Readers and Advertisers Choice Send money to your loved ones Monsoon Journal Fast, Reliable & Easy One Price - 3 Versions ADiiA Division i of f the h Prestigious P i i HNBiHNB in SiLSri Lanka k 3 Easy Ways to send money Print co pies available free Online At Location Interac Transfer E-Paper & PDF Customer Service : 416 431 2020 at Location: 1200 Markham Rd, Suite 122, Scarborough www.monsoonjournal.com delmaexchangecanada.com Monsoon Journal A parfait media publication VOL 4 ISSUE 07 December 2009 Sri Lanka - Presidential Elections Monsoon The Battle between the two Titans has begun… Minority Vote the deciding 19 factor for Victory? Shared Values... By Siva Sivapragasam North did not exercise their fran- The contest for the next chise during the last Presidential Presidency in Sri Lanka between Elections). incumbent President Mahinda The Sinhala vote which is U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first Rajapakse and former Army Chief about 80 per cent of the total lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) stand with Sarath Fonseka will perhaps be vote will perhaps be divided 22 based on who takes credit for between the two leaving a bal- I ndia's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (2nd Nativity of Jesus... winning the war against the LTTE. ance 20 per cent minority vote R) and his wife Gursharan Kaur before a A cynic remarked "The war (Tamils in North, East & Colombo, 24 state dinner at the White House November with the Tigers is over and the Muslims, and upcountry battle between the Lions has Tamils).In terms of numbers, the 24, 2009 -Reuters pic. begun. winner will be the person who According to political analysts bags most from the minority vote the main reason why the (Tamil & Muslim) which is esti- Presidential Elections are being mated at 1.2 million. The Tamils held two years ahead of schedule may be forced with a dilemma of EAGLE GLEN ... is the fear that the present popu- a Hobson's Choice between the larity of the President on the vic- two contenders. The Sinhala vote tory of the war may not last long. will be split and the Tamil vote However, the President has gone will be decisive. The Presidential on record saying that he is sacri- Elections are scheduled to be ficing two years of his current held next month on January 30 Presidency for a mandate from 26th..Certainly a bruising battle is War partners... the people to develop the country in the offing. and also a chance for the voter in Come what may, the minority the North to choose a President. vote will decide who will be the (Many of the voters in the next President of Sri Lanka. Monsoon Social Media 40 Join twitter.com and expand your networking opportunities Re-settlement of IDPs... twitter.co m/ mo nso o njo urnal Monsoon Health 8-9 Mo nso o n Arts 29 Monsoon Photo Journal 36 Monsoon Cinema 38 Monsoon Kids 44 See pg 45

Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) 2.0% Premium Savings @ 2.0% Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Saturday: 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m Suite 100A, 2100 Ellesmere Road, Toronto, ON. M1H 3B7 Tel: 416-915-8989 2 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Canada Newsline 3 The Scarborough Hospital accepts overflow from Mt. Sinai, delivers triplets Special delivery showcases expertise of Maternal Newborn Department The Maternal Newborn diately prepared for the delivery. Department had an unexpected When soon-to-be mom Anita delivery recently when it was Shlymon arrived by ambulance, asked by doctors at Mt. Sinai to she was anxious, nervous and a accept a patient in labour with bit worried about delivering in an premature triplets. unfamiliar hospital with a doctor "This is a huge compliment for who had not cared for her us," says Dr. Cramer, an obstetri- throughout her pregnancy. cian at The Scarborough Hospital "I asked my doctor at Mt. who delivered the last set of Sinai to come with me. I didn't triplets at the General campus in want someone else delivering my 1982. babies. He knew my history. But The Mt. Sinai obstetrician "felt he told me I didn't have to worry, comfortable transferring here. He that Dr. Cramer was a good doc- did not feel the care would be tor," says Anita. "I was worried compromised," says Dr. Cramer, but Dr. Cramer made me feel like who delivers about 400 babies everything would be ok. He was each year. "It is extremely rare for joking and that made me feel bet- us to get asked to take overflow ter. I received excellent care at from Mt. Sinai ." The Scarborough Hospital and my Although The Scarborough three children continue to receive Hospital's Maternal Newborn excellent care." Centre is one of the busiest in the The three baby boys were city, delivering close to 6,000 delivered within minutes of each babies annually, high-risk preg- other and are all doing well. One nancies - including a woman car- was transferred to Sick Children's Cramer. "We have high volumes. Registered nurses Lorna triplet delivery highlighted the rying triplets - are typically Hospital for specialized care. He We have a very different and dif- LePoldevin, left, and Tara Moreau hospital's advanced obstetrical referred to hospitals that special- returned to TSH a week later to ficult obstetric population. Many spend time with triplet boys and pediatric expertise. ize in that kind of care. be with his brothers; all three are have had little or no prenatal Justen, Jean and Jayden in the For further information please Confident they could handle healthy. "No we don't do this very care. There are nutritional issues. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at contact: Tracy Huffman, Commu- the delivery, the team in the often. But obstetrically you can't We do an excellent job with very The Scarborough Hospital, nications Specialist, The Scarb- Maternal Newborn Department at compare what we do here to any trying circumstances." General campus. The healthy orough Hospital, 416.438.2911 x The Scarborough Hospital imme- other hospital in the city," says Dr. Cutline for attached photo: babies are doing well. The rare 6770

Prime Minister Stephen Harper with President Obama at APEC summit in Singapore. (Pic at Top)

Thomas Saras, President of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, presents Prime Minister Stephen Harper with a plaque naming him an honourary Life Chair of the Council. (Pic at bottom) PMO photo by Jason Ransom

LAW OFFICES OF YASO SINNADURAI POSITIONS AVAILABLE ur firm has offices in Scarborough and Mississauga, with emphasis in the practice areas Oof Residential and Commercial Real Estate Law, Business Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). We are looking for suitable candidates to fill: Law Clerk, Legal Secretary and Secretary Positions with individuals who have work experience in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Law. These positions require a University or College Level education. The successful candidate will be a reliable, efficient and committed individual, with a pleasant demeanor. Our offices require individuals who are detail oriented, work well under pressure and have the desire to excel at their assigned tasks. Candidates will have:  Pleasant telephone mannerism, good interpersonal and organizational skills and neatness.  Excellent spoken and written skills in English.  Excellent computer and keyboarding skills.  Experience using Conveyancer and all Teraview software products (with PCLaw).  Ability to converse in Tamil.

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We thank all our applicants. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. MJ10020091101 4 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Journal From the Publisher’s Desk ... Printing the Winds of Change around us All lands home, all men kin. Happy Holidays from Monsoon Journal If we weigh the excellence of a benefit which is conferred It's that time again, the holiday er, whom gather together and share positive future have been forecasted. Year, with new goals and objectives to season is upon us with Christmas memories of the past and stories of The repeated theme of the current set that will allow us all to achieve the without weighing the return, it shopping and party planning to organ- their present lives. An opportunity to year has been recession, recession, targets that we have placed for our- is larger than the sea. ize. Numerous questions are running forget about the deadlines at work, or recession. Reasons why several peo- selves. - Thirukkural # 103 through many people's head like what the stressful drives to work in rush ple were let go from their jobs after The month of December allows us should I buy my neighbour for hour traffic is not put into focus during working for countless years with the all to reflect on the past year, and look Managing Editor & Publisher Christmas or where will the holiday the holiday season. Whether you cele- company, why companies took a more forward to the New Year ahead of us. Logan Velumailum dinner be this year. This is a stressful brate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or conservative approach in their spend- It is now an opportunity to begin with time for countless people trying to none in specific, but still take part ing, and why many companies are not a new plan or alter the previous one in manage their busy schedules, but this enjoying the holiday season, the fes- even hosting a Christmas party all in an effort to live a productive, success- Editorial & Marketing Consultant is also a special time of the year, tivities are all ahead of us and the year an effort to save money. The 2009 ful, happy and healthy lifestyle. Siva Sivapragasam where many friends and families get coming to a close. year was filled with many ups and On behalf of Monsoon Journal I together over the holiday season. Although this has definitely been a downs for the Canadian community wish you all a cheerful holiday season, Friends and families that may have challenging year for many, conditions and as the year comes to an end we and a prosperous and healthy New Promotion Co-ordinator not seen each other throughout the have been looking brighter in the past are all looking for a new start. A fresh Year! Senthi Senthivel year because of one reason or anoth- couple of months, and predictions of a new beginning to commence the New Krishni Loganathan, BA (Hons)

Layout Design Ilankai Tamil Sangam holds Annual General Meeting Santosh Kumar K.A The Ilankai Tamil Sangam's 32nd Persons) and a former deputy Asst. Annual General Meeting (AGM) was Secretary of State for Migration, Graphics Consultant held on November 14, 2009 at Human Rights and Refugees. It was Gnane B. Gnanendran Chutney Manor, Monmouth Junction, well received by the attendees. He New Jersey, USA with about three called on the Sri Lankan President to hundred attendees. "tear down the barbed wire." Contributing Columnists The event started with a minute of His full speech can be read at: Anand. J silence observed in memory of all who http://www.sangam.org/2009/11/AG Abizar Badani were killed in the genocide in the M_2009.php?uid= 3749. Tamil homeland and then a song trib- Sangam also honored Mr. Kannan Arun Senathirajah ute remembering the events of May Sreekantha from the 'Break the Ayktah Grover 2009. This song titled "eppadith Silence USA' Team for their aspiring Prof. Ghai, Saran thaanguvatho, eppadith thoongu- walk from Chicago to Washington, DC. Harish . G vatho" (how shall we bear the pain, The BTS group who originally walked how can we go to sleep) written by from Toronto to Chicago earlier this K.T. Kumaran Varna Rameswaran set the tone for year did so to bring awareness to the Ambassador Arthur 'Gene' Dewey Break the Silence walker, Kannan Krishni. L the events to follow. continuous suffering of the people in Sreekantha speaking Many organizations and speakers the Tamil Eelam region of Sri Lanka. Kumar Punithavel Struggle. The keynote speaker for the took part in the event. Members of Finally, the evening ended with a Mithura Anandarajah Ahilan Rajadeva was elected as evening was Ambassador Arthur PEARL gave an update on the geno- melodious concert by the popular the new President of Ilankai Tamil 'Gene' Dewey who was the US mem- Nate. V cide convention in Washington DC that music group, 'Jersey Rhythms'. They Sangam at the Annual General ber of the IIGEP (International they had attended. United States had also accompanied singers for two Parthipan Kugadason (PK) Meeting. Independent Group of Eminent Raymond Rajabalan Political Action Council (USTPAC) Eelam songs earlier in the evening. members updated on the advocacy Rudy Ruthran efforts in the US and the ongoing boy- Shiyam. L cott campaign. Tamils Against Thousands attend Heroes day Sri Krishnan. S Genocide (TAG) then gave an update of their initiatives on Sri Lanka war remembrance at Excel Centre, London Subramaniam Kanthaswamy crimes. Circulation Co-ordinator The morning program continued Over 50,000 British S.S. Mathavan with many more discussions on topics Tamils gathered at the Tamil such as "Aligning Tamil interests with Killy Sivarajah National Remembrance Day the US's national interests" and "Harnessing India's support to the held in the Excel exhibition Disclaimer: Tamils." The need for continued centre on Nov 27th. Opinions and I nterpretations engagement with stake holders in Specially designed interi- appearing in the newspaper are Tamil Nadu and Delhi and engaging those of the writers and need or props and the lighting think tanks were emphasized during not be necessarily of resembled the "Maveerar Monsoon Journal the discussion. Tamil Americans should liaise with Thuyilum Illam" Graves of Indian Associations in the US and To place community and fallen heroes. British Tamils make them lobby for Tamil cause with non profit organization news carrying red roses, Gloriosa Indian authorities. Also, the need to submit by email to: do good for our adopted homeland lilies (Kaarthikaippoo: Tamil [email protected] and the ancestral homeland were Tel: 416-358-3235 Eelam national flower) and elaborated. Strategies to move from lamps, are filing into the the issue of the internment camps to ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No contents peace in Eelam were discussed, with main venue, at the Excel in Monsoon Journal may be printed the need to always bring conversation Centre in East London, without the written consent of the about solutions. Publisher. where large cut-outs of Tamil The event, organized by Tamil National Remembrance Foundation, an associ- In the afternoon, Sangam invited ation of families of Tamils who had fallen in the Tamil struggle, was held at The views and opinions expressed in Eelam were displayed on Mr. V. Rudrakumaran to speak on the London's ExCel arena. It was the largest attendance at the annual event, the articles in Monsoon Journal are rationale for organizing transnational either side of the stage. despite Friday being a working day, organizers said [TamilNet] those of the authors and do not nec- Tamil Solidarity to advance Tamil essarily reflect those of the Publisher. While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy Monsoon Journal is not responsible for any errors or Waiters Wanted omissions in the contents. Advertisers are responsible for the contents in Karaikudi Chettinad Restaurant is lo o king the Advertisements and all liabilities for their claimers. fo r 2 waiters, full-time o r part-time,

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RBC invites Canadians to sub- mit their nominations for the "Top Pan American games 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2010." The second annual awards By: Raymond Rajabalan A second Pan American Sports program, also supported by Now that Toronto has been Congress met at the 1948 London Rogers, seeks to uncover and cel- successful in its bid to host the Olympic Games where plans were ebrate the stories and remarkable 2015 PAN AM games, here is a revived. The first Pan American achievements of outstanding From now until January 29, brief history of how this sports Games opened on February 25, Canadian immigrants from coast 2010, Canadians can submit their program originated. 1951, at Buenos Aires. More than to coast to coast. This national nominations at canadianimmi- The Pan American Games 2,500 athletes from 22 countries people's choice award is the first grant.ca. A nominee can be some- bring together athletes from the participated. of its kind to recognize individuals one who has moved to Canada countries of the Americas in a fes- The organization governing from all walks of life who've made tival of sport and international the Games was renamed, in 1955, friendship. The Games are held as the Pan American Sports A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS every four years in the year pre- Organization (PASO). Currently, ceding the Olympic Games. The 42 nations of North, Central and first Pan American Games took South America and the Caribbean FOR THE TOP 25 CANADIAN place in 1951 at Buenos Aires, Congress at Buenos Aires in comprise the organization. The Argentina, but they originated August 1940. The Congress official languages are Spanish and IMMIGRANTS OF 2010 more than two decades earlier. At selected Buenos Aires to host the English. PASO has headquarters the Olympic Congress coinciding first Pan American Games in in Mexico City and is presided Nat ional aw ard celebrat es achievements of with the 1924 Olympic Games at 1942, but World War II forced over by Mario Vasquez Raña of Paris, France, the International postponement of these games. Mexico, who also is a member of Canadian immigrants Olympic Committee members Although the 1942 Pan the International Olympic a difference since their arrival to from Cuba, Guatemala and American Games never took Committee. Canada. Mexico proposed the establish- place, at least one poster was cre- The PASO emblem is a torch "RBC has a longstanding com- from another country and, since ment of regional games for the ated on their behalf. The image superimposed over five concentric mitment to making it easier for immigrating, has contributed to countries of Central America. shows a male figure in the fore- circles of the colors green, yellow, newcomers to get settled, estab- the rich diversity and success of These games became reality two ground holding a javelin. The white, red and blue. At least one lished and succeed in Canada," this country. Achievements can be years later when Mexico City host- background reveals a view of the of these colors appears on every said Camon Mak, director, either professional or personal, ed the first Central American globe showing the Americas. The national flag of the Americas. Multicultural Markets, RBC. "New and nominees must hold landed Games globe is encircled with the flags of PASO's motto "America, Espirito, immigrants strive to be part of the immigrant or citizen status in At the 1932 Los Angeles 21 Pan American countries. Sport, Fraternité" incorporates social and economic fabric of this Canada. They could be communi- Olympic Games, representatives Countries from the British four of the languages in common country and it is important to RBC ty leaders, role models, entrepre- of the Latin American delegations Commonwealth, did not partici- use in the Americas: Spanish, to recognize their accomplish- neurs, teachers or volunteers. proposed regional Games for all pate in the early Pan American Portuguese, English and French. ments and contributions to At that time, a distinguished the Americas. This proposal even- Sports Congress. The lithograph The phrase loosely translates to Canada." panel of judges will review all tually led to the first meeting of poster was designed by artist English as "The American spirit of The "Top 25 Canadian nominees and present a short list the Pan American Sports Falier Totaro in 1941. friendship through sports." Immigrants of 2010" is the only of finalists online where all Canadian national awards pro- Canadians can vote for their gram for immigrants - a people's favourites, starting in February It's On: Bell's new HSPA network choice award that recognizes indi- 2010. The Top 25 winners will be viduals who have made a differ- announced in May 2010 and will ence to our national fabric since now live across Canada be recognized in Canadian their arrival to Canada. The Immigrant magazine, as well as Canada's largest, fastest and most reliable mobile network now operating awards program, which began in receive a commemorative plaque Wide variety of leading-edge smartphones and turbo sticks now available 2009, had an overwhelming and a $500 donation from RBC Learn more about Bell's new network at bell.ca/ network response with hundreds of sub- toward an authorized Canadian missions and more than 10,000 Canadians can now access the charity of their choice. votes cast from across Canada. country's largest, fastest and most reliable wireless network with Bell Mobility's launch today of its highly anticipated HSPA net- work and a range of new HSPA smartphones and turbo sticks. "Bell is delivering high-speed wireless service to more Canadians in more places than anyone else with the largest and fastest network available any- where in North America," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility and Chief Brand Officer for Bell. "Bell's new net- work is the most advanced in the world, built for speed and reliabil- ity from the ground up. And we've delivered this world-leading broadband access to thousands of small towns and rural locations just as fast as we have to urban centres across Canada." Offering mobile speeds as "Our all-IP (internet protocol) dropped calls, while maximizing high as 21 Megabits per second network infrastructure employs the capabilities of the latest HSPA (21 Mbps), the new network cov- enough new high-speed fibre to mobile devices." ers 1.2 million square kilometres, wrap halfway around the globe, Bell now offers a wide range reaching approximately 20,000 ensuring that Bell consumer and of new HSPA smartphones and Canadian towns and cities and business clients have the best other devices from the world's 93% of the population. The new experience possible in Canadian leading mobile manufacturers, network also supports interna- wireless," said Stephen Howe, including BlackBerry Bold 9700, tional roaming in more than 200 Chief Technology Officer for Bell BlackBerry Bold 9000, LG Xenon, countries around the globe and Mobility. "By employing the very Nokia 6350, Nokia 2730, Novatel across the United States too, latest HSPA technology available, U998 HSPA+ Turbo Stick, thanks to a roaming agreement our brand-new network delivers Samsung OMNIA II and Samsung with AT&T, the largest HSPA oper- enhanced call clarity, better in- Impact, etc. ator in the US. building coverage and fewer 6 Monsoon Newsline DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal

international investment commu- nity," said Nick Nicolaou, HSBC Amnesty International Chief chief executive for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Analysts said it would take Blasts Australia's 'Panic' more than symbols to revive Jaffna, a place the army still runs akin to an open prison and the Over Asylum Seekers Global banking giant HSBC is scene of some of the worst abus- By Phil Mercer The Amnesty International planning to open a branch in The head of Amnesty chief blames conservative politi- Jaffna - Sri Lanka's Northern International, Irene Khan, says cians for whipping up public hys- Province, according to a Joe the Australian government should teria. Leahy of The Financial Times, UK. close its immigration detention "I think it is unscrupulous HSBC will become the first for- center on Christmas Island. On a politicians and populist media," visit to Australia, Khan accuses Khan said. "There has been a lot HSBC plans landmark the conservative opposition of of fuss being made about the boat exploiting voters' fears about asy- arrivals when actually the num- lum seekers for political gain. bers arriving by air are much Jaffna branch opening Amnesty International higher. There seems to be a sense Secretary-General Irene Khan of panic when what is really need- eign bank to open a branch in es against civilians by the govern- says that holding asylum seekers ed here is to handle a humanitar- Jaffna. The plan by the UK-based ment and separatists. ian problem with regard to inter- banking group is to open the Mr Nicolaou added that the at the Christmas Island process- ing center will not deter the flow national standards." branch by January 2010, accord- branch in Jaffna would serve the Photo: AP ing to The Financial Times. northern region's growing horti- of boat people heading to She says the number of boat I rene Khan, secretary general of The newspaper further said: culture, fishery and seafood Australia. arrivals in Australia is small com- Amnesty I nternational (File Photo) "The fact that the HSBC logo is industries as well as handle remit- On a visit to Canberra this pared those arriving in Europe. going to be on display up in Jaffna week, Khan urged the govern- Khan, however, calls the Rudd tances from the peninsula's over- deal with the asylum problem. sends a powerful signal to the seas diaspora. ment of Prime Minister Kevin government's immigration policies The Australian government Rudd to close the camp in the an improvement on those of the says the surge of migrants arriv- Indian Ocean, about 2,600 kilo- previous conservative administra- ing by boat is the result of con- meters northwest of Perth. tion. She points out Mr. Rudd's flicts in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan The facility opened last year decision to grant permanent resi- as well as the global economic cri- and houses asylum seekers dency rather than temporary pro- sis. recently picked up by the tection visas to those deemed to Australia accepts more than Australian navy. be genuine refugees and the clo- 10,000 refugees a year who are A surge of unauthorized sure of the outback Woomera processed through non-govern- arrivals by boat has put the issue detention center and offshore mental agencies in other coun- of immigration back in the public processing facilities in the South tries. spotlight in Australia. Khan says Pacific. [voa news] the debate here has often been Amnesty International says a xenophobic. multilateral approach is needed to

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It may surprise many to know in this day and age the history has What gain in repeated it self. Everyone would remember the Illinois lawyer who studied under the lamp post later stopping the boats? to become the president of America. To day the history has repeated it self. Here is an inter- By Suvendrini Perera the sixth month. view of a young lad from Responding to a young jour- It is the encouragement and Killinochchi district in Sri-Lanka nalism student, Prime Minister of interest shown by our teachers has given which is reflected here Australia Kevin Rudd maintained that his Government's actions on Youth learns under the lamp post the Oceanic Viking abided by the letter of the Refugee Convention. by courtesy of 'Uthayan' a Journal Perhaps. But what about its spir- from Sri-Lanka. it? Recently in Bambalapitya, a An I nterview with middle-class suburb in the heart Thavabalan Arivaan who of Colombo, a mentally ill Tamil scored 164 marks for the boy was beaten to death in the scholarship exam to secure sea by a group of men with wood- one en sticks. Hundreds of people We sat under the lamp posts watched. The boy had been The Rudd Government's dec- sailors at risk. to study for the scholarship exam. throwing stones at a police station laration that new pathways for As we celebrate the images of In the camp every fifty to hundred before he jumped into the sea. ''unskilled migration'' will be the dismantling of the Berlin Wall meters interval a lamp post is Thavabalan Arivaan His agonising death was captured opened up further contributes to and the rush of East German found for security reasons. on video in what Sri Lanka's for- Rathan Master and Vimal master the possibility of persecution by refugees to freedom, what of the Though the voluntary organiza- mer ambassador to the UN in in the camp that inspired me to sustaining the fiction that those refugees at our borders, of the tions provided us with a kerosene Geneva, Dayan Jayatilleka, study and get this award. Even in on the Oceanic Viking and the children still aboard the Jaya lamp the cost of kerosene oil was described as ''our Rodney King those difficult times my mother Jaya Lestari are ''economic Lestari, a boat turned back by the Rs.200, we always went in search moment''. paid Rs.200 and sent me for migrants''. In fact, many are high- Indonesian navy at our PM's of lamp posts to study, so said Mr. On the citizen journalism site tuition. In the beginning at the ly skilled migrants and are, as we request? The Refugee Convention Thavabalan Arivaan who sat for www.Groundviews.org, Marisa de camp they gave us food to eat, know, already UNHCR-certified of 1951 was agreed on by world the grade five scholarship exams Silva made the crucial connec- but it did not agree with us and refugees. leaders to prevent the situation all and secured the third place by tions: ''If cold-blooded murder developed diarrhea. Our teachers The streets of Bambalapitiya too common in the lead-up to scoring 164 marks. When he was can take place in the heart of tell us, "we who have come with are very well known to me. For a World War II: boatloads of Jewish recently released from the Vanni Colombo in broad daylight, in only the dressed clothes educa- short while my family lived not far refugees from Germany, turned detention camp 'Uthayan' inter- front of a crowd, we can only tion will be the only wealth that from there. It was on Galle Road away from successive European viewed him. wonder what happened on bloody cannot be taken away'. This that a man I can only assume was and American ports. He further mentioned; when battlefields in the Vanni, with no advice gave us the impetus to a Tamil ultra-nationalist slapped To what lengths are we got displaced and moved we one left to tell the tale.'' study with determination. me on the head one day for Australians willing to be led by a lost our father. After we came to She describes Sri Lankans as Because of this I studied hard and behaviour unbefitting a Tamil historical anxiety over invasion the camp only we got the news living in a spectator state, a peo- scored 164 marks securing the woman - I was dressed in jeans and the ''natural right to secure that he had died. It is my moth- ple so inured to and benumbed by third place in the Killinochchi dis- and a sleeveless T-shirt. borders'' to which our leaders lay er's encouragement that inspired brutality and violence that they trict scholarship. I thank my Perhaps he knew, too, that I claim? Is it time to face this fear me to gain scholarship. Because contemplate in silence the specta- mother and the teachers for the was married to a Sinhala man. for what it is - a form of aggres- there was constant fighting going cle of people being disappeared support and encouragement they Anti-Tamil violence marked the sion against the most vulnerable on around us it was difficult to (the ''white van syndrome'' refers gave me to achieve this scholar- week of our wedding. I left Sri to shore up our own sense of continue studies. Frequently we to people taken away in ship he said. Lanka later that year, first to live power? Unless we begin to ques- got displaced. Till grade four I unmarked white vehicles and nei- in the US as a student, and later tion the imperative that we must studied at Killinochchi Mahaa ther seen nor heard from again); Translated by to live in Australia. stop the boats at any price, might vidyalayam. This year in the camp the attacks on journalists, lawyers Kumar Punithavel Unlike the members of my we too be in danger of becoming we were able to study only after and academics of all ethnic extended family, I escaped the our own kind of ''spectator state''? groups who dare voice dissent; anti-Tamil pogroms of 1983. Some Suvendrini Perera is an aca- and the horrific fate of those of my cousins and friends lost demic at Curtin University, and ensnared in the refugee camps in everything they owned and were author of Australia and the Insular For Advertisements in the north-east of the country. lucky not to be burned along with Imagination. With John Stratton It is only a few months since their houses. During the long she recently edited a special issue Monsoon Journal Australian James Elder, UNICEF's years of the war, I supported nei- of Continuum, ''The Border, the chief of media and external rela- ther the murderous Liberation Asylum Seeker and the State of tions, was expelled from Sri Lanka Tigers of Tamil Eelam nor the Exception''. for his comments on the camps. Call 416.358.3235 murderous Sri Lankan govern- Courtesy: The Age Other human rights observers and ment: I had the prerogative of independent journalists too have choice, a luxury many Tamils, been turned away. This is the especially in the war-torn north place to which Rudd dispatched + and east, could not afford. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith to The Law Office of That luxury to choose, per- work out a collaborative arrange- haps the greatest of our preroga- ment to ''stop the boats''. Is there tives, is one that some no moral threshold our leaders T. Jegatheesan Australians, too, are exercising in are unwilling to cross to feed the Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, ON. the face of the ethical dilemma manufactured panic they them- that confronts us. The Maritime selves have created? Union of Australia, whose mem- Real Estate, Refinance & Mortgages The Age reported last month bers have worked on the frontline that Australian funds will be used aboard the Oceanic Viking, col- Business Law to install surveillance cameras at lected a $10,000 donation to be Colombo's international airport to presented to the refugees, as a Family Law deter asylum seekers. The meas- gesture of solidarity and empathy. ure suggests the extent of our With demonisation of asylum Power of Attorney & Government's willingness to col- seekers once again a popular lude with a violent and vindictive sport, this gesture sends a strong Any other Legal Services regime. At the same time, it indi- signal that counters the fearmon- cates a confused policy approach, gering of our official leaders and 2620 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 201 as this is surely an encourage- casts doubt on the claim made by Scarborough, ON. M1K 2S3 ment for people who fear perse- Piers Ackerman on the ABC TV cution to clamber onto a leaky Insiders program that asylum Tel: 416.266.6154, Fax: 416.266.4677 boat. + seekers put the lives of Australian 8 Monsoon Health DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal

sion, irritability, memory prob- lems, family stress and conflict, Recovery from Whiplash and the prospects of unemploy- ment and shattered dreams also may be complicating factors. As new concerns are added to the and Mild Head Injury situation, the main symptoms often worsen. The initial symp- brain injury does not cause ongo- medications) can create side physical symptoms, the person Adapted with permission from toms also tend to heal more slow- ing headaches nor dizziness effects like dizziness, blurred initially may be unable to work or Multi-Health Systems & Dr. J. ly when other factors become directly but may result in changes vision, poor balance, memory or do many of the activities that he Douglas Salmon, Jr. from serious problems. Over time, all in personality and behavior. concentration problems. It is or she enjoyed prior to the injury. Rehabilitation Education and of these factors add to, and may Emotional problems (e.g. depres- important to read the warning As a result of stress, uncertainty Coping Pamphlet Series worsen one another unless the sion, nervousness, and irritability) labels on medications and check over the future, lack of positive The following provides a gen- cycle is broken by using positive are usually caused by other fac- with a pharmacist to see whether activities, and being out of the eral overview of the symptoms coping strategies. tors, but may be worsened by medications may be a contribut- work force, the injury may begin related to whiplash and mild head brain injury. Improvement in brain ing source. to affect the person's injury. As each person's injury is Speeding Up Recovery functioning generally occurs over Because of the relatively long emotions/personality, social life, unique, some of the information Here are some simple tips to a 1 to 2 year period, with the pos- healing time required by the main and job situation. Anxiety, depres- may not apply in a specific situa- speed recovery and that can also tion. Therefore, it is important be helpful in recovery from other that the individual involved ask long term physical or psychologi- questions of treating profession- cal illnesses: als to understand his or her own " Learn as much as you can specific situation. about your symptoms by asking Where Do the Main Physical doctors and therapists lots of Symptoms Come From? questions (keep a list of questions Whiplash injuries are common and concerns) following motor vehicle accidents " Keep mentally, socially, and and involve sudden strain and physically active as much as pos- injury to the muscles and other sible soft tissues of the neck, upper " Gradually build up your back and head. An injury to the activity level neck or head in a car or work- " Exercise daily according to a place accident may or may not doctor's or therapist's directions involve injury to the brain and to " Minimize medications (con- sensory organs such as the eyes, sult with your physician) ears, and nose. Headaches are " Use relaxation techniques very common symptoms following and coping strategies neck and head injury and usually " Keep your mind off your result from injury to the muscles problems and focus on those surrounding the head and neck. things that you enjoy Occasionally, migraine " Don't bottle up your feelings headaches, or headaches due to " Do things that are fun and injury to nerves at the back of the meaningful to you head may occur. Dizziness is also " Maintain a positive attitude very common and may be the " Spend time around positive result of injury to the inner ear, and supportive people eyes, or neck or due to emotional " Set realistic goals for activi- distress resulting from the injury. ties you'd like to do In general, neck pain, headaches If the individual is having diffi- and dizziness (depending on the culty coping, is not improving or is reason for them) often require worsening, psychological treat- weeks to months to fully improve, ment can go a long way towards and very occasionally, headaches promoting healing by helping the in particular may never complete- individual to cope more effective- ly go away. However, it is rare for ly and prevent the vicious cycle of these symptoms to prevent a per- interacting symptoms. If concen- son from living a meaningful and tration or memory problems per- productive life in the long run. sist, especially as the other symp- Ringing in the ears and hearing toms improve, neuropsychological loss may also occur from damage evaluation should be sought to to the inner/middle ear or nerves consider possible brain injury. involved in hearing at the time of sibility of ongoing impairment injury to the head. Poor balance depending on the nature and may occur as a result of neck severity of the injury. muscle injury, visual disturbances, All of the above symptoms are or brain injury. expected to improve in the initial Loss of smell may result from stages to some degree, with the certain types of skull fracture as possibility of worsening being small nerve fibres which connect very unlikely thereafter, unless the nose to the brain are torn. An the factors below become evaluation by a neurologist is involved. often best to investigate such concerns, which usually improve Interacting Factors That May over a one to two year period . Slow Recovery Concussion or brain injury A number of additional prob- most commonly affects an indi- lems caused by the main injury vidual's concentration, memory, symptoms may slow recovery, reaction time, and thinking speed, especially if they interact togeth- as well as planning, organizing, er. Disturbed sleep is usually the and problem solving abilities. result of physical pain, discom- Permanent and lasting injury to fort, dizziness, emotional stress, the brain is uncommon for anyone worry, and/or inactivity. It normal- who has been unconscious and/or ly improves with the passage of without awareness for less than time and improved symptoms. several hours immediately after a The use of medications (especial- head injury. Generally, traumatic ly certain pain, sleep and anxiety Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Health 9

Sometimes, the jelly-like sub- Diagnostic testing such as an MRI stances protrudes and touches or or CAT scan may only be recom- Slipped disc impinges on the spinal nerves. mended if symptoms are severe This can result in pain, numbness enough or there is no improve- or pins and needles. Symptoms ment over several weeks. Rest is By Mithura Anandarajah, PT can either be localized or can appropriate for a day or two. Registered Physiotherapist radiate along the pathway of the More than that will result in weak- It can happen with the sim- the jelly-like substance bulges or spinal nerve. The severity of the ness, muscle and movement dys- plest of actions. You could bend bursts through the outer cartilage symptoms can be related to the function. Your physiotherapist and prevent reoccurrences of this down to pick up a toy from the liv- of the disc. Depending on the intensity of the pressure on the will initially focus on treatment to injury, it is beneficial to strength- ing room floor. You could reach severity, it is called a herniation, nerve. Most herniated discs in relieve pain, either with the use of en your back and abdominal mus- down to tie your shoelaces. In an prolapsed or ruptured disc. In the low back can result in signifi- modalities like ice or electrical cles. Having a strong core pro- instant you may feel sharp sear- reality, the term "slipped disc" is cant pain in both the low back stimulation. Thereafter, the focus tects your spine from impact and ing pain across your low back. misleading and inaccurate. and radiating down the leg. of treatment will be to resume injury. Maintaining good posture You stand hunched over, frozen in Though a disc herniation can Besides the sensory symptoms of spinal mobility and muscle also equally distributes the forces agony. Within minutes you stum- happen anywhere in the spine, it pain or numbness, one can also strength. and impact of vertebrae on verte- ble your way to the closest chair commonly occurs in the low back. experience weakness in the Acupuncture or traction are brae. This maintains the integrity or bed, where you are content to It is more common in those extremity. If there is loss of possible treatment alternatives. of the disc. When lifting heavy stay put until the pain diminishes. between 30 and 40 years old. As bowel and bladder function, it is If symptoms are significant loads always make sure you use Your spouse or your neighbor will we age, the spine becomes less considered a medical emergency enough or if conservative treat- good body mechanics. Bend with attempt to diagnose it best. You flexible and more susceptible to and you should get immediate ment does not relieve symptoms, your legs and not your back. Hold have suffered a "slipped disc"! injury. Degenerative changes medical attention. surgery is sometimes used as a the load close to your body when What does that mean? Can a occur both in the vertebrae and Over 90% of herniated disc last option. The goal is to relieve carrying it. Maintaining a healthy disc "slip"? Will it ever go back? Is also within the material of the injuries will resolve in six weeks. the disc from impinging the weight will maintain a healthy it serious? disc. You are more predisposed Conservative treatment such as nerve. Treatment options should spine. To fully understand this condi- to this injury if you are over- medication or physiotherapy will be discussed primarily with your For further questions tion, one really needs a quick les- weight, lift heavy loads with alleviate symptoms and promote physician and not your neighbor. please email son in anatomy. Our spine is improper body mechanics or if recovery. The physician will ini- To maintain your back health mithura_rehab@yahoo .com made up of building blocks called you suffer an injury like a fall. tially assess the patient and may vertebrae, bones that sit one on Some people may never have recommend anti-inflammatory top of the other. In between each symptoms with a herniated disc. medication or muscle relaxants. block is a disc that acts as a shock absorber while the spine moves. Each disc is made up of a thick cartilage-like layer on the outside, and a soft jelly like substance on the inside. The spinal cord runs through a tunnel within the spine, and from it nerves branch out, exit between each vertebrae and distribute themselves between organs and limbs. Sometimes,

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The Gift of Health

Our mission is to partner with the community to invest in superior healthcare at Rouge Valley Health System.

Thankyouformaking TheGiftofHealthpossible for our community.

Best wishes for the holiday hope seasonandahappynewyear.

Rouge Valley Centenary  2867 Ellesmere Road, Toronto, ON M1E 4B9  (416) 281-7342 Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering  580 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, ON L1S 2J4  (905) 683-2320 x1501

website: www.rougevalley.ca/rvhsf  blog: www.foundationchat.blogspot.com  email: [email protected] 12 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Home Renovations Condo for Lease Luxury 1 bedroom plus den condo unit in Downtown location. Parking included. Great New Basement Facilities (Roo ftop Terrace, Sauna, Theatre, Renovate Basement Party Roo m Etc), G ranite Co ntertop. New/Update Kitchen Clo se To All Amenities. Financial District And Entertainment District. Steps Away Fro m Rogers New/Update Washroom Centre, CN Tower And Convention Centre. Plumbing Easy Access to Hwy, TTC, Buses and Subways. 5 Newer Appliances, CAC included. Electrical Hardwood Flooring Rent: $1,650 Tiling Call: V. Logan Painting 416-410-1620 For Quality Workmanship & Prompt Service Can-EEast Renovation Call Mohan 416-671-2473 mohan.t@ rogers.com Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 13

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

"We are always there to determine yo ur bo th current financial mortgage needs and future personal needs"

"Buying the right ho use to live is the mo st exciting exercise in life."

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Vince Sinnadurai Mike Ahilan Senior Account Manager Senior Accounts Manager Residential Mortgages Residential Mortgages 416-917-9462 416-220-1184 14 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal

Brush and A healthy pregnancy helps the Feeding your baby development of healthy teeth floss your 1 4• If your baby sleeps with a 6 • Teeth start developing in the child’s first three months of pregnancy bottle, fill it with water teeth • A mother should eat • Clean the baby’s mouth and teeth following all feedings nutritiously and avoid tobacco, • Before the baby has any teeth, the gums should be • Avoid letting your baby sleep at the breast or with a alcohol and non-prescription wiped with a clean soft wet cloth after every feeding drugs to ensure a healthy bottle of juice, formula or milk as this can harm your pregnancy baby’s teeth • Brushing should begin soon after the first teeth come into the mouth, so your child will get used to it • Visit your doctor and dentist • If your baby normally falls asleep while feeding, brush regularly his or her teeth before feeding • Brushing should follow meal and snacks and sweetened medications Reduce your child’s • Use only a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste and sugar intake be sure it is never swallowed. If your child routinely swallows it, do not use toothpaste Baby teeth are very important 5 • Once the sides of the baby teeth touch each other, • The baby teeth start to erupt • Germs in the flossing should take place at least once a day 2 when a child is about six mouth called months old bacteria feed on Lift the lip and look sugar from foods • Baby teeth help your child eat to make an acid • Watch for changes in colour, lines or spots on and speak, and are important that harms teeth 7 your child’s teeth as these may be signs of a for overall health potential problem • Fruit is the best dessert • Baby teeth are also called the • If your child knocks out a tooth, call your dentist primary teeth and help adult • Limit fizzy drinks and natural fruit juices as they may immediately! Gently rinse the tooth — do not brush teeth come in straight contain sugar and acids that cause tooth decay or scrub. Wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and • The eight front primary teeth start to fall out • Avoid feeding your child snacks containing sugar or put it in a cup of milk and get it to the dentist after age five, and the rest fall out by age 12 sweeteners such as honey immediately. • Save sweets for mealtimes, when they are less likely to harm your child’s teeth TOOTH EMERGENCY? Visit the dentist CALL YOUR DENTIST! • A child should visit a dental office by 8 the age of one year, or when the first Healthy food makes healthy teeth teeth appear • A well-balanced diet is • Between meals, choose unsweetened unflavoured milk or • Bring your child to the 3 dentist for regular checkups important for the water instead of juice or pop development of healthy teeth to make sure there are no • Fresh or unsweetened canned fruits and vegetables are problems • Cheese, yogurt and milk excellent snacks contain calcium that make • Whole grain crackers, bread, nuts and seeds are also good • Visits should continue from age teeth hard and can help snacks two and a half when all the prevent cavities primary teeth are in the mouth Thanks to Ontario Dental Association. This information is published as a Public Service Message by the TORONTO EAST DENTAL SOCIETY

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Logan Velumailum - 416-410-1620 Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 15 Tamil Elected as Councillor in Denmark Municipal Election Kangatharan Kanthasamy (49 yrs) was elected recently as councillor for Holbek municipal council in Denmark. He has been working as a Tax Officer in Denmark. He was elected for Social Democrat party, the only Tamil who was elected in November 17 election for the period of 2010 - 2013. He was born in Mallakam (Northern Sri Lanka) studied at Mallakam Hindu College, Thellippalai Union College. He is the son of Mr & Mrs Kanthasamy (Retired court Registrar). Anyone needs to wish him, can contact at the numbers below: Kangatharan Kanthasamy, Ahornvej 19, 4390 Vipperod, Denmark TP: 0114559182055 or TP: 0114572388451 In Toronto- Ravi Kanthasamy 416-726-9040 BADALING, CHINA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen visit the Great Wall of China BEIJING, CHINA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper is greeted by Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China, as he arrives in the Great Hall of the People. PMO photo by Jason Ransom

Cedarbrae Mall (Markham &Lawrence) "Monsoon Journal" is now available at the following store at the Cedarbrae Mall situated at Markham & Lawrence International News (Stockists for Popular Newspapers) and Magazines. 16 Monsoon Feature DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal

got his bank to match that amount so it's now up to $1 mil- lion. New psychiat rists join RVA P Chair of the Providence Part of hospital's effort to expand outpatient mental health Foundation Board of Directors, Hodgson got hooked on Africa services in west Durham three years ago and figured climb- The latest psychiatrists to join number of community mental family member or significant other This Christmas should see ing Mount Kilimanjaro would be Rouge Valley Health System's health facilities under the London (with client permission) will dis- Chris Hodgson, who will speak at fun. Once his family bought in, he (RVHS) Ajax and Pickering hospi- Health Sciences Centre. Her hus- cuss the resources available and the kickoff, near the summit of said they should raise money for a tal campus will focus on expand- band is a radiologist at a local choose the most helpful and least Mount Kilimanjaro - highest peak cause and Providence Healthcare ing mental health outpatient serv- community hospital in east intrusive option for care. Services in Africa, tallest free-standing was it. ices for patients in the west Toronto. are available at both hospital cam- mountain in the world, one of the In the past year, he and his Durham area. puses of the Rouge Valley Health biggest volcanoes on earth - and wife have worked with a personal "We are pleased with the addi- Dr. Nosa Omoruyi System. he won't be alone. Hodgson, who trainer and been running. He did tions of Dr. Drandic and Dr. Before becoming a psychia- In addition to its hospital serv- is chairperson of the Providence the half-marathon in the Omoruyi to our mental health trist, Dr. Nosa Omoruyi was a fam- ices, RVHS also offers community foundation board of directors, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront team here at Rouge Valley. As we ily physician with his own practice mental health sites, including: along with his wife Pam, sons Marathon, a 30K in Hamilton, and continue to develop our outpa- in Nigeria, After practicing there o 25 Neilson and Gatesview tient mental health services for for nine years, Dr. Omoruyi felt House - permanent supportive Hodgson family climb of our patients in the west Durham that it was time for a change, and housing for the seriously mentally region, we know that they will began his training in psychiatry. ill, who would often otherwise be Mount Kilimanjaro and raises both become much valued mem- "I always had an interest in homeless; bers of our medical team here," psychiatry, especially child psychi- o Pathways - a long-term day $1 million for Providence says Dr. Steven Fishman, chief of atry. I enjoy the fact that I am program to adult outpatients with Brian, 26, and Patrick, 20, and sis- others. He hits the gym every day psychiatry, RVHS. able to direct the care that I'm serious mental illness; ter-in-law Kathy Rogers, are before going to work at giving to patients, based on their o Shoniker Clinic - an outpa- climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Scotiabank HQR in Toronto where Dr. Marijana Drandic needs. I am excited to be a part of tient mental health treatment Tanzania on the northeast tip he is Group Head of Canadian Dr. Marijana Drandic's interest the physician team here at Rouge centre for children up to the age Africa. An inactive volcano, Banking. in mental health as a profession Valley ," he says. of 18 living in the Scarborough, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest The Hodgsons leave began when she volunteered at a Dr. Omoruyi earned his med- Pickering and Ajax communities; peak at just under 6,000 metres December 19th and, along with Toronto-area mental health facility ical degree from the University of o Assertive Community Act (19,000 feet). their guides, will set up base in grade 12. The experience filled Benin School of Medicine in team (ACT) - provides direct The 55-year-old, Scotiabank camp at an altitude of 5,500 feet. her with fascination in a field she Nigeria. He completed his training treatment, rehabilitation and sup- executive has already raised Over five days they will climb to felt combined sciences and and residency in family practice at port services to adults with severe $500,000 for the Houses of almost 20,000 feet and experi- humanities in a unique way. the University of Benin Teaching and persistent mental illness. Providence - a 288-bed, long- ence temperatures of 20 below. "That's when I realized that Hospital. His background includes Rouge Valley Health System term-care facility that is part of They plan to hit the summit this was the path that I wanted to a variety of residencies and fel- (RVHS) - The best at what we do Providence Healthcare. Hodgson December 28th. take in my life," says Dr. Drandic, lowships - starting from his resi- RVHS is an excellent acute who recently joined RVHS, and dencies in family practices, which care community hospital with will be seeing patients at the included paediatrics, obstetrics, many programs, including Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering gynecology, internal medicine and 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac care (RVAP) outpatient mental health surgery. He then further special- and mental health. Rouge Valley clinics, in west Durham. ized his practice by focusing on consists of several health sites, "I felt that this would be an psychiatry through a residency at including two community hospital ideal opportunity for me, because Mount Sinai School of Medicine / campuses: Rouge Valley of the expanded outpatient men- North General Hospital in New Centenary in east Toronto; and tal health services found here," York and a fellowship in child and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering in says Dr. Drandic, who is originally adolescent psychiatry at the west Durham. Together, a team of from Croatia. Montefiore Medical Centre/Albert physicians (224 general practi- Dr. Drandic says that many of Einstein College of Medicine/ tioners and 325 specialists), 1,000 her female patients find comfort Bronx Children's Psychiatric nurses and many other profes- in seeing a female psychiatrist. Centre in New York. sionals care for a broad spectrum She adds that many of her Mental Health Services at of health conditions. Working in patients speak Croatian, Serbian Rouge Valley Health System consultation and partnership with and Bosnian, which she speaks The Mental Health program at community members, other hos- fluently. Rouge Valley offers a complete pitals, health care organizations, Dr. Drandic earned her range of services to meet the the Central East Local Health Bachelor in Science from the unique needs of those experienc- Integration Network and the University of Toronto, specializing ing mental health problems. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Mayor's Gala visits The Emerald Isle in toxicology. She earned her Clients can be referred to one Care, Rouge Valley continues to This year's City of Pickering Mayor's Gala, held on November 21, medical degree at the University of our psychiatrists by their family improve its programs and cater to celebrated the majesty and wonder of Ireland, a nod to Mayor Ryan's of Western Ontario (UWO). She physician or through the emer- the needs of the growing commu- family heritage. For one enchanted evening, guests were transported to also completed her residency in gency department. Together the nities of east Toronto, Ajax, The Emerald Isle, a land of myth, magic, and merriment. This year's psychiatry at UWO, working at a psychiatrist, clients and perhaps a Pickering and Whitby. Gala funds will be directed towards to the purchase of a portable ultra- sound machine for the brand new Emergency Department of the Rouge A jax Lions Club support s RVA P surgery Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital campus. The Ajax Lions Club recently served the community by presenting a cheque in the amount of $70,500 for urgently-needed medical equip- ment for Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital. This is a great benefit to the community because it will purchase $10,000 worth of sur- gical pain pumps and a $60,500 sur- gical tower for the Operating Room. The proceeds were raised by hosting community fundraising events and from a donation in memory of the late Lion Terry Audet and his wife Dorothy. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. Their (L-R) Joe Dickson, MPP Ajax-Pickering; Lisa McVety, RVHS; Mark volunteer efforts address health Holland, MP Ajax-Pickering; Heather Chitussi, Ajax Lions Club President; Tracy Paterson, VP Development, RVHSF; Bill Pinder, Lions (L-R) Don Terry, OPG; Ken Bowman, Scotiabank; Mayor Dave Ryan, needs of our local community. Club member; Linda Jussaume, RVHS; and Mayor Steve Parish, City of Pickering; Louise Farr-Chambers, UOI T; Pat McNeil, OPG; John Photos by Tracy Paterson G. Smith, President, APBOT; Nick Torrito, Scotiabank. Town of Ajax Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Canada Newsline 17 Electric Bikes Allowed Travel in the World’s First Luxury Hybrid as Year of the Tiger Arrives Yee Hong Community on Ontario Roads Wellness Foundation is excited to launch the 2010 Dragon Ball McGuinty Government Announces Raffle on Thursday, November 19th in which the impressive line- celebrate the arrival of the Year of New Safety Requirements up of 14 great prizes, a total value Tiger.” Says Pauline Tong, of $70,256, will be awarded to the President of Yee Hong Community E-bikes can share the road with winners. This year’s grand prize is Wellness Foundation. “It is with cars, pedestrians and other traffic the luxury 2010 Lexus HS 250h the community’s support during throughout Ontario --with new safe- valued at $47,460, generously the past 20 years that we are able ty requirements. donated by Lexus of Richmond E-bikes reach a maximum to realize our dream of providing Hill and Don Valley North Lexus. speed of 32 kilometres per hour and culturally and linguistically appro- “Lexus is very pleased to be offer another option for clean, priate care for seniors across the the Grand Raffle Sponsor for the green commuting and travel. GTA. Buying Dragon Ball raffle is a fourth consecutive year,” says Effective October 3, 2009, new great way to demonstrate your Serge Sotoadeh, General Manager requirements that will increase rider support.” of Lexus of Richmond Hill. “It safety include: Lexus of Richmond Hill General Tickets, at $20 each, will be reaffirms our commitment in sup- -Limiting the maximum weight Manager Serge Sotoadeh being sold at Yee Hong Community porting worthy organizations like interviewd of an e-bike to 120 kilograms Wellness Foundation (60 -Requiring a maximum braking Ontario's transportation mix." Yee Hong.” President, Multicultural Markets, Scottfield Drive) and at the follow- distance of nine metres - Jim Bradley Other luxury prizes include: Greater Toronto Division of BMO ing malls: -Prohibiting modifications of the Minister of Transportation the 2nd Prize - 8 Day Taste of Bank of Montreal and co-chair of First Markham Place: e-bike's motor to enable power- -E-bikes will not be permitted Argentina & Iguazu Falls Package the 2010 Dragon Ball Organizing November 21-21, December 12- assisted speeds greater than 32 on 400-series highways, the Queen for Two (Value: $7,896) donated Committee. “The Grand Raffle 13, January 9-10 and January 23- kilometres per hour. Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in by Tour East Holidays (Canada) contributes significantly to the 24 All riders must be at least 16 Ottawa, the Kitchener-Waterloo Inc. and Air Canada; the 3rd Prize Dragon Ball revenue. By buying a Market Village: November 28- years of age, wear approved bicycle Expressway and other areas where - 18kt Yellow Gold Ladies’ Custom raffle for your loved one, not only 29, December 12-13 and January or motorcycle helmets and follow bicycles are not permitted. Designed Chinese Jade and will they get a chance to win a 16-17 the same traffic laws that apply to -An e-bike can be pedaled like a Diamond Pendent valued at great prize, the seniors at Yee Pacific Mall: December 5-6, bicyclists such as keeping as close regular bicycle or, with the assis- $6,500; the 4th Prize - 14kt White Hong will also benefit from your December 12-13 and January 30- to the right edge of the road as pos- tance of an electric motor, can be Gold Ladies’ Heart Shape Custom generosity.” 31 sible. ridden at a maximum speed of 32 Made Diamond Pendent valued at 17,563 raffle tickets will go on For information about Yee Municipalities can determine kilometres per hour. $1,900; and the 5th to 14th Prizes sale as of November 19th. The Hong and the Dragon Ball, please where e-bikes may be ridden on -Riding an e-bike under the age – Blackberry Bold Smartphone winners will be drawn on the night call Yee Hong at 416-321-0777 or their streets, bike lanes and trails. of 16 or riding an e-bike without an (value: $649.99 each) donated by of the Dragon Ball on Saturday, visit "http://www.yeehong.com" "E-bikes provide an important approved helmet carries fines rang- Rogers Wireless. February 6, 2010. All proceeds www.yeehong.com transportation option to Ontarians. ing from $60 to $500. For all other “I am proud to be co-chair of will benefit the Yee Hong Centre Media Contact: Hilda Chow, They are affordable, green and easy traffic offences, e-bike riders will be the Dragon Ball, one of the most for Geriatric Care. Communications and Public to use. The McGuinty government is subject to the same penalties as anticipated events in Toronto”, “Yee Hong is proud to present Relations Officer, hilda.chow@ pleased to welcome the e-bike to cyclists. says Heather Grand, Vice the 21st annual Dragon Ball to yeehong.com ARE YOU GETTING MILLION DOLLAR ADVICE Non Medical Insurance for everyone No Medical Exams Universal Life Insurance Protection up to $50,000 with guaranteed paid up option Immediate coverage-No waiting period Insurance doubles in case of Accidental Death Critical Illness up to $2 Million. Access to 50% of your coverage amount in the case of terminal illness. Mortgage Insurance with option to convert to Life Insurance 10 Year Term Insurance for $100,000 $1197 Monthly*

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neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) special care nursery. The Gift of Health messages are pouring in Their exhibit, called Neonatal and Paediatric Orientation from Patients of Rouge Valley Health System Program Designed for the New Graduate, earned the top prize of "Merry Christmas! To those of Find joy." the good work. God bless you all." a $10,000 achievement grant at you who won't be able to go - Nelly "May you continue to do good the Celebrating Innovations in home for the holidays, keep your "Best wishes for a speedy work and help everyone." Health Care Expo for the category spirits up so you can look forward recovery and wishing you health - Deanee Rouge Valley of Innovations in Health Human to going home and better health and happiness for the new year." "Be happy and healthy during Resources. in 2010." "Merry Christmas. Let the this special season and a happy The award was presented to - Carol C. angels in... they will keep you new year to all." - Nancy V. wins OHA them by Deb Matthews, Minister "Here's wishing everyone that strong." "Thank you for the care while of Health and Long-Term Care. is sick in the hospital a Christmas - Doreen I was in the hospital in January." The expo, presented by the that is filled with happiness, even "Merry Christmas to everyone - Betty Award Ontario Hospital Association though there may be rough times. working for our hospital. Keep up Congratulations to Minette (OHA) in partnership with the remain fully operational 24 hours MacNeil, clinical practice leader, government of Ontario, took place a day 7 days a week. paediatrics/surgery, and Rose on Nov. 18, following the OHA's The Scarborough Hospital "The staff and physicians at Owen, clinical practice leader, HealthAchieve 2009 event. the hospital have been tremen- Flu Assessment Centre closes dous during this busy time and continue to provide great treat- The Scarborough Hospital Flu "The clinic has made some ment and care for our patients," Assessment Centre, located at impact. We assessed approxi- says Ann. 3000 Lawrence Ave. East, closed mately 350 patients since it The Scarborough Hospital on Friday, November 27 at 9 p.m. opened, which reduced the influx (TSH), Canada 's largest urban The Flu Assessment Centre was of patients in our Emergency community hospital, delivers inno- implemented to ease pressure in Departments," says Ann vative, high quality patient care, the hospital's Emergency MacKinnon, TSH Patient Care advocates for our community's Departments when visits dramati- Director, Emergency Services and health and wellness issues, and is cally increased due to the H1N1 Urgent Care. "Currently, our a leader in research, teaching and virus. Emergency visits and admissions learning. TSH is a regional treat- In conjunction with Toronto remain in line with seasonal aver- ment centre for dialysis and is Public Health, The Scarborough ages, and visits to the FAC have renowned for its sexual assault Hospital opened the centre to slowly declined." care centre and mental health help assess the needs of those The FAC offered care, treat- programs. Affiliated with the experiencing minor flu-like symp- ment and education to patients University of Toronto, TSH is also toms and ensure timely access to seven days a week since opening a referral centre for vascular sur- treatment for those who required on November 12. TSH Emergency gery, pacemakers and corneal Minette MacNeil and Rose Owen, the Neonatal and Pediatric care. Departments at both campuses implants. Orientation Program Designed for the New Graduate team represen- tative from Rouge Valley Health Systems with Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Smoke-Free Campaign at The Scarborough Hospital Courtesy: exchangemagazine.com Starting February 1, 2010, tal's employee benefits package, smoking will no longer be permit- lunch-and-learn sessions, the ted anywhere on the grounds of launch of a Smokers' Anonymous Meridian leader in The Scarborough Hospital (TSH). group and peer blogs. In an effort to meet this obliga- The Honourable Margarett tion, TSH recently launched an Best, Minister of Health Promotion infection prevention ambitious Smoke-Free Campaign and TSH President and CEO Dr. designed to provide its staff with John Wright launched the hospi- In times like these, hand sani- soon-to-be-opened Emergency all the tools they need to stop tal's Smoke-Free Campaign during tizers play a very important role in Department at Rouge Valley Ajax smoking. This comprehensive November 2009 at the hospitals, not just for physicians and Pickering hospital campus has campaign includes smoking ces- Scarborough Hospital General and staff, but for patients and received a brand new, free-stand- sation aids covered by the hospi- Campus Auditorium. their families who enter the facili- ing Hand Sanitizing Station, mak- ty. Thanks to the generosity of ing the department a safe place Meridian Credit Union through its for the community. The Gift of Health campaign Good Neighbour Program, the launch for Rouge Valley Promoting seasonal giving and gratitude for excellent care The holiday season is tradi- Community members give the Tracy Paterson, VP Development. tionally a time of giving, so the gift of health by sending holiday The campaign is called The Rouge Valley Health System messages of appreciation to our Gift of Health because every gift Foundation runs its annual Gift of hospital staff, physicians and vol- made to the Foundation impacts Health campaign to thank existing unteers with their holiday dona- the lives of patients and their fam- donors and volunteers and to tion. The messages are then dis- ilies and enhances care in our remind the community about played on campaign posters in community. donation options that support the departments throughout Rouge Rouge Valley Health System purchase of urgently-needed Valley Ajax and Pickering and Foundation - Enhancing care in (L-R) Gary O'Donnell, Assistant Branch Manager Darlington and Doug medical equipment and the build- Rouge Valley Centenary for all to the community Bray, Branch Manager and Regional Director Hydro Branches don ing of new and renovated spaces see for the duration of the holiday The Rouge Valley Health scrubs and test the equipment. Photo by Kerry McLeish at both hospital campuses of season. Everyone can post mes- System Foundation's mission is to Rouge Valley Health System. sages on the "Friends of the partner with the community to For Advertisements in Monsoon Journal Businesses give the gift of Foundation" Facebook page. invest in superior healthcare at health by choosing Rouge Valley "The Gift of Health is a philan- Rouge Valley Health System. The Health System as their charity of thropic program that allows Foundation raises funds to sup- Call 416.358.3235 choice for their Community everyone the opportunity to invest port the purchase of leading-edge Involvement programs, accepting in the well-being of friends, fami- medical equipment and support donations at holiday parties or ly, neighbours or employees dur- major capital expansion projects. www.monsoonjournal.com holding toy drives. ing this special time of year," said Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Feature 19

terrorism. For such state of affairs VERBAL VERSATI LI TY: The one can blame Pakistan's mulish Colombo University team compris- Shared Values approach born of mischievous ing Shamalie Jayatunge, Luwie intent to foment trouble in India. Ganeshathasan and Sachintha One hopes that Pakistan lis- by Kanayalal Raina statement speak for themselves: Dias celebrates its victory with tens to the sane advice emanat- November 26 has come and "On the eve of its first anniver- NLSIU Vice-Chancellor R. Venkata ing from the Washington declara- gone. This year it has marked the sary, President Obama reiterated Rao - tion. It has gained nothing by first anniversary of the murder the US's condemnation of the ter- BANGALORE: Students from of Delhi. The Best Adjudicator was building up and patronising anti- and mayhem in Mumbai in 2008 rorist attack in Mumbai in the Faculty of Law, University of Damitha from the Faculty of Law, India terrorist outfits in its Punjab abbreviated as 26/11, 2008. November 2008. The two leaders Colombo, who vehemently argued University of Colombo. province and the occupied territo- There are two ways we can look underscored the absolute impera- that Sri Lankan Army Generals NLSIU Vice-Chancellor R. ry. Instead, these groups have at the intervening period. One is tive to bring to justice the perpe- should be prosecuted for war Venkata Rao distributed the cer- joined hands with the Taliban and that the killers have not been trators of this terrorist attack. crimes, won the 8th National Law tificates to the winners on the thereby become a threat to peace brought to justice. The other is They expressed their grave con- School (NLS) Debate, 2009, on occasion. and security of Pakistan itself. It is that some definite progress has cern about the threat posed by Dec 3rd. Another win for Pakistan to find a way out of been made in that direction. Let terrorism and violent extremists the maze of its own making. The us take heart from the second emanating from India's neigh- Colombo team victorious onus is all the more on it for, it inference and curb our feeling for bourhood, whose impact is felt does not want New Delhi's help to the moment that not enough has beyond the region. The two lead- in debate hosted by jointly take on the perpetrators of been done. The reality is that it ers agreed that resolute and cred- terror. On the present reckoning, takes time to deliver punishments ible steps must be taken to elimi- National Law School therefore, it is unlikely to become even in such proven mass mur- nate safe havens and sanctuaries a part of the Counterterrorism ders. It is only recently that that provide shelter to terrorists Coincidentally, the topic for Students from Faculty of Law, Cooperation Initiative that India Bangladesh has succeeded in nail- and their activities. These under- the finals was "Whether the gen- University of Colombo, also won and the US seek to establish. ing the assassins of its founding mine security and stability in the erals in the Sri Lankan Army the debate in the novice category, From our point of view there is father Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman region and around the world. should be prosecuted for war defeating the team from the another comforting development. crimes". The team from R.V. National Academy of Legal Mr Obama has assured the Prime College of Engineering, Studies and Research (NALSAR), Minister that the reference to Bangalore, argued in favour of the University of Law, Hyderabad. South Asia in the US-China state- Generals. 80 teams ment is not aimed at mediation by However, the Colombo team - The six-day NLS Debate 2009, any third party in the India- comprising Shamalie Jayatunge, which commenced on November Pakistan dialogue. At a Press con- Luwie Ganeshathasan and 28, had about 80 teams - com- ference the Prime Minister has Sachintha Dias - trounced the pared to 60 and 42 in 2008 and demolished the prophets of doom RVCE team with the adjudicators 2007 - from across the world. who feared a war between India declaring them victors with a mar- They included leading educa- and Pakistan in the days to come. gin of 8-1. The RVCE team com- tional institutions such as St. He has let the US and the world prised Karthik Sivaram, Sayan know that New Delhi at least has Stephen's College, the Indian Sanyal and Prasun Bhaiya. no such designs and Pakistan has Institutes of Management and The honour of The Best nothing to worry on this count. All other premier universities. The Speaker went to Pranay from IIT- that India is interested in is that Hindu was the media partner for B who tied with Radhika Saini the executors of the Mumbai car- the event. from Hansraj College, University nage are brought to justice. One [courtesy: The Hindu] can appreciate that the judicial trial anywhere is a protracted exercise. What Pakistan is not and almost his entire family near- They vowed to redouble their exhibiting is requisite will, initia- ly three decades after they were efforts to deal effectively with ter- tive and enthusiasm in this mat- shot. Many of these slayers actu- rorism, while protecting their ter. It must get its act together ally had a field day after commit- countries' common ideals and and learn to say no to terror ting a heinous crime. They were shared values and committed which in any case is eating it like honoured with diplomatic assign- themselves to strengthening glob- termite. It will achieve nothing if it ments by the rivals of the slain al consensus and legal regimes thinks it can set up armed hood- leader on grabbing power. Quite a against terrorism. They decided lums upon us with the intention of few are still in hiding in other on a Counterterrorism nibbling into our territory. The countries. Interpol has now Cooperation Initiative to expand Prime Minister has already assert- issued red alert to nab the fugi- collaboration on counterterrorism, ed that the borders of Jammu and tives. information sharing, and capacity Kashmir can't be redrawn but can Eight years after the 9/11, building. The two leaders reiterat- be made irrelevant. Islamabad 2001 the powerful United States ed their shared interest in the sta- also ought to have heard what a is still groping the hills of bility, development and independ- European Union team has said at Afghanistan and its borders with ence of Afghanistan and in the the residence of a secessionist Pakistan for smoking out the defeat of terrorist safe havens in leader in the Kashmir Valley: fountain-head of Al Qaeda that Pakistan and Afghanistan." The "Kashmir is an integral part of has broken its air of invincibility. "shared values" have been identi- India." Uncle Sam may not have had the fied as "democracy, pluralism, tol- last word so far. Its single-mind- erance, openness, and respect for edness has nevertheless drawn fundamental freedoms and the global focus on the evil of ter- human rights." The joint state- rorism. In the process its own ment covers a wide range of reading about our sub-continent issues. The underlying theme is has undergone a remarkable even the "deepening bilateral coopera- if not complete transformation. tion between the world's two There is a vast change in its largest democracies across a understanding compared to the broad spectrum of human pre-2001 era including about this endeavours." There is confidence State and the country. This that together the two countries healthy makeover reflects in the can help in "building a more joint statement of Prime Minister peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, Manmohan Singh and US secure and sustainable world." To President Barack Obama in many it may sound ironical why Washington. the US while unambiguously The two leaders have left little blaming Pakistan for having "ter- doubt that the partnership rorist safe havens" is not able to between their countries is "indis- persuade it to dismantle them pensable for global peace and affectively. After all, Islamabad is security." The excerpts of the its chosen ally in the war against 20 Monsoon Feature DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal As you sow so shall you reap Pakistan's North-West Frontier groups do in next to no time. The Province (NWFP) touches many a Americans who played a special sentimental chord in India. One, role by carrying out drone attacks Kanayalal Raina therefore, dreads to compare it in the vicinity of Kotakai in The old adage "as you sow so with Lebanon, Baghdad or Waziristan before the Pakistan shall you reap" has eventually Jerusalem in terms of frequency Army captured it must have won- come true in the case of of bomb blasts. The fact never- dered and indeed they did, to go Islamabad. Musharraf and the ISI theless is that the historic city is by Secretary of State Hillary under him had trained and armed reeling under a wave of violence Clinton's reaction to the suicide the Jihadis well in the art and triggered by terrorists. Hardly a bomber having virtually come craft of running covert wars that fortnight passes when it does not within a whisker of the nuclear even regular armies found diffi- suffer the tragic loss of innocent material. How vulnerable can cult to counter. It didn't really citizens in some measure. Pakistan be, she seemed to sug- take the Pakistani military and the They have snuffed the lives gest. Incidentally Hillary Clinton is Kanyalal Raina ISI long to divert some of the out of some of State's distin- the first to question that it is hard jihadis to bleed India by inflicting lie in the enormous work the state guished sons of the soil, attacked to believe that no body in other terror outfits based in ''wounds'' not just in Kashmir but has done, by its acts of omission religious congregations and Pakistan's government knew Punjab gaining access to the also in other vulnerable parts of and commission, to eradicate the defiled places of worship. Their where Al Qaeda leaders are hid- country's nuclear assets. For the India. The civilian governments in ideas of liberal Islam and facilitate moves are born of desperation to ing. record we know that Pakistan like between the Zia and Musharraf the rise of obscurantists…Pakistan make their presence felt. In A former head of the most nuclear powered countries regimes too played their part by will not be safe from terrorists' Pakistan, however, the experts American CIA in Asia described has a "proper" command system allowing groups like the ones depredations unless a crash pro- are not quite sure how bad the the attack on the aeronautical before a nuclear weapon or war- headed by Hafiz Saeed to flour- gramme to build a tolerant, plu- situation will be before it becomes facility near Islamabad as a head is unleashed. But the prob- ish- run madrassas in places as ralist society is seriously execut- better. "nuclear nightmare". Add to this lem with Pakistan today is that it far away as Karachi, Lahore, ed. The Taliban had wrought vir- the brazen manner in which a for- continues to be ruled by a civilian Peshwar, not to mention Azad Unfortunately, that seems tual havoc in several Pakistani mer Deputy Director of Pakistan administration which, apart from Kashmir and Balochistan. Simply unlikely at a time when the coun- towns, including major Military Military operations was shot dead the divisions it is riven with, must put, Pakistan had largely try is being treated to a dirty polit- establishments, in Punjab, in broad daylight. Not that it sur- think ten times over before taking unleashed forces over which it ical intrigue and a mad jockeying Islamabad and Peshawar. If any- prises us when we think of the a decision which normally falls in seems now has very little control. for power. Nobody should take thing, every Pakistani must have preceding attacks on the Army civilian domain. It was just the ISI which contin- offence on being told that the dreaded the very thought of a headquarters in town of Rawal- It could be said that it's ulti- ued to be the mentor of all these roots of terrorism lie in Pakistan's lone cycle-borne suicide bomber pindi or at Federal Intelligence mately the civilian government groups. political culture." Is there any coming so close to the place office and the police academy which controls the nuclear button. Mr I.A. Rehman, Pakistani hope for Peshawar till Islamabad where nuclear warheads etc were (the latter for the second time in But not so in Pakistan. The army columnist and a leading human mends its ways? probably stored. Not that assem- recent months) in Lahore. continues to rule supreme even rights activist, has cautioned his It is sad indeed that Peshawar bling a nuclear weapon is as sim- What should cause concern to as Zardari and Gilani, the Prime country: ""…the roots of terrorism has become a blood-stained ple task as making the bombs India and other countries in the Minister, may claim to be the men in Pakistan are indigenous; they name. The Capital city of which the Taliban and other terror region is the fear of the Taliban or in-charge.

TW ELVE STUDENTS AWARDED RBC ROYAL

Dalai Lama in Tawang BANK SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEW CANADIANS Millions must have been of peace in our part of the globe. Twelve students from across pleased with Dalai Lama, In no way, however, can this Canada were each awarded Dharmshala (Himachal Pradesh)- imply that we have to compro- $3,500 cash scholarship as recipi- based spiritual and temporal mise with our self-respect and ents of the third annual RBC Royal leader of Tibet, reaching unity and integrity. It is China's Bank Scholarship for New Arunachal Pradesh especially headache if it thinks that Dalai Canadians. 18 - Surrey, British Columbia Tawang in this country's highly Lama is an irritant. So far as we Mr. Aoyu Bai, age 18 - Kanata, picturesque north-eastern state. are concerned he has emerged as "These 12 students, selected Ontario According to on-the-spot reports one of our best ambassadors. He from more than eleven hundred Mr. Chun Jun Cao, age 19 - he has got a rousing reception. has used his unique position to applicants, were chosen for their Vancouver, British Columbia Both New Delhi and Dalai Lama tell the world about our basic faith outstanding academic achieve- Mr. Dennis Dobrovolsky, age have thus proved a point. The for- in human decency, universal ment, commitment to community 18 - Toronto, Ontario mer has maintained that Dalai brotherhood, democracy and and defined personal goals," said Ms. Elzbieta Myrlak, age 18 - Lama is "an honoured guest of communal amity apart from, of Camon Mak, director, RBC Edmonton, Alberta India and is free to go anywhere course, the help extended to his Multicultural Markets. "Through Ms. Fuyuanyue Liu, age 17 - in the country." Tibetan community in rediscover- the RBC Royal Bank Scholarship Thunder Bay, Ontario It has conveyed this in as ing itself. The way China follows for New Canadians, we hope to Ms. Jennifer Zhou, age 18 - many words to China which his itinerary clearly shows that it recognize and reward these tal- Richmond Hill, Ontario claims Arunachal Pradesh as its is wary of his global acceptance ented new Canadians and also Ms. Jian Peng (Angel) Qian, part. China has objected to Dalai as an exceptional personality China to step up campaign raise awareness of the significant age 18 - Scarborough, Ontario Lama's current tour. There is fighting for a just cause. against me wherever I go. It is contribution of all newcomers to Ms. Margarita Palmera-Nunez, hardly anything surprising about Incidentally it is through Tawang totally baseless on the part of the Canada." age 18 - St. John's, Newfoundland it considering that it has looked that Dalai Lama had entered India Chinese Communist government "RBC maintains a longstanding Ms. Maryna Muzychenko, age askance even at the Prime in the wake of the Chinese to say that I am encouraging a tradition of supporting new immi- 18 - Edmonton, Alberta Minister's visit to the same area. onslaught on the Tibetans in separatist movement." Tawang at grants coming to Canada. We are Ms. Orietta Mukeza, age 18 - Of late it has stepped up its ver- 1959. an altitude of more than 11000 focused on making it easier for Ottawa, Ontario bal offensive against India as well Now back in Tawang Dalai feet is spiritually important for the them to get settled, established Ms. Qing Qing Wu, age 18 - as incursions into its border areas Lama has recalled: "'I am very Tibetans as the birthplace of the and succeed. The RBC scholarship Edmonton, Alberta particularly in Leh district in this happy to be here in Tawang as sixth Dalai Lama in the 17th cen- program is one more way for us to Applicants for the scholarships State and Arunachal. If any coun- there are lots of emotions tury at the Urgelling Monastery. deliver on that promise," said must have been born outside of try thus has to protest it is India. involved. When I escaped from That the entire population of Mak. Canada, and be either permanent It is to be appreciated that New China in 1959 I was mentally and Tawang has been out on streets The winners of the award rep- residents or citizens of Canada. Delhi has never been found want- physically very weak as I was to greet him shows the reverence resent nationalities from 122 They also must have achieved at ing in calling the Chinese bluff. down with dysentery…The in which he is held. It must have countries around the world includ- least a 70 per cent average in We have always to be conscious Chinese did not pursue us in 1959 unnerved China which thinks it ing China, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, their previous year of study. of the historic fact that we have but when I reached India, they can swallow the region as it has Poland, Rwanda and Colombia. For more information about been stabbed in the back by started speaking against me. I am done a part of this State. Happily The recipients of the RBC Royal the RBC Royal Bank Scholarship China in 1962. always surprised (by Chinese for us the time has significantly Bank Scholarship for New for New Canadians, please visit: This does not mean that we reactions)." He has made it abun- changed after 1962. Canadians for 2009 are: www.rbcroyalbank.com/scholar- don't have to pursue the course dantly clear: "It is quite usual for Kanayalal Raina Ms. Chamila Anthonypillai, age ships/newcanadians. Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Feature 21 Fort Hood security - "the mission goes on"

Viewed from a country in on there were relocated, with the any such halo. has pleaded: "We don't know all which I was born ( India) where goal of soon reopening the center. The initial reports indicate the answers yet, and I would cau- its security guards (Sikh) have What is little known is that it that 39-year old Maj Nidal Malik tion against jumping to conclu- shot a Prime Minister (Indira has shattered the reputation of Hasan had gone on a shooting sions until we have all of the facts." Gandhi) at her residence every- invincibility of one of the safest spree because he was opposed to entation that justified suicide He has said that he has met thing around the world looks pos- places inside a strong nation. his deployment in Afghanistan. bombing and telling classmates officials of concerned agencies sible. The incident has taken place There is a version that he had that Islamic law trumped the U.S. "'to discuss their ongoing investi- As many of us were applaud- at Fort Hood which has the fol- pre-planned his gruesome act. It Constitution. gation into what caused one indi- ing the United States for not lowing features: (a) the largest is based on two pieces of evi- "If Hasan was showing signs, vidual to turn his gun on fellow allowing a repeat of the 9/11, active duty armoured post and dence: (1) carrying of two hand- saying to people that he had servicemen and women." 2001 there is a shocker from the the only two-division post in the guns in an area where there is no become an Islamist extremist, the American Muslim organisa- world's most powerful country. By US, (b) 544 square kilometres of use of them, and (2) the quantity U.S. Army has to have zero toler- tions are in the forefront of con- now it is well known that an offi- training and support facilities, of ammunition to shoot at 43 peo- ance," Lieberman, an independ- demning the "heinous incident." cer of the rank of Major, who hap- homes and schools; (c) a virtual ple. It is one of the worst killings ent from Connecticut, said on The Muslim Public Affairs Council, pens to be a Muslim and a psychi- city for about 65000 military per- reported on a US military base. "Fox News Sunday." "He should working for the civil rights of atrist, has killed 13 of his col- sonnel and more than one hun- Army Chief of Staff George Casey have been gone." American Muslims, has extended leagues and inflicted injuries on dred thousand family members warned against reaching conclu- The Council on American- "its heartfelt condolences to the 30 others. Sixteen victims and civilian support staff; and, (d) sions about the suspected shoot- Islamic relations, said to be families of those killed as well as remained hospitalized with gun- a major centre for troops er's motives until investigators America's largest '"Islamic civil those wounded and their loved shot wounds, and seven were in focussed on American operations have fully explored the attack. "I liberties" group, too has asserted: ones." intensive care. in Iraq and Afghanistan. think the speculation (on Hasan's "The attack was particularly Sen. Joe Lieberman said Even as the community took The website of the Fort Hood Islamic roots) could potentially heinous in that it targeted the all- Sunday he would begin an inves- time to mourn the victims at wor- mentions that it is "nicknamed as heighten backlash against some volunteer army that protects our tigation into what the Army ship services on and off the post The Great Place because of the of our Muslim soldiers." nation." At the same time it has should have known about Hasan. Sunday, Fort Hood spokesman quality of life the post and area The US security forces have called upon Muslims to take A day earlier, classmates who par- Col. John Rossi said the country's offers soldiers and their families. been taken aback. On the social "appropriate precautions" to pro- ticipated in a 2007-2008 master's largest military installation was These qualities are important, plane it is feared that there may tect themselves from "a possible program at a military college said moving forward with the business especially with home-basing ini- be some upheaval. That explains backlash." of soldiering. The processing cen- tiatives, frequent deployments why President Barack Obama has they complained to faculty about by Kanayalal Raina ter where major Hasan allegedly and family stability and support." called upon his countrymen not to what they considered to be Brampton Based free lance opened fire remains a crime For the time being at least the jump to conclusions on the Hasan's anti-American views, writer scene, but the activities that went Fort Hood will be diffident to claim motive behind the shooting. He which included his giving a pres-

see each other at least once in a year. Christmas definitely ensures Love, Peace and Happiness material and spiritual enjoyment. By: jja mation of Saint Nicholas to Santa repeating over and over again in Even non-Christians in the com- Claus happened in the USA. The gifts and contributions, and they munity celebrate Christmas in the A. X' Mas-its nature Harpers Weekly magazine depict- are to be made for the glory of interests of their children. The Love, peace and happiness ed Santa Claus from 1863 to 1886 God and nothing else. Nowadays media and commercial establish- are the watch words of Christmas as an unaging, jolly, bearded fat several humanitarian projects are ments give all the encouragement and we are to witness yet anoth- man who lived at the North Pole. being implemented through out for people to buy goods and proj- er one. The world will celebrate He had a red suit trimmed with the world for the sake of helping ect the mirth of the joyful season. the season with all the modern white fur. These were the main the needy during the Christmas The urge to buy is injected by col- conveniences made possible by features of the Christmas celebra- season. Many orphan children are orful advertisements through the global commercialism and mass tions that evolved out of history. being helped by affluent people in media and in shopping complexes media. It is also a season of hec- In the light of different tradi- the name of Christmas gifts. The that people forget the true mean- tic commercial activity when peo- tions, legends, unbiblical addi- shoe-box campaign through ing of Christmas. Drunken brawls ple just spend, give and receive tions to the accounts of Jesus' which the children in Canada are nificant changes influenced by the and ecstatic revelries render just both materially and to some birth in the Bible each person has encouraged to gift essential Canadian life-style. In the home- opposite effects of the spirit of extent spiritually. There is a lot of to decide whether or not to cele- goods to orphan and poor chil- land people used to decorate their Christmas. personal and collective controver- brate Christmas. Some are satis- dren in third world countries is an homes with balloons and crayon E. Lasting Values sial opinion regarding whether or fied if it is only celebrated as a example of such benevolent proj- papers, lit crackers, make sweet Peace, joy and happiness are not Christmas is a Christian holi- festive holiday for merry feasting ects. The fund-raising campaign meats like 'thoddu- palagaram', lasting values that are essential day. Apart from traditions about and sharing of gifts without giving by many organizations in Toronto 'chippi', 'payatham-urundai' etc. for humanity. Christmas is a sea- love and giving that are worthy of weight to its spiritual implications. for helping the sick and the suf- and go to church services. Carol- son in which such values can be being emphasized in a year, there C. I ts Significance fering (Heart and Stroke singing, Christmas plays and fes- revived and cultivated with lots of is also a different aspect to it. The basic message of Foundation) can yet ne another tivities gave lots of importance to human cooperation. These val- Many business people take the Christmas is that it reveals the example. The advent of Christ children and their happiness. ues have to be lasting; otherwise opportunity for aggressive com- revelation of God in the human showed the way by which men There were also carol parties they lose their worth. If they are mercial activity to get customers form. It gives the news of God's can live victorious and meaningful going to houses of church mem- temporary and transient, they will to buy and give lots of goods. incarnation in the human flesh. lives for the upliftment of human- bers. Similar patterns of celebra- not be able to help the world to B. I ts Background. As St. John states in his testa- ity. tions are seen among the mem- improve. People should learn to The biblical stories about the ment" No one has ever seen God, D. The Sri Lankan bers of the Srilankan community cultivate them for their personal birth of Christ have medieval but God the one and only (Jesus), Experience - home and in Toronto. Some alumni associa- rehabilitation and for the better- comparisons. It was common for who is at the father's side has abroad. tions have special carol services ment of humanity at large. Love, ancient cultures to gather togeth- made him known." In his account Members of our community starting as early as November. joy and happiness are the crav- er in festivals during the time of John refers to Jesus Christ as the mostly continue the same tradi- The birth of Christ is celebrated in ings of every human kind but the the winter solstice on December 'Word'. This term was understood tions of celebrating Christmas word, song and prayer and such methods they adopt to achieve 22nd. Besides the Hindu God by the Jews to refer to' an agent which they practiced in their services also give opportunities them differs and therein lies their Krishna, Gautama Buddha and of creation.' The gifts of the magi homelands though there are sig- for members of the community to destiny. Zoroaster were reputedly prod- to the new born child Jesus start- ucts of virgin births. The birth of ed the tradition of gifts shared Christ was first officially recog- between family and friends. Translation Services nized on Roman calendars about However, it should be emphasized 336 A.D. The biblical story of the that the most important gift in the English to Tamil & Tamil to English Translation Magi has been interpreted and celebrations is the God's gift of his illustrated in various Christian leg- only begotten son to save the Articles on any topic could be translated and typed at reasonable cost ends, artistic drawings, songs and world. There can be no 'peace' on children's pageants since earth or real 'joy' in the human's Prompt Efficient service | Satisfaction Guaranteed medieval times. It was the name heart apart from the spirit of of Saint Nicholas, a bishop during Christ. The gifts of these bless- the time of Emperor Constantine ings through the birth of Jesus For Details: Call Raj: 416-412-1864 who gave rise to the legend Christ are worth celebrating and behind Santa Claus. The transfor- the sharing of God's love is worth E-mail: [email protected] 22 Monsoon Feature DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal

The Gospel of Luke account states that Mary gave birth to Nativity of Jesus Jesus and laid him in a manger "because there was no place for In the account of the Gospel advisers where the Messiah was sus; the birth in a manger, and them in the inn," but does not say of Luke, Mary learns from the to be born. They answer the choir of angels; none of these exactly where Jesus was born. angel Gabriel that she will con- Bethlehem, the birthplace of King is mentioned in Matthew. They Raymond Rajabalan ceive and bear a child called David, and quote the prophet explain the birth in Bethlehem in Three Wise men The Magi bear gifts of gold, "Do not be afraid; for see-I Jesus. When she asks how this Micah: "Go and search diligently different ways (Luke says they frankincense, and myrrh. Though am bringing you good news of can be, since she is a virgin, he for the child; and when you have lived in Nazareth and only moved traditionally described as wise great joy for all the people: to you tells her that the Holy Spirit would found him, bring me word so that to Bethlehem briefly for the cen- men or kings, the Matthew Gospel is born this day in the city of "come upon her" and that "noth- I may also go and pay him hom- sus, Matthew implies that they account actually refers to magoi, David a Saviour, who is the ing will be impossible with God". age," a deceitful Herod tells the lived in Bethlehem and only or astrologers. Messiah, the Lord. This will be a She responds: "Here am I, the magi. moved to Nazareth on their return Neither the names of the magi sign for you: you will find a child servant of the Lord; let it be with As the wise men travel to from Egypt) nor their number are specified, wrapped in bands of cloth and me according to your word". Bethlehem, the star "goes before" but - because the gifts described lying in a manger" At the time that Mary is due to them and leads them to a house Date of birth are three in number - a tradition The Nativity of Jesus, refers to give birth, she and her husband where they find and adore Jesus. The nativity accounts in the arose that there were three magi: the accounts of the birth of Jesus Joseph travel from their home in They present Jesus with gifts of New Testament gospels of Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar. of Nazareth in the Gospels and in Nazareth to Joseph's ancestral gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In Matthew and Luke do not men- Balthasar is a Greek version of the various apocryphal texts. home in Bethlehem to register in a dream, the magi receive a tion a date or time of year for the Babylonian name Belshazzar, The remembrance and re- the census of Quirinius. Having divine warning of Herod's intent birth of Jesus. In Western meaning "May Bel protect his enactment of the Nativity in the found no place for them selves in to kill the child, whom he sees as Christianity, it has been tradition- life." Melchior means "The king is Christian celebration of Christmas the inn, when Mary gives birth to a rival. Consequently, they return ally celebrated on December 25 my light" in Aramaic. Caspar is a signifies their belief that Jesus is Jesus she places the newborn in a to their own country without as Christmas, a date that can be Latinized version of Gondophares, the "Christ" or Messiah promised manger telling Herod the result of their traced as early as the year 330 a Parthian (i.e. Persian) name. In by the Old Testament. The main An angel of the Lord visits the mission. An angel tells Joseph to among Roman Christians. free retellings of the Nativity religious celebration among mem- shepherds guarding their flocks in flee with his family to Egypt. Before then, and still today in events, the magi are sometimes bers of the Catholic Church and nearby fields and brings them Meanwhile, Herod orders that all Eastern Christianity, Jesus' birth called "kings" because of prophe- other Christian groups is the "good news of great joy": "to you male children of Bethlehem under was generally celebrated on cies that kings will pay homage to Church service at midnight on is born this day in the city of the age of two be killed, the so- January 6/7 (late at night on Jerusalem and a king. Christmas Eve or on the morning David a Saviour, who is the called "Massacre of the January 6) as part of the feast of The Magi were said to be fol- of Christmas Day. During the forty Messiah, the Lord." The angel Innocents". Theophany, also known as lowing a mysterious star, com- days leading up to Christmas, the tells them they will find a child After Herod's death, the fami- Epiphany, which commemorated monly known as the Star of Eastern Orthodox Church prac- wrapped in bands of cloth and ly return from Egypt, but, instead not only Jesus' birth but also his Bethlehem, which had suddenly tices the Nativity Fast, while the lying in a manger. The angel is of going back to live in baptism by John in the Jordan appeared in the sky, believing it to majority of Christian congrega- joined by a "heavenly host" who Bethlehem, fears concerning River and possibly additional announce the birth of the king of tions (including the Catholic say "Glory to God in the highest Herod's Judean successor events in his life. Some scholars the Jews. Church, the Anglican Communion, heaven, and on earth peace Archelaus cause them to move to note that Luke's descriptions of On the other hand, the Gospel many Mainline churches, and among those whom he favors!" Galilee and settle in Nazareth, ful- shepherds' activities at the time of Luke's account does not men- Baptists) begin observing the The shepherds hurry to the filling a prophecy: "He will be of Jesus' birth suggest a spring or tion the Magi, instead having liturgical season of Advent four manger in Bethlehem where they called a Nazorean". summer date Jesus being visited by local shep- Sundays before Christmas-both find Jesus with Mary and Joseph. The prophecy is primarily The Gospel of Matthew places herds, who had been informed in are seen as times of spiritual They repeat what they have been sourced from Judges 13:5, 7, Jesus' birth under the reign of the night by an angel who said cleansing, recollection and renew- told by the angel, and then return which say, "the boy shall be a Herod the Great, who died in 4 "Do not be afraid; for see-I am al to prepare for the celebration to their flocks. Mary and Joseph Nazirite"; The author of Matthew BC. The author of Matthew also bringing you good news of great of the birth of Jesus. take Jesus to Jerusalem to be cir- explained the move to Nazareth recorded that Herod had all the

“Let us remember the innocent baby born in an occu- pied and troubled land for the purpose of dying. It was a great parado x o f history. A birth that fo und ultimate purpose of death .God came to the earth in the most vulnerable form but in the end there was Victory in defeat and G lo ry in humiliatio n”

male children in Bethlehem two joy for all the people: to you is years old and younger executed, born this day in the city of David based on a prophecy relayed to a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the him by the magi that a new King Lord. This will be a sign for you: of the Jews had been born in the you will find a child wrapped in town. The order's instruction of bands of cloth and lying in a "two and under", along with the manger." After this an innumer- inference that it took Herod time able company of angels appeared to realize that the magi were not with the herald saying "Glory to about to deliver the child to him, God in the highest, on earth implies a birth no later than 6-4 peace, good will toward men." BC. The shepherds went quickly to The Gospel of Luke dates the Bethlehem, finding the sign to be birth ten years after Herod's as the angel foretold, and subse- quently publicized what they had The New Testament provides cumcised, before returning to as the fulfillment of the prophecy, death during the census of witnessed throughout the area. two accounts of the birth of their home in Nazareth. "for he will be called a Nazorean." Quirinius. Jesus: one in the Gospel of Matthew and the other in the Gospel of Matthew The Nativity description in Location Emmanuel In Matthew, "an angel of the Gospel of Luke. The birth narra- In the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mathew and Luke The Gospels of both Matthew Lord" appears to Mary's betrothed tives of Matthew and Luke have impending birth is announced to These two Gospels present and Luke place the birth of Jesus husband Joseph in a dream and some elements in common. They Joseph in a dream, in which he is two very different accounts: the in Bethlehem. The Gospel of tells him: "she will bear a son, both relate that Jesus of Nazareth instructed to name the child Gospel of Matthew relates the Matthew account implies that the and you shall call his name Jesus, was the child of Mary, who was Jesus. A star reveals the birth of appearance of an angel, in a family already lived in Bethlehem for he will save his people from betrothed to Joseph, a descen- Jesus to three "wise men" (magi) dream, to Joseph; the wise men when Jesus was born. According their sins". The text continues dant of the Biblical King David. who travel to Jerusalem from an from the east; the massacre of to the Gospel of Luke, Joseph and with the comment: "All this hap- The narratives also present the unspecified country "in the east". the innocents; and the flight to Mary (who lived in Nazareth) had pened to fulfill what the Lord had conception, preceded by an Joseph is warned by an angel Egypt. The Gospel of Luke men- traveled to Bethlehem to register spoken by the prophet: 'Behold angelic annunciation, by the in a dream to flee Bethlehem. tions none of these but describes for the census of Quirinius, the virgin shall conceive and bear power of the Holy Spirit Herod understands the phrase the conception and birth of John because it was the town of "King of the Jews" as a reference the Baptist; the appearance of an Joseph's ancestors, the birthplace a son, and his name shall be Gospel of Luke to the Messiah and he asked his angel to Mary; the worldwide cen- of David. called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us'. Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 23 24 Monsoon Feature DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal

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www.creditsolutioncanada.com 80 Corporate Drive, Suite 309, Scarborough, Ontario. M1H 3G5 Tel: 416-439-0224 Fax: 416-439-0226 Email: [email protected] Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Feature 27 WORDS OF PEACE If you feel the world around you –you will see your experience is a cacophony of voices, thoughts and emotions. These voices, A Balancing Rod for Life thoughts and emotions are all an outpouring of confusions of many different levels and states. With a If life is like a tightrope, says other side of the river, so the much distorted perception of the what is not attainable, then it will Maharaji, then people need a bal- monkey figures out how to get to current reality, these voices, always tell you mediocre things as ancing rod to keep from stum- the other side. It's not unlike that thoughts and emotions are formed to what is possible. bling. One could compare life to for us. If you feel sadness, you and expressed. When man is in We are always trying to create walking a tightrope, he says, need joy. That's the mango tree this level of confusion, when he is our life based on the current reali- because "it goes from here to on the other side of the river. Is it subjugated by the misconceptions ty that exists around us at this there. But what's here? What's a big deal? No. You feel hunger; or the wrong perception of reality moment. This moment whatever there? It has to do with our then, "I want that mango because around him, the noise that he cre- may be with us is not the point. nature." I feel hunger." ates around himself, the pain and Where we want to go tomorrow Recognized around the world Q: What does it take for suffering that he creates for him- need not be connected to where for his unwavering commitment to someone to decide to seek the self and the people around him we are right now. What we want as spreading the possibility of peace contentment you talk about? and to all other life forms around the highest in life, it need not have and contentment, Maharaji is A: You have to feel the urge in well-versed in the subject of your life to walk this tightrope. Knowing Life – human nature-a necessity, he You have not been left without says, for anyone who wants to tools. To create the urge, you understand what this life is all have been given a thirst. To push Here and Beyond about. you along this journey, you have "A person who finds himself in been given a heart, and to take doubt yearns for clarity," he says. "A person who finds herself in pain yearns for joy. This is wis- dom-that you suffer and you want to come out of the suffering. If you feel that you're in darkness, you want to come out of darkness into light. If you feel sorrow, you want to go towards joy. This is your nature. "Your nature is not the same as a fish. Take a fish out of water, and it wants to go back into it. Take a drowning human being out of the water, and it feels good. We Sadhguru Vasudev is a realized master, yogi and mystic, who has founded are all bound by these laws. For I sha Foundation, an international public service organization that strives for ultimate human well-being. For world-wide program information, the first human being who walked visit www.ishafoundation.org the face of this earth, it was no Toronto local contact 416 300 3010 or email [email protected] different: Our nature is to want to and contentment that all human get to a place where we can be each step precisely, you have him is very unfortunate. anything to do with our present sit- beings seek. That contentment, With all the conveniences and content." been given consciousness. uation. If we enslave our visions to he says, already exists within the facilities we have because of sci- In order to get to the content- If you want to take the jour- current situations, then it is once human heart-and he can help ence and technology individual again settling for what is attain- ment on the other side of pain or ney, if you want to get across, I with discovering it. man and humanity has still able, what is easy, what you think confusion or doubt, Maharaji can tell you how. I can give you "When I speak about fulfill- remained an absolute confusion, is possible. It is not in terms of says, "We must walk this the balancing rod-the equipment an absolute mess. All the noises ment, I'm not talking about a thinking what is possible or not tightrope. We have no choice. you need to make this journey that he is making in the form of his hypothesis," he says. "It's a reali- possible. It is just in terms of see- When you walk a tightrope, what possible. No theories. I'm not thoughts and emotions, if you look ing what is your vision, what is the ty. It's possible. In this day and is involved? Well, you can't lose talking about theories. I'm talking at it, if you really are little sensitive highest that you can seek in your age, a human being can be con- your focus. First thing, you need a about this life, and how to be able to feel people’s thoughts and emo- life. tent." balancing rod, because you're to fulfill it. The journey can be tions around you, you’ll see it is an If man has a vision of what he Maharaji often answers ques- going to need to keep your bal- successfully completed, and it is absolute mess, it is an absolute wishes to do with himself and the tions from those interested in his ance. You need a balancing rod to incredibly beautiful. confusion. world around him, it is not beyond message. stabilize you, because you will To learn more about Maharaji, That is the reality that you see man’s capacity to create it. It may Q: Can you explain more today. There is no clarity in him. make mistakes. When you start to visit: happen in this lifetime, it may take about what you mean by getting Nor any will or vision. Most people lose your balance, this balancing www.wopg.org a couple of lifetimes but what we to the other side of suffering? in the world live their lives without want will definitely come. For that rod will help restore it." www.tprf.org A: Say there's a monkey on even understanding what is it that person, for whom his vision of life The secret to maintaining bal- For A free DVD, call 1 877 707 this side of the river. The monkey they really want for themselves. Or is clear to him and he just seeks it ance in life, Maharaji says, is sim- 3221 Toll Free even if they know what they want, sees a tree full of mangoes on the every moment of his life, for him, ple: it's to experience the peace they neither have the will nor the the highest things will come and vision to create what they want in fall at his feet. It is only because their lives. Most of the time just man is a bundle of confusion, it is settling for whatever is easy, what- only because man is most of the Inspiration Driving Institute ever they term as attainable, what- time seeking what he doesn’t want ever is within their reach, they set- – things that he really wants never tle for anything if they feel it is come to him. This lack of vision easy. and will in his life is fundamentally If something is easily attain- because of a distorted understand- able, people go for it. Not really ing of the world around us. Inspiration Driving Institute seeing whether they really need it What you know as the highest, in their lives or not. Not really see- you just seek that. It doesn’t mat- 3430 Finch Ave East # 103 ing whether that is what they real- ter whether it is going to happen or ly want in their lives. It is easily not going to happen, simply living Scarborough. attainable, that is the whole thing. with the vision itself is very elevat- And at any given moment in life if ing, is itself very liberating, is itself Cell: 416-939-4913 we go by the experience of our a very joyous process for any per- past or in other words if you trust son. Whether it is going to happen Bus: 416-847-9773 your mind – trust your logical mind tomorrow or after hundred years is to decide what is possible, what is not the point. not possible, what is attainable, Contd. in Pg 45... 28 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Arts 29 Is A rt help?

"Fine art is that in which aesthetics. The nature of art has the hand, the head, and the been described as "one of the heart of man go together" most elusive of the traditional integration training (which incor- Art is creativity; therefore no problems of human culture". porates the skills of multiple one form of art could really be It has been defined as a vehi- learning modalities into one coop- more creative than another form cle for the expression or commu- erative exercise) is more effective of art. Creative way of expressing nication of emotions and ideas, a in overcoming the actual cause of a modified view of the world and means for exploring and appreci- the learning disability, even if it its objects by simplifying or com- ating formal elements for their cannot be specified. plicating the use of colour, shape own sake, and as mimesis or rep- Art as therapy, it combines the and form. It encompasses a resentation. Realistic, naturalistic creative process and psychothera- diverse range of human activities, art had dissembled the medium, py, facilitating self-exploration creations, and modes of expres- using art to conceal art; mod- and understanding. Using art sion, including music, literature, ernism used art to call attention imagery, colour, activities and film, sculpture, and paintings. The to art. shape as part of this creative meaning of art is explored in a The limitations that constitute therapeutic process, thoughts and branch of philosophy known as the medium of painting - the flat feelings may be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. Art Therapy is effective for people of any age. Professional art therapist works with individuals, couples, families, or groups in settings such as Aboriginal (18x24) Mixed Media on Canvas prized at $500 counselling agencies, schools, surface, the shape of the support, fine art, along with music and treatment centers, rehabilitation the properties of the pigment - performing arts, is critically facilities, hospitals, correctional were treated by the Old Masters important for a child's brain devel- institutes, research institution, as negative factors that could be opment, sensory integration and universities and elder care loca- acknowledged only implicitly or creative problem solving. tions. Art therapy can also help indirectly. Under Modernism these Learning to read is difficult for people with their social skills. same limitations came to be some children because they can- The therapeutic benefits of art regarded as positive factors, and not make the connection between therapy in these types of situa- were acknowledged openly. visual processing and symbolic tions can help with people that Abstraction is more focused processing, transferring the visual are withdrawn or shy, or who, for on the use of imagination or ideas shape of the letter or word to a some reason or another, have a expressed through emotion. A lot symbolic representation of that difficult time functioning within of good abstract paintings offer word. Something malfunctions in social situations. people quite a different represen- the transfer between the different A picture must possess a real tation of life. Some art works are senses that are processing the power to generate light and for a stimulate unconscious emotions, information and the desired com- long time now I've been con- desires, and sexual compulsions, prehension is not achieved. scious of expressing myself all unified within a dynamic that Learning processes require through light or rather in light. vacillates between the real and the use of a combination of - Henri Matisse the fantasized in human life. modalities. For this reason, many Dr. Fonseka -clinician Dr Newan Fonseka thank all participants who attended the Studies have concluded that researchers believe that sensory "Citta" Solo Art show held during Nov 09

not enough internships for them." A good step for foreign workers That's true, but the federal gov- The federal government's new who came to Canada hoping to ernment can do only so much. credential policy for foreign- advance their careers only to find The provinces now have to show trained workers should be good that the appropriate Canadian their support in practice, not just for both those professionals and agency did not recognize their in principle. The federal govern- Canada. It is intended to deal credentials. No one gains when ment has taken a good initiative. with a problem that has plagued well-qualified immigrants cannot Canadians should keenly watch this country as well as frustrated work in their field. where it goes. newcomers who believe they To be sure, this is not a simple have the skill and education to matter. Canadian organizations perform sophisticated jobs in responsible for certifying profes- course, the boards have a degree Canada. sional credentials cannot merely of independence from the provin- Human Resources Minister accept the word of the applicant. cial governments. The provinces Diane Finley outlined the new, Checking qualifications is not cannot order a board to grant a streamlined policy this week. always easy, particularly if the certificate to a person it concludes Under the framework, the federal applicant cites a remote universi- is not qualified. government and the provinces ty with an unknown reputation. There are also other potential have agreed to inform foreign- Not every foreign university is at problems. A board might regard a trained workers to within a year the same standard as Cambridge, doctor as being an appropriate of submitting an application if Oxford, Harvard or Yale. applicant to practice in Canada. their credentials will be accepted. Furthermore, in the case of uni- That board, however, does not The new policy will apply as of versities in countries that do not control the amount of money Dec. 31, 2010, to foreign-trained use English or French, language available for intern positions in architects, engineers, pharma- may be a barrier to determining hospitals. In other words, to work cists, physio and occupational the level at which an academic properly this new policy is going therapists and registered nurses. institution trains its students. to require more than just the The framework will apply to doc- The advantage of the frame- goodwill of the provinces. In tors and some other professionals work reached between Ottawa some cases, it may require extra by the end of 2012. and the provincial governments is money, which will not be easy to Moorthi Sellathurai(Virakesari Moorthy),a former Editorial Staff member of The intent of the new policy is that it means both levels of gov- find at the present time. "Virakesari'in Sri Lanka and presently a journalist for "Thamilar Senthamarai" is seen admirable. "We want a system ernment will be putting resources Olivia Chow, the NDP immi- in the picture receiving a certificate from the Chief guest Hon. Prime Minister Stephen Harper at Seneca College at the completion of a three day Seminar on that is fair, that's consistent, that's behind this initiative. There is no gration critic, said, "It's cold com- Journalism.The seminar was organized by the"National Ethnic Press and Media efficient and that's accessible," other way it could possibly suc- fort for doctors that have to wait Council of Canada" About 150 Journalist participated in this seminar and 25 journal- Human Resources Minister Diane ceed. The provinces, in many until January of 2013 to have ists had the privilege of receiving the certificate from the Prime Minister. Moorthy is Finley said. She's right. Anecdotal cases, have jurisdiction over the their credentials recognized, but the author of "Suthanthira Mann" short stories book too. evidence abounds about doctors boards that grant certification. Of still can't practice because there's 30 Waterloo News DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal W ar Partners Renew Economic Partnership with Sri Lanka while Tamils Face Genocide the positive transformation in the country's military chiefs. Eastern Province and adjoining dis- The US backed a European tricts by developing the regional push in May 2009 at the UN Human Arun Senathirajah economy and local private sector Rights Council for a limited interna- US Federal Reserve and investment opportunities, as well as tional investigation into war crimes European Central Bankers were strengthening local government and in Sri Lanka, which was blocked by very busy last year and took con- increasing citizen participation in the Rajapakse government with the stant coordinated efforts to avoid the governance process." According assistance of China, Russia and the collapse of their western finan- to US viewpoint economic solution India. Now Washington is calling on cial system. In similar way The US totally rejecting Tamils legitimate Colombo to carry out an investiga- Department and the European political right of such as equal sta- tion of its own crimes with a view of Union Officials were busy in tus, self determination rights or a satisfying its own officials critical of September and October of this year permanent constitutionally protect- Sri Lanka and to boost at interna- in preparing a 'Look like' serious ed acceptable status for Tamils. tional level that it has taken a seri- human rights violation and war Tamil ethnic problems are just ous action on the matter. They crimes reports on Sri Lanka with 'issues', and no equal status is know very well this would be a coordination and understanding, needed for Tamils, but they are whitewash. All of this is well known since they have common economic expected to be submerged into the to the Obama administration, which interest in the Indian Ocean Island. current racially biased Sinhala gov- has crafted the call for an internal On the 19th of October 2009 ernance system. Sri Lankan inquiry as a means for Head of Delegation to Sri Lanka and Likewise the USA and the EU coun- Commission of the European They now bring in a coordinated burying the issue of war crimes and the Maldives from the European tries on the GSP+ issue IMF will Communities released a report 'On leverage with EU to renew their opening the door to mending ties Commission the facility would con- continue to fund the Sri Lankan the Finding of the Investigations economic partnerships and use the with the Rajapakse government. tinue unhindered. He has further agenda whatever happens to the with respective to the Effective market for their MNCs. By forced After Rajapakse accepted the over- mentioned 'Relations between Sri minority Tamils there and irrespec- Implementation of Certain Human migration of Tamils out their homes ture, Washington announced anoth- Lanka and Europe are much bigger tive of not fulfilling its own condi- Rights Conventions in Sri Lanka.' and villages with US, EU and UN's er $US6.6 million in US aid, on top than the GSP (Generalized System tionalities for the funding. They Within couple of days US State financial aids, Tamils are being no of $84 million already handed over of Preferences) Plus issue… In fact keep revising the targets upwards Department released the report longer be dependent on their tradi- for "welfare work" to maintain the a few weeks back, I inaugurated a in order to accommodate Sri Lanka entitled 'Report to the Congress on tional livelihood farming, fishing, government's internment camps for new European Commission (EC)- anyway. Incidents during the Recent Conflict gardening etc, thereby they are Tamil civilians. Its purpose, howev- funded school in eastern Sri Lanka Sharing the Island Cake with in Sri Lanka' on the 22nd of October pushed into a 'survival threat status' er, is not to bring war criminals to in the presence of the President War Partners 2009. The release of the two in the name of bringing some eco- justice, but to boost US influence in Mahinda Rajapaksa. That's the Sri Lanka has obligations to ful- reports are not accidents or coinci- nomic development in the Colombo and strengthen relations extent of our relationship' Then fill its gratefulness to the 20 coun- dent. They well planned with full NorthEast of Sri Lanka. These help- with the Sri Lankan government. mentioned of the bottom line inten- tries which contributed to the war co-operation and exchange of high less Tamils become easy target for A South Asian political analyst tions 'We are about to start several against LTTE. These countries level opinions of the US authorities exploitation of their labour to the has mentioned 'The US and projects in the north and the east' includes Asian regional powers, the and EU officials. companies of these western European powers certainly have he added. peace advocated Co-chair coun- Sri Lanka has successfully fend- nations. USA has started some proj- "vested interests" in Sri Lanka, but I MF Releases Second tries, Some EU members and other ed off scrutiny at United Nation ects in the East to cultivate some this has nothing to do with reviving Tranche of the Stand-by Credit countries which adopt similar bodies like the Security Council and vegetable for their MNCs McDonalds the LTTE, or defending the demo- despite Sri Lanka's Failure in approach to their own minority eth- the U.N. Human Rights Council with and Burger King. cratic rights of the Tamil minority. Meeting Fiscal Targets nic issues. The island nation is cur- the help of regional powers like So much human rights boosted As in other parts of the globe, the On November 07, 2009 The rently in the process of allocating India and China. Now the U.S. and during his election campaign US and its allies are cynically International Monetary Fund (IMF) areas, lands, resources etc to fulfill the European Union have took up President Barrack Obama kept total exploiting the issue of "human has approved a 413.4 million US its gratitude. Groups of investors arms in the form of 'Human Rights silent on the advice of the Indian rights" to boost their influence in dollar tranche under its standby from USA, India, Germany and Violations Report' to threaten Sri policy makers, when 20,000 to Colombo at the expense of their loan, despite the government failing other western countries have Lankan current rulers of probable 50,000 Tamils caught in the Sri rivals. Washington is particularly to meet a key budget constraint. already visited Sri Lanka to study dangers of Sri Lankan alliance with Lankan government declared safety concerned that China exploited the Sri Lanka has a bloated deficit the possibilities of starting invest- the opponents of US and the EU zone were massacred, while Tamil Sri Lankan government's need for spending state, which runs a large ments in Sri Lanka. such as Iran, China and Libya to diasporas demonstrated and arms and military aid to establish a gap on the current account of the I ndia make Sri Lanka as their economic protested all over the world on the significant economic and strategic budget, taking away the savings of Mahinda Rajapakse needs the partner. In other way the US and streets of major cities London, foothold on the island.' the people through high interest blessing of Tamil Nadu rulers and the EU indirectly expect full co- Geneva, Oslo, Paris, Toronto, European Union's Report rates, leaving little for people to Hindu gods to wipe out Tamils in Sri operation in rebuilding and develop- Ottawa, Sydney, New York and even as Weapon invest in businesses, buy homes or Lanka. Chief Minister Karunanidhi ing the Sri Lankan market economy in front of his white House. Nobody The EU has threatened to with- for other activities. "The financing and the fortune blessing Hindu God with their capital and technical can deny that all of the demonstra- draw preferential trade rights for Sri from the IMF has helped avert a Thiruppathi Venkadesa are readily skills. The EU and USA now bring tions went unnoticed. Now for their Lanka, known as the GSP sharp economic slowdown that available to bless him. Chief their human rights violations related own economic and strategic pur- (Generalized System of would have hurt all the people of Sri Minister Karunanidhi has sent Thasa ineffective reports for their strategic poses released this document Preferences) Plus facility-if Lanka, but particularly the most vul- Purushas to garland Mahinda and market oriented self interests. 'Report to the Congress on Colombo does not agree to its nerable, and compounded the suf- Rajapakse to appreciate his But they totally kept silent and not Incidents during the Recent Conflict demands. But, Sri Lanka defiantly fering caused by the war," said achievement of massacre of Tamils used any leverage to save the lives in Sri Lanka'. Tamils world over can- refused to allow a European Union Brian Aitken, head of the IMF's mis- under the partnership agreement of those perished in the final war. not be taken away by this illusion. (EU) investigation into rights abuses sion to Sri Lanka. Although Sri made with Sonia Ghandi led Indian How can you expect justice from The USA's call it an "infringement of Sri Lanka's excessive spending is epito- Government. All the war partners such countries will do anything to Strategic Weapon Lanka's sovereignty, self respect mized by war expenditure the IMF played their roles under Indian ban- pressurize racist Sri Lanka regime Although the report from the US and dignity'. If the GSP+ facility has never mentioned about it as the ner and patronage. after being active partners in the States Department look like a seri- were withdrawn, Sri Lankan major contributor of the spending. war against Tamils and funding the ous indictment of the Sri Lankan imports, which currently enter the on-going Tamil genocide. government's war crimes detailing EU free of tariffs, would attract tar- The US Agenda more than 100 incidents in which iffs of 5 to 18 percent. The Sri The US Government's view ECONOMICS the army shelled and bombed LTTE- Lankan garment industry, a major University Students !!!! points are highlighted in the held areas proclaimed by the mili- export earner, would be hard hit as Pressurized with yo ur wo rklo ads USAID/Sri Lanka website as: "The tary as a no-fire zone, the report nearly 60 percent of its output goes new 2008-2012 strategy is based cover ups the casualty figures. The to Europe. After making a big show "For Tutorial Assistance"? on the approach that economic State Department has clearly men- of the non-compliance of Sri Lanka To Co mplete the fo llo wing pro fessio nal exams growth can contribute to building tioned about no action on the accu- for this facility, now the European at first attempt: social and economic security to help sations by declaring that it reaches powers are conducting a similar establish conditions conducive to a no legal conclusions about the crim- maneuver as the USA used its CSC - Canadian Securities Course political solution through focusing inal nature of any of the incidents or report the EU had given Sri Lanka DFC - Derivatives Fundamental Co urse on regional needs, but also works at even if they actually occurred. In until November 6, 2009 to submit a IFIC - Investment Institute o f Canada the national level, from which many fact President Barack Obama response and postponed any final O peratio ns Co urse of the most critical democracy, gov- administration has no intention of decision to next January. That ernance and conflict mitigation pressing a case against those allows another two months of Just Call: 416 525 8213 issues emanate. Targeting these, responsible for these war crimes, closed-door discussions for the EU Arun Senathirajah, ACIB, MBA Banking Mgmt USAID Sri Lanka has created a new including President Mahinda and Sri Lanka to patch up relations. two-pronged strategy to support Rajapakse, his cabinet and the According to EU Bernard Savage, [email protected] Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Waterloo News 31 International Student Exchange Programs - University of Waterloo The University of Waterloo laborative relationships with (UW) offers full-time students the CGIAR centers. opportunity to study abroad for Deadline: January 25, 2010 to in advance of the start of the proj- credit at 130 partner universities be submitted by CGIAR Centre. ect. abroad. These programs permit Cover Sheet and copy of applica- For more information and an students to live and study at part- tion to be submitted to Drew application see http://www.trade- ner universities for a term or two Knight. commissioner.gc.ca/eng/sci- and have their academic credits For more information see ence/going_global.jsp count toward their UW degree. CCLF CALL FOR PROPOSALS I nternational Strategic Please contact the Faculty 2009-10 Opportunities Program Exchange Representatiave or UW Space Studies Program funding to develop new coordinator associated with each Canadian Foundation for the strategic international collabora- exchange program to determine International Space University tions eligibility and application require- funds scholarships for participants Deadline: Ongoing For more ments. in the 2010 International Space information and an application I STPCanada - Canada - University June 26 to August 28, see www.mri.gov.on.ca/english Brazil R&D and PDA projects 2010 in France. Professionals and ed on an ongoing basis. and key players in other countries /programs/ISOP/program.asp Call 1: R&D Projects between graduates of all disciplines eligi- For more information and an and allow them to proceed with For additional information Canada and São Paulo, Brazil – ble. application see http://www.istp- the formal discussions required to contact: funding is available for the Deadline: Jan. 29, 2010. canada.ca/ProductsServices/India initiate collaboration on future Europe & UK: Maria Lango Canadian and Brazilian Partner Submit directly to agency. Program/IndiaPDA/index.html international research and devel- Ext. 33999 Call 2: R&D Projects between For more information see opment initiatives. Asia, Australia and Canada and Brazil – Brazilian http://www.aucc.ca/programs/int Going Global I nnovation Deadline: Applications are Americas: Andreea Ciucurita partner must have own funding programs/space_e.html Program supports activities that aim to accepted on an ongoing basis. Ext. 35995. Call 3: Partnership Develop- Percy Sladen Memoral build on targeted relationships Applications should be submitted ment Activities (PDA) with Brazil – Fund between Canadian researchers to Drew Knight, at least 10 weeks Brazilian partner must have own gives grants for field work funding abroad (away from your usual Call 1 and 2 must be lead by a country of residence) in the earth Canadian for-profit company but and life sciences. Grants are gen- applications are strengthened by erally for sums of less than £750. A griculture Breaks Dow n including academics. Call 3 may Deadlines: January 30 and be lead by a company or an aca- September 30 annually. UW inter- demic institution. nal deadline is one week in Internal Deadline: Dec. 8, advance. Communicat ion Barriers 2009 (Agency Deadline: Dec. 14, For more information see 2009) http://www.linnean.org/index.ph Courses connect Guelph students with For more information and an p?id= 332 application see http://www.istp- Shastri I ndo-Canadian canada.ca/international_pro- I nstitute Scholar Travel Indian counterparts in Tamil Nadu grams/Brazil/ActiveCFPs/ Subsidy Grants By Blythe McKay picked up skills useful for their NSERC/ SSHRC/ CI HR/ funding for Indian and Agriculture was the language work in rural extension. I DRC: International Research Canadian scholars. Applications U of G graduate students spoke "The exchange was good Initiative on Adaptation to Climate should be submitted for a dead- this summer to overcome com- exposure to adapting to another Change line at least 6 weeks before trav- munication barriers during a culture," says student Rose up to $2.5 million over 5 years el. three-week study program in Bouwers. "It was great to see to support research and network- Deadline:Feb. 10, 2010 India. The students, all members first-hand how important it is to ing on the adaptation to climate (Agency deadline: Feb. 15, 2010). of the School of Rural Extension build relationships to be effective change in Canada and in low and For more information and an Studies, discovered they didn't in cross-cultural projects, and to middle income countries. This application see http://www.sici. actually have to speak Tamil to learn how to work with commu- U of G students pose with their Initiative will support the forma- org/programmes/details/scholar- establish relation ships with stu- nication differences." counterparts at Tamil Nadu tion of multinational teams from travel-subsidy-grant/ dents in Tamil Nadu. Since 1996, U of G and Tamil Agricultural University in I ndia Canada and from low and middle I STP Canada-China-I srael "Agriculture was a unifying Nadu have had a good working this summer. From left are income countries. funding for collaborative topic," says student Cecilia relationship because of their col- Cecilia Fernandez, Seema Internal deadline for LOI: Jan. research and development (R&D) Fernandez. It opened up discus- laboration on an ongoing Jagatram, Terah Sportel, 4, 2010 (Agency deadline: Jan. 7, projects in Agri-innovation involv- sion to many other related topics Canadian International Padma Chinnaswamy, Padma 2010) ing Canadian, Chinese and Israeli such as women's roles in agricul- Development Agency- sponsored Rajagopal and Rose Bouwers. For more information see teams. ture, technology transfer, market project to help Indian farmers http://www.idrc.ca/iriacc/ Deadline: March 1, 2010 for forces and poverty alleviation, learn about seed technology experience, the students say Canada-Latin America and EOI she says. through distance education, says they have gained skills that will the Caribbean Research For more information see Fernandez was one of eight Janakiram. This positive relation- prove valuable in their current Exchange Grants (LACREG) http://www.istpcanada.ca/inter- students who travelled to India ship is why Tamil Nadu was cho- and future work, particularly in up to $15,000 to strengthen national_programs/China/ChinaR to work with counterparts at sen for the student program, he communicating and working with international partnerships and DCollaboration/index.php Tamil Nadu Agricultural says. people from diverse back- consolidate emerging networks Gerda Henkel Foundation University, a research-based Once in India, each Guelph grounds. among academic researchers supports research projects institution with five campuses student was paired with a Tamil "I think any cultural from Canada and Latin America and PhD students in the fields of and 2,000 students. Profs. Jana Nadu counterpart. The pairs exchange changes the way we and the Caribbean. Internal History, Art History, Archaeology Janakiram and Doug Pletsch, worked together and gave pre- view the world and other peo- deadline: Jan. 13, 2010 (Agency and History of Islam for German who accompanied the group, say sentations to the larger group on ple," says student Jennifer deadline: Jan. 18, 2010. Deadline: Ongoing. For more the Guelph students took the ini- topics such as verbal and non- Adam. "Not only does it give us For more information see information and an application tiative for organizing and funding verbal communication, market- appreciation for our own lives http://www.aucc.ca/programs/int see the trip to provide a more mean- ing, social power structures and here in Canada, but it also helps programs/2009-10_e.html https://www.gerda-henkel- ingful environment for two extension. us to understand why people do CGI AR-Canada Linkages stiftung.de/foerderung-allge- courses offered by the School of In addition to working at the the things they do and minimizes Fund mein.php?nav_id= 17&lan- Rural Extension Studies - com- university, the Guelph students misunderstandings." funding to increase the contri- guage= en munication and interpersonal spent a portion of their time in a Because of the success of the bution of Canadian research I STP Canada - I ndia relations, and international village, where they learned program, Janakiram is now organizations towards solving Partnership Development extension studies. about the infrastructure, organi- working with current first-year global problems of poverty, food Activities While in India, the students zations and governance of the rural extension graduate stu- and nutrition insecurity, and sus- up to $25,000 funding for learned how to interact in a villagers. dents to create a similar cultural tainable natural resource man- developing partnerships in India. cross-cultural situation and Thanks to this hands-on exchange for next summer. agement through innovative, col- Deadline: applications accept- 32 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal India’s Economy Grows at Fastest Pace Since Global Financial Crisis

By Anjana Pasricha ndia’s economy grew by 7.9 percent in “One point is quite clear [is] that the ini- months. Food prices have climbed by more Although the Ithe three months through September - its tiatives taken by the government by provid- than 12 percent, recently, adversely affect- global slow- fastest pace since last year’s global financial ing stimulus and helping the generation of ing millions of poor people in the country. down put the crisis. India, along with several other Asian demand domestically has paid dividend,” Most policy makers expect the govern- brakes on In- economies, is recovering from the global he noted. “And, corporate sector is also re- ment to raise interest rates in the coming dia’s economy, slowdown. sponding. The industrial growth is taking months. it weathered Officials say the latest numbers show that place. Negative growth of exports has come However, a top policy adviser to the gov- the financial the Indian economy is beating forecasts to down. And, I do hope things will be okay.” ernment, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, says the crisis better than Western countries. And, grow at a faster-than-expected rate. The The good news cheered stock markets. government is unlikely to tighten monetary like other several other Asian economies, growth in the July to September quarter is The benchmark Sensex index was up by policy in the near future. India now appears to be recovering quickly. the highest since April, last year. about one-and-a-half percent, on Nov 30th, “At the moment, the main concern on the Economists say Asia is leading the world Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee says after the government released the new data. inflationary front, I think, is food prices and out of recession, as countries like China, the recovery has been helped by government But, as the economy picks up, the focus you know food prices are not something Singapore, and South Korea begin to post stimulus spending and a surge in manufac- is now on how the government will handle that is going to be affected by introducing a good growth in recent months. turing. inflation, which has been rising in recent monetary squeeze,” he said. [VOA News] Renault-Nissan Says Ultra Low-Cost Car Will Be Built by India’s Bajaj

wheeled passenger vehicle in 2012. in the top four globally, accounting for a “I am practically sure that the cost of this 10 percent market share. But its success in car will be lower than any other car made India has been more modest, trailing most today in India,” Ghosn said. competitors. Ghosn also says the new car will have the Ghosn calls sales here of its Logan brand best performance on the market for a pro- mid-sized sedan, a money-losing joint ven- duction conventional engine in terms of ki- ture with domestic automaker Mahindra, not lometers per liters of fuel consumed. up to expectations. Bajaj, a maker of motorcycles and three- “We cannot just accept a situation where wheeled taxis, known as auto rickshaws, is in India we represent less than one percent to design and build the new car with assis- market share,” he explained. “That is ab- tance from the French company, which is solutely out of question. We have to adapt to market and sell the vehicle in India and to the Indian market. We have to adapt to abroad under the Renault/Nissan brands. the product that the Indian people want. The car, not yet named, will compete with We need to bring what the people want ex- Tata’s Nano, which hit Indian roads this year actly in the kind of performance that they and sells for little more than $2,000. General are looking for, both in terms of product, in Motors of the United States and Toyota of terms of technology and in price and in term Japan have also previously announced plans of [fuel consumption].” Tata’s Nano to launch, within the next couple of years, Ghosn is bullish on the future of India’s small passenger cars in India. automotive sector, with a population of he boss of the automakers Renault and some competition. Renault-Nissan next year is to open a pas- more than one billion people, but where an- TNissan has announced the companies Speaking to reporters recently, Carlos senger car factory in the southern Indian city nual new car sales are around two million will team with an Indian partner to launch Ghosn, the chief executive of Renault and of Chennai with a capacity to make 400,000 vehicles. The Renault Nissan top executives the most affordable car in the country. Nissan, revealed the French and Japanese vehicles a year. But the new joint venture predict the number of autos sold in India It appears the world’s cheapest car, the Tata automakers have agreed to work with Bajaj small car is to be made at a Bajaj plant near will triple in 10 years as more of India’s 50 Nano, launched this year in India, will soon get Auto to introduce a new ultra low-cost four- Pune, in western India. million motorcycle owners move from two The French-Japanese automaker ranks wheels to four. [voa news] Asian Countries Take Fresh Look at Economic Mode he contraction in global trade in the past the proportion of exports to the country’s Tyear has led many governments in Asia, gross domestic product increased from 25 including Thailand, to take a fresh look at percent to 70 percent. an economic model that has led growth over Its top exports include textiles, footwear, recent decades. Economists and business fishery products, rice, rubber, jewelry, au- analysts say Asia is shifting focus to region- tomobiles, computers and electrical appli- al trade to cut its dependence on the United ances. States and European markets. The United States buys more than 10 Asia’s economic fortunes over the past percent of Thai exports and is the country’s several decades rested on exports, especially leading trading partner. Its key Asian mar- of manufactured consumer goods, electron- kets are Japan, China, and Singapore. ics and textiles. Ravi Ratnayake is an economist and di- The strategy has raised living standards rector at United Nations Economic and So- and reduced poverty from Japan to Indone- cial Commission for the Asia Pacific. He sia. says the slump has highlighted the country’s But this year, the World Trade Organiza- vulnerability to sharp swings in global trade. tion says global trade has contracted at rates “The region is too much dependent on ex- A Thai worker loads boxes into an export container at the Port Authority in Bangkok (File) not seen in almost 80 years. Export earnings ternal markets like the U.S.A. and Europe can be realized.” Jacques-Chai Chomphongdi is an aca- among the world’s poorest countries sank by and without giving attention to domestic Sirimanne says reforms are needed to demic and member of group Focus on the over 40 percent, erasing millions of jobs, as demand as well as regional demand,” Rat- speed regional trade, such as cutting bureau- Global South, which has been examining an nayake siad. “So what we are saying is that the financial crisis that started in the United cracy. alternative model for growth, with more fo- States swept across the globe. we need to have a balance from sources of “With the neighboring countries there’s a cus on the domestic economy. The Thai economy is a leading example growth. If the region does not depend so “We have been trying to promote a more of the export model. The United States and much on external markets we are saying the lot more forms to be filled, lot more barriers to be jumped just to trade across borders,” diverse model of development beyond the Europe account for more than a quarter of impact of the crisis on the region could have Sirimanne siad. “These internal barriers export oriented one,” Chomphongdi siad. its exports; but this year shipments to those been minimized.” need to be lifted if you need to rely more and “And using the case of Thailand it has been markets are down about 17 percent. Over recent years Thailand has opened more on the region for your exports to grow. going in the direction for the last several de- Kiat Sittheeamorn, president of the Thai- new markets through regional free trade Thailand’s automobile sector exports to cades. It shows many dangerous areas that agreements. These include deals with India, land Trade Representative Office, says the 190 countries, but sales shrank by up to 40 can occur by relying on external factors as global downturn led many Asian govern- Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Australia and percent over the past year. the main engine of economic growth.” ments to question their dependence on ex- New Zealand, and within Southeast Asia. Vallop Tiasiri, president of Thailand’s Au- Chomphongdi says he wants to see gov- ports. UNESCAP economist Shamika Siri- tomotive Industry Institute, says the indus- ernments be more courageous in presenting “There are lots of talks about rebalancing manne says the trade deals make a differ- alternative models of growth. growth, a new growth model,” Kiat siad. ence. try remains well placed to benefits from a shift toward Asia. The Bank of Thailand says the existing “The crisis has shown to us that being totally “They are diversifying away from the Eu- “We are the alternative production hub in model will continue to drive the economy. dependent on exports - it can pose problems ropean Union and U.S. markets toward re- this region. So we still keep competitiveness It says the small domestic market will not and some fragility to the economy.” gional markets,” Sirimanne siad. “There’s a replace exports as the “superior engine” of Kiat says governments should pay more lot of intentions, not just Thailand, but also in Asia. … There are only five places in Asia with a production capacity of more than one growth for several years. attention at promoting local technology and across the region to diversify. They have million (units) a year,” Vallop siad. Thailand’s exports are expected to rise skills to add value to manufactured goods. seen the repercussions of being dependent Other business analysts say there is too by 15 percent next year. But attention will Thailand’s central bank, the Bank of Thai- on big markets and then being burned. But little debate in looking to ways to ensure be on how much trade shifts away from the land, recently said that from 1985 to 2007 let’s see how we move forward how much stable growth. U.S. and Europe toward Asia. By VOA news Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Feature 33 BLISS IS ANOTHER NAM E FOR YOGA! Twisting body into pretzel-like in balance and harmony. The reg- poses is simply that. It is not ular practice of yoga leads us Free Nithya healing yoga. from the body into our mind. and Meditation People often think that yoga is Intense practice of yoga leads us Brampton Centre all about physical exercise and beyond the mind. It will lead us 335 Deerhurst Drive Unit # 9 breath control. They can be con- beyond the body and mind into a Brampton, Ont, L6T 5K3 cluding this from the poses that a sate of our spirit where we Contact: Ma Ananda Jeevita Yogi, practitioner of Yoga, main- become aware of the truth of our (Mahiliny) tains. The expertise with which a Existence. Phone: 416-559-6561 yogi performs and maintains the Yoga, a Sanskrit word, is Email: lifeblissbrampton@ positions appears to them as yet understood to mean Union. This gmail.com another kind of kind of physical union refers to the melting of Every Sun: 10:00 am- activity. human self with the divine or the 12:00 pm But this is the last thing Yoga Cosmic Power. Mississauga Centre was meant to be! It is a far cry Truly speaking, Yoga does not 3815 Arbourview Terrace from what yoga is all about. Yoga mean Union, it means Uniting. Mississauga, Ont, L5M 7A9 has many deeper levels. At every Yoga is the process of Uniting, not Contact: Nisha level, a marvelous and almost the end result of Union. Phone: 416-854-8027 miraculous blending of the mind The process of Uniting helps Email: nishayoga@hotmail and the body takes place. transcend one's identification with .com Let us watch our mind at the mind body system. A Yogi Every Friday: 6-8 pm Ananda while doing our Yoga. The tion you reach is always right, it is work. It does not move in a linear transcends the body and mind Markham Centre ever blissful union of the cosmic always blissful. progression. The thoughts are not identification through a process of (Main Centre) energy with a human mind is This is what we teach in our connected to each other logically meditation, into a true awareness 221 Denison Street Ananda Yoga. Nithya Yoga programs. or sequentially. Thoughts jump of his spiritual identity. His mind Markham, Ont, L3R 1B5 The bliss that results from Nithyananda, www.nithyanan- from one idea to the next. One and body are perfectly in-tune Contact: Raj practice of Yoga is not a goal or da.org, http://www.youtube.com/ thought keeps us in the present, with the vibrations and energies Phone: 1-800-853-8249 end result that is aimed at. It is lifeblissfoundation while the successive thought can of the cosmos. Email: dhyanapeetam.toron an experience of just walking the "I'm not here to add more be in future. This awareness brings anoth- [email protected] path of Yoga. When the path is movements to your life. I'm here In an advanced yoga practi- er welcome side effect-bliss! We Every Sun, 10:00 am-12:00 pm tioner, the mind and the body are now walk the path of bliss or right, the Yogi says, the destina- to add life to your movements"

Book Review The Tamil Genocide by Sri Lanka Age of struggle Tamil

The engagement of Professor Francis A. Boyle, an eminent poetry comes in English American expert in international law at the University of Illinois College of Law, during the last years of Sri Lanka's conflict is traced in a forthcoming book pub- lished by Clarity Press of Atlanta. Titled "The Tamil Genocide by Sri Lanka: The Global Failure to Protect Tamil Rights Under International Law," it is the first book to develop an authoritative case for genocide against the Government of Sri Lanka under international law. Such charges by an expert like genocide against Tamils, and the Boyle should not be taken lightly: international community's failure In 1993, Boyle took the remark- to stop the slaughter of Tamil ably similar case of Bosnia and to prevent it, Boyle charges, civilians, the book also contains Herzegovina to the International amounted to complicity in geno- relevant articles from internation- Court of Justice, setting a histori- cide. al conventions directly applicable cal precedent by winning not one, One seminal lecture in the to the conflict, including the but two Orders from the Court book outlines the legal basis for Geneva Conventions, the Rome against the rump Yugoslavia, rep- the Tamils in Sri Lanka to exercise Statute of the International resented by Shabtai Rosenne of their right under international law Criminal Court, and the Genocide Israel, on the basis of the 1948 to proclaim a Unilateral Convention. Genocide Convention. Prior to Declaration of Independence and Of equal pertinence, it Boyle, no government had won establish a Provisional includes Boyle's detailed summa- two Orders for Provisional Government for Tamil Eelam if tion of his activities on behalf of Measures of Protection-the inter- that is their desire. Here Boyle Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose national equivalent of an injunc- draws upon his experience as the Eezham Tamil poetry since tivity under rigorous conditions. tragic plight has a direct and tion-in one case in the history of Legal Advisor to the Palestine 1970s by three leading poets has Wilting Laughter: Three Tamil immediate relevance for the the World Court going back to its Liberation Organization on their been translated into English and Poets, an anthology of the verses Tamils of Sri Lanka. foundation in 1921. 15 November 1988 Declaration of for the first time appears in an of three contemporary Eezham "The Tamil Genocide by Sri Professor Boyle was among Independence and their establish- exclusive volume. Tamil poets, Puthuvai Rathnathu- Lanka" is available from Clarity the very few to address the inter- ment of the State of Palestine, One of the poets, Puthuvai rai, VIS Jayapalan and R Cheran, Press, Inc., Ste. 469, 3277 national legal implications of the which recently announced the Rathnathurai, regarded as Tamil has been translated and edited by Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA. Sri Lankan Government's grave intention to petition for member- National Bard, was last seen Chelva Kanaganayakam, Professor 30305, USA or online at and systematic violations of Tamil ship in the United Nations among the displaced moving of English of the University of http://www.claritypress.com/Boyl human rights while the conflict Organization. towards internment camps during Toronto. The translator, earlier in e-Tamil.html. was actually taking place, and to In addition to Boyle's writings the closing days of the war in 2001, edited Lutesong and ISBN: 0-932863-70-1 / 978-0- excoriate the UN and those signif- on aspects of international law Vanni and was taken into custody Lament: Tamil Writing from Sri 932863-70-6. $14.95. 139 pages. icant states and actors in the related to Sri Lanka's war crimes, by the Sri Lanka Army. He is Lanka, a collection of modern [TamilNet] global community whose failure crimes against humanity and reportedly kept in undeclared cap- Eezham Tamil creative writing. 34 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Obama Hosts India’s Prime Minister for State Visit By Kent Klein resident Barack Obama says the U.S. Mr. Singh promised to cooperate more honored Mr. Singh Ppartnership with India will be one of the closely with the U.S. to defeat terrorists. with a toast in which defining relationships of the 21st century. "The forces of terrorism in our region pose he celebrated a "great The statement came as Indian Prime Min- a grave threat to the entire civilized world, and growing partner- ister Manmohan Singh made the first state and have to be defeated," he said. ship" between the two visit of the Obama presidency. When questioned about the long-standing countries. The leaders of the world's oldest democ- rivalry between India and Pakistan, Mr. "To the future that racy and the world's largest pledged to work Obama said it is not Washington's role to try beckons all of us," he together to strengthen the global economy, to resolve the conflict from the outside. But said. "Let us answer curb climate change, limit the spread of nu- he said the U.S. can find ways to help. its call and let our two clear weapons and fight terrorism. "On the other hand, we want to be en- great nations realize After a two-hour meeting with Mr. Obama, couraging of ways in which both India and all the triumphs and Prime Minister Singh told reporters he has Pakistan can feel secure and focus on the de- achievements that invited the president and his family to visit velopment of their own countries and their await us." him in India next year. people," Mr. Obama said. Prime Minister "I have invited President Obama to visit The U.S. is India's largest trading part- Singh told the presi- India. A very warm welcome awaits him, his ner, and the president paid tribute to India's dent he was over- gracious wife and his two daughters," said large and growing economic role in Asia and whelmed by the Mr. Singh. throughout the world. Obamas' hospital- Mr. Obama praised his visitor as an honest The United States and India have dis- ity, and he called Mr. and wise man, and accepted his offer. agreed on their commitments to reducing Obama an inspiration. President Barack Obama (r) welcomes Prime Minister Man- "I have happily accepted his gracious invi- greenhouse gases, with the climate change "Mr. President, mohan Singh of India during a State Arrival ceremony in the tation to visit India next year," he said. summit taking place in Copenhagen, Den- your journey to the East Room of the White House, 24 Nov 2009-AP pic After their meeting, Mr. Obama said he mark next month. But Mr. Obama said the White House has cap- and the Indian leader had agreed to "work two leaders had moved a step closer to bridg- tured the imagination which was held in an elaborate tent on the even closer" to share information between ing the gap. of millions and millions of people in India," White House lawn, instead of the usual loca- their law enforcement and intelligence agen- The day ended with the Obama admin- he said. tion for such events, the much smaller State cies in the fight against terrorism. istration's first state dinner. The president More than 330 guests attended the dinner, Dining Room. [VOA news] India’s Eternal Crisis Michelin effects of the worldwide economic re- where 400 million live without electricity, it cession. But the rage of people who isn’t easy to manufacture, or sustain, a na- to set up tire feel themselves not only left behind tional consensus. In any case, things are not but victimized by corporate-driven as bad as the pundits make out. The lone sur- and urban-oriented economic growth viving Mumbai killer is already on trial; his factory has erupted into violence; the Indian accomplices are being gradually apprehend- government has called for an all-out ed. There have been no major retaliatory at- in Tamil Nadu war against the Maoist insurgent tacks against Muslims. There are stirrings of groups that now administer large parts a civic, even political, consciousness among of central India. Anti-India insurgen- rich Indians who, until the Mumbai massacre, cies in Kashmir and the northeast were largely unaffected by our frequent ter- continue to simmer, exacting a little- rorist bombings. reported but high daily toll. India may have been passive after the Geopolitically, India’s room to ma- Mumbai attacks. But India has not launched neuver has shrunk since the Mumbai wars against either abstract nouns or actual attacks. Last November, middle-class countries that it has no hope of winning or nationalist fury, though initially di- even disengaging from. Another major terror- rected at inept Indian authorities, ist assault on our large and chaotic cities is 9/11 New York Attack settled on Pakistan, where the attacks very probable, but it is unlikely to have the were partly planned and financed. sort of effect that 9/11 had on America. arking the first anniversary of “26/11” rance-based tire manu- Pankaj Mishra, author of “Temptations The writer Shashi Tharoor described “India’s This is largely because many Indians still M facturer Michelin Group of the West: How to Be Modern in India, Pak- leaders and strategic thinkers” as watch- live with a sense of permanent crisis, of a F istan, Tibet and Beyond.” Wrote the follow- ing Israel’s assault on Gaza last winter with world out of joint, where violence can be con- recently signed an MOU with ing OPED in The New York Times of Nov “empathy,” and wondering “why can’t we do tained but never fully prevented, and where Tamil Nadu government for 28th, 2009 from Mashobra, India: the same?” One hopes Mr. Tharoor, who has human action quickly reveals its tragic lim- setting up a Rs-4000 crore ON the evening of Sept. 11, 2001, I hur- since become India’s junior foreign minister, its. The fatalism I sense in my village may manufacturing facility in ried through a dark apple orchard to the near- is today more aware of why India can’t do a be the consolation of the weak, of those pow- Tiruvallur district near Chen- - est television in this Himalayan village. My Gaza or Lebanon on its nuclear-armed neigh erless to shape the world to their ends. But nai. The facility would create bor. it also provides a built-in check against the landlord opened his door reluctantly, and then direct employment for 1500 appeared unmoved by the news I had just re- As Western anxiety about nuclear-armed arrogance of power — and the hubris that has Pakistan’s stability deepens, India can barely made America’s response to 9/11 so disas- people, Michelin’s Africa- ceived by phone. I struggled to explain the India-Middle East president - afford aggressive rhetoric, let alone military trously counterproductive. enormity of what was happening, the signifi Prashant Prabhu said. cance of New York, the iconic status of the retaliation, against its longtime foe. Pakistan [courtesy: NYTimes.com] “Michelin is extremely World Trade Center — to no avail. It was remains vital to Western campaigns against Al time for his evening prayers; the television Qaeda and the Taliban. Aware of its grateful to the state of Tamil could not be turned on. strategic importance, Pakistan has Nadu for making it possible I did not witness the horrific sights of 9/11 been in no hurry to accede to India’s (for us) to have access to land until three days later. Since then, cable tele- demands to prosecute those it holds and infrastructure to be able vision and even broadband Internet have ar- responsible for the Mumbai mas- to build our factory,” he said rived in Mashobra and in my own home. Now sacre. (One hopes the charges filed after exchanging documents against seven radicals on Wednes- the world’s manifold atrocities are always with chief minister M Karu- available for brisk inspection on India’s many day mark a real change.) Islamabad has also upped the rhetorical ante by nanidhi and state government 24-hour news channels. Indeed, the brutal ter- officials at the Secretariat. - accusing India of backing the vio- rorist assault on Mumbai that killed 163 peo Michelin would manufacture ple a year ago was immediately proclaimed lent secessionist movement in Balu- radial truck and bus tires and as India’s own 9/11 by the country’s young chistan, in western Pakistan. - TV anchors, who seem to model themselves India’s seeming impotence en- the plant would start opera on Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly. Yet, on rages those in the new right-wing tions in 2012. the first anniversary of “26/11,” it seems as news media who are eager to com- remote as 9/11 to the inhabitants of this vil- memorate 26/11, and to make that lage. ersatz shorthand signify India’s There is no great mystery behind this indif- unavenged humiliation and shame. ference, which is distinct from callousness. Prabhu Chawla, the editor of India India, where most people still depend on Today, the country’s leading news- agriculture for a living, has just suffered one magazine, expressed the frustration of its most serious droughts in decades. The of many middle-class nationalists: outlook for winter crops is bleak; many farm- “India, divided by politics, doesn’t ers have committed suicide in recent months, know what to do with its enemy or adding to the epidemic of rural suicides over with its much-mauled nationalist the last few years. soul. We are as clueless as we were Politically, too, India has lurched from one on that dreadful November night crisis to another in the last year. Prudent fi- one year ago.” nancial regulation saved India from the worst That may be true, but in a country 26/11 Mumbai Attack Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 35 Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year 201020102010 36 Monsoon Photo Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal RESETTLEMENTS AWAY FROM HABITAT AND LIVELIHOOD BRINGS HARDSHIPS TO TAMILS IN SRI LANKA EAST Sri Lanka’s Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) thorities establishing a high security zone (HSZ) in recently reported in a study that over 6,000 inter- their ancestral lands, IDPs representatives say. nally displaced people (IDPs) are still living in tran- Tamil parliamentarian K. Thurairetnasingam rep- sit camps in Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts for resenting the area said that nearly 7,000 people have more than 2 years away from areas they were living lost their ancestral lands as a result of government in the East province. establishing the HSZ. CPA points out that the gov- Sri Lanka government announced capturing all ernment action amounts to “relocating the IDPs ac- areas held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the east in July 2007. cording to UN definitions.” And now Sampur, Muttur east, is selected by the Pictures here from the relocation site in Navarat- government for a coal power plant. It has led to au- napuram. Pictures by Doctorandus Sarajevo:

Children in Navaratnapuram relocation site

Resettlement and related construction are being assisted by UN agencies ‘Resettled’ Tamils in Sri Lanka East face great difficulties in culti- vating their lands, their sole livelihood.

Most of their paddy fields and the tanks that provide water to them have been caught into the HSZs of SLA.

Children playing in Navaratnapuram relocation site

Land prepared for chena cultivation The lands belonging to the resi- dents of Sampur and Muthoor East in the Eastern Province being occupied by Sri Lanka Army are declared as High Security Zones.

Men in Navaratnapuram relocation site

Men in Navaratnapiram constructing a Gane- sha temple Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Events 37 Tamils' Chamber's Business Mixer - A Huge Success Canadian Tamils' Chamber of below; ing of a variety of events, includ- outside your field of work, utiliz- Commerce organized a Business The Canadian Tamils' ing the presentations, networking ing the benefits of discounts from Mixer event on Friday, Dec 4th at Chamber of Commerce held a portion, and membership drive. other businesses, and invitations Radisson Hotel and it turned out a sold out Business Mixer at the Philip Sabapathippillai, a Director to many events that take place sold out event and President of Radisson Hotel in Toronto East. on the Board and a long time throughout the year including the The evening ended with the organization said it was a Guest presenters included Mr. member of the CTCC, emceed the major events, which are the President, Ken Kirupa giving the huge success. Both speakers Sujay Vardhmane and Mr. Dev evening. The first speaker of the Annual Awards Gala, Walkathon, closing remarks. Ken thanked were so dynamic as they received Basu. Many members and guests event was Mr. Sujay Vardhmane, Golf Tournament, seminars, net- everyone for taking part in the good interaction from the atten- joined together not only to learn a Human Resources Professional working events and many other Business Mixer and ensured them dees throughout their presenta- from the presentations that would who gave a presentation on opportunities to grow as an entre- that there will be many more tion. Recruitment presentation be taking place but also caught Recruiting 101 and shed light on preneur. events to take place in the future was very useful as hiring and sight of the opportunity to net- how to systematize the process of The final presentation of the for the members to partake in, selection of a candidate is always work with the many professionals hiring employees. The audience evening was made by Mr. Dev and many opportunities for new a challenge and a key factor for and entrepreneurs that were was educated on the importance Basu, President and CEO, of and existing members to benefit the success of any business. present. The media was also in of the recruitment process, hiring Powered by Search, a Toronto from. Participants were surveyed Social Media in web is new, get- attendance capturing the eve- the right candidate, and making based internet marketing agency. for feedback and input to perfect ting popular everyday and attract- ning's activities. the winning decision. It was a technology presentation future gatherings. After dinner, ing many as it also helps environ- The evening began at six with Membership Director, Sam focused on Web 2.0 where busi- the new members were given the ment too. Monsoon Journal con- a relaxed reception. The Thiruvarudchelvam addressed nesses can leverage social media opportunity to introduce them- gratulate the board for bringing Secretary of the Board, Kalyani CTCC's membership and member- to generate business leads, par- selves to the audience. out a good event for the mem- Nathan, opened the event with a ship incentives. He highlighted ticularly by using blogs, Facebook, The Business Mixer was a bers, a job well done and wish welcome speech. Ravi the reasons members should join Youtube and Twitter. The audi- great success and the expecta- them for a great 2010. Kanagasabey, Board of Director the CTCC, such as opportunities ence paid keen attention and tions of members will continue to Full Text of the Press Release briefed about why the event was to network with other business learned of a whole new world of be met for future events. by Tamils' Chamber is given called a Business Mixer, compos- professionals in your field and attracting clients. Photo Courtesy: Ken Photo

Dev Basu, President and CEO, of Powered Sujay Vardhmane, a Human Resources by Search, a Toronto based internet mar- 1Ken Kirupa, President of Canadian Professional - Presentation on keting agency - A Technology Presentation Philip Sabapathippillai, a Director of the Secretary of the Board, Kalyani Nathan, Tamils' Chamber of Commerce addressing Recruiting 101 focused on Web 2.0 Board emceeing the evening making welcome speech

Volunteer Ms. Shopiha Santhalingam Membership Director, Sam Ravi Kanagasabey, Board of Director brief- Board of Director Santha Panchalingam handing the 1st Door prize donated by Thiruvarudchelvam addressing CTCC's ing about why the event was called a Treasurer of the Board handing a token of handing a token of Gift to Law Office of Gary Anandasangaree to membership and membership incentives Business Mixer Gift to Presenter Sujay Vardhmane Presenter Dev Basu Realtor Thurairajah Ramesh

Volunteer Ms. Shopiha Santhalingam handing the 2nd Door Prize donated Shamala Kumar, Small Business Advisor, Para Ganeshananda, Mortgage by Law Office of Gary Anandasangaree to one of the Past Vice President Specialist and Moon Mahalingam, Small Business Advisor, all from TD Amir from TVI covering the event and section of the Participants Raj V. Selvadurai Canada Trust

Ken Kirupa, President, Dev Basu, President and CEO of Powered by Search, Sujay Vardhmane, Lecturer, Seneca College and HR Professional, Dinner in Progress - Leading Insurance Broker from Liland Insurance at Section of the Participants Scotiabank and Krishni Loganthan, Executive Assistant of the Chamber front as Radisson Hotel Staff on right helping 38 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Kamal Hassan Turns 55, Celebrates With Family Kannada and Hindi has played a myriad of roles in his five decade long career, includ- ing Dasavataram, the film where he played “Karthigai” ten characters. Known for his penchant for taking up challenging roles, Kamal, as he is fondly called, is reputed to be a "perfectionist" and Month of purity and devotion a tech-savvy professional who has never hesitated to experiment in his ventures. Kamal and controversies, more often than not, go together. The four time National Award winning actor is now engaged in a legal tangle with production house Pyramid Sai Mira, over his shelved project, Marmay- ogi. Some political groups had objected to the title of his film 'Sandiyar' which had to be rechristened and released as Virumaandi. Kamal's 'Dasavatharam' also had to pass Earthen lamps are lit with gingelly oil at the main entrance of a Hindu house the legal test before hitting the screen as [pic by: Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai – humanityashore.org] some religious groups raised objections Earthen lamps are significant to Hindu rituals and festivals. Light is indispensable for against the title as well as some scenes. Karthigai Deepam. On this special day light is spread everywhere. amil superstar Kamal Hassan who re- According to reports, Kamal is planning cently celebrated his 50th year in the The festival of “Karthigai Deepam” was celebrated in the temples and houses on De- T his next venture with Tamil film director cember 1st 2009. film industry, turned 55 on Nov 7th, 2009. Mysskin, whose earlier films, Chithiram The actor who had won his first National Pesuthadi and Anjadey had earned critical Award as a child artist for his screen debut acclaim. in Kalathur Kannamma in 1959, spent a The Filmfare Award wining actor also quiet day with his family away from the city, has Bollywood hits like Saagar, Ek Duje Ke Madhuri Dixit to play sources close to the superstar said. Liye and Sadma to his credit. Hassan, known as the 'Universal Hero', The actor's daughter Shruti Hassan has al- had last year urged his fans to stay off any ready taken to acting and music, debuting in Indira Gandhi in biopic celebrations on his birthday, citing the plight Bollywood with the film 'Luck' and giving of the Sri Lankan Tamils. the musical score for her father's latest proj- The actor who has worked in upto 150 ect Unnai Pol Oruvan. [PTI] to play the lead role in one US, the Daily Telegraph re- films in languages including Tamil, Telugu, of the films titled Mother: ported. The Indira Gandhi Story. “This is the project of my Oscar-winning actress life, both in its scale and the TVP is close to my real life: Vishal Helen Mirren is in talks to subject. I have been work- reprise her role as Queen ing on the script for over Elizabeth II while Hanks two decades and it is simply and Jones are being lined a story that has to be told. It up to play Lyndon B John- took me years to find a way son and Richard Nixon. into her story, but I found British actress Emily it with her role as a mother Watson has been chosen to both to her family and to play Margaret Thatcher and a nation with its teeming Albert Finney is expected to millions. Indira was India,” take the role of Peter Usti Shah said. ollywood actress Mad- - nov, who was in New Delhi “The story is of how Indira Bhuri Dixit will play the is a mother in every aspect role of Indira Gandhi in a waiting to meet Gandhi when she was killed. of her life, and how she two-part biopic directed used her instincts, compas- by Indian-origin filmmaker The film, seen as a ma- Vishal’s Theeratha Vilayattu Pillai (TVP), ect. At the same time, I am not against doing sion and tough love to hold Krishna Shah which may jor collaboration between a romantic comedy directed by Thiru, will movies with established filmmakers.’ the nation together – ulti- also feature Hollywood ac- Hollywood and Bollywood, hit the screens for Pongal. mately ending with her vio- Talking about the film, director Thiru tors Tom Hanks and Tommy will have a budget of 40 Produced by Vishal’s GK Corporation, says, ‘It is a visual treat for youngsters. Un- lent death and martyrdom to Lee Jones. million pounds, and are due the film has three heroines - Neetu Chandra, like Vishal’s recent films which were action- the cause of national unity. According to Shah, Mad- to begin filming in April in oriented, TVP will be more romantic’. Tanushree Dutta and Sarah Jane, a Mumbai- huri Dixit has been picked India, UK, Russia and the [PTI] based model. [newstodaynet.com] Others in the cast are Santhanam, Mouli and Urvashi. Yuvan Shankar Raja is the mu- Thaai Magalukku sic director. BLAST FROM Stating that the film would hit the screens THE PAST Kattiya Thaali 1959 come January, Vishal expressed confidence while talking to reporters Monday that TVP would bring to light his acting skills. Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali (1959) was a child by him. When the woman’s house ‘Hitherto I have managed to make a mark based on a story written by C. N. Annadurai burns, he, like the others in the village, pre- and brought to the screen by cinematographer- sumes his wife is dead. To save his father as an action-hero. But TVP is an image from being blackmailed by the property makeover for me. I took it as a challenge filmmaker R. R. Chandran who was active in the industry during those years. Rama Aran- grabber, he marries his daughter (Raja Sulo- and did my part well’, he said. gannal, a follower of Anna, wrote the dialogue. chana). When she gets to know his first wife Vishal plays a role with negative shades. A property grabber (M. G. Chakrapani) goes is alive, she sacrifices her life. Astonished ‘I play a male chauvinist who changes his about killing people, setting fire to houses and by her revelation, the hero settles scores heart as he comes across many in his life. doing other such dastardly deeds. A low born with the villain, and re-unites with his wife It is a thriller kind of a story from the first and child. reformist theme Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali frame till the last’. M. G. Ramachandran, P. Kannamba, When he meets Jamuna, he is surprised Jamuna, Raj a Sulochana, livery. One of his masterly performances was Vishal added that they had initially to find a ‘thaali’ around her neck as he did M. G. Chakrapani, D. Balasubramaniam, in Mahamaya, a Jupiter Pictures’ production planned three big heroines, but they all ex- not tie it. The mother explains that it was to K. A. Thangavelu, E. R. Sahadevan, featuring P. U. Chinnappa and P. Kannamba in pected enough screenspace for them. save her daughter’s honour that she tied the V. Gopalakrishnan, ‘ Kaka’ Radhakrishnan the lead. Chakrapani played Kutilan, a manip- ‘Hence we chose to go with lesser known ‘thaali’ — hence the intriguing title! The film and O. A. K. Thevar ulating villain who ruins lives — an excellent faces. More over we thought it is wise to also had K. A. Thangavelu, O. A. K. Thevar, play on the name Kautilya, a master manipula- but strong-minded woman (P. Kannamba) D. Balasubramaniam, R. Balasubramaniam, cast fresh faces for the suspense element tor in history. takes up the cudgels against him for which she E. R. Sahadevan, V. Gopalakrishnan, Kaka will be maintained’, he added. The music was by T. R. Papa and the lyrics pays a heavy price — her house is burnt down Radhakrishnan and Alwar Kuppusami. M. G. Heaping laurels on Yuvanshankar Raja, by Udumalai Narayana Kavi, Kannadasan, K. and she is forced to move out with her daugh- Chakrapani as the villain was excellent. Un- Vishal said his music is as usual energetic T. Santhanam and Marudakasi. A few songs ter (Jamuna). She ekes out a livelihood, selling fortunately, though he acted in many movies, and peppy. became fairly popular. ‘aappams’ on the roadside. The daughter falls he didn’t hit the top spot like his charismatic ‘The story is almost a part of my life. ry in love with an upper caste young man (M. younger brother MGR. However, in spite of Anna’s reformist sto Though I am not a playboy in my real life, I and the cast (MGR, Kannamba and others), found it close to reality’, Vishal pointed out. G. Ramachandran) who is, however, against Despite his theatrical background, his per- caste, community or religious barriers. He formances were cinematic — he underplayed the film did not do well and people remember Queried on working with debutant directors, it mainly for its puzzling title.Remembered marries the poor girl in the registrar’s office the roles, creating the required impact with the actor said, ‘I could see a spark in them. for: its reformist theme and some melodious without anybody’s knowledge. She also has subtle facial expression and deft dialogue de- They give their heart and soul for the proj- songs. [courtesy: The Hindu.com] Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Events 39 RBC Hosts event for Realtors Royal Bank-Morningside & Milner Branch Manager-Mohan Sundaramohan, Senior Account Manager, Mortgages-Mike Ahilan & Regional Sales Manager, Mortgages-Kush Mistry and Regional Vice President for GTA Eastern Region-Lisa Gallacher speaks at the Meet & Mingle event held on Wednesday, Dec 2nd at the Morningside & Milner Branch attended by mainly Real Estate Agents and some of RBC's clients. Refreshments and dinner was served for the guests.

Tam Sivathasan, Broker of Record, Veedu Realty, Shan Shanmuganathan, Realtor RBC Staff who attended the event on Dec 2nd and some other Realtors

Photo Courtesy:

Rudy Ruthran of A1 Studio, Rudy is

a Realtor and a professional pho-

tographer and videographer. He has

about 20 years of experience in this

field and is keeping up with the

change in technology and having a

Grand Opening of his New Digital

Studio on Sunday, December 6th at

GTA Square Mall, Lisa Gallecher, Regional Vice President for GTA Eastern Region speaks at the event, went on and Mohan Sundaramohan, Branch Manager welcomed quotes, Home Buyers have the best rate at all times and the rates make them affordable to buy Middlefiled & Finch homes and due to tight inventory, prices may have gone higher but the interest rates are attractive. all and he was the Emsee for the event. He made the On right, Mohan Sundaramohan, Branch Manager and Amoor Thevathasan, Small Business Banker introduction of the speakers

Kush Mistry, Regional Sales Manager for Mortgages quotes although 2009 started on shaky grounds its ending on a positive mode and expect a better 2010 and thanked the agents for their support and mentioned about the great RBC Rewards Referral Program Mike Ahilan, Senior Account Manager, Mortgages saying Vote of Thanks

Siva Sivapragasam, Editorial & Marketing Consultant-Monsoon Journal, Logan Velumailum, Broker, Mr. Warren Sinnathamby, a Land Developer, Kuhan Shivananthan, Mortgage Consultant and Vince Coldwell Banker with Mohan Sundaramohan, Branch Manager and David Bastiampillai, Senior Sinnaduari, Senior Account Manager, Mortgages Account Manager 40 Monsoon Feature DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Re-Settlement of IDP's in Sri Lanka's North: An Eye-Witness Account tored. When we visited Thunukkai about 6km but all of a sudden it stops. there were 1,200 families that have Then the road gets bad to worse and been resettled and they have been muddy at the end we give up our given Rs. 5,000 cash and dry ration three-wheeler and walked. Apparently for a few months. We were told that the road was constructed when the Rs. 20,000 will be deposited to their first model resettlement was done in (Writer's name withheld for bank account by the divisional secre- Saveriyarpuram on 30th April 2009. safety reasons) tariat office. Government official web site Recently a group of us got very When we further probed the gov- (http://www.priu.gov.lk/) claims 90% rare access to some of the resettled ernment assistance given to these of the Musali population being reset- areas in Mannar and Killinochchi. I returnees we were told that this relief tled and Rs. 800 million being allocat- also visited the different zones in of Rs. 25,000 comes through UNHCR ed. Manik Farm (used to be called rehabilitation program through reset- On our way back to Mannar we Manikkam Pannai). As we get to tlement ministry and the dry ration is saw a group of IDPs being screened in Vavuniya something that strikes me provided by World Food Program the Kallimodai camp (one of the first was the number of vehicles (buses through Divisional Secretariat. It is internment camp that was set up to and lorries) moving about with IOM vital here to highlight that this Rs. detain fleeing Vanni Tamil youth from stickers. IOM is the only agency that is 25,000 bench-mark of resettlement LTTE recruitment but other Vanni IDPs allowed to shuttle the IDPs from allowance was fixed in 2001 as the were also placed there by the author- resettlement incentive by the North ities). We stopped at a nearby shop in Manik Farm to either to Vavuniya Children Near the Karukkakulum School Urban Council (UC) ground or to the East Community Organization for Kallimodai and had an opportunity to my work in the north and east. All our we thought that their relations can resettlement areas or to yet another Restoration Development (NECORD) talk to someone connected to the national identity cards were taken at feed them and why no one is helping transit center for further screening. program funded by Asian buses that were stationed opposite to the police check point at the entrance them. We spoke informally to some We reached Vavuniya around Development Bank to put up a tempo- Kallimodai camp. What we heard was of Mannar Island and a temporary south-based organizations and UN 10.30 pm on Saturday. It was raining rary huts for returning IDPs when appalling. We were told that there pass (laminated ones!) were given to staff members who have obtained PTF heavily and we witnessed IDPs, who there was a little relaxation of war in were two Tamil speaking persons in us. Apparently this is applicable only approval to work in Mannar with IDPs. have been brought from Manik Farm the north. Despite inflation eight years civilian cloths screening the people. to non-resident of Mannar Island and They told us that there is no statistics to be sent to their homes, taking shel- later same amount was given to IDPs. We asked whether any of the IOM the pass indicates the number of days on IDPs who are living with host fam- ter in Vavuniya UC ground (a transi- From the information we gathered it is officers were present at the scene one wants to stay in the Island . We ilies therefore they don't know the tional centre) under the stadium roof. clear that all the direct assistances to since the convoy of buses and lorries were asked the address of our stay whereabouts of these IDPs and are My Vavuniya colleague got excited the IDPs so far have come either from had IOM stickers. With a funny grin on there and the reason for coming to unable undertake any relief activities every time he saw either Ceylon trans- UN agencies or IOM. We were also his face the guy replied "No". Latter the island. targeting them. Local NGOs and reli- port services buses with IOM stickers told by Mannar NGOs that they are we saw a young woman refusing to At the check point we witnessed gious bodies have some resources or some bundled up stuff or gunny not allowed to do any resettlement get on to the bus and others consol- people trying to explain reason for and much needed expertise while the bags on the road side. He was anxious and relief work until they get special ing her and helping her to get in. The their stay in Mannar Island and the IDPs and host families are approach- to introduce us to newly released approval from the Presidential Task guy turned and told us "you know why military not understanding it properly. ing them. However they are unable to IDPs. But it was not easy for us to talk Force. However we noticed that the IOM officers are not here!" When I We witnessed a woman who over- undertake any visible or systematic local NGOs are undertaking relief work narrated this story to a local NGO stayed and was unable obtained her in Manik Farm. worker she said that IDPs have been ID card back due to her pass being IDPs we met in Zone 4, 6 and 7 screened at different points and they connected to the number of days that said that they will not leave the camps have got complaints that people are was given by her at the time of entry. unless they are taken to their original being abducted or detained at these A colleague of mine had to intervene homes and that they have heard a lot points. and sort out the problem. The officers about sufferings of people who have Adampan is yet another new knew few Tamil words but when it opted to go and live with their rela- resettlement area in the north of came to things that are not so routine tives. I have visited Manik Farm twice mainland Mannar. But unlike they could not understand the cases before but this time I felt people Thunukkai these places (south and and the reasons. A woman was shout- approached us boldly irrespective of north of mainland Mannar) have been ed at in Sinhala in front of us for not being watched. I also noticed it was not inhabited by people for a very checking her pass promptly even women who most often narrated their A damaged school building closer long time and we hardly saw any though it was the officer's mistake of A damaged Kovil on the stories and they repeatedly told us to Adampan inhabitable buildings. People were put issuing her the wrong pass. Uyilaunkulum Road (north on that the only thing they want is to go in public buildings which too were sur- Mannar Mainland) When we reached our contact in steps to provide assistance yet to back to their original homes and do rounded by jungle and did not have Mannar we were told none of the gov- these neglected but released IDPs. to any of them since they were heav- not want to live in any transitional proper roof. Few of them were in tents ernment officers would want to talk to We also visited Musali (south of ily guarded by the military. We could shelters. For them it is either Manik and others were taking shelter under us since there has been some recent Mannar Main land) and Adamban only talk to the ones who were Farm or their homes. the trees (during our four day stay in incident that has created tension (north of Mannr main land) where released sometime back and are living There were many complaints of Mannar there was heavy rain in the between the civil administrators and resettlements have been taking place. with their relatives (host families) in inmates (mostly young men) being evenings). There were landmine sign the military man in command. We In Musali 651 Tamil families and over Vavuniya. taken away for investigation and not along the Uyilankulum Road that took were given a copy of a letter (dated 700 Muslim families have returned. I met about 13 released IDPs returned back. A group of women us to Adampan and we saw de-miners 28th July 2009) sent by Mannar We visited the villages of mostly women and they have all had wrote down the names of men who from MAG and SSD in action. We also Government Agent (GA) to all the Veppenkulum, Pariya Pottkurny, at least one family member either went missing and told us to check in saw children walking to Karukkakulum NGOs and INGOs including the UN. Musali village and Manakkulum, killed during the war (or before) or School which has been renovated to a The summery of the letter is that any Bandaraweli, Kulangkulum mostly have disappeared in various screening functional level. organization that is involved in reset- inhabited by Muslims who have process. Only two women were able Once again we saw IOM tin- tlement and development work in the returned mainly from Puttalum. We to lodge complaints with ICRC. One sheets and building toolkits and north has to get approval from the saw people putting up 16x12 square woman had seen her sister (a former returnees trying to erect their 16x12 Presidential Task Force (PTF), any feet temporary huts using the 15 tin LTTE combatant) only once in huts. We saw many single women ongoing programs of development sheets, some logs and a building Vavuniya Pambai Madhu rehabilitation with infants on their hand and few and resettlement should be stopped toolkit provided by IOM. They have to centre and when she visited the cen- kids running around. They looked lost with immediate effect, proper cut tree branches and use the logs to tre a second time she was told that as to what was happening around approval should be sought and the erect these huts and then Rs. 5000 her sister had been transferred and them. There was one mother who was approval copy has to be sent to the and 5 bags of cement will be given to the officer in charge there did not give standing on top of these piled up tin- GA with the program plan and report. lay the floor. We saw bags of cement her any details. Another women's hus- sheets and trying to tie a knot onto We were told that there were some in front of few huts. These huts don't band was taken when she was in Zone the near by tree branch with a long instances where this rule was not have any walls around and we noticed 04 in Manik Farm and she is five piece of cloth to make a cradle for her strictly adhered and the competent old cloths, palmyrah leaves and sarees months pregnant and has three kids. baby so that she can venture into the authority (the military commander in being used to create some private At the time of our meeting she want- jungle to gather some materials for charge of resettlement in Mannar) has space. ed to move to her original home which her hut. warned the government officers of Musali resettlement officially is Vattakachchi (Killinochchi) but since With many families not having I DPs under a tree in favoring the NGOs and INGOs. started in April 2009 and these IDPs she has come to live with her relations their able men and women who have Adampan Road This came as a major issue when have returned in July and August and in Vavuniya on her own will, she fears being either killed during the war (or we met with many local NGO repre- they are still living in these open huts. that she will not be able to go back the rehabilitation centres in Vavuniya. before), or being forcibly taken and sentatives and they looked absolutely Women complained that since they home through the government reset- They also told us that there are 14 detained, return to these IDPs is not puzzled and expressed their hopeless don't have a toilet or private place to tlement program that now considers such centres in the vicinity. A local as pleasant as one would want to see. position of not being able to assist bath they have to go to the jungle in only IDPs living in Manik Farm. NGO representative told me not to We also witnessed many families IDPs who are in desperate need of the night despite the fear of being In Thunukkai (Mullaitheevu) one take the list since we will get into reduced to women, very young chil- basic assistance. Even though they harmed by snakes and elephants. The of the positive aspects I noticed was trouble at the exit point of the camp. dren and old people. Without any have the resource to help these only solid concrete structure one that people still have a standing When I inquired about complaining basic facilities (proper shelter, hospi- returnees and IDPs who are living could see is the new military barracks house. Many returnees appreciated the disappearance and arbitrary arrest tals, transport, schools, drinking with relatives, local NGOs are barred built in between these villages. the fact that they have come back to cases to international agencies I was water, electricity and access to any from helping them. A pregnant Children have to walk many miles to their original homes from the barbed told that even ICRC did not have form of livelihood activities) and basic woman walked into the church prem- get to school and we did not see any wire camp. However their freedom of access to Manik Farm and the deten- right to freedom of movement, one ises where we were having the meet- hospital in the vicinity. We were told movement is still in question. IDPs liv- tion (rehabilitation) centres since July. has to wonder what it means to these ing and told us "when we were in that they have to go to Murungan ing in Manik Farm are given special ID On our entry to Mannar we expe- IDPs to come back home. Manik Farm at least we got something hospital which is an hour drive from cards and their movement, even after rienced a unique security system that [transCurrents.com] to eat and now we are forced to the resettlement villages we visited. A the return, has been carefully moni- I have not seen in the past 12 years of starve here". She asked us how long good road has been constructed for Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Feature 41 Election for President in Sri Lanka Rajapakse vs. Fonseka: "The unspeakable going after the uneatable" court the minorities and liberals to the Canadian National Post and in by Dr. Paikiasothy win the election - a pan Sinhala his Ambalangoda speech, which is Saravanamuttu nationalist fight within the pan cited in the US State Department Sinhala nationalist community Report to the US Senate The results of the national being insufficient to produce a Appropriations Committee. We elections are now by no means clear winner. Already, there is must know what is on offer; we certain. There is a contest and as ostensible relief for the IDPs - must know what we are getting or a consequence, there is the possi- screening and demining notwith- indeed getting into. And we must bility that the presidency could standing - and the general in know the real difference between change hands, which in turn will some public pronouncements is the two candidates. have its impact on the general sounding like a determined and Is there any difference elections. This is attributable to enthusiastic aspirant for a human between them on a vision for a the Fonseka presidential candida- rights award! Yet the ethnic con- future Sri Lanka, on governance, cy and it depriving the incumbent flict and bad governance in this the economy, the 13th and 17th of claiming sole credit for the country were not produced by Amendments, corruption, media defeat of the LTTE. promises made and kept, but by freedom and human rights? Contests in themselves are broken promises and the widen- It looks like the choice is good. Elections being the princi- ing gap between promise, per- increasingly going to be between pal mechanism for choice and formance and delivery. The the incumbent and the general. change in a functioning democra- minorities and liberals will be vot- Bar some unforeseen, fortuitous cy, the lack of a contest could ing if they do, in an act of desper- and pleasant surprises, what if breed a lack of interest in elec- ation, with hope trumping experi- anything recommends this con- tions on the part of the electorate, ence. Can either candidate be test is the contest itself. which in turn is not healthy for reincarnated into being the presi- As such, it is important that participatory and representative dent of all Sri Lankans? we the peoples of this country democracy. The Fonseka candida- There are those who have ensure that there is a debate every intention of being his own to do so, will the electorate accept cy ensures that the Rajapaksa steadfastly maintained that about the future of the country man and not one subject to the this candidacy by proxy? dynasty is not assured. They will Mahinda Rajapaksa in a second and that the result we deliver will conditions and priorities of the In either event - on his own or have to fight and fight they will, term would be the model of facilitate a continuing dialogue on joint opposition. In any event, on behalf of - General Fonseka, to turn appreciation and gratitude national unity and reconciliation this most crucial of subjects were he to be elected the execu- like the incumbent owes the for the defeat of the LTTE under and the architect of a new and beyond the contest. tive president, the opposition will country honest and clear explana- their watch into a mandate for truly plural Sri Lanka in terms of However daunting the task have no hold over him. tions on the culture of impunity in government into the next decade. constitutional design and political may be, there are especially com- It is surely highly unlikely that respect of human rights violations Yet, challenging the Rajapaksas culture. Pragmatist that he is, he pelling arguments for effective General Fonseka will agree to be and the allegations of actions that or indeed defeating them is not a will forge a new coalition of forces checks and balances on the exer- the presidential candidate who in could be tantamount to war guarantee for a functioning to embrace and institutionalize cise of executive power in the effect will be campaigning to crimes. democracy in Sri Lanka, anymore unity in diversity. To this is now event of either of these candi- make Mr Wickremesinghe the General Fonseka in particular, than defeating the LTTE in the added the argument that he is the dates winning the presidency. Prime Minister and chief executive needs to, if he sincerely thinks it way in which it was done is a only bulwark against the milita- of the country? Even if he agrees warranted, explain his remarks to guarantee for lasting democratic rization of our politics. peace, reconciliation and national This is yet another leap of unity. faith and trumping of hope over Kuru Aravinthan's Book Release The Fonseka candidacy on the experience. One need only look at Neer Moozhhi…. Neeril Moozhhi face of it is in the nature of the the north and east, to identify the curate's egg - some part good in number of appointments in civil- The 7th of November, 2009, has despair, sorrow, anger, honor, been Kuru Aravinthan's day; he is revenge, bravery, ambition, betrayal, ensuring a contest and other ian governance that have gone to seen dedicating his newly written sto- etc. resulting in conflicts and the parts bad given the stink the gen- ex-military personnel. And as for ries titled "Neer Moozhhi…. Neeril story is carried to a crescendo - the eral brings with him on human embracing unity in diversity, need Moozhhi……", a collection of two sto- climax; and Kuru Aravinthan is no rights protection and the essential one look beyond the protracted ries in one compact book in com- exception to this story-writing pluralism of the peoples he wants farce of the APRC, the absence of memoration of his Alma mater, artistry. His single plot, the single set- to be president of. Moreover, what proposals from the regime for a Mahajana Maatha's Centenary; this ting, the single incident in the stories is the Sri Lanka that can be political settlement and the cun- event has been taking place in the have been all beautifully inter-woven presence of a distinguished and rep- with the sole aim of sustaining with- expected to emerge and evolve ning focus of debate in this resentative group of Mahajanans and out any interruption the interest of out of this contest, which some respect on the Thirteenth friends gathered together in the the readers in the stories ; In the first umphs. may characterize as one between Amendment, thereby making Commemorative Building of the story, "Neer Moozhhi…." Sherman for Similarly, in the second story - war heroes and others as a pan Thirteenth Amendment Minus a Mahajana Investment Group in his selfish gains betrays his Project- Urai Paniyil Uyir Thudiththa …. The Sinhala majoritarian fight fuelled higher probability than Plus? Toronto, Canada; And Kuru leader and friend, Michael, the pivotal climax is reached when the expectant by personal animosity between And General Fonseka? Aravinthan gains one more accolade, character in the story who in utter mother, Christena is covertly brain- washed, cajoled, and forced by the two individuals who should be The immediate political argu- thereby, reinforcing his position as a bewilderment of Sherman's incredible short story writer and novelist of behavior shouts out " You , Government for its own political gains held accountable for military ments for his candidacy are that it international recognition. Sherman,?"; these two words of to hide the news of the death of her excesses at least, war crimes at will stop the Rajapaksas in their Hailing from the township of Michael provokes one to recall to husband, Denis, from reaching the worst? As it stands it is not unrea- dynastic tracks and deliver politi- Kankesanturai, Kuru Aravinthan memory the very words of Julius public; political debauchery and cal- sonable to assume that the cal reform as per the agenda set comes of a distinguished family held Caesar when he sees his friend culated media-spinning go hand in minority communities in the coun- out by the opposition. Fonseka is in high esteem by one and all. His Brutus with a drawn out sword aim- hand and this becomes the focal try and what remains of liberal to stand as the common candi- father, late Kurunathapillai, a great ing at him , "Et tee Brute?, Then fall point of this story; And Christena, still carrying in her womb the baby-infant opinion are left effectively strand- date of the opposition because teacher, Nadeswara college (Junior Caesar" - "And thou Brutus? Then die school) principal and Town- Caesar"; completely shaken with yet to be born becomes a devastated ed by this choice before them - they cannot field anyone from Councillor, his elder brother, late shock and grief by this treacherous destitute walking aimlessly in the between the devil and the deep within their ranks with a ghost of K.Sivagananathan, former Actg. deed of betrayal of his dearest friend, street. blue sea or between the frying a chance of defeating Rajapaksa General Manager of Bank of Ceylon Brutus, Caesar makes no more resist- Suffice to say it, it is no exagger- pan and the fire are some of the and once elected to the executive and Financial Advisor, have all been ance. Likewise, when Michael is ation to make the assertion that remarks that this choice has elicit- presidency, Fonseka is to abolish the source of Kuru Aravinthan's intel- almost within the grasp of his mission these two short-stories, once again, ed from these constituencies. that office and turn over govern- lectual and inspirational clout which of saving the lives of the men trapped demonstrate the creative and innova- tive style of writing of its author, Kuru Oscar Wilde's remarks about fox ment to the opposition, staying spurred him to blossom forth as a in the submarine, he is thwarted by great writer. his friend, Sherman who for his per- Aravinthan who in the years to hunting - the unspeakable going on however as minister of "The growth of a character is sonal gains cuts off the line of supply come, hopefully, be the Tamil diaspo- after the uneatable - have also defence! Truth is stranger than evolution and climax is revolution" is of oxygen to his friend, Michael, ra's counterpart of the famous short- been used to describe this con- fiction and even more the case in oft quoted aphorism in the parlance causing his gradual death; at this story writers either the French Guy test. politics. Will the general agree to of story- writing; so much so, the point, the conflict rises into crisis - a de Maupassant or the Russian Anton There is of course the possibil- this? Would you? writer brings into play in his pivotal deep sense of humanity and self-sac- Chekhov. ity already identified by some, The story about two resigna- character his chosen human frailties - rifice versus betrayal and selfish Mr. M. Karthigesu, that both candidates will have to tion letters suggests that he has emotions and passions - love, ambition and the latter seemingly tri- Former Teacher, Mahajana College. 42 Monsoon Newsline DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal People in Jaffna look as if there is no future for them, says former resident extremely happy that the LTTE is are living day by day, as if there is Raghavan, was among the first from Jaffna currently living in the defeated," she told BBC Sinhala no future for them." five founding members of the UK also went back recently. He Several activists who visited upon her return to London from Her comments were echoed LTTE, then known as the Tamil did not want to be identified. Jaffna recently have spoken to Jaffna. by a group of 25 Sinhala, Tamil New Tigers, together with "I arrived in Jaffna and took a BBC Sinhala service on the diffi- "But many say their friends and Muslim journalists and Velupillai Prabhakaran in 1974. bus to Nelliadi, my home town, cult conditions that continue pre- and relatives who were with them activists who visited Jaffna last Although initially part of the and then walked about a kilome- vail in Sri Lanka's predominantly the previous day suddenly disap- week. rebel movement, the couple were tre to my village, Vadiri. A few Tamil city of Jaffna in the peared the next. Many people "It was like visiting another later staunch opponents of the cyclists passed by, but I did not Northern Province. behave like deaf and blind as they country," says Ananda LTTE. recognise any of them." Full report by Saroj no longer have a voice." Jayasekara, who works for "While travelling to Jaffna, all His ancestral house - once Pathirana of BBC as follows: After years of changing hands Transparency International Sri I saw was huge destruction," home to 11 brothers, a sister and Groups of former Tamil resi- between the security forces and Lanka. Rajesh Kumar said. his parents - is currently being dents and media activists recently the LTTE, the government re-cap- "You need a special permit, it He accuses the Sri Lankan used as timber storage. visited Jaffna. tured Jaffna in 1995. is like getting a visa, to enter government of behaving in the "The house legally belongs to It was an emotional and nos- Mostly Tamil Jaffna has a Jaffna and it is only valid for a same authoritarian way as the my younger sister, who is current- talgic journey for Nirmala small Muslim minority and virtual- month." Tamil Tigers in his former home ly living in the UK. She is no Rajasingham - the first woman to ly no members of Sri Lanka's The unusually high cost of town. longer interested in claiming it be detained under Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese community as transport makes one suspicious "You need to wait at least back, and neither am I." anti-terror laws in 1982 - when a result of years of war. over the motives of the authori- three hours to board the plane. All former Jaffna residents she visited her home town after Historically, it is a place that ties, he says. And all the buses only leave once have been highly critical of what nearly three decades. has produced men and women The return air ticket costs a day, so that security officials they say is a lack of any genuine The former senior LTTE who have achieved distinction in 19,500 Sri Lankan rupees ($170), could check the buses at once effort to reconcile the area's com- (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) art, literature and other aspects a price most Sri Lankans cannot and relax for the rest of the day," munities after decades of civil member used to be known as of life. afford. Mr Kumar says. war. Nirmala Nithyanandan. But that active society is no Mr Jayasekara says it appears "The biggest mistake of the The Sri Lankan government, She escaped from prison in longer seen, says Ms that Tamil and Muslim communi- Tamil Tigers was not to allow any however, says that it has 1983 to India and then made it to Rajasingham. ties are yet to make any serious other Tamil voice to operate in launched a major redevelopment UK where she has been living "People in Jaffna plan for the attempts at reconciliation, their territory. project called the "Northern since. future - trying to send their chil- although it has been more than a "But the irony is that the gov- Spring" in the area. Ms Rajasingham, whose sister dren for higher education, getting decade since Jaffna was recap- ernment is now behaving in the Projects to build new housing, Rajani Thiranagama was shot their children married or trying to tured by government forces. same way as the Tamil Tigers, roads and bridges will create jobs dead by the Tigers, says there are build a house. Jaffna people go Ms Rajasingham's husband, and I could not see any attempt as part of plans to regenerate the still many concerns over human about it with such vigour, but I Rajesh Kumar, had also not seen at reconciliation or to create a north, the authorities say. rights violations despite the end couldn't see that happening any Jaffna for 30 years until he trav- vibrant democratic society in of the conflict with the rebels. more. elled to his home town recently. Jaffna," he said. "People whom I spoke to are "In fact, people look like they Rajesh Kumar, also known as Another former Tamil militant Angulana village on the outskirts Priests in Sri Lanka join of Colombo after being arrested on a minor offense. Their bullet- protest against police brutality ridden bodies were discovered a short distance from the police sta- Priests have joined civic him. tion. groups in demonstrating against Media reports say the youth Later the same month, Nipuna police brutality after video was depressed following a failed Ramanayake, a student of Sri footage was released apparently love affair and was undergoing Lanka Institute of Information showing a policeman assaulting a treatment. He was throwing Technology (SLIIT) was allegedly mentally challenged youth, result- stones at trains and vehicles abducted and tortured for several ing in his death by drowning, when the police made their move. hours by police constables. The according to a report by Union of Some 700 human rights student claims they beat him with cricket stumps until they broke and kicked him in the face. Video shot of policemen cornering a mentally challenged youth Anglican Bishop Duleep de Chickera of Colombo condemned has led to an authoritarian culture Catholic Father Sarath the most recent killing and said with extended police powers and Iddamalgoda told UCA News that that "public confidence in our law the suspension of constitutional the elected government is enforcement authorities must be rights that provides immunity for responsible for "murders" maintained under all circum- the police. because of its "continued neglect stances otherwise the country can Father Fernando said there in dealing with police criminality." quickly descend into a state of are thousands of cases of human Incidents of alleged police lawlessness." rights violations by the country's brutality are growing. Police Inspector General security forces, including police, In August, two youths, Mahinda Balasuriya has promised in which no one has been prose- Danushka Aponso and Dinesh "the police will look into the prob- cuted. Tharanga Dernando, died in Two priests and a nun join civic groups in protesting lem." "It is a total misuse of power against police brutality by police. It is the time for reli- Catholic Asian News, (UCANN). activists, Christian priests, nuns, gious leaders to raise their voices The report further says: laypeople and politicians demon- for the people," he said. "People are tired and scared strated in front of the harbor rail- "Now that the war mania is of the immunity enjoyed by the way station in Colombo on Nov. 4 over, (police) should be trained on police force," said Father Terrence in the incident's aftermath. how to deal with the people," Fernando of Colombo archdio- They held placards with mes- says Sister Noel Christine from cese. sages such as "Khaki-uniform Shramabimani center, an NGO. The video, released on televi- killers" and "Bring all to book." Anglican Father sion and the Internet, showed the Sri Lanka has been under Marimuthupillai Sathivel, parish youth chased into the sea by emergency rule for decades due priest of St. Michael's Church, also policemen wielding sticks, with to the civil war with Tamil sepa- joined the demonstration and one policeman actually hitting ratists in the north. Critics say this condemned the incident. Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Events 43 Margosa Credit Union successfully hosts 1st Annual General Meeting

Members gathered for Margosa with the guidance of their auditors, There were few new board of The mission of Margosa Credit success of The Credit Union through Credit Union's 1st AGM on Sunday, lawyers and regulators promptly directors were elected at the AGM. Union is to provide a range of com- their use of the products and serv- November 15th from 5 pm cleared even a very minor doubt. Waran Kanagaratnam is elected as petitively priced financial services to ices, through their active participa- onwards. Meeting started just after Being an infant organization, it was chair for the board. our member/owners in an environ- tion at meetings and by volunteer- 6 pm and all proceedings went so important that confidence had to Meeting was adjourned at the ment of mutual respect and caring. ing their skills and services. smoothly with few tough questions be built on and the board handled it end of all proceedings and Dinner The member/owners will be Some of the photos taken at the were raised for the board. The chair very well at the meeting. was served for all. encouraged to contribute to the event are here.

Board members, Credit Union Staff and Regulators

Board of Directors Corporate Secretary Sree Kannuthurai

Some of the Board Members with Regulators Some Board Members and Margosa Staff

Margosa Board and Staff at dinner table Corporate Secretary Sree Kannuthurai with guests 44 Monsoon Kids Corner DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal Have fun and stay fit this winter Monsoon For many of us, the first sign • Tobogganing: winter outdoor activity (available of frost means our favourite win- Do some knee-to-chest at your local outdoor or sporting ter activities are just around the stretches while sitting or lying on goods store), or layer garments corner. It also means icy steps your back. Pull your knees to your made of natural fibres (like cot- Kids Corner and sidewalks, snow to shovel chest and hold for 30 seconds. ton, wool and silk). and finding the best ways to stay This helps your spine be as flexi- warm. Winner for November 2009 Whether you’re a snowboard- Color Me Competition - 21 er, skier, snowmobiler, jogger or Gershan Canagasingham skater, you need to know how to take care of your back in winter Brampton conditions. Otherwise, the sudden Congratulations from twists and bumps from winter Monsoon Journal sports can sideline you with A Gift from the sponsor painful muscle strains and tears. Some winter sports, like snowmo- Xclusive Video Productions biling, skiing, tobogganing, and will go to the winner. snowboarding, can be especially Monsoon Journal thanks all the hard on your back. Check with children who have participated in your chiropractor before starting the coloring competition so far. any new winter sport. Monsoon Journal Always warm up. ble as possible as you bounce Know when to rest. 3107 Sheppard Ave East Start by stretching your mus- through the snow. Rest when you feel tired. Stop Toronto, ON. M1T 3J7 cles at home. Focus on the lower Use the right safety equip- your activity immediately if you back and leg muscles, such as ment. experience sudden or prolonged Presentation on Environmental hamstrings and calf muscles. This means helmets, face pain in any joint or muscle. Cool When you arrive at your sporting guards, and protective clothing. down by stretching, and change Protection by Ranee Mahalingam destination, warm up again. Your Make sure that your equipment is into dry, warm clothes. chiropractor or fitness profession- in good condition, and fits proper- The Senior Tamils Society of aluminium pop can saves enough al can advise you on the best ly. Shop at a reputable outdoor or Stay hydrated. Peel is a diverse, vibrant, society energy to watch 3 hours of televi- stretches for your favourite sporting goods store, and have Don’t be fooled by the tem- that caters to the Health, sion, so in one year we save sports, but here are some exam- someone there adjust and fit your perature! Your active body needs Intellectual, Social needs of the enough energy to watch ples: equipment to your size and plenty of fluids even though it’s senior citizens in and around the 8,400,000 hours of television, • Skating: shape. cold outside. Be sure to drink lots City of Mississauga. Along with Under- inflated tires do indeed Do some lunges. Take a good- On the slopes, make sure that of water or juice before, during the recreational activities, field contribute to pollution and sized forward step with your right ski and snowboard bindings are and after winter sports. trips, and foreign tours much increase fuel costs. After the ses- foot, and let your left knee sink adjusted for your height and Follow these tips, and you’re appreciated topics by the society sion she followed up with group toward the floor. Keep your shoul- weight. Always check the weather well on your way to having a safe is concerned with educating the discussions, question and answers ders aligned over your hips. conditions and watch the trails for and healthy winter. members with current affairs as and feed back from the partici- Repeat 5 to 10 times, and then do icy patches and other potential For more information on back well. As we all know that "Global pants. With a healthy vegetarian it all over again with the left foot. hazards. care and safety visit the Ontario warming," is the most urgent and lunch the program concluded. • Skiing: Chiropractic Association Web site alarming topic of the time. This project sponsored by the OTF Do 10 to 15 squats once Dress for the weather. at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call A seminar and workshop on funding. you’re at the ski hill. Place your Layered clothing works better 1877-327-2273. Environment and Protection was After the seminar the STSP legs shoulder-width apart, align to keep your muscles warm and Dr. George Traitses, sponsor by the Senior Tamils trained and detailed small groups your knees above your feet and your skin dry so you don’t get 416-499-5656, Society of Peel, Mississauga on of senior volunteers to take the lower your buttocks slowly. chilled. You may want to invest in www.infinite-health.com November the 7th ,2009 at 3085 message door to door and edu- Straighten up slowly and repeat. clothing designed specifically for Hurontario Street. On behalf of cate the community on how to the Professional Engineers protect the environment and to Ontario Scarborough Chapter Mrs. save energy and there by reduce evening was 'Glamour N' Glitz' cul- Ranee Mahalingam (M.Eng, P their monthly bills on household Bollywood Night tural exploration which was chore- Eng) a veteran environmentalist utilities. ographed by experienced fashion from the Ministry of Environment Ranee Mahalingam, M.Eng., On November 14th 2009, assistance. guru Ms. Logi Mariathasan. As the made a presentation on "Environ- P.Eng. is a Water and Wastewater while the Prime Minister of The MNT Canada made up of handsome lads and lovely lasses mental Protection". Specialist, working for the Ontario Canada Mr. Stephen Harper was passionate individual from various walked along the cat walk there She briefed on all levels of Ministry of the Environment for discussing business in Bombay walks of life, with a view of raising was many a brow raised at the environment and the various fac- the past 21 years. India, the folks of Toronto were fund, and at the same time raising entrapping fashion from tors that pollute them with special Apart from her regular job she swinging to the beat of Bollywood awareness of the magnitude of Bollywood styles. attention to land, water, air pollu- volunteers her time in various music for a charitable cause. It the problems in Sri-Lanka had Another great attraction was tion. She stressed on saving ener- community activities. For her vol- was Bollywood Night at New organized a fund raising dinner the gyrating dance for fusion gy, and protecting the globe by unteer work she received several Jasmine Banquet hall in Markham, dance with the Bollywood theme. music choreographed by Ms. reducing green house gases. She recognition. To name a few - a charity event organized by In a short time MNT Canada had Chrisha Ravishankar. This too was discussed the ways of drinking "Citizenship Award" from Manitha Neyam Trust. Manitha organized fun filled evening which well received by the audience. clean water and breathing clean Professional Engineers Ontario in Neyam Trust had been in exis- was well attended. Another great event which the air. She spent nearly three hours 2008, "Emerald Award" from the tence since 1999 doing great On the key note address the guests enjoyed much was 'Dance explaining in a very simple lan- Ontario Ministry of the service to the affected people of President of the Canada chapter to a melody of songs' which was guage and with examples sup- Environment. She is one of the 11 war torn Sri-Lanka with special of MNT Ms. Devaranee (Bubby) choreographed and presented by ported by various audio visual recipients to receive "Good focus on children and seniors. The Mohan observed "Awareness is Ms. Sharlini Yogasingam coming aids. The participants were Citizenship Medal" from the trust has branches in Sri-Lanka, growing around the world of the all the way from Ottawa. stunned with some statistics that Lieutenant Governor General this U.S.A, Australia and United magnitude of suffering in post war One cannot forget the lovely she came out like: Recycling one year. Kingdom and enjoys the charita- era in Sri-Lanka. She stressed the dinner with Bombay style culinary ble status in all these countries need for every one to rally around expertise which everyone because of their Humanitarian and do their part in alleviating the enjoyed. At the tail end Bollywood services they had given to the suffering of the innocent masses'. King and Queen were selected. needy. After years in existence She challenged those present to It was a well attended evening they established their chapter in imagine how it would feel if ones which every one enjoyed. The Canada too in July 2008. main concern is not tomorrow's organizers must be praised to The organization was original- job or mortgages but mere exis- have done such an excellent job ly formed to help the innocent tence. of the evening. The Monsoon children and elderly people affect- The founder chairman and the Journal too wishing the efforts of ed by the ethnic strife in Sri- driving force behind MNT, Mr And MNT on their humanitarian servic- Senior Tamils who were present Mrs. Mahalingam, M.Eng., P.Eng. Lanka. MNT is focused on sustain- Mrs. V. Kailasapillai too were pres- es on a voluntary basis with mini- at seminar with Mrs. Ranee making a presentation on able empowerment, offering edu- ent with his partner at the dinner mum over head. Mahalingam Environmental Protection cation, vocational training and dance. The main attraction of the Kumar Punithavel Monsoon Journal DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Social Media 45 'Govt. gloating about limited right of movement allowed for Wanni IDP's' From the twitter pages of movement for the Wanni IDP's in D.B.S. Jeyaraj internment camps. gloating 15 days The govt is gloating about Wanni IDP's can move freely allowing IDP's from Wanni some in & out of camps after filling out limited right of movement. forms informing army of their Freedom of movement is an movement but cant be away for inherent right of IDP's. Monsoon Journal more than 15 days. absolute given Freedom of movement is an is now using Twitter Re-settled IDP's given absolute right of Internally dis- Twitter is a free service that lets yo u keep in touch with Rs.5,000 in cash,Rs.50,000 in a placed persons and not some bank account, rations for 6 generous concession granted by people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to months & emergency kit with the Rajapaksa regime. one simple question: What's happening? Join today to start roofing material & bedsheets. credit inalienable The govt can claim credit only receiving Mo nso o nJournal's tweets. Rajapaksa Govt in a "limited" when all IDP's are re-settled in www.twitter.co m/ mo nso o njo urnal way has finally recognized the their original places of residence movement. inalienable right of freedom of and allowed complete freedom of (twitter.com/ dbsjeyaraj) One's pain is one's own creation From HisHoliness The excess of egoism leads to One's pain is one's own cre- (http://twitter.com/HisHoliness) disappointment and uncontrol- ation. One should treat such If the Tibetan people wish to lable perversions, which always things as if they are wind behind "140-character short stories" continue the tradition of the Dalai end badly. What makes a differ- one's ear. In other words, just Lama, my reincarnation will not ence is whether one is too sensi- brush them aside. From Arjun Basu His girlfriend felt an intense love be born under Chinese control. tive and takes things too seriously If you know someone is She brought home a kitten. It just then. But from another standpoint, To a large extent, whether or speaking badly of you behind your was cute but he was allergic and He clears the bar by dispens- a firm ego, sure of itself, can be a not one suffers pain depends on back and you react to that nega- she knew it. You sending me a ing a vast array of apocalyptic very positive element. You have to how one responds to a given situ- tively, then you destroy your own message? he asked. Not until you heebie-jeebies. My balls are feel- have real confidence in yourself. ation. peace of mind. itch, she said ing small today, he says, ordering He heard sirens and sighed a lite beer. As a teenage school girl, the with relief. He rubbed her back to The couch broke and he didn't Bhopal gas disaster caught my 25 years on: Bhopal remembers reassure her. He knew she would- care. Nothing lasts forever, he attention immediately in 1984, From Ebony died after months. n't make it. You owe me ten said. But she took that as an and the bad and grim memories 25 years on: Bhopal remem- Many people in Bhopal who bucks, he whispered insult. And he had to sleep on the still remains. bers gas disaster. At least 2,000 were the victims of the gas disas- The moths flew out of the broken couch. (http://twitter.com /sweetkuttan) people died on that night,8,000 ter still suffer its effects especially closet like a black scream and he (http://twitter.com/arjunbasu) people died within 3 days,& more children. saw that his clothes were ruined. Knowing Life - Here and beyond K. POORANAMPILLAI Contd. from Page 27 October 30th was the 100th at the Peradeniya University. We birth anniversary of Mr K decided to ask KP whether he But you have a vision and you them. There are many stories like Pooranampillai. He was promoted would give us half a day's casual are not concerned about whether it this. Lord Shiva cannot help it if a to glory when he was 91 years. leave to catch the afternoon is possible or not possible. You are man sits here with complete will not concerned whether it is easy or and vision that he wants Shiva to He was associated with me YalDevi. To our surprise he asked difficult, you are not concerned come down. He has to come down long before he became Principal us to take a day's leave because whether it is attainable or non- – he has no choice about it. There of St.John's, Jaffna in 1967. My one must be fit to face a rigorous attainable, or in other words, you are many stories like this. So all association with him was in the interview. What vision he had in are not concerned about the result these things demonstrate to you field of sports, education and reli- the interest of his teachers and in the end. It is just that you have that if what you want is very clear gion. students. a vision and you give your life to you and if you are set on it, To be Principal of two presti- On one occasion, a boy was towards it. This is one of the eas- what seems to be impossible gious institutions affiliated to two weak in English; but his father lit- iest ways to attain the highest also. today; tomorrow becomes a nor- different Christian denominations erally begged KP to give a state- The whole Gita is just about this – mal part of your life. Without any in the North of Sri Lanka, each ment that his son's English was behind have absorbed into our to simply give yourself to what you fuss it falls at your feet. But at with a history of more than 180 passable, so as to get employ- system of life the richness of Mr want, not caring whether it is every moment logically if you years now (Hartley and St.John's ment in the Middle East. KP flatly KP's gems of work, wisdom and going to happen or not going to question this and think in terms of College), is unique in the annals refused but said that he would values. To some he was a friend happen. It is a spiritual process by “Is it attainable or not attainable”, of Sri Lankan educational circles. personally help the boy to and companion, to others he was itself. then the confusion that you create Johnians in various walks of improve. This KP did for a contin- a guide and philosopher, but to Vision is an important way of in your mind, the confusions that life throughout the globe will uous period of two months. The transcending limitations within and all, he is a noble example. you create in the world around you acknowledge without reservations boy dramatically improved and outside ourselves. If one wants to makes the world itself into a big We have to thank the that he was a Principal Par excel- the statement was given. He live here without any vision, with- confusion. Almighty not only for K.P's work lence. never sacrificed his clear con- out being burdened by visions, It is time to really create a and life but also for the way in Mr Pooranampillai's philoso- science on the altar of cheap pop- without being burdened by will, vision within ourselves as to what which his life has influenced us in phy of priorities, convictions and ularity. then that person should be is it that we really care for, not just such an awesome way. values makes him stand tall in The Spiritual dimension that absolutely innocent. Absolutely. for today. If you look deep enough May his beloved wife Peace, widely known and unknown cir- was at the heart of his character Such a person can simply live here. your vision will be the universal his two daughters Shanti cles of admirers. and values formed the basis of his He need not live with a vision. He vision. Really in terms of being a Arulanantham and Vasanthi In my 28 years of continuous effectiveness. This is why he does not need a vision. He does human being, what is the highest Karunakaran, his son Jeyakumar, teaching at St.John's, I worked introduced what is called moral not have to have a will about any- that you can seek and simply cre- a host of relations, friends, old with five Principals, but the science into the school curricu- thing, that is if he is absolutely ating that vision. Whether every- students and teachers of longest was with Mr K.P. lum. i.e. he insisted that every egoless and childlike. And if it is thing else happens or doesn’t hap- St.John's thank God for the exam- His vision and emphasis on an student who did science should not so, it is very important that pen on the way is not the point. ple set by Mr Pooranampillai so all round education. learn one arts subject which per- man lives with a vision. Whatever you have known as the beautifully designed by his Maker. Many persons associated with meates the student with moral There have been many stories, highest – simply seeking that with By: V R Amarasingham many examples in the Indian cul- undivided attention –is a simple him referred to him as KP. In the values. Former Vice Principal, ture. Certain sages and saints, way of knowing life here and early 1970s, four of us teachers St.John's College, Jaffna, Sri once they willed, even gods had to beyond. were summoned to face an inter- A noble example Lanka come down and do things for view for our Diploma in Education Some of us who are left 46 Monsoon Feature DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal GEMS: Purposes and Influence on Human Life (4) By Prof. Saran Ghai in his life. He starts getting confi- dence as he is blessed with wealth, fame, good results in business/profession. He finds the Prof. Saran Ghai hurdles which were stopping his good times, soon are removed Sagittarius and a chapter of success in the (November 22 to life of your client opens up. But, it is also to be kept in mind that the December 21) things are not that easy in practi- Lucky Gem : Yellow Sapphire, cal, as they seem to be easy the- Lucky Color : Purple oretically. Such rings should be From November 22 to made at auspicious moments December 21 is the big time for under thorough observation of (Palm Reader and Meditation Sagittarians as this is their birth the process in Vedic discipline. Guru Prof. Saran Ghai thoughtful- month. If they wear Yellow Upon wearing such rings with ly understands your circum- Sapphire, it will give them a a devout heart and faith, the aspi- stances, family and financial con- strong backing and they will rations of your client can be ful- ditions and advises energized progress in every walk of life. filled within a few days. Such lucky stones accordingly. Yellow Sapphire is Sanskrit is rings cure patients sickness If you are an entrepreneur known as Pushparaag, Peetman, miraculously. A person wearing a and want to add to your family Guru Ratna, Gurupriya ring fitted with stone with a pur- income or you are a business per- Pushparaaj and in English it is to show their richness. Wearing Mars, it is always advisable to pose should not remove it even son/professional/service provider known as Topaz. Yellow Sapphire rings in every finger depicts their wear the ring in the ring finger. for once within 90 days. The ring and want to speak about and is naturally bright yellow richness and their superior choice For Mercury and Moon, the little must be put on the day and time share your coloured. According to Parijat of the gems and stones. From finger is the best to put on a assigned to the planet, at the business/profession/service/prod- Jataka, yellow sapphire is the times immemorial the gems and stone. A seven metal rings to right auspicious moment. uct to get clients or strengthen gem of Divine Guru Jupiter. Yellow jewels were worn as an expres- pacify two or three rings should Please note: You can wear your them of likeminded people, Sapphire has many esteemed sion of make-up or ornamenta- be worn on the middle finger. less expensive or low quality join 'Universal Business qualities as it changes person's tion. Women wear gems to These luck-booster rings bring gems but you should not expect Chambers' and learn new busi- bad time into good time. It showoff of their richness and good results by means of their the same results as you can nesses in workshops and mini exudes good results to all. If the beauty. hidden powers. They change a expect from the true and purified trade shows. yellow stone is worn, it induces It is a common saying that the human's ill luck into a blissful one. gems. You can contact me in case For all services contact Prof. the native to do religious things. gems bring luck and richness to The unfavourable planets become you are looking for a ring, neck- Saran Ghai. Ph: (905) 794-4488, This gem unites the estranged the person who wears them. If favourable upon wearing them lace or ear-ring having a particu- (416) 816-5559, E-mail: business- lovers, render conjugal bliss you fail to understand why all and slowly but surely the native lar gem in it. [email protected] Website: among the couple, ensures heirs your efforts for progress and can feel the change taking place (Continued in the next issue.) www.muktipathmeditation.com. and thus is considered as the money making are turning to a most pious gem world over. The naught, you should think of get- best quality of yellow sapphire is ting advice of a lucky stones that it increases the lifetime of the adviser. Once you understand the INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS native. use and purpose of stones, you Yellow sapphire is found in the will be able to correct your des- regions of Mahanadi, Brahmputra, tiny as far as practicable. Your Write Your Own Success Story Himalaya, Orissa and Bengal in industriousness would come to be India. In other countries where a success. I would also like to Yellow Sapphire is found can be bring it to your understanding Expand Your Profession/Business/Product/Services Network named: Burma, Sri Lanka, Brazil, that do not think that the moment Russia, Japan, Scotland, Mexico you wear a stone, your fate starts etc. giving you results and within a Our Members, Entrepreneurs and new We should not wear Diamond few hours you will be a different or Blue Sapphire with Yellow person. On the contrary I would Immigrants in Canada are Looking for an Sapphire. On the contrary there also not fail to mention that yes, are some gems which help other there are some stones like sap- Opportunity to Join Your Team gems and their joint power multi- phire, gives you results in hours plies their benefits. but be very sure to wear a sap- Be a part of our Work-Shops and Mini Trade Shows at very That is the reason it is said phire before wearing such strong that sometimes a single gem does stone. The knowledge of the time Nominal Membership cost not serve the purpose and proves when the fruit will ripe can be inefficient. This happens upon the studied through the science of circumstances around the client. Astrology. The perfect result of BRING TRAFFIC TO YOUR BUSINESS When two things unite, we call it Astrology and Palmistry lies in the Yoga. If we separate them, this knowledge of the process where- Receive: 10% to 50% Discount on various services/products, Free Publicity in action is called bi-yoga or deduc- by a human is able to bring ‘Superior Star’ e-Business Magazine, discounted space in our Regular Trade tion (minus). In our common talks changes in his luck by help of the Shows & International Trade Shows, and much more… we use a phrase - one and one suggested stone. A stone is an make eleven. Same is the case invaluable divine heritage given to with the gems. In case the stones human for his individual fulfill- Apply for Membership today adviser finds that a single stone ment. would not give satisfactory If one has low mount of cer- results, he should not hesitate to tain planet in his palm, should put advice for a supporting gem. If on a ring, purified and energized. UNIVERSAL combined jewels or gems are pre- The ring should be worn in the scribed to a client, (upon careful- finger whereon the planet's effect ly studying his horoscope and is low. That will turn his luck BUSINESS CHAMBERS present circumstances surround- favourable. The stones adviser ing him), the effect of the jewels also tells you which gem should For further information about Membership, Opening Business Clubs (Franchise)in your city, multiplies. be worn in which particular finger. exhibiting in Workshops, Mini Trade Shows and for many other benefits contact: You would have seen some For general information, for (416) 816-5559, (905) 794-4488, (905) 791-8800 people, mostly the rich, wear Jupiter the index finger is consid- rings with stones in most of their ered the most suitable. For or E-mail: [email protected] fingers. This they do on the sug- Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, is the gestion of the stone advisers. The middle finger and for Sun and Mailing Address: 49 Maple Valley Street, Brampton ON Canada L6P 2E8 other reason is that the rich want IMPORTANT INFORMATION RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORTANTS

“ I encourage every Canadian to get the H1N1 flu vaccine.” Dr. David Butler-Jones Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect 3 yourself and others against the H1N1 flu virus. 3 Canada has enough vaccine for everyone. « J’encourage tous les Canadiens à recevoir le vaccin contre la grippe H1N1. » Dr David Butler-Jones Administrateur en chef de la santé publique du Canada

La vaccination est un moyen sûr et efficace 3 de vous protéger et de protéger vos proches contre le virus de la grippe H1N1. Le Canada a suffisamment de doses de 3 vaccin pour tout le monde.

For information on flu clinics Pour des renseignements sur les cliniques throughout your province go de vaccination contre la grippe de votre to www.ontario.ca/flu or call province, allez au www.ontario.ca/grippe the ServiceOntario INFOline ou appelez la Ligne INFO de ServiceOntario at 1-800-476-9708. au 1-800-476-9708.

For more information Pour en savoir plus sur le about the H1N1 flu vaccine vaccin contre la grippe H1N1 visit visitez www.fightflu.ca www.combattezlagrippe.ca or call ou composez le 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY 1-800-926-9105 ATS 1-800-926-9105 48 DECEMBER 2009 Monsoon Journal GRAND OPENING Sunday, Dec 6, 2009 at 12 noon Request the presence of all my clients, friends, relatives and well-wishers A1A1 VIDEOVIDEO ANDAND PASSPORTPASSPORT STUDIOSTUDIO GTA SQUARE Unit 103 (Ground Floor) 5215 Finch Ave East (MIDDLEFIELD & FINCH)

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Photos while u wait Passport Photos Visa Photos

Professional Equipment Rentals Video Cameras Digital Still Cameras Audio Sound System Call: Rudy Ruthran

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HjcA^[Z6hhjgVcXZ8dbeVcnd[8VcVYV!'%%.# To all my Friends, Relatives, Clients and Well Wishers,

Over the past 20 years, you all have substantially contributed to my success and growth. You have helped me by several means to develop in my profession. Although I may not have contacted you all personally more frequently than I wanted to, I have always consistently maintained the relationship and served you with utmost care and professionalism.

As always my service to the community wouldn’t have been possible without your contribution to my business.

Many of you are my clients and have referred various other clients and I have always helped them with care and concern.

Currently, if you or any of your acquaintances are in need of my services, please contact me at the number or by e-mail. I will only be too glad to help you.

As we approach the end of 2009, we look forward positively for a bright start of another year and I join with my family and wish all Logan Velumailum of you clients, relatives, friends and well wishers for a 416-410-1620 "Happy Seasons Greetings and a Prosperous New Year" [email protected]