in one of the narrow streets in sion. briefly expelled more than 300 Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 16, 2008. AP Photo/ Gemunu Amarasinghe of arrest. Members of Sri Lanka's minor- Tamils from Colombo boarding Military spokesman Brig. ity Tamil community say police houses before the Supreme Court Udaya Nanayakkara said authori- raids, harassment, arbitrary forced them to back down. ties were looking for rebel agents detentions and even abductions Following a pair of bombings and weapons caches, had raided have become routine in recent in November, the government other neighborhoods as well and years as violence has escalated in detained more than 2,000 Tamils were not singling out Tamils. the 25-year civil war between the in a mass arrest sweep, a com- "There were so many threats government, dominated by the mon tactic after major attacks. It to Colombo and the vicinity, Sinhalese majority, and the Tamil released nearly all of them days therefore we had to carry out Tiger militia fighting for a sepa- later after a groundswell of criti- search operations," he said. rate state in the island's north and cism. Ramiah, the resident of east. In addition, nearly 200 Tamils Kimbulla Ela who spoke publicly, "They think every Tamil- have "disappeared" from the cap- said he appreciated the govern- speaking person is a terrorist. ital in recent years, said Mano ment's need to provide security, They want to control us," said Ganesan, an opposition parlia- but insisted it was targeting the Sanjeevi Ramiah, 47, one of the mentarian who heads a group wrong people. Scores of residents few residents of the Kimbulla Ela that catalogues the disappear- of his neighborhood have been neighborhood willing to speak ances. The government denies swept up in blanket arrest raids Members of the minority Tamil community say police raids, harass- publicly about the July 2 raid. any connection to the phenome- and none has turned out to be ment, arbitrary detentions and even abductions have become routine While Tamils and human non. during the recent escalation in the 25-year civil war between the rebels, he said. rights advocates complain about "The root cause of this is the government, dominated by the Sinhalese majority, and the Tamil "They have to do security, police excesses, most agree this unresolved ethnic issue," Tiger separatists definitely. We want to help them Indian Ocean island nation is Ganesan said, referring to the his- While upper class Tamils are government's Human Rights with that," he said. But, he faced with a serious threat from toric tension between the coun- rarely inconvenienced, the major- Commission and managed to get added, "This is not real security." the rebels. try's mainly Hindu Tamils and the ity of Colombo's Tamils are poor him released the next day. He did The Tigers have been blamed mainly Buddhist Sinhalese. A or lower middle class and feel not leave his house for months [Couresty: Associated for deadly attacks over the past Sinhalese nationalist movement powerless in the face of the main- afterward, worried the police Press, August 31, 2008] year that have spread fear across arose after Sri Lanka's independ- ly Sinhalese security forces. the capital, Colombo, in the ence from Britain in 1948. The Most of Colombo's Tamils Annual Nallur Kumaran south. A June bombing on a civil war began after a 1983 rebel have no connection with the Tamil crowded suburban bus killed 21 ambush killed 13 Sri Lankan sol- Tiger rebels based hundreds of chariot festival people, two days after a blast tar- diers and sparked an anti-Tamil miles north of here or with their Chariot Festival at Nallur few years after the 2002 'cease- geting the railroad in the city nar- riot in the capital that human war. Still, many are finding it hard Kandaswamy Temple was held on fire' were held in a grand scale but rowly missed a passenger train. rights groups say killed more than to get jobs because of suspicion, August 29th. the festival is subdued this year "No one suggests for the 2,000 people. and some have stopped speaking Though the crowd of devotees due to the unsettled security situ- moment that there should not be Keheliya Rambukwella, a gov- Tamil on trains and buses, espe- was comparatively less than the ation and the strictly enforced cur- security measures and precau- ernment minister and its chief cially amid the post-attack securi- previous years during the Cease few prevailing in Jaffna peninsula. tions," said Paikiasothy defense spokesman, acknowl- ty sweeps. Fire Agreement period, people The Temple situated on the Saravanamuttu, executive direc- edged Tamils were singled out for Veteran human rights activist kept coming from morning outskirts of Jaffna traces its origin tor of the Center for Policy scrutiny in Colombo, but only Nimalka Fernando accused the through noon, according to media back to A.D 948 and has emerged Alternatives think tank. "At the because rebel attackers - who government of "ethnic profiling" sources in Jaffna. as one of the most revered Hindu same time, we need to be a lot have killed members of all ethnic and said it was further polarizing The annual festivals during the shrines in Sri Lanka. more serious in finding the bal- groups - routinely hid among the an already divided country. ance between democratic rights capital's large Tamil community. One man, who declined to and human rights and the right "It is not a bed of roses. You give his name out of fear of retal- security measures. We can't alien- have to undergo certain kinds of iation by the security services, ate an entire community, an inconveniences," he said. "I really said police arrested him in entire section of the citizenry." don't think it is discrimination. It February after someone he had Emergency regulations is for their own good." worked with years earlier was renewed by parliament each Tamils, just 18 percent of the found at a house where a bomb month give the government wide- country, make up as much as prematurely exploded. ranging powers to arrest terror one-third of the capital's popula- The 28-year-old man from the suspects and detain them indefi- tion, according to officials. And rebel heartland of Killinochchi nitely. they are an important part of the described a dreadful night of With each new attack in the fabric of Colombo. Some are doc- abuse, with police handcuffing capital, the complex web of tors, lawyers or other wealthy him, stripping him, beating him Nallur Kanthan, God of love, beauty and knowledge exerting his checkpoints, road closures and professionals. Some, such as and demanding he admit he was charm on devotees, Aug 29, 2008.Picture courtesy of: random searches tightens. And Rambukwella himself, are even a rebel sleeper agent. Virakesari.lk - Vannarponnai Correspondent many Tamils say their lives grow government ministers. His wife complained to the MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 23 all for the opening of our first Financial institution these four amazing people. Today, their hard for Sri Lankans and South East Asians. The work and dedication have come together to Board of Directors and the Incorporators have make our Sri Lankans proud to be a member of Margosa Credit Union Grand Opening worked tirelessly in making this a reality. The our community. Further, I invite the members of response to our request to invest in Margosa the Margosa Credit Union and its Board to join shares was over-whelming with large participa- me in announcing my appreciation and applaud- tion from our communities.As Custodians of our ing the wonderful contributions these key individ- Members money and Trust, Margosa will try to uals have made to our community. stay vigilant , bearing in mind the moral impera- Last but not least, I extend my sincerest of First Branch in Toronto on 6th tives that co-operatives stand for. thanks to all those investors who trusted us with Message from President & CEO With our General Manager who has many the custodianship of their retirement shelters. It is with great pleasure that I write this mes- years of Credit Union Experience, Margosa will Sree Kannuthurai Message from the Chief Guest, Hon. sage on the occasion of the opening of the first strive hard to tap the potential available in our Minister Margarett Best, M.P.P. branch of Margosa Credit Union Limited. We communities. We will devise aggressive market- On behalf of the Government of Ontario and have come a long way since a few of us known ing and promotional strategies to create con- as Member of Provincial Parliament of as founding members got together in sciousness and loyalty among our members. We September 2008 - 'Nurturing Our Community' Scarborough-Guildwood, I extend my congratu- September 2005 and took up the challenge of will create cost effective platform to increase lations to staff and customers of the Margosa forming a Credit Union for the members of the accessibility and visibility of our products. Credit Union Limited on the opening of its first Sri Lankan Community. As of date we have 630 Margosa will increasingly rely on technology to and a co-incidence that a financial institution to meet part in the rich and cultural mosaic of the province of By Siva Sivapragasam branch in Scarborough. members on roll. 321 of these members have deliver fast, cost effective service in a more the needs of the community has become a reality. Ontario. Adding to these achievements of the com- Canadians of Sri Lankan and South East invested over 1.5 million dollars in shares. The friendly environment. Margosa Credit Union, the first of it's kind to This has been achieved due to the tireless efforts of munity is the launch of Margosa Credit Union which Asian descent are a valuable part of the rich cul- investor's participation has been overwhelming Now it is left to our Members to become meet the financial needs of the Sri Lankan communi- a team of supportive and enthusiastic individuals becomes another feather in the cap for the commu- tural mosaic of our great province and country and has motivated our members. actively involved with Margosa by opening ty officially launched their first Branch in Toronto on who had a vision for the future of the community. nity. and have a proud history in Canada. The unique We have appointed a General Manager with accounts .As Margosa takes its place among the Saturday 6th September amidst a vast & mixed gath- Their commitment towards the task and dedication No doubt, Margosa Credit Union will enrich the traditions and history that you bring to Ontario several years of experience in the Credit Union. Titans in the Financial Industry In Toronto, it is ering of Business persons, Parliamentarians, com- towards a goal has been fruitful in drawing invest- vibrancy of the Sri Lankan community and thereby enhance the vibrancy of our society. Together with the support of our active members left to you all to stand together as one and make munity Leaders and members from the Media. ment for this great venture. the economic prosperity of the province of Ontario. Endeavours and establishments such as the and vigilant Board of Directors, we hope to make it grow. Message from the Chair for Investor As the Sri Lankan community completes more Canadians of Sri Lankan descent have been a Margosa needs the support and backing of the com- Margosa Credit Union Limited enrich the Margosa Credit Union a strong and vibrant Relations province of Ontario economically and socially. Financial Institution. Warm Regards It gives me great pleasure to send this mes- than 25 years of residency in Canada, it is but fitting resourceful and vibrant community playing a vital munity to make the Union grow strong. We recognize the invaluable contributions the Sri Warm Regards, George Thambithurai sage to the souvenir that is being brought out to Lankan and South East Asian communities bring Stanley Arnold mark this launching of Margosa Credit Union to our province and the riding of Scarborough- Limited. The challenge that was given to me in Guildwood. January was to raise 1.5 million by the end of Please accept my warmest regards and best June 30, 2008. Let me take this opportunity to wishes for a most memorable celebration. thank all the members of our Board and some Margarett Best, M.P.P. active incorporators, who gave me their whole Scarborough-Guildwood hearted support in this project. We would have not succeeded in meeting the challenge thrown to us by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario without them. I am grateful to all our members and investors for their unstinted sup- port. We will continue to ask for your support as Message from Vice-Chair we move forward to the next phase, which is our Message from General Manager Congratulations to the Margosa Credit opening our doors for business. Greetings to the Sri Lankan Community. Union. With all Good Wishes. Credit Unions have played a significant financial As our community celebrates 30 years in Victor Santhiapillai role in the many ethnic communities across Canada, the launching of Margosa Credit Union Canada. As General Manager, I invite everyone represents a new beginning in the renewal of Mr.V.S. Thurairajah-Director, Margosa Credit Union and Seated Left to Right- Mr. Siva Sivapragasam- Chief Editor- Ms. Margarett Best-M.P.P. Scarborough Guildwood addresses to visit Margosa Credit Union and to become an our community's hopes, aspirations and dreams. Chairman Community Relations for Margosa with Mr. John Monsoon Journal, Mr. M.V. Theagarajah - Director, Hatton the guests at the function. Others in the picture are George Message from the Chairman: active member. This landmark achievement could not have McKay-Federal M.P. for Scarborough Guildwood National Bank, Sri Lanka, Dr. S.T .Ariaratnam - Chairman, Thambithurai-Secretary, Margosa Credit Union, Hatton I consider it a great honour and an obligation I have 28 yrs of experience in financial serv- been realized without the commitment, dedica- National Bank-Sri Lanka, Mr. Stanley Arnold - President & Margosa Credit Union, Mr. Stanley Arnold-President & CEO, to fulfill the expectation and Trust that the Board ices, the last 13 with a large ethnic credit union tion and support of all members of our communi- Margosa Credit Union CEO, Margosa Credit Union and Mr. Warren Kanagaratnam, of Directors, Incorporators, and our Members in Toronto. Through the services of Margosa Cr ty. I would like to extend my warmest personal Director-Margosa Credit Union have given me. I took up this role as Chairman Union, I look forward to assisting the members of regards to each and every one of you for the with the Knowledge that I am joined by a very the Sri Lankan community in reaching their effort you have invested. strong group, who make up the Board of financial goals. I would like to take this special opportunity to Directors. We have one common goal, which is Linas Zubrickas thank four highly dedicated and supportive indi- to work towards the growth of Margosa, enrich viduals, each were instrumental in helping to Message from the Chair for Branch our Member's Financial well - being and to keep establish the Margosa Credit Union. Opening our Credit Union strong and well into the future. First, Victor Santhiapillai, the Chair of The best ideas come when a group of peo- On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would Investment, who worked well beyond his call of ple sit down to discuss different issues facing our like to extend a warm welcome to all our mem- duty to raise the capital within the time frame. communities. It was at one of these meetings bers, at the opening of our First Branch. You all Second, Vinnasithamby Thurairajah, that the idea to create a Credit Union for the Sri have been the driving force behind the creation Community Development Worker, a tireless indi- Lankan Community came up for discussion. The of this great Institution. We do recognise that, vidual who selflessly dedicates his life to our result is the Creation of Margosa Credit Union and we hope that you will continue to support community. limited which would cater to all the financial and help us grow, so that we will become the Third, George Thambithurai, Secretary, with needs of the Sri Lankan communities' resident in envy of the others. his thoughtful and consistent commitment to Toronto. Margosa was the result of a collabora- Warm Regards. advance the standing of our community. tive effort. Through Margosa, we hope to build Dr. S.T. Ariaratnam Finally, Kanchana Udhayakumar, Office not only a creative but also a United Sri Lankan Administrator, who kept the lights on during the society. Message from the Corporate Secretary darkest of those gloomy days. With Warm Regards, Mr. Victor Santhiapillai, Director & Chairperson for Investor Mr. Mohan Perera-Director, Margosa Credit Union with Mr.M.V. Kanchana Uthayakumar, Office Administrator - Margosa Credit Relations, Margosa Credit Union hands over a Certificate of Theagarajah, Director Hatton National Bank, Sri Lanka Union, answering telephone calls at her desk It gives me great pleasure to welcome you I dedicate this message of congratulations to Mohan Perera Appreciation to one of the investors - Mr. M.V. Jeganathan Photo Courtesy: M.V. Jeganathan & Dasan

Are you involved in a motor vehicle accident? M & M Twins Ltd. - Toronto For Buying or Selling your Home • We will take care of your pain and suffering by offering you our complete services, in a timely manner Mahen Singarajah • Medical and Rehabilitation Services • Income Replacement Benefit - to replace your loss of earnings Largest Sri Lankan Food Importers in North America • Housekeeping/Home Maintenance Services Ceylon Tea, Rice, Fish, Coconut Products, • Attendant Care Benefit • Lost Educational Experienses Ceylon Spices, Sauces, Chutneys etc. • TORT Claims Also Ready to Drink Delicious Tropical fruit Nectar Phone 416 754 0558 Please Contact Fax 416 754 8541 416.283.8000 www.mmtwins.ca email: mmtwins@ idirect.com 26 SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 2008 27

Karygiannis Opens Campaign Office DELI GHTFUL PERFORMANCE TORONTO - The Honourable said Mr. Karygiannis. "This elec- response to international crises - AT TORONTO HI NDU Jim Karygiannis, Liberal Candidate tion is about two different visions conflict in Lebanon; floods in the for Scarborough-Agincourt, today for Canada - one is mean-spirited Philippines; cyclones in Burma celebrated the opening of his and regressive; the other, the one and earthquakes in China - has DHARMI C SABHA, ETOBI COKE Campaign Headquarters. Mr. I believe in, is open and inclu- been abysmal. Harper has either Karygiannis was joined by over sive." not reacted at all or has shown 500 volunteers, including a num- Mr. Karygiannis has been that he and his colleagues don't ber of local federal and municipal elected to represent Scarborough- know how to respond in a crisis." politicians. Agincourt in six previous elec- Mr. Karygiannis represents "I am running to represent tions. one of the most ethnically diverse you, my neighbours, in Ottawa. I "On the international front, ridings in Canada. believe the constituents of the Harper Conservatives has Contact: Margot, Media Scarborough-Agincourt deserve to failed Canadians, and more Relations, Jim Karygiannis be represented be someone who importantly, the people of Campaign, (416) 321-2788 lives in the riding and under- Scarborough-Agincourt." Mr. stands the needs of the riding." Karygiannis commented. "Their

On Friday, August 1, 2008, the Ashok Dutta on Tabla presented Toronto Hindu Dharmic Sabha several popular Bhajans, Thumri, presented an evening of Classical Dadra, Ghazal and Geet. and Light Classical music. The Gauri Guha began her recital program was attended by the with Raga Shivranjani in devotees and music lovers. Madhyalaya Jhaptal. Thereafter, The evening started with a she sang a Kabir Bhajan in Raga presentation by Gauri Guha, Charukeshi, a Drut Tintal compo- renowned Indian classical vocal- sition in Raga Hansadhwani and ist. She acknowledged and hon- concluded her performance with a oured Pandit Samar Saha, an Bhajan in Raga Mand. She was Internationally acclaimed Tabla accompanied by Luna Guha on Player, for his contributions in the the Harmonium and Ashok Dutta field of Indian classical music. on Tabla. Pandit Mahendra Tiwari, the priest Both performances were high- of the temple, presented the ly appreciated by the audience. artistes as a Master of Ceremony. Luna Guha and Ashok Dutta pro- Madhumita Saha from vided excellent accompaniments. Kolkata, India, accompanied by

Bharathanatya Arangetram Bharatha Natya Arangetram of Rebecca Raveendran of Santhalingam Sisters An excellent performance of was Mr. Ilayabarathi, Managing A grand performance of Guest, Dr. Sabalingam Jothilin- Bharathanatya Arangetram by Director of CTBC and other special Bharathanatya Arangetram by gam (UK) and many others. Santhalingam sisters, Shopiha & guests were Mr. R. Logendra- Miss Rebecca Raveendran, disci- Rebecca has completed her Luxchiga was held on Friday, lingam, Chief Editor of Uthyan, ple of 'Natyanarthaki' Smt, 5th grade examination in August 22nd, 2008 at Chinese Mrs. Meena Thavaratnam, Retired Vanitha Kugenthiran, presented Bharathanatyam and is preparing Cultural Centre in Scarborough, Senior Teacher of Urumpirai by Kalaikovil Academy of Fine Arts for her teachers grade. She has Canada. Hindu College. Also congratulato- on Sunday, August 17th, 2008 at been learning Bharathanatyam for She is the disciple of Smt. ry message from Hon. Maria Chinese Cultural Centre in over 8 years but has been under Kanchana Kirubaharan, Director Minna, MP for Beaches-East York Scarborough, Canada. the guidance of Guru Vanitha for of Narthana Chesthira was presented by Mr. Ganesan Rebecca was blessed and con- 5 years. She is very aware and The Chief Guest for the event Sugumar. gratulated by Chief Guest, Smt. involved in her culture, not only in Vazhuvoor Sridevi Sendhil, Guest dance but other fine arts such as of Honour, Minister of Education, vocal and instrumental. Mrs. Kathlynne Wynne, Special 28 AUGUST 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

The Ever-Growing Concept of Globalization Ms. Roberta Bondar, our beloved Canadian astronaut, flew Samy Appadurai on the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery in January 1992, for ing stage of globalization. Along eight days, one hour and 44 min- with these two superpowers were utes. While trying to locate our a number of non-aligned nations Earth from space, she must have that did not want to be under felt overwhelmed, her vision either of those two umbrellas. changing to a new direction. The Indian Prime Minister, J. When she was on Earth, like any Nehru, did not create a powerful of us, she likely felt tremendous third bloc but did bring some of pride in her family, her heritage the neutral countries together on and her Canadian values. Yet, various levels. when she stepped outside the As has already been men- bounds of our planet, Ms. Bondar tioned, the current stage of glob- must have felt even more like a alization is marked by ever-grow- world citizen. This type of thinking ing advances in technology and characterizes our idea of global- communication. This process ization. began in the 1980s and is intensi- Every fall, the birds of Siberia, fying every day. Greenland and Iceland leave the The formation of the 25-mem- northern hemisphere and fly ber European Union is a prime thousands of kilometers south. In example of what globalization can doing so, they cross the borders achieve. Originally aimed at of many sovereign nations with- becoming an economic union, far out passports or entry visas, and the ideological conflicts and divi- planet is far less than their fair 30,000 years, when North more wide-reaching changes return when the warm spring air sions, and the fanatical religious share. Generally speaking, the America's First Nations' peoples have taken place. All member fills the skies. The fish in the seas and ethnic wars, our world is developing nations cannot afford apparently migrated here from countries with the exception of do not restrict their moments becoming smaller and smaller. the more expensive sources of Asia via a northern land bridge Great Britain gave up their within certain boundaries; territo- This process is destined to contin- energy at their current stage of that no longer exists. Later on, respective currencies and rial designations mean nothing ue. development, so they continue to the Greeks, Egyptians, replaced it with the euro. Then them. Even the thought of such The modern technological and contribute to the negativity of the Babylonians, peoples of the Indus common immigration policies things makes us smile; we consid- information revolution is responsi- global environment. Their rural Valley and the Chinese began were put into effect. NAFTA, on er them ridiculous. Nevertheless, ble for this. Today, even in the areas are quickly turning into trade relations and set up other the other hand, can hardly stand a Canadian must fulfill certain most remote, underdeveloped urban areas, and demand for forms of international co-opera- up and walk. Why is this so? requirements in order to travel to parts of the world, people have more energy is commensurate tion. Perhaps, in the case of the the USA, a fellow member of the cell phones and Internet access. with this growth. Still, some of Colonization marked another European Union, most of the NAFTA (North American Free Huge chunks of the middle class the developing nations are begin- wave in the globalization process. countries have attained similar Trade Agreement). Isn't this just can afford to travel to previously ning to establish modern techno- The Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, status on the economic playing as ridiculous? undreamed of destinations. logical and industrial units using British, French, Belgians, field while Canada and the United Today, even the man on the Money and commodities are trad- new equipment that will be less Germans and Italians colonized States have done likewise; both street can talk, at least superfi- ed internationally, often with a damaging to the environment. many areas around the world. are highly developed, industrial- cially, about global warming, the few key strokes, and multi-nation- They have no choice if they, along Many "new" places were "discov- ized nations. The third partner in depletion of the ozone layer or al corporations are found every- with us, are to survive. If we do ered" by the European explorers. NAFTA, Mexico, on the other the smog caused by automobile where. Culture, too, has been not take timely and aggressive In addition to its negative hand, is still a developing nation, emissions. How the world has greatly affected by the advances protective methods to safeguard aspects, colonization brought with all the problems that this changed! in technology and communica- our world, in future 90% of the about uniform systems of govern- entails. And, in addition, the two The great natural disasters, tion, whether people like it or not. earth will be filled with ocean and ment, education, taxation and northern member states of NAFTA particularly those of the past few Inexorably, across the globe peo- the land mass will be reduced to trade, marking another stage in have been fearful and mistrustful years, have likewise brought the ple are coming closer and closer 10% from the current level of globalization. Indeed, it used to not only of Mexico, but of each attention of the average person to together as never before. 24%. Desertification will increase, be said that when French caught other. Therefore, they have estab- the fact that we are all, indeed, In the socio-political sphere, and arable, habitable land will be cold, all of the French colonies lished many protectionist policies. citizens of one world. What hurts international organizations such reduced. Unless we do the right throughout the world sneezed. A very sinister movement has one often hurts many-or even all. as the United Nations and its sub- things now, as has been said so The Industrial Revolution in also brought the world together The great tsunami that hit Asia a sidiaries, along with countless poetically in the past, there may Great Britain was monumental in against a common threat: inter- few years ago, with enormous non-governmental organizations, be "water, water everywhere, but spreading globalization. It made national terrorism. Many former loss of life, is one example. So is are working together to solve not a drop to drink." work faster and easier, and great- enemies have joined in a global Hurricane Katrina, the tragedy important world issues that no In terms of political organiza- ly speeded up the rate of produc- effort to counter this unpre- that devastated New Orleans and single nation or bloc of nations tion, some parts of the world are tion, transportation and distribu- dictable threat, and much more its environs. The earthquake in can do alone. This, too, promotes decentralizing while others are tion. The Industrial Revolution international co-operation will Pakistan, the various genocides globalization. forming alliances. The Soviet also brought about dramatic undoubtedly develop to beat this around the world that created The industrialized nations are Union has broken up; so has the social change. Machinery replaced insidious enemy. The civilized millions of refugees, the drought now co-operating to actively former Yugoslavia. Many predict a lot of unskilled labour, and, world refuses to be victimized by in East Africa and the recent over- reduce global warming. These that the United States, India, along with that, Great Britain was terrorist thugs and will do its whelming tragedy of the earth- countries do not shoulder the bur- Canada, Sri Lanka and other the first country to abolish slav- utmost to eradicate them. quake Sechwan, China, are just a den in accordance with their nations will split up into smaller ery. The United States, Canada In addition, population imbal- few of these examples. People responsibility for the current state units in the future. On the other and other countries soon followed ances are rapidly making our everywhere stepped out of their of affairs. They simply put their hand, East and West Germany suit. world smaller. Many of the devel- comfort zones and opened up shoulders to the wheel. Canada have reunited, and so have North Then came World Wars One oping nations cannot feed, clothe their wallets to help. They felt the contributes far less to the damage and South Vietnam. and Two, which divided much of or educate their populations, and suffering of their fellow human being caused, whereas fast-grow- Where are we heading? the world into two groups. The there is a massive push for those beings, and an outpouring of car- ing countries like India and China Human societies across the globe colonic powers forgot their rival- affected, whenever possible, to ing and concern followed. This is still continue to use cheap sources have established very close con- ries and joined together to defeat leave for the developed world. also an example of globalization. of energy in a mass scale and pol- tracts over the centuries, leading Germany, Japan and Italy. Despite all the trade barriers, lute the air very significantly. towards globalization. The seed The Cold War between the Continued in Next Page ... the breaking up of nations and Nevertheless, these countries' was planted many millennia ago, former Soviet Union and the the establishment of iron walls, contribution to cleaning up our and some of the waves date back United States marked the follow- MONSOON JOURNAL AUGUST 2008 29

Improvements to Rouge Valley seeks volunteers for health care services to continue unhindered Community Advisory Group - Court dismisses union application - - Group to help hospital strengthen community relationships - - Group to help hospital Rouge Valley Health System Pickering campus; strengthen community relation- President and Chief Executive o Continue providing outpatient ships - Officer Rik Ganderton today wel- services at Ajax and Pickering cam- comed a court decision which pus. Outpatient care serves the vast Rouge Valley Health System allows the hospital to continue with majority of mental health patients (RVHS) is today announcing its plans to improve mental health and is recognized as an optimal another step in its plan to services in the community. treatment by mental health profes- strengthen relations with the On Friday, the Divisional Court sionals across the province; community. The hospital's board Understanding and responding to care community hospital, with of the Supreme Court of Justice dis- o Continuing access to all men- is creating a Community Advisory the needs and concerns of our many programs including missed an application for judicial tal health services, including emer- Group and is inviting dedicated community is an important step in 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac care review from the Ontario Public gencies, through the Ajax and our plan to accomplish this. The and mental health. Rouge Valley Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Pickering campus; volunteers to join this important Community Advisory Group will consists of several health sites, which would have prevented the o Consolidating specialized effort. hospital from making changes to its mental health nursing expertise for This volunteer body will be an help us do that," adds Ecker. including two community hospital mental health services. inpatient care so that more hours of advisory group to the Board of Membership is open to the campuses: Rouge Valley "The decision means we can nursing care will be provided to Directors. The 12-member group general public residing within the Centenary in east Toronto ; Rouge stay focused on providing the best those patients who require treat- will reflect the diverse communi- RVHS catchment area. Applicants Valley Ajax and Pickering in west care across our two community ment on an in-patient basis; ties and viewpoints that make up cannot be a Central East Local Durham . Together a team of hospital campuses," says o Adding a further eight beds to Health Integration Network or physicians including 224 general Ganderton. general medicine at the Ajax and the Rouge Valley catchment area hospital employee. Advisory practitioners and 325 specialists, The court also found that Rouge Pickering campus in order to of east Toronto , Pickering , Ajax Valley had engaged its internal and improve patient flow and reduce and Whitby . group members will provide spe- 1,000 nurses and many other pro- external communities in consulta- wait times in the emergency depart- "The contribution of the advi- cific advice and feedback to the fessionals, care for a broad spec- tions from June of 2007 through to ment. sory group is an important com- RVHS board and will stay connect- trum of health conditions. In con- the date of the court hearing on "We are firmly committed to the ponent of RVHS' overall communi- ed to the community so that they sultation and partnership with July 11, 2008. growth of Rouge Valley Ajax and ty engagement strategy," says can speak knowledgeably about community members, other hos- The decision means Rouge Pickering, where our huge three- local health needs and issues and pitals, health care organizations, Valley 's timetable of improvements year redevelopment plan is well Janet Ecker, chair of the RVHS assist the hospital in its communi- the Central East Local Health in mental health are not delayed or underway," Ganderton adds. Board of Directors. interrupted. As previously "We will continue to work with "Staying closely connected to cations efforts. Integration Network and the announced the improvements our partners to expand and improve our community is important to our For more information on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term include: the range of services available to success as an acute care commu- RVHS Community Advisory Group, Care, Rouge Valley continues to o Increasing expert mental the communities of west Durham , nity hospital. And while it is and to apply online to become a improve its programs catering to health crisis intervention services while living within RVHS' funding something that we have worked member, visit the needs of the growing commu- from 12 hours a day (eight hours on levels provided by the Local Health www.rougevalley.ca/community- nities of east Toronto, Ajax, weekends) to 16 hours a day, seven Integration Network." hard at, we also recognize that we matters . RVHS will be accepting Pickering and Whitby. days a week at the Ajax and need to do a better job. The hos- pital's goal is to be the best at applications until Sept. 19. For more information, please The Ever-Growing Concept of Globalization what we do, to provide our com- - Rouge Valley Health System contact: David Brazeau, Director, munity with services that meet - The best at what we do - Public Affairs and Community Continued from previous page high quality standards. RVHS is an excellent acute Relations Much of that world is unable flict between the parents who to accept the unschooled masses; want to cling to traditional ways Minister of Industr y kicks they are seeking skilled workers and the children who are being who can contribute to their indus- brought up in a different cultural trialized economies. Therefore, milieu. This is particularly true in off l ocal campaign in refugees and would-be immi- big cities where there are multi- grants will do almost anything to racial populations and increasing be accepted into a First-World intermarriage. Mar kham-Unionvil l e country. Meanwhile, the social cli- As we have seen, then, glob- (Markham-Unionville) The mate of many such countries has alization has penetrated every- campaign to elect Duncan been profoundly disrupted by the one's life, directly or indirectly, Fletcher as the Member of arrival of masses of people from and no stone will remain Parliament hit high gear this the Third Word. unturned. Globalization is a weekend with the opening of the The developed nations also process, not an end. As we have Fletcher campaign office. On hand want skilled immigrants to con- also seen, globalization has its was high profile Minister of tribute to the growth of their positive and negative aspects, Industry, Hon. Jim Prentice. respective economies as their only some of which we have The Minister lent his full sup- birth rates continue to fall or touched on here. Nevertheless, port to the Fletcher campaign remain stable. They are seeking effective communication and emphasizing the importance of those who have something to respect for our fellow human having a community minded local contribute, not those who will beings have the power to make Member of Parliament. Noting the simply "take." globalization an overwhelmingly diverse make-up of the area, he In addition, migrants from the positive force. Right-thinking peo- also emphasized that Markham- Third World, whether educated or ple want only the good for them- Unionville is an important part of not, suffer culture shock when selves, their families and, indeed, the new Canada that the they arrive in First-World coun- the whole world. As the world Conservative Party is determined tries, and members of the main- gets smaller, our interdependency to stand up for. stream culture often find these will certainly bring us together as He went on to outline some of peoples' customs, beliefs and global citizens, not drive us fur- the measures that the taxes and the Residential School court). manners of dress extremely ther apart. Conservative Party have imple- apology to our first nations. For further comment, informa- strange. It is very hard for new- Samy Appadurai is a mented in their short time in gov- The Duncan Fletcher cam- tion on Duncan Fletcher or the comers to adapt, even in support- renowned broadcast journal- ernment, highlighting items such paign invites the community to Conservative Party of Markham- ive societies like Canada. The sec- ist, author, educator and as the Chinese Head Tax apology visit it’s office located at New Unionville, please contact; ond generation, however, adapts public speaker who makes and reparation, a more stream- Kennedy Square at 8360 Kennedy Ben Seto – Campaign easily, which often leads to con- his home in Toronto. lined immigration system, lower Rd. (inside the mall at the food Manager; (416)-859-6868 30 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

WORDS OF PEACE Creating Your The Primal Technology Life the Way You The world has made great Since he started listening to apply my effort, I can feel an Want It strides in technological develop- Maharaji in 1998, he says, he has incredible love within, and I am Man has spent too much time about some airy things? Let us start ment. Yet to many people, technol- found a simplicity and clarity within grateful for that." trying to think about things to which from the mundane - if your percep- ogy seems to be a double-edged himself. The journey toward inner he has no access. When you try to tion is beyond the senses, and food sword. Inventions to make life easi- "I have a full life, both profes- peace, and ultimately world peace, think about that to which you have appears in front of you, you can er may cause greater social unrest sionally and socially, but Maharaji begins within each individual. Peace no access, towards which you have simply know how this food will by widening the gap between the and his inspiration and guidance can be found within each human no perception, all you can do is behave in your system. But this per- haves and have-nots. Nations race help me take the right steps like a heart. It is there, waiting, wanting speculate. When you do excessive ception is more and more going to develop greater weapons with compass," He says. "I'm better able to be felt. speculation without any fundamen- away from human beings. the promise of establishing peace. to understand my priorities in life, "When I fail to see another tals, it amounts to hallucination. From something as simple as According to Prem Rawat wide- and I find many things in my life being as I see myself," Maharaji Because of this, a large part of reli- that to the ultimate possibility, the ly known as Maharaji, that unstat- seem very simple." says, "then wars will happen. When ed promise of technology to bring "Technology is not good or bad. causes and reasons become greater Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev us better conditions for peace in our It's just a way of manipulating the than the sanctity of peace, wars will lives remains unfulfilled, not world," says an aerospace engineer happen. When I fail to realize the because the technology is deficient, in the U.S. who says he has benefit- value of being alive, wars will hap- but because peace needs to begin with each person feeling it for themselves. "Peace begins with every single one of us," he says. Maharaji, who has been talking about finding peace within since he was a small child, is no stranger to today's technological advances. He makes his message available in more than 60 languages via satel- lite, DVDs, and the Internet, as well as live speaking engagements. "I love technology," he says. gion and spirituality in the world has inner perception would bring a com- "Technology is the fulfillment of become purely hallucinatory. pletely new dimension into one's what we thought would make this If you are really interested in life. And all the activity that we are life better and better. Technology is ed from Maharaji's guidance for pen. knowing life in its depth, you must doing in our lives - whether you are there to accommodate the human more than thirty years. "It's people "Before wars begin outside, see how to enhance your percep- a doctor, or you are a policeman, or imagination. And yet, parallel to all who make the difference in how they begin on the inside first. The tion. This moment, if you fall asleep, you are an engineer, or whatever this technology, there have always technology is used and for what war on the inside is far more dan- suddenly people around you will dis- you are - fundamentally, your per- been those who look for the satis- purpose. gerous, because it is a fire that may appear, the world will disappear and ception of what is right now in front faction of the heart. "Through him, I know the never be quenched. you also disappear. You are still of you decides the effectiveness of Peace comes from being in har- important things to focus my atten- "When peace begins within me alive, everybody around is alive, the who you are, and how much you do mony with yourself. Peace comes tion on. Because of Maharaji, I and it has taken hold of me, when I existence is on, but in your experi- on this planet. from being fulfilled." know where peace within myself allow it to blossom, then peace for ence everything disappeared, People are always asking me, Around the world, professionals lies. He has helped me to listen to me is also possible on the outside, because these five sense organs "Sadhguru, you're talking about so who have listened to Maharaji's my heart and move in the direction because I have felt it." have shut down. Right now your many subjects. Where do you get message say that he has helped of feeling peace." What is presented by Maharaji whole perception of life is limited to the time to read?" I say, "I don't them discover for themselves, and A technology support engineer is not about a lifestyle, philosophy, five sense organs - seeing, smelling, read." What is there in front of me, within themselves, a peace inde- for a U.S. firm, says, "For me, peace religion or beliefs. It is also not hearing, tasting, touching. And I perceive it as it is and that is it. pendent of circumstances or level of is a feeling, and technology is a tool about following someone, except technology. we use to facilitate our practical perhaps your own self, in the nicest these sense organs, in the very There is no need to carry the burden A computer programmer and lives. Technology can facilitate the way possible. nature of things, can perceive only of knowledge on your head, if your analyst for a Canadian engineering message of peace being made For those who want to learn the that which is physical. perception is keen enough. firm that develops remote-con- available, but peace is a very per- practical techniques for discovering Now the question of going So perception can be raised to trolled, toll-road camera and traffic sonal human experience and there the beauty within, there is a self- beyond the physical arises in your various levels through certain inner monitor systems. He says he is no substitute for it. paced preparation process on DVD life only when you are done with instruments. Is it very difficult? Can learned about Maharaji's message "Maharaji has shown me a free of charge. survival. You are not just interested I rise beyond my senses? Do I have through family members when he remarkable way to connect with For a free DVD , call 416 657 in living a good life; you want to to withdraw to a Himalayan cave to was still a schoolchild. myself within, and he has shown 2124 or 1 877 707 3223 know the very source of life. So it do this? "I waited until I felt mature and this to me as a gift, from one heart [email protected] does not matter whether you want There is no such thing; any independent enough to explore this to another. I guess you could call To learn more, visit: to know the process of creation or human being who is willing to dedi- possibility of peace for myself,"he that the primal technology. It's all www.tprf.org you just want to live peacefully - cate just a few minutes of his life says. about love. He reminds me that as I www.wordsofpeace.ca what you need to do is enhance this per day can begin to know this. perception to its ultimate level, to Because it is not sitting somewhere know the Ultimate, or at least in the Himalayas, it is within you. enhance your perception to some What is within you is not inaccessi- level where your body, and mind, ble to you. You are just too busy and Inspiration Driving Institute and emotion, and energy happen enamoured with what is happening the way you want them. outside; you never paid any atten- See, anything that is not in your tion to the inside. It is just lack of awareness does not exist for you; attention which has denied people and only what you are aware of, you this possibility. can handle and do things about. If If people develop this simple Inspiration Driving Institute you carefully examine, you will see a process of paying a little bit of large part of you is not in your attention to themselves, rather than 3430 Finch Ave East # 103 awareness. If you bring more and expecting other people's attention more of this into your awareness, to them, it would definitely change Scarborough. you will see suddenly your life the fundamentals of their life in so begins to happen on all levels the many ways. I can show you millions Cell: 416-939-4913 way you want it. of people, whose lives have been So 'Inner Engineering' means transformed in so many different having an inner perception of life - a ways by just spending fifteen to Bus: 416-847-9773 perception which is not limited to twenty minutes a day on this the five sense organs. When I say process. That is all it takes. 'an inner perception', am I talking MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 31 A just settlement only will stop the war A public meeting was held on bombings in southern Sri Lanka Mr. Hoole reiterated that a respectable and reasonable politi- agencies. the 17th of August by the targeting innocent people. negotiated federal settlement cal solution as in Pondichery in Let me also be clear that Canadians for peace sponsored 2. Condemning the killings of would give all communities, most India. bombing the LTTE into extinction by SLDF, Karumaiyam and innocent people in Sri Lanka and of what they want and will avoid Mr. John Argue Sri Lanka coor- is no solution either. The LTTE Nammoli at the Scarborough the deprivation of their rights by the continuing war. dinator, Canadian Section has vis- may be obliterated but without a Village . The Main speakers were the Sri Lankan Government. It is the Sinhalese, who hold ited Sri Lanka since 1984 . He political solution the reasons that Mr. Ratnajeevan Hoole, the for- 3. Urging a well-deserved, the keys to power and therefore talked about the role of the caused the LTTE will still be there mer Vice Chancellor of the univer- respectable and reasonable politi- the keys to a solution. amnesty international since 1970 and give rise to another version of sity of Jaffna and presently at cal solution to the Muslim people Hence all communities should to date on human rights violations the LTTE. Indeed, a government Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, of Sri Lanka . And jointly work hard to achieve in Sri Lanka and the campaign in that claims to bomb us to save us USA , Mr. John Argue Sri Lanka 4. In order to stop all mur- peace. defence of journalists. He also from the LTTE and give us democ- coordinator Canadian section of ders, kidnappings, human rights Mr. Baskaran stated that stressed that the responsibility for racy, cannot bomb the very peo- the Amnesty International and violations and the ongoing atro- Muslims do not have a specific urging human rights protection ple it claims to want to save into Baskaran editor of Nammoli. cious war completely, urging that territory but spreaded over for all human rights cannot be refugee camps, if not into total The discussion was centered all minorities of Sri Lanka should Amparai, Batticalo, Trincomalee, accomplished by one NGO, and so annihilation. on four folds: be offered a respectable, reason- Jaffna, Mannar and other areas. AI needs to work with other 1. Condemning the planned able political solution. He urged they deserve, a human rights and UN groups and

Speech given at Canadian Peace conference event Mr. Ratnajeevan Hoole John Argue

A Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce quarterly meeting was held recently at the Embassy CTCC Restaurant where Mr. Rocco Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario was QUARTERLY the key-note speaker. The central theme of Mr. Rossi's speech was on Heart Diseases among the South Asian community. He MEETING stressed that members of the South Asian community were more prone to heart diseases due to their life-style and the nature of their diet consumption. Seen here are pictures of Mr. Rossi, Gary Anandasangaree, President, CTCC and other members of the Chamber addressing the guests. Photos by Ken Photo

The Hindu Society of the University of Colombo celebrated their Cultural Nite 2008 recently. Picture shows the light- ing of the traditional lamp by the Vice- Chancellor Prof. Shanika Berigama and President of All Ceylon Hindu Congress Mr. V. Kailasa- pillai receiving the first copy of the Special Souvenir distributed at the function. 32 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Sri Abiramy Natayalaya's - Arabi Shureha - Arangetram Recital The Bharathanatya Arang- unique choreography of the guru Director of Sruthi Music Academy, etram for sisters Arabi and and the dazzling performance by Sri T.N Balamurali. As master of Shureha Sivananthalingam was the students. After the intermis- ceremony, Mr. Thushi Gnana-pira- held in Chinese Cultural Center on sion, the audience was delighted gasam spoke in Tamil and Miss. August 16, 2008. Arabi and by two Keerthanam, Bharathiyar Sindhya Sivasithambaram spoke Shureha are disciples of "Adal Song, Padam and Thillana. Highly in English. Arasi" Smt. Senthilselvi expressive and innovative ideas As Special Guest Speaker, Mr. Guest Of Honors Mr. Kandasamy Sureswaran and both dancers were evidenced during the Logendralingam of "Uthyan" gave breathtaking performances Bharathiyar Dance. In this dance, Newspaper was able to connect to during their recital. the story of women's liberation the dancing talents of the sisters This was Sri Abiramy was portrayed very meticulously during his speech. Guest of Honor Natyalaya's Seventh Arangetram through different abinaya. Speaker "Kavi" Sri. Kandasamy in province of Ontario. The The Orchestra consisted of master was able to say very uplift- Program started with combining leading talents from Toronto. In ing blessing for the dancers. As Pushpangali, Virutham and Nattuvangam- Director of Sri the Chief Guest Speaker, Smt. Alarippu as one opening number. Abiramy Natyalaya, Smt. Sridevi Sendhil (Grand Daughter Then it was followed by Senthilselvi Sureswaran. Vocal - of "Padmasri " Vazhuvoor Ramiah Jathiswaram and Varnam. It was Director of Varnam Institute of Pillai) from Chennai , spoke about highly noticeable that the high- Fine Arts, Sri Varna the outstanding aspects of the light of the Program was the thir- Rameshwaran. Miruthangam - Bharathanatyam in relation to this ty minute Varnam Arabi and Director of Laya Brindham Fine dance recital. Over 600 guests Shureha danced. While dancing Arts, Sri Rathiruban Paramsothy. were present during this very suc- Special Guest Mr. Logendralingam the Varnam we could see the Violin Sri A. Jeyadevan. Flute- cessful Arangetram.

MC - Mr. Thushi & Miss. Sindhya Orchestra1 - The Musical Team Vote of Thanks - Miss Arabi & Shureha Student Wins Fellowship for Breast Cancer Research Guelph: membrane structures known as A University of Guelph gradu- caveolae. Caveolae have a role in ate student has received a regulating cell growth and death, $55,000 fellowship from the which may be involved in mam- Canadian Breast Cancer mary gland development. Foundation - Ontario Region to "We already know that lipids study the role of diet during are important components of puberty in helping protect against caveolae," she said. "Now we breast cancer. want to study the role of two "I'm extremely excited," said omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and Breanne Anderson, a new mas- EPA, during early development ter's student in the Department of and determine whether they can Human Health and Nutritional help prevent breast cancer." Chief Guest Sciences. "To know that others Using rodent models, Mrs. Sridevi Sendhil also recognize this research as Anderson and her adviser, Prof. predisposed to developing mam- very important and are choosing David Ma, will first study the "The knowledge to be gained "most deserving" of the fellowship mary tumours to determine to invest in it is very encourag- effects of a DHA and EPA from primary prevention research award. "Breanne is a highly moti- whether the presence of omega-3 ing." Anderson will study the enriched diet during different has the greatest potential to vated student and I have no fatty acids during puberty leads to effect of two omega-3 essential developmental time points on reduce the number of people who doubt that she will be successful greater protection against cancer fatty acids - docosahexaenoic acid mammary gland development are diagnosed," said Beth Easton, in her graduate research." down the road. (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid and caveolae structure and func- director of allocations and health Anderson, a 2005 U of G bio- The research is in the prelimi- (EPA) - during puberty. DHA, one tion. The models will include mice promotion at the Canadian Breast medical sciences graduate, was nary stages, but the goal is to of the most important omega-3 which are genetically engineered Cancer Foundation. motivated to pursue graduate provide a new direction for breast fatty acids, is a major component to produce omega-3 fatty acids, "This type of research focuses studies in breast cancer preven- cancer prevention research by of brain and eye tissue; EPA has mice that will be fed EPA and DHA on possible causes and risk fac- tion research after working as a investigating the contributions of anti-inflammatory properties. supplements, and a control group tors for the disease and is a fund- physician's assistant. early development and diet, Previous research has already not fed EPA or DHA . "This will ing priority for the Foundation. "I witnessed many patients Anderson said. linked mammary gland develop- allow us to compare the effects of We are proud to support Breanne diagnosed and dealing with Breast cancer remains the ment during puberty to mammary enriching EPA and DHA in the diet Anderson's work which we hope breast cancer, as well as having highest among all forms of cancer carcinogenesis in adulthood, to a 'gold standard' genetic will contribute to a greater under- loved ones affected by cancer, in women and is the second lead- Anderson said. She will study the model," Anderson said. standing of how to stop breast and that is what really pointed me ing cause of cancer death in connection between omega-3 Later, the researchers will cancer before it starts." in this direction." women. fatty acids and specialized cell introduce a mouse model that is Ma added that his student is MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 33

Mennonite Centr al Committee UW graduates win Google prize for a pl edges $1.1M in cycl one aid RECORD STAFF, WATERLOO agency of North American mobile phone application called “Ecorio” REGION Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Waterloo: A group of When Cyclone Nargis struck churches, was already working Canadian engineering students Myanmar in May, it killed almost with other agencies in Myanmar has won a $275,000 US prize from 100,000 people, left many more when the cyclone struck. internet search giant Google Inc. homeless and caused damage So unlike other relief workers for a mobile phone application estimated at about $4 billion. who couldn't get visas to enter that lets users calculate and The Mennonite Central the country, they already had adjust their travel carbon foot- Committee initially sent about visas and discovered how wide- print. $100,000 in assistance to the spread the devastation was. The group of five students country formally known as Burma They heard harrowing tales of was among ten groups named and has launched a three-year aid survival from locals. winners of the top prize of plan worth $1.1 million to help One worker met a farmer who Google's Android Developer people recover from the cyclone. said he and his wife ran for high- Challenge, which asked develop- "Three MCC workers visited er ground with their children on ers to come up with useful appli- Burma in July and said that the their shoulders after the cyclone cations using Google's software focus should now be on long-term knocked the walls off their house. platform. rehabilitation and reconstruction," After the initial $100,000 for Their program, Ecorio, gives said Dan Driedger, the commit- food, safe drinking water and users the ability to reduce their tee's Ontario Resource temporary shelter, the committee environmental footprint with tools Development director. decided help on a longer term was that provide transit options for "They said it's going to take a needed. A major part of the $1.1 trips, allow them to invest in car- lot of work and time to get people million will go toward distribution bon reduction projects and share on their feet again." of power tillers, rice seed, fertiliz- their tips with other users. Cyclone Nargis, the worst nat- er and cash assistance to farming The Ecorio team comprises ural disaster in Myanmar's history, families in the Irrawaddy Delta. recent Waterloo engineering grad- lives. Ecorio is one piece of that platform that would make it easi- struck the Irrawaddy Delta on Psychological trauma is wide- uates Jeff Kao, Robert Lam, mosaic," they write. er for developers to create pro- May 2. Casualties estimates vary - spread, so another part will help Taneem Talukdar and University Other applications that won grams and for consumers to surf - some reports say as many as people deal with the after-effects of Toronto masters candidates top awards from Google included the web on cellphones. 100,000 people died in the o f the cyclone, Driedger said. Gary Pong and Jason Wong, who programs that help users find taxi They launched the contest at cyclone. The delta is a densely "There's no government sup- describe themselves on their web- cabs, scan product barcodes and the same time, promising to give populated agricultural region. port in that area." site as five guys from Ontario who personalize photos. more than $10 million in prizes. The cyclone caused damage For more information or to " think that this environmental Google released Android, a The move was also seen as estimated at more than $4 billion, make a donation, contact the local thing might be for real." free downloadable software Google's first move to expand the including $2.3 billion in loss of office of the committee at 519- "There are many people with development kit for mobile reach of its search tools to mobile income. 745-8458. lots of ideas on how we can live phones, in November 2007, with handsets. The committee, a relief smarter, greener and sustainable the goal of creating a common Viol in Maestr o Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan Passes Away

Renowned violinist Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, whose majestic bowing widened the circle of rasikas for Carnatic music, passed away in Chennai on Monday Sep 8th after a brief illness, The Hindu reported. He was 73. He is survived by wife V. Bagirathi, sons V.R. Shekar, V. Srinivasan, V. Sridhar, V. Balasubramanian and daugh- ter Bhanumathi Ramakrishnan. Born on March 2, 1935, he trained under his father Ramaswamy Sastry. As a youngster, he accompanied stalwarts, including Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Maharajapuram Santhanam and Chittoor Subramanya Pillai. He also performed Violin maestro Kunnakudi R. Vaidyanathan. Photo: S. Thanthoni with legendary nagaswara vidwans such as T.N. Rajarathinam Pillai and appear on screen. Thiruvenkadu Subramania Pillai. His composition 'Marudamalai He made a mark in classical music as mamaniyae murugaiyya...' in Darbari well as film music, and made conscious Kanada made waves in the industry like attempts to make music more accessible not many songs have. Several other films to the common man. such as 'Agathiyar' and 'Raja Raja His foray into the film industry began Chozhan,' for which he scored music, with A.P. Nagarajan giving him a break in were also phenomenal hits. 'Vaa Raja Vaa.' From then, he gave sev- The internationally famed violinist eral magical numbers and super hits that Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan has performed are among the eternal melodies in Tamil numerous times at several venues and films. festivities in Sri Lanka and around the In the film 'Deivam,' he had all his globe. playback singers including Madurai Somu 34 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Annual Tournament 2008, Rajaguru Martial Arts Academy, Canada Annual Tournament 2008, 38th year Anniversary of Rajaguru in Martial arts, 15th Anniversary of Rajaguru Martial Arts Academy in Canada function details.

President of Varthaga Cholai, Mr Senthi being honoured by Grand Master

Grand Master Rajaguru was presented the BEST SAMARI TAN AWARD Chief I nstructor Sriram was presented BEST ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Grand Master honouring Geethavaani Radio Announcer and Artist Kanapathi Raveendran

Rajaguru Martial Arts student ABI RAN KANDASAMY gets Grand Grand Master with all the Karate Students of RMAA Grand Master speaks about Championship for the year 2008 children and life

nam, Nithusha, Harish, enter into the worldly things, and If we attained the peace then 15th Anniversary of Rajaguru Ajantharooban Mahendran, Thivyan you always enter as a person with we will feel the God Mahendran, Juran Thangavela- expectation. The world reduces The biggest asset to the par- uthapillai, Abiran Kandasamy, Gopi everybody to a short minded per- ents are their children. The valuable Martial Arts Academy in Canada Gugan, Ajeevan Kandasamy, son, but True love raises everybody asset for the children is education. Mareen Francis Saviour, to become an emperor. True Love is To have the better knowledge learn- and Annual Tournament 2008 Yogiswaran, Manojh Francies, Kopi a life changing transformation phe- ing for kids, there must be two kulothungan, Sajeesan, Manan, and nomenon. important things. One is spiritual Rajaguru Martial Arts Acad-emy Ravindran, a host on Geethavaani Mayuran Jeyakumar Even if one heart has flowered Meditation for mental fitness and recently held their Annual Radio and a Cine /Drama Artist, So Shihan Rajaguru was also towards you, or because of you, another is Physical training for Tournament 2008, Awards ceremo- along with Cine/Drama Artist Ms. awarded a "Best Samaritan Award" God has reached through that physical fitness. ny and their Head Quarters Dojo Ruby were also present. and Shihan Sriram Rangan was heart. Somebody looked towards I am proud to say that our located on 3021 Markham Rd. The special guests handed out awarded a "Best Entrepreneur" you with love; in that moment God nation people"s better life (Peace Along with the awards ceremony, medals and awards to the students award by RMAA, Canada. looked at you. If we spend the of Mind) is my biggest asset in my RMAA also celebrated 15 years of who achieved top positions in the So Shihan Rajaguru spoke to money we will get the happiness as life. Every parents wish is to see the opening in Canada, and also tournament categories at this event the parents, students and guests well as sadness. With money we children go in the right way in their marked So Shihan Rajaguru T. hosted by International Chief about service to humankind. Here cannot attain the peace. That will life. That is what we provide Ravindran's 38th anniversary of Instructor Sriram Rangan. are some exerts from his speech: be only reached through our soul. through our Character of Love and teaching and experience in karate ( The title of "Grand Champion" I would like to direct my atten- Watch the eyes full of love, you Service, guiding them to follow Martial Arts ). was awarded to Abiran Kanda- tion to three points. will find God throbbing there, Good Principles and Conscientious This event was attended by saamy, a first degree black belt, 1) To face the entire world with, because it is always God who loves. to become Good Citizen. Uthayan Newspaper Founder and who won in the final sparring and True Love, Calmness, Patience, To love is to feel the God. " Finally he also mentioned, Editor Mr. Logendralingam as well Kata event. Discipline and braveness Vision is an important way of "Keep Love in one eye and Keep as the founder of the "Thamizhan .Instructors Awards were also 2) The challenges facing us as transcending limitations, within and Service in another eye" because Vazhikaati" Business Directory, Mr. Awarded to Rajeev Kandaiah, to protect our Humanity, outside ourselves. In order to both eyes are important." Senthi. 'Kalaiventhan' Kanap-athy Nirose David, Kayalini Tharma-rat- 3) And the best practices that achieve the vision our thoughts Mareen Francis Saviour, Sensei we want to pass on to our fast must be good. Ajantharooban, Sensei Thivyan and evolving Children. If we have good thoughts then the other RMAA Development com- ENGLISH ACADEMY My first message to all is "Enter our actions become good. mittee members organized this the temple of True love" as you If our action is good then our event with the support of Shihan always enter to a holy place as a life becomes good Sriram Rangan. We teach English from Grade 1 to College level simple person. If our life is good, then we will Enter into the world means attain the peace 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 lan- guage skills

Please Call: 416-2284-77660 23 Marine Approach Dr, Scarborough MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 35 Leaving Canada? Do you have Registered Accounts?

If you are planning on emigrating from March 1, 2006 to make his co ntributio n. (Sixty Canada, you probably have a million things on days from the end of 2005 – the year Mr. Hill your mind. Besides packing all your belongings, emigrated from Canada). This $16,500 contribu- selling your home and saying goodbye to friends tion will be a deduction for the income he earned and family you will need to think about your reg- between January 1, 2005 and March 20, 2005 istered assets. What are my o ptio ns fo r my (beginning of the year until the date of emigra- Registered Retirement Savings Plan ("RRSP") when tion). If you do not make the maximum contribu- I leave Canada? What happens to my children’s tion prior to emigrating from Canada, you will be Registered Educatio n Savings Plan ("RESP") when I able to carryforward any unused contribution emigrate? This article will help to explain so me o f room, which can be used if you once again the issues asso ciated with registered acco unts become a Canadian resident in the future. when emigrating from Canada. Am I able to make RRSP contributions while I am RRSP Questions and Answers a non-rresident of Canada? What are my options for my RRSP when I leave When you are a non-resident for tax purposes, Canada? yo u sho uld no t make co ntributio ns to yo ur RRSP You do not need to unwind your RRSP upon emi- (taking into account the exception above) gration from Canada. Your RRSP can remain in because, you will not be eligible for a tax deduc- Canada and the growth in your RRSP will not be tion in Canada as you will not have any subject to Canadian tax. However, the growth Canadian source income against which to claim within yo ur RRSP may be subject to tax fro m yo ur the contribution. In addition, there may be new country of residence. If your new country of adverse tax consequences in your new country of residence is the United States, you may elect to residence fo r making RRSP co ntributio ns. defer U.S tax o n inco me earned in the RRSP, until a distribution is made from the plan. Please note What happens to my children’s Registered that you will be subject to Canadian withholding Education Savings Plan ("RESP") when I emigrate? tax when mo ney is withdrawn fro m the RRSP. This Your children’s RESP plan can remain in Canada Canadian withholding tax may be eligible for a while yo u are a no n-resident. The RESP plan will Foreign Tax Credit in yo ur new co untry o f resi- continue to earn tax deferred income in Canada. dence. Please no te that the gro wth within yo ur children’ s RESP may be subject to tax fro m yo ur new co untry Should I maximize my RRSP contributions prior of residence. to emigrating from Canada? Prior to emigrating from Canada, you should Am I able to make RESP contributions while I am maximize yo ur RRSP co ntributio ns. This co ntribu- a non-rresident of Canada? tio n is an eligible deductio n fo r the part year yo u When you are a non-resident, you are able to were a resident in Canada. If the contribution is make RESP co ntributio ns. Ho wever, as lo ng as made within the first sixty days o f the fo llo wing your children remain non-residents of Canada year that yo u emigrated, the co ntributio n can still they will not be eligible for the Canada Education be applied to the part year you were a resident in Savings G rant. Canada. For example, Mr. Hill emigrated from Canada on March 20, 2005. Based on Mr. Hill’s Note: The above article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as offering tax advice. Individuals should 2004 No tice o f Assessment, he has co ntributio n consult with their personal tax advisors before taking any action room available of $16,500. Mr. Hill has until based upon the information in this article.

KULA SELLATHURAI

WEALTH ADVISO R This publication has been prepared by ScotiaMcLeod, a divisio n o f Sco tia TEL: 416 - 296 - 0055 Capital Inc.(SCI), a member o f CIPF. This publicatio n is intended as a gen- eral source of information and should not be considered as perso nal invest- kula@ kulasellathurai.co m ment, tax or pension advice. We are not tax advisors and we recommend www.kulasellathurai.co m that individuals co nsult with their pro fessio nal tax adviso r befo re taking any action based upon the information found in this publication. This publica- tion and all the information, opinions and conclusions contained in it are pro tected by co pyright. This repo rt may no t be repro duced in whole or in part, or referred to in any manner whatsoever, nor may the info rmatio n, opinions, and conclusions contained in it be referred to without in each case the prior express consent of SCI. Scotiabank Group refers to The Bank o f No va Sco tia and its do mestic subsidiaries. ™ Trademarks o f The Bank o f No va Sco tia. 36 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 37

Grand Opening of GTA Square Shopping Mall in the heart of Scarborough

The well-known Real Estate Textiles, Computers, gift items, Company Home Life GTA had a book sales are among the shop- recent official opening of a ping stores that have taken units Shopping & Services Mall under in the Mall. one roof in a prime location at There is ample parking facili- 5215,Finch Ave. East at the Finch ties with visitor parking lots in the & Middlefield intersection. underground.. The Developer for The shopping complex is the the project is the famous King first of it's kind to the South Edward Developments and the Asian commercial and profession- Architect is Louis Cheung who al services to expand their sales previously designed the Chinese and services. This idea cropped cultural center and Monsheong up from the success that the Senior Home. He was nominated Pacific Mall achieved in serving for the Best Designer Award in the business enterprises of the Scarborough for designing this Chinese community in the complex. Markham area. The prices fore the units are The new GTA Square complex reasonable and this will be a good will serve as an ideal one stop opportunity for potential and shopping area to the highly resi- prospective businesses and pro- dential population of the area and fessionals to consider the pur- help both the businesses and the chase of a prime property in a consumer to do business and prestigious location with all up- their shopping needs under one graded modern facilities. Seen roof. The location is easily acces- here are some pictures taken at sible with a 24 hour Bus service. the Grand Opening. Several offices from the Law, Those interested should con- Medical, Accounting, Real Estate tact the property agent Home Life fields have already opened. GTA at 416 321 6969. Sujey Saree Museum GTA Square, Unit 150 AVMAVM MAXMAX 20002000 CharteredChartered SServiceservices IncInc

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Meditation - a path towards utter freedom SEX, LOVE AND MEDITATION Prof. Saran Ghai and character. Once I was travelling by a Billy Graham said - Sex is train from Toronto to New York. I the most wonderful thing on had two co-passengers in my car this earth as long as God is in who eventually were friends. it. When the Devil gets in it, After a while both started talking. it's the most terrible thing on There conversation was really this earth. interesting so I also started listen- ing carefully. First one said, "I When God created the world love all the women on this earth the first emotion he filled in and want to have sex with each of everyone was love. Love is like a them." The other one asked, magnetic power, which always "How many women want to have attracts. Repelling is only when sex with you?" He said, "I don't the magnets are not in the right know but that is what I think." direction. Same is with love. If The other one said, "Then keep love starts diminishing from a on thinking, good for you." And relationship, there must be some- he went to sleep. The whole night thing wrong. Understand and I was contemplating on their dis- organize emotions as expected by cussion. To me, the first person

simply does the act of sex. At first ented person. One month of med- their body. They can also control she could not reply but after a itation, not for hours, just 15 min- their sex organs and can have the while she said that even while utes a day can change your life. pleasure of sex for a longer time, having sex, she is worried about Do it and experience the change. if not much, more than the usual cooking food for the next day, I would end this article with a time they do. light has remained on in the living proven fact. It mostly happens Believe me, everyone can do room and how can I improve kids when two persons are engaged in it. grades in school and many such sexual intercourse. All of a sud- - Continued… things. den the male partner loses all his (Prof. Saran Ghai is an author, I understood her whole prob- control and helplessly ejaculates. editor and publisher of a number lem. I asked her to come see me The female partner feels it too of books, magazines and newspa- at my office. She came and told bad. Pleasure of the entire ses- pers. He is also a palm reader and me her story. She told me that sion disrupts and they finish most a numerologist. Readers of she was married for five years, unsatisfied. Here I would like to Monsoon Journal can contact have two kids. She told me that point out that meditating minds Prof. Ghai at (416) 816-5559, she was a fun loving girl before have better concentration. They E-mail: the other partner and you will see seemed to be confused and sick marriage. Travelling was her pas- have better control on their mind, muktipath@muktipathmedita love will sprout up again. Love and the second person clear sion but since her marriage, she on their heart, on their emotions tion.com or visit his website: never disappears but of course it minded and straight forward. has not gone even for a short pic- and of course on all the organs of www.muktipathmeditation.com. diminishes with time and circum- nic. Her husband is not interested stances. Love also diminishes if A lady called me one after- in such things as he says it is all not properly taken care of. When noon. She made a reference of waste of time and money. Her life you start losing love, have sex. my articles being published about has become totally monotonous Sex is like a spark plug in a car. meditation in various magazines and she feels like she is under Spark your emotions and you will and newspapers. After talking house arrest. see your love car starts running about a few things here and During conversation I found on the road of love again. Those there, she came to the point and that she is a good singer and a who understand the significance asked me if I can arrange a few trained dancer. I advised her if of sex suggest to have sex quite meditation sessions, not with her husband does not like her often to keep on transmitting the other people but for her alone. I doing any job, she should engage message to your partner that you asked why she needs meditation herself in cultural activities. Be still love him/her. sessions. She replied she is losing busy. I advised her to attend just Sex makes your relationship concentration in every walk of life. three meditation sessions. She not just limited to one birth but She can not stick to one thing and did. These sessions helped her a for many births to come. George her mind keeps on roaming lot. After a month she called me Burns said, "Sex is one of the nine around in all directions. She has to thank me and said now I have reasons for reincarnation. The lost all her charm of life. She is understood how beautiful the life other eight are unimportant." not interested in anything. I kept is. After a little silence she added, Love is not so short lived that it her busy in conversation to now I have understood the power starts at dusk and ends at dawn. understand her state of mind bet- of good sex and said that she It is a never ending process. Sex ter. Just as a question, I asked wants to inform me that next is the system of life. Those who her, which of my articles she read week they are going to Vancouver hate sex, hate life. But as said more then once. After a little hes- on vacation. above, sex is wonderful if God is itation she said, "Sex and Meditation is a tool that helps in it, if devil gets in it, it becomes Meditation." I did never do it you build strength within you. It terrible. Changing partners for before but all of a sudden I asked makes your concentration better love and sex every night is dan- her when she involves herself in than ever before. It makes you gerous. Love and sex are for sexual intercourse with her hus- focused. You become a goal ori- pleasure, not for ruining health band, does she really enjoy sex or 40 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MonsoonMonsoon AppreciationAppreciation

Azhar was also involved with the publication Uthayam run by N avamani Editor M.P.M.Azhar the UNP Muslim Youth League. He was a founder member of the Muslim Media Forum and served as Treasurer from its inception. A gem among journalists Azhar was a devout Muslim with great social and political con- By D.B.S. Jeyaraj then that one need not be physi- subject than them. Pretend to be sciousness. He also felt deeply for It was in April 1977 that I cally present, on the spot, to an ignoramus". the plight of the Muslim commu- entered mainstream journalism know and write about what had Guru and friend nity in Sri Lanka. by joining the Colombo Tamil happened. He always monitored my The community has many newspaper Virakesari as a trainee The lesson that I learnt then is career. This continued even after I grievances that needed to be still applicable on a larger scale joined the English language journalist. fying change when the peda- articulated and redressed. It has nowadays as I write about Sri media. Azhar would offer both On my second day at work I gogue Al Haj Mukthar A. been long felt that the communi- Lanka from Canada. praise and criticism whenever he was assigned to cover an agricul- Muhammed of Weligama took up ty required a national newspaper Down memory lane felt it was necessary. Later when I ture related conference held at residence there. to voice and address particular Upon hearing that veteran ran my own Tamil weekly in the Agriculture Research and This was a period of Islamic concerns. journalist Mohammed Pichai Canada, he was one of my pri- Training Institute (ARTI) renaissance. Due to Mukthar's Several people including T.B. Muhammad Azhar had passed mary sources of information. Auditorium at Wijerama Mawatha. efforts, an organisation, Majlis Jayah and Naleem Hadjiar recog- away, my mind went down mem- After the Tigers unleashed When I went to the venue I Islam, was set up. This in turn nised this need and attempted to ory lane. I recalled the incident violence and stopped the paper, I found the conference was a paved the way for the formation rectify it. Despite their best narrated above and many others became a columnist for English closed-door event, restricted to of the Muslim United Front. efforts, the birth of a newspaper during my close association with newspapers in Colombo. Once government officials alone. The Azhar was an executive com- for the Muslims remained a him. again it was Azhar and senior press was not allowed in and no mittee member of this organisa- mirage. Azhar, whose soul departed journalist N.M. Ameen that I scribe was anywhere around. tion. Some of the other prominent Finally, the mantle fell on on August 28, was 62 years old at turned to for gaining an insight Possessing romantic notions members were Sri Lankan Azhar's shoulders. With the help the time of his death. He was a into Muslim politics. I also bought of intrepid journalism, I tried to Ambassador to Iran M.M. Zuhair, of two committed Muslim busi- man who regarded journalism as the Navamani regularly to keep creep in quietly, but was detected Attorney-at-Law Farook Thaheer, nessmen, M.C.M. Rizwie and a profession and vocation. myself informed of Muslim affairs. and unceremoniously ejected School Principal N.M.M. Razeen Thaha Muzammil, Azhar com- Azhar, who began dabbling in Though his name was spelled (this was 30 years ago; nowadays and Azhar's brother Nizam. menced publishing the Navamani journalism at the age of 18, went in English as 'Azhar' he was called I would be locked up under the This organisation began pub- in 1996. on to found his own newspaper 'Azwer' in Tamil. I always called PTA on account of my ethnicity). I lishing a journal titled Puthumai There were many pessimists. 12 years ago. He was the Founder him "Azwer Naanaa" (Elder was asked to leave the premises. Kural (New Voice) and later Yet, the Tamil broadsheet Editor of the Tamil weekly Brother). I returned to office disap- another, Eluchi Kural (Resurgent Navamani has survived mainly Navamani, which means nine I know that some people use pointed and dejected. It was Voice), in Tamil. due to the dedication and hard gems. the term "Naanaa" derisively around lunch time and the Editor, Azhar was an editorial board work of Azhar and other idealist It would not be an exaggera- when referring to Muslims. For News Editor and Chief Sub Editor member and contributed exten- employees. tion to say that Azhar was indeed me, it was a term of respect and were not around. I must have cut sively to these journals. This was Navamani a 'gem' in both his personal and endearment. a forlorn figure as I sat alone his journalistic baptism. His entry Despite its popularity and professional capacity. It was my The Virakesari years of my life dejected about failing to complete into professional journalism came valuable contribution to society, good fortune that this man took a were a pleasant period. The two my mission. in the late sixties of the last cen- the newspaper ran into financial liking to me in my tenderfoot days Muslim journalists were Azhar and A valuable lesson tury when he joined the difficulties a year ago. Azhar and and took me under his wing. ALM Sanoon. There was the pho- It was then that one of the Thinapathy, run by the Dawasa colleagues struggled to keep it As far as journalism was con- tographer Nazeer and drivers Virakesari's senior reporters group of newspapers. going, sometimes working with- cerned he was friend, philosopher Farook and Salahuddeen. We got observed me for a while with a Azhar always acknowledged out remuneration. and guide to me as I cut my teeth along famously. smile and then walked across to the late Thinapathy Editor S.T. The Muslim Media Forum as a cub reporter. In those days During my years at Virakesari, me. It was M.P.M. Azhar. He pat- Sivanaygam as his 'guru.' He stepped in and enlisted support there was no college or academy I often visited his home then at ted my shoulder and asked made his mark as a reliable from the community to keep it to teach journalism. It was basi- Maligawatte. Many are the meals whether I had gone out on an reporter and soon graduated to afloat. A new company was cally a skill you acquired on the I have had at his place then and I assignment. I told him about being Parliamentary correspon- formed and funds were raised. job. have also interacted with his fam- what happened. dent. People rallied to help Navamani. It was a harsh, tough world ily members. He laughed and said in Tamil, When the MD Gunasena The crisis was overcome. out there and cynical veterans Azhar lost his wife a few years "No problem. You can easily find group was sealed under the The mainstay of Navamani had little time or patience to teach ago in a motor accident. He was out what happened there." I was, emergency in 1974 during was the column 'Arangathukul raw recruits. I was indeed lucky very close to her and was shat- of course, puzzled about how one Sirimavo Bandaranaike's time, Antharangam' and its balanced that Azhar became my mentor. I tered by her death. He also sus- could get the information without Azhar was out of a job. It was editorials. They were written by was privileged to learn many tained injuries and had a phobia being physically present at the then that he joined the Virakesari. Azhar. tricks of the trade from him. He of three-wheelers thereafter. meeting. Azhar was at the Virakesari There are different shades of encouraged and advised me and He leaves behind his mother, Azhar then telephoned some when he married in 1976. His wife political opinion among Muslims was proud of my progress. brother, son and four daughters. of his contacts and asked them to was from Malwana, the land of and the newspaper gave cover- He would take me to My deepest sympathies to them help me. He also helped me iden- Rambuttan. age fairly to all. No Muslim politi- Parliament with him and allow me and other family members, as I tify some conference participants The Thinapathy resumed pub- cian was able to accuse the paper to watch proceedings even share their sorrow over this through the official directory and lication in 1977 but Azhar opted of being partisan to a particular though I was not accredited offi- irreparable loss. told me how to approach them on to remain at Virakesari. party or politician. cially to cover Parliament. This Mohammed Pichai the phone. The journalist Many Muslim leaders consult- was possible then as security had Muhammad Azhar was the near- Soon I was busily picking up He was a reporter known for ed Azhar on important issues. His not become a problem those days est to a 'guru' during my forma- information from multiple his accuracy and speed in filing advice was valued highly. Azhar also introduced me to tive years as a journalist. I was sources. Azhar then instructed me copy. He could cover all the The late M.H.M. Ashraff was many Muslim politicians. It was privileged to have him as a frater- how to turn the information I essentials with a great economy associated with Azhar from the through Azhar that I first met nal friend. This article therefore is gathered into a news story. I did of words. days of Eluchikural. The need for people like Dr. Badiuddhin a humble tribute to honour his so, and when the News Editor He was a Parliamentary corre- a Muslim party was often dis- Mahmood, Bakeer Markar, Abdul memory. returned to his desk, I had filed spondent for more than 25 years. cussed at Azhar's home. Majeed (Muthur) Naina Marikar I slamic renaissance my copy and got an appreciative He saw many politicians come The birth of a renewed Sri and A.C.S. Hameed. My first Azhar was one of two sons nod from him. and go. The quiet, soft-spoken Lanka Muslim Congress under meeting with M.H.M. Ashraff was who lost his father at a very I went up to Azhar's desk to Azhar was highly respected by Ashraff's leadership was wel- also due to Azhar. young age. His mother struggled thank him for his help. He Tamil and Muslim MPs. He seldom comed by Azhar. He made it a I remember enthusiastically to bring up the children in brushed it aside and said in Tamil, made mistakes and covered pro- point to take me along with him bombarding a senior politician Maligawatte. While his brother "Remember, it's best if you can ceedings without giving cause for for the inaugural session. The with questions, displaying my Nizam became an entrepreneur, it see things for yourself firsthand. complaint. fragmentation of the SLMC after knowledge. He promptly clammed was printer's ink that ran in But even if you can't be on the At the Virakesari he was well- Ashraff's tragic demise was a very up. Later Azhar admonished me Azhar's veins. spot, there are ways and means known for his lobby column 'Para- troublesome matter for Azhar. to get to know what happened." gently saying, "Never show politi- The Muslim youths of lumandra Palahani' and political Continued Next Page ... cians you know more about a Maligawatte underwent an electri- I learned a valuable lesson column 'Arasiyal Athirvettugal.' MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 41 MonsoonMonsoon AppreciationAppreciation

A gem among journalists Shoemaker to the World: Continued from previous page The Navamani newspaper also He was a God-fearing Muslim gave wide coverage to the prob- who observed the tenets of his lems faced by Muslim localities, religion. I have rarely heard him particularly those tiny enclaves speak ill of anyone. Even his polit- amidst overwhelming Sinhala and ical criticism was sweetly, and not Thomas John Bata Tamil majorities. bitterly, expressed. The difficulties and dangers He seldom got angry but Statement By Bata Shoe develop the Bata Shoe Company faced by Muslims of the north east when he did it was like a volcano Organization: of Canada centred in a town that were given full exposure. erupting. But it was righteous It is with great sadness that still bears his name, Batawa, Recently, the paper campaigned anger and everyone kept quiet on hard for a Muslim to be appointed those occasions. I have never the Bata Family and the Bata Shoe Ontario. as Eastern Province chief minister. known him to be a schemer or Organization announce the sud- The Second World War saw Muslim viewpoint plotter getting into cliquish office den passing of Thomas John Bata, many Bata businesses in Europe Educationists, writers, poets politics. He always steered clear at Sunnybrook Health Sciences and the Far East destroyed. After and artistes among the communi- of such petty activity. Centre in Toronto at the age of the Second World War, the core ty were also afforded a forum by A true gentleman 93. business enterprise in Navamani. He was a gentle man and a As "Shoemaker To The World", Czechoslovakia and other major The Navamani was unique in gentleman among journalists. A Thomas J. Bata was a man of out- enterprises in Central and Eastern expressing the Muslim viewpoint real gem of a person. I shall miss standing qualities and achieve- Europe were nationalized by on crucial issues. It was both an him. His death is a great loss to ments who had a positive influ- Communist governments. Tom index as well as maker of Muslim the Muslim community as well as ence on the lives of many millions devoted himself to the rebuilding opinion. As a result, the newspa- to Tamil journalism. of people throughout the world. and growth of the Bata Shoe per enjoyed wide readership Azhar was engaged in morn- He was born in Prague and Organization together with his Thomas John Bata: among Muslims. ing Subuhu prayer and reciting educated in Czechoslovakia, wife and partner, Sonja. He suc- September 17, 1914 to Most Muslim majority neigh- the Kaleema when he had a heart England and Switzerland. His cessfully spearheaded ethical and September 1, 2008 bourhoods had organisations attack and a stroke. father Tomas had founded the innovative expansion into new called Navamani Vasagar Vattam Al Haj M.H.M. Azhar's mortal Thomas Bata once sent a (readers' circle).It was a popular, remains were taken from his resi- salesman to India to sell his people-based newspaper. dence in Wellampitiya and buried shoes. The salesman Azhar's dream was to develop at the Maligawatte Muslim burial returned after two weeks the weekly into a daily. He would grounds on the same day. often tell me that I should write May the Almighty be merciful and told him -""Can't sell regularly for the paper once it and grant him Jennathul Firdous. shoes in India because very became a daily. Alas! That was (D.B.S. Jeyaraj can be contacted few wear shoes." Bata sent not to be during his lifetime. on [email protected]) another salesman and he difference in the lives of his Mr. Bata continually stimulated returned after two weeks employees and their communities. those around him to be passion- and told him "Best place to Many Bata operations were estab- ate about their work and to con- sell our shoes because very lished with medical, educational tinually aim higher. He was a true and social facilities for Bata inspiration to everyone he met. few are wearing shoes" employees. His vision was to "shoe the world". from 1999 to 2007. Mr. Bata participated in sever- His vitality, wisdom, generosity Mr. Bata's consideration for al leading business organizations. and sense of humour endeared others led to his work with numer- In Canada, he was a former him to people of all ages. Shoemaker to the World: Thomas John Bata ous charitable organizations. He Director of Canadian Pacific He enjoyed spending time was Chairman of the Bata Shoe Airlines and IBM Canada. He was with his family and friends, Bata Shoe Organization in 1894. markets throughout Asia, Middle Foundation. His dedication to a founding member of the Young whether at home or exploring After his father's premature death East, Africa, and Latin America. Junior Achievement International, Presidents Organization, unfamiliar destinations, skiing, in an aircraft accident in 1932, Under his leadership the Bata Trent University and York Chairman of the Commission on swimming or playing tennis. In Thomas J. Bata was guided by his Shoe Organization experienced University in Canada and the Multinational Enterprises of the fact, he continued to enjoy sport- late-father's moral testament: unprecedented growth and Tomas Bata University in the International Chamber of ing activities until shortly before that the Bata Shoe company was became the world's largest manu- Czech Republic reflected his spe- Commerce and Chairman of the his death. to be treated not as a source of facturer and marketer of footwear cial interest in the education of Business and Industry Advisory He was an example of how private wealth, but as a public selling over 300 million pairs of young people. Committee to OECD. He was par- ideals and qualities can and will trust, a means of improving living shoes each year and employing His business qualities included ticularly fond of India and was a continue to inspire all of us. standards within the community over 80,000 people. "Our cus- vision, dedication, energy and founding member of the Canada In his own way, Thomas J. and providing customers with tomer - Our Master" was one of drive for excellence. He was also India Business Council. Bata has left his "footprint" on good value for their money. He his guiding principles. an exceptional mentor to those In addition to his many univer- humanity. promised to pursue the entrepre- Thomas J. Bata was particu- who worked with him. sity doctorates, he was a Mr. Bata is survived by his neurial and humanitarian ideals of larly proud of his association with He saw business as a contrib- Companion of the Order of much loved wife and partner, his father. This became his life's the Hastings and Prince Edward utor to human well being interna- Canada and received the Order of Sonja (born Wettstein), son - work. Regiment. He joined the tionally. He always made it a pri- T.G. Masaryk in Czechoslovakia. Thomas George who is the pres- Anticipating the Second World Regiment during the Second ority to ensure that his businesses In 2007 he proudly received the ent CEO and Chairman of the Bata War, Mr. Bata, together with over World War and served as a not only contributed to the First Lifetime Award for Shoe Organization; and three 100 families from Czechoslovakia, Captain in the Canadian Reserve economies of the new markets he Responsible Capitalism in the daughters, Christine, Monica, moved to Canada in 1939 to Army and as Honorary Colonel entered, but also made a positive United Kingdom. Rosemarie, and their families.

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Ramadhan - the month Memorial Service in Toronto By: J.J. Atputharajah Elayathamby referred to his excel- The Past Pupils' Association of lent services in St. John's as a of fasting and prayer St. John's College, Jaffna and Zoology master, house master and Chundikuli Girls' College organized a prefect of games. He remembered By Shezna Shums "And when My servants ask thee memorial service at St.Paul's how Thevasagayam was also Most of the Muslims in Sri about Me, say: I am near. I Anglican L' Ameroux Church at responsible for the renovation and Lanka as well as around the world answer the prayer of the suppli- Scarborough for the life, work and restoration of the school buildings at have begun fasting during the cant when he prays to Me. So witness of the late Dr. E.S. St. John's after the civil war. He took holy month of Ramadhan. Fasting they should remember Me and Thevasagayam, Principal Emeritus over as principal of St. John's at a and also commemorated the 185 very crucial time when there was is expected to start early believe in Me, that they may fol- years anniversary of the revered chaos all around and set in motion September when the new moon low the right way." institution.The late Thevasagayam forces for the re-building and was sighted. Fasting being one of A Hadith is a record of the served as principal from 1988 until renewal which was successfully the five pillars of Islam is an actions and teachings of the 1993. The service was presided over completed by his successor, the late important part of any Muslim per- Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), by Rev. Bobby Mather. The choir Mr. S. Thanapalan. Mr. Jimmy son's life. Of course he/she must Hazrat Ibn Umar (may Allah be was trained by Joel Joseph, director Rajaratnam paid tributes to the past be physically and mentally fit to pleased with him) has narrated of the Eagle Chorus who also organ- principals of St. John's and talked fast. that: "I heard the Holy Prophet ized the service in a very meaning- highly of the achievements of out- (PBUH) saying that you should ful manner. The choir gave a very standing principals. They were Rev. start fasting when you see the good account of themselves. The Joseph Knight (the dreamer), Rev. moon for the month of Ramadhan Tamil song sung by the Thevaseer- Johnstone (the founder), Rev. vatham family was very well ren- Pargiter (the consolidator), Rev. and stop fasting when you see dered. Tributes for the life and work Thompson (the developer), Rev. the new moon." (Sahih Bukhari). of the late principal were paid by Henry Peto (the modernizer), the At the time of Ifthar (opening the Mosque in Central Road, Messrs. E. Thevaseer-vatham (a Rev. J. T. Arulananthan (the first fast): There are some times dur- Trincomalee, Sri Lanka - brother) and T. Elaya-thamby (a national principal), Mr. K. ing the day that are more helpful Photo: Drs. Sarajevo past pupil and family friend). Mr. Pooranampillai (The redeemer) and and assist in prayers being Thevaseervatham referred to the Mr. S. Thanapalan (the builder of answered. Allah accepts more said that during Ramadhan: inimitable Christian life led by his modern St. John's). It is the initial prayers when the fast is opened. "Allah says: 'Is there anyone who brother, his love for the family, devo- sacrifice and services of missionar- No prayer is rejected calls on me so that I can accept tion and dedication to his school and ies that made it possible for St. In one Hadith the Holy his prayers? Is there anyone who his faithful services to the Anglican John's to be the enduring centre of Prophet (PBUH) is reported to asks for anything so that I can ful- church of Ceylon for which he education and enlightenment in the served in many capacities. He gave Jaffna peninsula torn by civil war have said: "No prayer is rejected fill his desires? Is there anyone a full history of his brother as a lov- and turmoil. at the time of the opening of the who asks for forgiveness so that I ing brother, a dedicated teacher, a Special prayers were offered for can forgive." fast that is offered by someone professional scientist who was in the the nation and the people who are Islam is built upon five pillars, who has been fasting." Last 10 days anti-malaria campaign and later suffering due to the continuous con- which are: testifying there is no Welcoming the month of Last 10 days of Ramadhan: joined the UN to work as an etymo- flict in the island nation. The organ- god but Allah and that Ramadhan, the Holy Prophet Hazrat Ayesha (may Allah be logical research specialist in Asia izing committee headed by Mr. Joel Muhammad is the messenger of (PBUH) has said; "The month of pleased with her) narrates that, and several other countries. He Joesph and the members of the Allah, performing the five daily Ramadhan comes to you. This is a "during the month of Ramadhan, used his skills and education for the executive committee of the Past prayers, giving Zakat, performing blessed month." "To render our the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to welfare of his community, country Pupils' Association should be com- Hajj and fasting during the month dues we should recite the Holy develop a new vigour, staying and the world at large. Thevasa- mended for the fitting memorial of Ramadan. Qur'an as much as possible." awake all night and also waking gayam also initiated a foreign aid service and commemoration of the scheme by which deserving stu- 185th anniversary of St. John's. For a person's fast to be valid During this month, at night, the members of his family for wor- dents could be helped through "Johnians always play the game." first there should be the intention Holy Prophet (PBUH) is said to ship." donations from abroad. Mr. to fast, and then refraining from have recited the Holy Qur'an in its During the month of the things that break ones fast. It entirety with the Angel Gabriel. Ramadhan worship reaches its is also recommended that a pre- Opening the doors to heaven: peak in the form of I'tikaaf (retire- dawn meal is taken, even if it con- Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah ment for Allah's worship). sists of just water. be pleased with him) has narrated Ramadhan and Lailatul Qadr At sunset that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) (Night of Decree): Hazrat Ayesha When a person is fasting he is said: "When the month of (may Allah be pleased with her) advised to hasten the breaking of Ramadhan starts, the doors of said: "O Allah's Prophet, if I know the fast once he is sure the sun heaven are opened, the doors of which night is the Lailatul Qadr has set. Breaking fast is usually hell are closed, and Satan is put then what should I pray? He done by consuming an odd num- into chains." (Sahih Muslim) replied: you should pray: 'O Allah, ber of dates followed by water. A place in heaven you are very forgiving and love Muslims consider this to be the In this saying the Holy those who forgive others. So best way to break fasting. The Prophet (PBUH) has promised a bestow your blessings on me and Qur'an says "Fasting is prescribed high place in heaven for one who forgive me.'" for you, as it was prescribed for observes the fast because a "Lailatul Qadr is such a night those before you, so that you may believer is enjoined to perform that the Holy Qur'an has declared become righteous. such deeds that please Allah and it to be better than a thousand "The prescribed fasting is for a stay away from bad things. months. fixed number of days, but whoso Charity during Ramadhan is "May Allah enable us to be the among you is sick or is on a jour- also very important: Holy Prophet recipients of Lailatul Qadr that we ney shall fast the same number of (PBUH), was the most generous truly benefit from the coming other days; and of those who are of men and he was at his most month of Ramadhan. May Allah able to fast only with great diffi- bountiful during Ramadhan when accept our prayers during this culty as an expiation, the feeding Gabriel visited him every night month, and whenever we pray as of a poor man. "And whoso per- and recited the Qur'an to him. well." During this time of forms a good work with willing Allah forgives all previous sins of Ramadhan it is obligatory that obedience, it is better for him. a person who sincerely worships every Muslim pays Zakath before And fasting is good for you, if you Allah during the month of the end of Ramadan. only knew." Ramadhan. It is the same when it This money is collected and As guidance comes to prayers during the given to the less fortunate so that "The month of Ramadhan is month of Ramadhan. they too may enjoy the festivities that in which the Qur'an was sent During this month Allah's on Eid-ul-Fitr. down as a guidance for mankind mercy and blessings are at their [thesundayleader.lk] with clear proof of guidance. peak. The Prophet (PBUH) has MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 43 Monsoon Kids Corner

Color Me Competition - 7

Dead Line fo r entries: September 25, 2008 Entries have to be made on original paper, photo co pies no t accepted. The Winner will be selected and posted in the September issue. Please mail to: Monsoon Journal 3107 Sheppard Ave East Toronto, ON. M1T 3J7

Abdulla Nalim Winner for August 2008 Scarborough Entry Form: Color Me competition-6 Anjana & Rishi Chandrakumar Scarborough Name: ……………………………………………. Congratulations from Eesha Kirubaharan Monsoon Journal Markham Address: …………………………………………. $10 cash will be mailed to the Bairavie Piravakaran Toronto winner. …………………………………………………….. Abu George Once again we have selected more Scarborough Tel No:…………….E-Mail: ……………………… winners for this issue too. Abzhara Sasikumar Markham Veteran Nathaswaram exponent The Tamil Cultural and Academic Society of Durham Kaanamoorthy passes away entertained Durham residents with a cultural show recently. V.K.Kaanamoorthy, an expo- Pictures here show dance programs at the show. nent in Nathaswaram music passed away on September 9th night in Jaffna Teaching Hospital after a brief illness at 60 years of age. Kaanamoorthy with his younger brother Panchamoorthy, excelled in playing Nathaswaram not only in Sri Lanka but also in Tamil Nadu in South India, Singapore and Malaysia for more than three decades. V.K.KaanamoorthyKaanamoor thy was born in the year 1948 in Once mastered in Nathas- Koandaavil in Jaffna district. waram, he and Panchamoorthy, Terror attackscan't break India'sunity At the age of 14 he learnt had been playing the instrument Nathaswaram music from veteran in temples and other musical In a couple of days we'll prob- no use getting carried away by real culprits, or it may be the alias Vidwan Narayanasamy and later functions. ably have a better idea of the claims that terrorists make. This is of another outfit. Whatever the learnt most techniques in the Both the artists have been damage caused by the Saturday usually done to demoralise the case, we should await proper music from Mr. Rasa of described by the music world as evening blasts in three important authorities and the public, espe- identification Maaviddapuram. the twins of Nathaswaram. markets in the national capital. cially when the same agency before jumping to conclusions. We should by then also be able to seeks to appropriate credit on Since the primary purpose of ter- Scarborough-Guildwood make some sense of who the per- more than one occasion. The rorism is to jolt the morale of a petrators might be, looking at the intention is to plant people, and create in them a grip- Conservative Candidate Chuck nature of the materials used and the subconscious fear among ping sense of insecurity, as citi- by the modus operandi of the ter- ordinary people that those who zens we will do well not to direct Konkel begins his campaign on rorists. Early reports suggest plan to hit them are everywhere, suspicion against whole religious more than while the providers of security are communities. This is a communal Saturday Sep. 13th 10 people lost their lives and groping in the dark. These are reaction that demonises people more than 80 were injured. pretty much standard psy-war only on the basis of their faith. Whether this is a coincidence or techniques. Ordinary folk should The terrorists would have suc- not, the Saturday blasts bear a be encouraged to give them short ceeded in their aims if they can striking resemblance to blasts in shrift. Terrorist groups sometimes elicit such a reaction from us, for Delhi three years ago. They advertise themselves loudly with a the ultimate purpose of the occurred on the same day of the view to registering their success enemy is to week and approximately the same with those that dispatched them. disturb the unity of a people. hour of early evening. Perhaps This is a mercenary motive, of The terror strike in Delhi should this points to the fact that the ter- course. It is only when the initial impel us to greater effort to rorists expect ordinary people to impact of a establish a well-coordinated be out shopping in large numbers terror attack simmers down national agency to track and on weekend evenings. But whoev- and the early excitement abates attack perpetrators of terror er they are, the executors of evil that it is possible to dispassionate- attacks. Such an agency will natu- designs ly analyse an incident or a chain rally need to have strong cooper- against innocent people must of events. The Delhi blasts are ative relations with police sleuths be warned that they will be also being taken credit for, and in the states. This is because all of exposed in the not too distant the name of a group popping up India is on the radar screen of future. Already, several leading is the same that tried to fore- those who think nothing of killing dramatis personae of previous ground its claims on earlier occa- innocent people in order to terror attacks on prominent cities sions also. It may be no more advance their political aims. are finding the going tough. It is than a paper front shielding the 44 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL TSH "RUN for the BEAT"

5 & 1O km Run/ Walk-a-thon Sunday, October 26, 2008 7:oo a.m. - 12 noon (Run begins at 8:oo a.m.)

Join runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to raise funds for BecauseBecause we We care Care Capital Equipment for our General and Grace Campuses!

Kids 12 & under encour- BBQ, snacks & "Beat" After-party aged to dress up as their Live Entertainment favourite music/ pop star refreshments at L'Amoreaux Park (Across from Grace Campus) and be entered in a con- test to win prizes!

For more information: REGISTRATION Valerie Culham, Community Development Officer 416-431-8200 ext. 6662 or CUT-OFF DATE: Lisa Alves, Special Events Assistant OCTOBER 22/ 08 416-431-8200 ext. 6661 12 NOON Because We Care For more information, visit our website: www.geocities.com/tshfoundation Because We Care

Come and explore MukiBaum’s new State-of-the-Art Centre For Ability featuring: Sensory Campus, Art Campus, Vocational Campus complete with: Art Gallery Gymnasium 3 Snoezelen Rooms (Activation, Relaxation, Spa) Virtual Reality Room Music Room Dance Room Indoor Sensory Garden Multi-Sensory Room Gross Motor Room Arts Studio Vocational Piazza Fitness Room and much more...

Where: 40 Samor Rd. Toronto On M6A 1J6

t Groton St Cartwrigh

Yorkdale Rd McAdam Ave Hwy 401 Glen Belle Cres Alcester Ct Bentworth Ave

Paul Daviv St Bentworth Ave

Zachary Ct Caledonia Rd Caledonia Sparrow Ave

Orfus Rd Orfus Rd Dufferin St Dufferin

Allen Rd S

Kreiger Cres Flemington Rd

Edengarth Ct Samor Rd Creston Rd Leswyn Rd Stardew Ln

Mulholland Ave Mulholland Celt Ave

Benalto Rd Benalto Highland Hl Highland

'XIÀDZ5G Addresses By Dignitaries & Ribbon Cutting Apex Rd Caledonia Dane Ave Evenings’ Hostess Park Beverly Thomson, CTV

Bolingbro RSVP by September 19th, 2008 Lawrence Ave W Convent Ct 416-630-2222 or [email protected] Cork Ave Fairholme Ave Refreshments will be served. Hwy 400 Hwy 404 MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2008 45 MonsoonMonsoon EventsEvents && ClassifiedClassified

Isha Yoga Teacher Visits Tor onto to Offer Inner Engineer ing Sadhguru trained Isha Yoga teacher will offer Inner Engineering Program from September 17 - 23 at 175 Bloor St. East, Toronto, ON - M4W 3R8. There will be an introductory talk on September 17th from 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm. All are welcome. www.ishayoga.org email: [email protected] Contact: 416 300 3010

wHat iF tHe rAin fAils A Play By Cheran directed by Dushy Gnanapragasam

Saturday, October 11, 2008 1.00, 4.00, and 6.00 p.m.

Young Centre for the Performing Arts Distillery Historic District

Tickets at Young Centre Box Office www.youngcentre.ca, 416.866.8666 or Canadian Tamil Congress Office 416.240.0078 www.blackjuly83.com

Kalaiarasy - 2008

The annual cultural event of JHCA Canada, the Kalaiarasy is to take place on Saturday, September 27th, 2008. Preparations are in full swing to make this event a memorable one. We cordially invite all the JHC old boys, their families, well-wishers, and teachers to come out and enjoy this event. Location: Chinese Cultural Center, 5183 Sheppard Avenue East, (Close to Markham & Sheppard), Scarborough. Time: 6:00 PM Tickets: $15.00 per adult. www.jaffnahinducanada.com "Batti Night" Vacancy Manager for Flower Shop On Saturday, October 4, 2008. A leading flower store in CAPI TAL BANQUET CENTRE Scarborough specializing in making CONDO / APARTMENT FOR SALE in 6435 DI XI E RD. MI SSI SSAUGA garlands requires a Manager to (NORTH EAST CORNER OF DI XE & manage the store. A knowledge of how to make garlands will be advan- WELLAWATTE, SRI LANKA COURTNEYPARK DRI VE EAST) One bedroom apartment for sale at (Mayura Flats) Havelock tageous but not necessary. Applicants Chief Guest: Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ponniah, should have a Driver's license. Salary Road, Welawatte. The property is situated closer to Bishop of Batticaloa-Trincomalee diocese. will be paid weekly and details will Mayuraa Amman Temple. The owner is residing in Toronto Joint Support by: be discussed at the interview. Past Pupils' Association of St. Joseph's College, Trincomalee now, and wants to sell the property immediately. Contact Shanthi at & Tamil Catholic Community & Many others to honour the Bishop. For further details please call Money generated in Raffle ticket sales will go to Bishop's Fund. 416 288 1419 or 416 704 0527 Entertaining performances, dinner, and dance. fax Resume to More info: www.battistmichaels.com 416 288 9311 46 SEPTEMBER 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Kollywood Film Review

lightly. Also, the screenplay the levels of cinematography in the youngsters have spirits that surprise, however intuitive they by Anand. J moves in such a way that there is different parts of the movie. will not be dampened and that is may be. DHANAM an element of suspense at the Portions shot by the late Jeeva exactly what leads them to the Talking about the cast, it is beginning, but that fizzles out are definitely a notch above his centre of a conspiracy. Taking a indeed pleasant to see much of The makers of Dhanam have towards the end. replacement Srinivas Devamsam. deviation from the highway, they the Chennai 28 cast back again made a brave attempt at handling The movie tries hard to deliv- Music by Ilaiyaraja seems average make their way through an isolat- on screen; the director shows his two contemporary burning social er quite a few messages and does by the maestro's high standards. ed path hoping to rejoin the main acumen here. All of them have issues, prostitution and supersti- succeed at many points. The However, there is one song with a road at a later point. done fairly well, but the one who tion. The attempt in itself is worth acceptance of a sex worker by an classical touch which is bound to But events start taking unex- scores highly is Premgi Amaren appreciating. The question is orthodox family (headed by Girish be liked by everyone. pected turns by the moment. An once again. He returns to his best whether the movie has done jus- Karnad) is one of them. Also, Overall, Dhanam is a movie accident, a few gunshots, a heart after his debut, seemingly enjoy- tice to the scope of the issues there is Raj Kapoor, as a police which does not fulfill the scope of stopping incident, a few goons, a ing the experience of working being handled, because the sub- its theme. Also, the subject will be missed purse and a girl (Saroja) under his elder brother; but there ject, especially that of prostitution seen by some groups as contro- all alone in the middle of nowhere is a lingering doubt as to whether has been beaten to death by versial. This, coupled with a pret- leave them bewildered. It is only his comic capers in the midst of stereotypes in Tamil cinema, bar- ty narrow cross section of the racy thriller will be liked by the ring a few sensitive portrayals. audience who will accept such audience. SPB Charan is the new Sangeetha as Dhanam is a bold themes, stacks the odds addition. Apart from the Chennai lady who has been forced into the against Dhanam. 28 cast, the movie also has expe- life of a sex worker. However, she rienced hands in Prakash Raj and does not isolate herself from the SAROJA Jeyaram who add a touch of class society. In fact she helps out peo- It's the return of the victorious to the proceedings. Debutant ple around her with the money officer, whose meaningful dia- team of Chennai 6000028. All Vega, Nikitha and Kajal Aggarwal that she earns. Fortunes seem to logues convey a few pertinent those who watched and loved the have done their parts well without smile upon her as a young man points which might get noticed if refreshingly youthful fun story delivering anything special. from a good family expresses his the movie stands strong at the would certainly have high expec- slowly revealed that what they Technically, Saroja is a movie desire to marry her. Just as she box office. However, the best tations of Saroja. The onus is on have seen are the moving parts of that gives a lot of scope for the settles into her new life, fate plays message has been delivered by Venkat Prabhu to prove that an immaculately planned conspir- cinematographer, most of the spoil sport and circumstances Kota Srinivasa Rao who comes Chennai 600028 was not a freak acy. As the threads are unraveled, story being at night, and has been force her to return to her earlier across as an unscrupulous hit. Billed as a first of its kind in henchmen, policemen, a high fly- used well. The background score astrologer. He effectively portrays Tamil cinema, Saroja tells the ing businessman and many others too is befitting of a thriller. The the way in which fraudsters take story of four ordinary men who are at different ends of the con- songs have been tailor made for advantage of the common man's end up in an extraordinary situa- spiracy. the youth and are bound to be superstitions. tion on a day that is perfectly nor- Basically planned as a thriller, enjoyed. But the movie on the What one expects most from we feel it would not be appropri- whole belongs to the director who a movie like Dhanam is strong ate to reveal anything else about has taken a one line plot and performances. One wonders why the movie as it would take the maintained the element of sus- Girish Karnad is not seen more zing out of the experience of pense till the very end, a very often on the Tamil silver screen, watching it. The prerequisite for challenging thing to do for a he does his part with aplomb. TV any thriller is the pace in the director in only his second movie. life. Much else cannot be revealed actor Prem has done his bit well, script and Venkat Prabhu seems He has managed to cleverly craft about the story. but nothing spectacular. to have faltered a bit in this the characters such that we don't Woven around an interesting Sangeetha as Dhanam has done a regard. Some scenes in the first get the slightest inkling of what is premise, what strikes you most fair job, given the nature of her half could have been shorter and afoot. about the movie is the hurried role. But one feels that she could mal to start with. crisper. However, he has done Saroja is certainly different nature of events that take place. have been better at many places, Ganesh Kumar, Ram Babu, really well in all other depart- from the run of the mill movies A few of the turning points in the especially at the end where her Jagapathi Babu and Ajay Raj are ments. His evolution as a film and the attempt should be appre- movie are extremely difficult deci- decision does not evoke any reac- the four protagonists of the story. maker is evident in the way most ciated. At the box office, the sions made by characters who are tion (for or against) her character. The movie begins with four of of the scenes have been pic- thriller tag and the deftly held totally antagonistic to an orthodox There have been attempts at them setting off in a car towards turised, the scale is definitely big- suspense will prove to be its community set up. Yet the charac- comedy lead by M.S. Bhaskar with Hyderabad to catch a cricket-one- ger this time round. There are strength and the lack of pace (at ters do not seem to experience Karunas providing the rearguard. day-international. But what hap- places in the movie where one places) and the elements of com- mental turmoil or careful consid- Needless to say, it looks com- pens is more exciting than just a can clearly feel and see a edy (perhaps) may go against it. eration before arriving at these pletely out of place, something 50 over cricket match, perhaps Hollywood influence. The dia- Venkat Prabhu proves that he is decisions, which makes it a bit the movie could have done with- something more exciting than logues are youthful and well con- not a flash in the pan, the young difficult to swallow. For example, out. they would have bargained for. ceived. The high point of the director is here to stay. a young man from a respected Technically, there is nothing Things start to go wrong when an movie is when the threads of the Post your comments to family coming forward to marry a much to write home. But one can- untoward incident on the road conspiracy are fully revealed, the [email protected] sex worker has been shown too not fail to notice the difference in threatens to spoil their trip. But audience will surely be taken by MONSOON JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 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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