Everyone "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a from poet" ~ Plato (424/423 BC-3348/347 BC) 4.0% Philosopher.

Pink rose, Maskeliya, Sri Lanka [humanityashore.org] Monsoon Journal A parfait media publication VOL3 ISSUE 1 JUNE 2008

Monsoon Toronto's Tamil Community raises over half a Million Dollars for Canadian Healthcare System

31 Father’s Day

32 Humans and Animals...

36 Picture taken on June 8th at Kids Town Water Park during presentation of the 9th Annual Walkathon as President of Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce, Turkish Cuisine Gary Anandasangaree introducing Federal & Provincial Political leaders & Hospital Foundation Presidents, Sponsors & well-wishers and commending on the excel- lent work done by the co-chairs of this event and all the participants who helped for this worthy cause. (L-R) Brian Dawe, President, Scarborough Hospital Foundation, Mohan Sundaramohan, Branch Manager, RBC Royal Bank (Co-Chair-CTCC Walkathon-2008), Tam Sivathasan, Broker of Record, Veedu Realty (MC for Auction-Walkathon-2008), Jennifer Stewart, President, Providence Healthcare Foundation, Bas Balkissoon, MPP, Scarborough-Rouge River, Jeganathan Balasundaram, Financial Security Advisor, London Life (Co-Chair-Walkathon-2008), Hon. Gerry Phillips, MPP, Scarborough-Agincourt & Minister of Energy, Sritharan Thurairajah, Insurance Advisor, Liland Insurance (Co-Chair-CTCC Walkathon-2008), Hon. Jim Karygiannis, MP, Scarborough-Agincourt, Gary Anandasangaree, Barrister & Solicitor (President of CTCC) 35 Photo Courtesy: Gnane By Siva Sivapragasam ized by the Canadian Tamils' raised so far for the Health Care dence Healthcare Foundation. Vaanavil Chamber of Commerce while institutions mentioned above is as The funds collected for the The Canadian Tamil communi- Centenary Hospital funding was follows: Scarborough Hospital Foundation Monsoon Health 9 ty in Toronto, now numbering the result of a Baby Steps will be of use for the new over 250,000, has shown it's grat- Walkathon organized by a team of Bowlathon Events Emergency Unit while the Monsoon Arts 18 itude to Canada which offered volunteers headed by $ 250.000 Centenary Hospital will utilize the them great opportunities by con- Businessman Kula Sellathurai. CTCC Walkathons funds from the Baby Steps tributing more than $500.000.00 Providence Healthcare Foundation $ 170,000 Walkathon for the new Birthing Monsoon Real Estate 23 to it's health care system. was the recipient of the funds col- Baby steps Walkathons and New Born Center. Providence The Funds totaling $535.000 lected by the Bowlathon events $ 115,000 Healthcare Foundation will make were raised over the recent years for which the lead sponsor since use of the funds given to them for Waterloo News 33-335 by way of Annual Walkathons and inception was RJ Multi Litho Inc., The total of $ 535.000 raised the Tamil Caregiver Project. Bowlathons. The Annual a printing firm owned by a Sri so far is being disbursed to the (More details of this year's Monsoon Film Review 46 Walkathons for the Scarborough Lankan -Rajeev Muthuraman. Scarborough Hospital Foundation, CTCC Walkathon on Centre Hospital Foundation were organ- A break-down of the Funds Centenary Hospital and Provi- Pages) Wanted Medical Secretaries

Medical Secretaries are needed for a clinic in Scarborough. Three Full time positions are available. Candidates must speak excellent English and Tamil. Please fax resumes to 416-292-0677 2 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

All cricket participants (from age 8 - 13) please pre-register with one of the following persons MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 3

India, China compete in Indian Ocean

HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka: This are building in Sri Lanka, an island middle of Sri Lanka's civil war. battered harbor town on Sri country just off India's southern Hambantota also will have facto- Lanka's southern tip, with its coast. ries onsite producing cement and scrawny men selling even The Chinese insist the fertilizer for export, he said. scrawnier fish, seems an unlikely Hambantota port is a purely com- Meanwhile, India is clearly focus for an emerging internation- mercial move, and by all appear- gearing its military expansion al competition over energy supply ances, it is. But some in India see toward China rather than its long- routes that fuel much of the glob- ominous designs behind the proj- time foe, and India has set up lis- al economy. ect, while others in countries sur- tening stations in Mozambique An impoverished place still rounding India like the idea. A and Madagascar, in part to moni- recovering from the devastation 2004 Pentagon report called tor Chinese movements, Bedi of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsuna- Beijing's effort to expand its pres- noted. It also has an air base in mi, Hambantota has a desolate ence in the region China's "string Kazakhstan and a space monitor- air, a sense of nowhereness, of pearls." ing post in Mongolia - both punctuated by the realization that No one wants war, and rela- China's neighbors. Officially, China says it's not increasingly sophisticated subma- looking south over the expanse of tions between the two nations are India has announced plans to worried about India's military rine fleet that could eventually be ocean, the next landfall is now at their closest since a brief have a fleet of aircraft carriers buildup or its closer ties with the one of the world's largest. Antarctica. 1962 border war in which China and nuclear submarines at sea in U.S. However, foreign analysts While analysts believe China's But just over the horizon runs quickly routed Indian forces. Last the next decade and recently test- believe China is deeply concerned military buildup is mostly focused one of the world's great trade year, trade between India and ed nuclear-capable missiles that by the possibility of a U.S.-Indian on preventing U.S. intervention in arteries, the shipping lanes where China grew to US$37 billion put China's major cities well in military alliance. any conflict with Taiwan, India is thousands of vessels carry oil (€24.8 billion) and their two range. It is also reopening air Ian Storey of the Institute of still likely to persist in efforts to from the Middle East and raw armies conducted their first-ever force bases near the Chinese bor- Southeast Asian Studies in catch up as China expands its materials to Asia, returning with joint military exercise. der. Singapore said China sent strong influence in what is essentially television sets, toys and sneakers Still, the Indians worry about Encouraging India's role as a diplomatic messages expressing India's backyard. Meanwhile, Sri for European consumers. China's growing influence. counter to China, the U.S. has opposition to a massive naval Lankans - who have looked warily These tankers provide 80 per- "Each pearl in the string is a stepped up exercises with the exercise India held last year with for centuries at vast India to the cent of China's oil and 65 percent link in a chain of the Chinese mar- Indian navy and last year sold it the U.S., Japan, Singapore and north - welcome the Chinese of India's - fuel desperately need- itime presence, " India's navy an American warship for the first Australia. And Bedi, the Jane's investment in their country. ed for the two countries' rapidly chief, Adm. Sureesh Mehta, said time, the 17,000-ton amphibious analyst, added "those exercises "Our lives are going to growing economies. Japan, too, is in a speech in January, expressing transport dock USS Trenton. rattled the Chinese." change," said 62-year-old almost totally dependent on ener- concern that naval forces operat- American defense contractors - India's 2007 defense budget Jayasena Senanayake, who has gy supplies shipped through the ing out of ports established by the shut out from the lucrative Indian was about US$21.7 billion (€14.1 seen business grow at his road- Indian Ocean. Chinese could "take control over market during the long Cold War - billion), up 7.8 percent from 2006. side food stall since construction Any disruption - from terror- the world energy jugular." have been offering India's military China said its 2008 military budg- began on the nearby port. "What ism, piracy, natural disaster or "It is a pincer movement," everything from advanced fighter et would jump 17.6 percent to China is doing for us is very war - could have devastating said Rahul Bedi, a South Asia ana- jets to anti-ship missiles. some US$59 billion (€38.3 bil- good." effects on these countries and, in lyst with London-based Jane's "It is in our interest to devel- lion), following a similar increase Associated Press writer an increasingly interdependent Defense Weekly. "That, together op this relationship," U.S. Defense last year. The U.S. estimates Christopher Bodeen contributed world, send ripples across the with the slap India got in 1962, Secretary Robert Gates said dur- China's actual defense spending to this report from Beijing. globe. When an unidentified ship keeps them awake at night." ing a visit to New Delhi in may be much higher. [Courtesy: AP, Via I nter- attacked a Japanese oil tanker B. Raman, a hawkish, retired February. "Just as it is in the Like India, China is focusing national Herald Tribune] traveling through the Indian Indian intelligence official, Indians' interest." heavily on its navy, building an Ocean from South Korea to Saudi expressed the fears of some Arabia in April, the news sent oil Indians over the Chinese-built prices to record highs. ports, saying he believes they'll For decades the world relied be used as naval bases to control on the powerful U.S. Navy to pro- the area. tect this vital sea lane. But as "We cannot take them at face India and China gain economic value. We cannot assume their heft, they are moving to expand intentions are benign," said their control of the waterway, Raman. sparking a new - and potentially But Zhao Gancheng, a South dangerous - rivalry between Asia expert at the Chinese gov- Asia's emerging giants. ernment-backed Shanghai China has given massive aid Institute for International Studies, to Indian Ocean nations, signing says ports like Hambantota are friendship pacts, building ports in strictly commercial ventures. And Pakistan and Bangladesh as well Sri Lanka says the new port will as Sri Lanka, and reportedly set- be a windfall for its impoverished ting up a listening post on one of southern region. Myanmar's islands near the With Sri Lanka's proximity to strategic Strait of Malacca. the shipping lane already making Now, India is trying to parry it a hub for transshipping contain- China's moves. It beat out China ers between Europe and Asia, the for a port project in Myanmar. new port will boost the country's And, flush with cash from its annual cargo handling capacity expanding economy, India is from 6 million containers to some beefing up its military, with the 23 million, said Priyath Wickrama, expansion seemingly aimed at deputy director of the Sri Lankan China. Washington and, to a less- Ports Authority. er extent, Tokyo are encouraging Wickrama said a new facility India's role as a counterweight to was needed since the main port in growing Chinese power. the capital Colombo has no room Among China's latest moves is to expand and Trincomalee port in the billion dollar port its engineers the Northeast is caught in the 4 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Monsoon Journal Printing the Winds of Change From the Publisher’s Desk ... around us All lands home, all men kin. June 20 is World Refugee Day Water streams irrigating paddy World Refugee Day is an interna- ation are essential. migration of Tamils from that country. regime at a meeting in Singapore Weeds therein lush - since days of yore tional recognition of those that have The humanitarian community, start- Recently, Sri Lanka failed to win a seat recently. Nobler among us be for and been displaced from their homes by ing from the UNHCR are primarily at the United Nations Human Rights Gates said the actions of the junta Shower downpours for all war and other factors. working towards the goal of achieving Council as a result of intense efforts amount to "criminal neglect" in its fail- - Auvaiyar-Sangam era Poetess The plight of refugees has been betterment in the lives of refugees. by the world humanitarian community ure to allow all foreign workers and Managing Editor & Publisher brought to the forefront by the recent UNHCR says that its prime goal is to in highlighting the abusive practices of aid into the region hardest hit by the Logan Velumailum natural disasters in Myanmar and the "persuade people that it is our com- the Government of Sri Lanka. cyclone, the Irrawaddy Delta. violence in South Africa against mon responsibility to make a differ- The Government of Sri Lanka unilat- Throughout their long and daunting Editorial & Marketing Consultant migrant workers. ence for those forced to pick-up and erally broke a ceasefire agreement journey from oppression and persecu- Siva Sivapragasam "Today people do not just flee per- go through no fault of their own." earlier this year amidst condemna- tion to asylum and protection, and Promotion Co-ordinator secution and war but also injustice, But what about those who could be tions by several countries around the eventually to a place they can call Senthi Senthivel exclusion, environmental pressures, held responsible for creating refugees world. home, refugees show incredible competition for scarce resources and who are fleeing those 'man made dis- Even in the aftermath of natural dis- strength, courage and determination. Layout Design all the miserable human conse- asters'? asters, leaders of dictatorial countries Thanks to the humanitarian commu- Santosh Kumar K.A quences of dysfunctional states," says Time after time the leaders of rogue create obstructers to preserve their nity and countries such as Canada the United Nations High Commissioner nations get away with abuses and power and forgo the well being of who are in the forefront of accepting Graphics Consultant for Refugees (UNHCR). human rights violations that cause their own citizens. refugees from other countries those Gnane B. Gnanendran The world humanitarian community civil strife and a lead to mass exodus. The recent actions by the junta in fleeing from their home see hope and is in the forefront in assisting to con- For example, the Tamil community Myanmar in slowing and or stopping gather strength, courage and determi- Contributing Columnists front this challenge. Yet more aware- in Sri Lanka was uprooted from their donations from other countries are nation. But it is essential that those Anand. J Abizar Badani ness and measures to curb abusive homes in a mass scale, 50 years ago appalling. The United States who are in power and worsening the Arun Senathirajah practices by authorities in rogue in the May of 1958. Then again in Secretary of Defense Robert Gates conditions for refugees are held Harish . G nations who worsen the refugee situ- 1983, which began the large scale had strong words for the Myanmar accountable for their actions. K.T. Kumaran Krishni. L Kumar Punithavel Letters to the Editor Mithura Anandarajah Nate. V TDSB recommendations are no Dear Editor, Raymond Rajabalan Please accept my congratula- I wish Monsoon Journal every Rudy Ruthran tions and best wishes for the success and congratulate the Shiyam. L solutions to solving the prob- anniversary issue of Monsoon entire staff for presenting such Sri Krishnan. S Journal. I am highly impressed thoughtful reading material for Circulation Co-ordinator lem of school violence with the layout and presentation the readers and well-wishers of S.S. Mathavan of news, views and class collec- Monsoon Journal. By: Frank that there needs to be programs in Disclaimer: tion of articles covered in your Prof. Saran Ghai Opinions and I nterpretations In the wake of the Jordan Manners place to 'prevent violence in the appearing in the newspaper are tragedy, the Toronto District School schools'. TDSB and the Mcguinty newspaper. Board commissioned the School Liberals who lauded the report are tar- those of the writers and need funding Ontario schools to the highest Community Safety Panel Report, which geting the youth as being the prob- not be necessarily of level that society is able to afford. It is was headed by the human rights lem, with the police and teachers as Monsoon Journal the McGuinty Liberals who are violent lawyer Julian Falconer. In taking heed agents, being the 'solution'. It is well towards poor working class communi- to the Report released by Falconer and known that the more oppression and To place community and ties and students who are denied their his team in Jannuary 10, 2008, the law and order measures executed by non profit organization news right to a proper education. Toronto District School Board made administers onto students, the con- submit by email to: By targeting students as the cause Ajax public in May 2008 its recommenda- comitant would be more resistance. [email protected] of the violence experienced today, tions to make schools 'safer'. The These measures are in place to blame people are blocked from even dis- Tel: 416-358-3235 board is planning to spend $ 4 million the youth, with the actual social prob- cussing problems such as bullying, as the first stage of its program to lems facing youth and how to go gun shootings in schools, sexual ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No contents 'improve' the safety of schools. The about solving them are being ignored Monsoon Journal is assault and depression. They are in Monsoon Journal may be printed plan would have an increase in police by the ruling circles and their repre- blocked to discuss what gives rise to without the written consent of the presence in schools, a strategy to deal sentatives such as the McGuinty these problems. All the problems now available in Ajax Publisher. with student sexual assault, more Liberals. above are social problems and it The views and opinions expressed in higher tech security cameras, on-line The recommendations by the requires social solutions to solve them. the articles in Monsoon Journal are access to the student safety line, and Toronto board does not take into at the following These are problems rooted in the intensive training for staff regarding account the social conditions many those of the authors and do not nec- social relations of the society youth sexual assualt.Toronto board chair youth face. It does not take into essarily reflect those of the Publisher. live in today. The recommendations by John Campbell said that the board account the destitute economic condi- location: While all efforts have been made to the TDSB and their 'prevention' strate- would hire 90 plus support workers, tions prevalent in many poor working ensure accuracy Monsoon Journal is gies or policies are what is really add a nutrition program, and after class areas that give rise to violence not responsible for any errors or omis- blocking students, parents, and teach- school activities and mentorship pro- and anti-social behaviour. In order for ers from discussing and solving the sions in the contents. Advertisers are grams for students living in high risk one to have the right to an education problems facing them. responsible for the contents in the areas. [ 1] one must have the right to an ade- The TDSB recommendations blame Advertisements and all liabilities for The report assumes that these are quate standard of living. Nevertheless, Foods of Asia and criminalize youth for the violence their claimers. the problems facing students in the TDSB report is oblivious to the in Ontario schools; furthermore, it Toronto schools, and that its recom- massive cuts to funding in education, 43 Station Road, Ajax offers no solutions to the social prob- Calling Students mendations would be a panacea. its adverse effects it has had to the lems faced in our schools. Instead the “Earn Pocket Money during your Nothing is mentioned about what lowering of education which started board, with the approval of the Phone: 905 426 7799 spare time” helping with gives rise to the violence and the anti- with the Harris regime and continues McGuinty Liberals continue to provide “Monsoon Journal” Subscriptions social behaviour such as sexual with the McGuinty Liberals with the spurious, dogmatic recommendations “Monsoon Journal”, the monthly assault. In addition, was it the lack of preservation of the funding formula. to a problem that needs to be solved English publication for the South security cameras that had Jordan The anti-social offensive which has only when their exists a mechanism, Sri Lankan, East & West Asian community is recruiting stu- Manners killed? Does the ever more affected students, particularly poor whereby students, teachers and peo- dents to canvass subscriptions for the presence of police in and out of the working class students has been ple in general are able to sort out the I ndian Groceries, Fresh paper during their spare time. schools solve the problem of youth accompanied with the presence of problems facing society and violence Students will be provided leads and violence? The experience from many police. These measures that the board in schools. The TDSB recommenda- lists of prospective subscribers to parts of the United States and in cer- plans to incorporate is a cover for the vegetables, Meat, Fish, make their job easy. They will be tions represent the status-quo and tain school boards in Ontario demon- social violence onto the people by the compensated for every subscription that is why it was praised by the strates that spy cameras, and police McGuinty Liberals. The hysteria by the Spices, Tamil, Singhalese, obtained. McGuinty Liberals. presence does not make schools safer. ruling circles and their monopoly Interested applicants, please call: Toronto District School Board - Furthermore, the report is insinuating media about school safety is a diver- 416 358 3235 www.tdsb.on.ca Hindi Movies and Dramas that the youth are the problem and sion and guise about the real issue of Or e-mail: [email protected] “Source for Multi Ethnic Exposure” MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 5

Government of Canada THE BATTLE OF THE NORTH announces funding to Sheridian Jaffna Central / St.John's Annual Big Match college to provide language The above Cricket encounter between both the schools will take place on Saturday 12th July 2008 at Sunny Brook Park. training to newcomers This match popularly known as "THE BATTLE OF THE NORTH " is being played here in On May 16, 2008, The Toronto for the 20th year. Honourable Diane Finley, Minister The Over-40 match will commence at 0930a.m and the regular match will start at 0100p.m. of Citizenship and Immigration, The Over-40 team will be captained by Raj Kumar (St. John's) and M. S Rameez (Central). announced funding for the The regular teams will be captained by V. Ajanthan of St John's and Kenneth Mahesan of Central. Sheridan College Institute of This year Over-40 game will be played 20 overs each side and the regular team. Technology and Advanced Will be 40 overs each. Learning to deliver settlement Soft drinks and snacks will be on sale at the grounds. services to an estimated 800 Please come and join us with your family and friends. immigrants at its campuses in For further details please contact the following Oakville and Brampton. The funding of over $5.5 mil- Anton - 416 949 7717 lion will go toward a number of Diane Finley services to help newcomers pre- Raj - 416 567 5104 pare to enter the Canadian labour territories outside Quebec. market, including language train- Budget 2008 also proposes ing, mentorship and career devel- changes to modernize the immi- opment programs for internation- gration system and to shorten the ally trained individuals. time it takes to bring newcomers Participants will also enjoy the and their families to Canada. same privileges as other Sheridan Under this proposed system, students, such as access to the instructions would be issued to library, career centres and com- immigration officers related to the puter labs. processing of applications, includ- "Finding a job is one of the ing in relation to the jobs avail- most significant challenges facing able in Canada, so that people new immigrants to Canada," said with those skills and experience Minister Finley. "We want new- can be brought to Canada more comers to succeed, and we want quickly. With these changes, new- to help them find good jobs. comers could have more opportu- Through this funding and the nities to find work sooner, to pro- efforts of Sheridan College, new- vide a better life for themselves comers will have the opportunity and their families and to benefit to develop the skills to find work more from life in Canada. in their fields. Their success is our Newcomers to Canada can success." also turn to the Foreign "With support from Credentials Referral Office Citizenship and Immigration (FCRO), which helps internation- Canada (CIC), we can creatively ally trained individuals find the respond to the unique needs of information they need to get their newcomers through new pro- credentials assessed and recog- gramming designed specifically nized more quickly. Established in for internationally trained profes- 2007, the FCRO provides informa- sionals," said Joyce Wayne, tion, path-finding and referral Director of the Sheridan Centre services to help internationally for Internationally Trained trained individuals use their skills Individuals. "We are very excited in Canada. There are now 320 to work with CIC to build English Service Canada centres across the language training and post-sec- country offering in-person foreign ondary opportunities for newcom- credential referral services to ers at Sheridan College. These newcomers. programs will not only enhance CIC funds a number of pro- the language capabilities of our grams that help newcomers set- immigrants, but will also offer our tle, adapt and integrate into internationally trained students Canadian society. These programs diplomas and certificates from a are delivered in partnership with recognized college in Canada." provinces, territories and service- Settlement services are an providing organizations and essential part of the federal gov- include the Immigrant Settlement ernment's immigration program. and Adaptation Program, which Through the Canada-Ontario provides orientation, referrals to Immigration Agreement (COIA), community resources, advice and the Government of Canada has guidance; Language Instruction increased settlement funding for for Newcomers to Canada, which Ontario by a total of $920 million provides basic language training over five years. Under the COIA, for adults; and the Host Program, CIC works with the province and which helps newcomers connect immigrant-serving agencies to with volunteers who help them make a real difference in the lives access services, establish con- of immigrants. In total, since tacts in their field of work and 2006, the Government of Canada participate in the community. has begun investing an additional For more information on CIC $1.4 billion over five years in set- programs, consult our website at tlement funding in provinces and www.cic.gc.ca. 6 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Indians Find U.S. at Fault in Food Cost

By Heather Timmons lowed a statement on the subject Nations Food and Agriculture Instead of blaming India and by Secretary of State Condoleezza Organization collected in 2001-3, other developing nations for the Rice that had upset many Indians. compared with 2,440 calories per rise in food prices, Americans In response to the president's person in India. Americans are should rethink their energy policy remarks, a ranking official in the also the largest per capita con- - and go on a diet. commerce ministry, Jairam sumers in any major economy of That has been the response, Ramesh, told the Press Trust of the most energy-intensive com- basically, of a growing number of India, "George Bush has never mon food source, beef, the politicians, economists and aca- been known for his knowledge of Agriculture Department says. demics in this country, who are economics," and the remarks And the United States and angry at statements by top United proved again how "comprehen- Canada lead the world in oil con- States officials that India's rising sively wrong" he is. sumption per person, according prosperity is to blame for food The Asian Age, a newspaper to the Energy Information inflation. based here, argued in an editorial Administration, an Energy The debate has sometimes last week that Mr. Bush's "igno- Department agency. devolved into what sounded like rance on most matters is widely When it comes to trade, petty playground taunts over who known and openly acknowledged Western farming subsidies under- are the real gluttons devouring by his own countrymen," and that cut agricultural production in fer- the world's resources. he must not be allowed to "get tile areas of Africa, India's com- For instance, Pradeep S. away" with an effort to "divert merce minister, Kamal Nath, said Mehta, secretary general of the global attention from the truth by in a telephone interview, repeat- center for international trade, passing the buck on to India." ing the point that Americans economics and the environment The developing nations, and waste more food than people in of CUTS International, an inde- in particular China and India, are many other countries. pendent research institute based being blamed for global problems, The United States is responsi- here, said that if Americans including the rising cost of com- ble "many times more" than India slimmed down to the weight of modities and the increase in for the world food crisis, said middle-class Indians, "many hun- greenhouse gas emissions, Ramesh Chand, an economist gry people in sub-Saharan Africa because they are consuming with the Indian Council of would find food on their plates." more goods and fuel than ever Agricultural Research, which The purchases and disposal of food by typical American shoppers have tongues wagging bitterly at I ndian research institutes. He added, archly, that the before. But Indians from the advises the government on farm Pic: Lisa Poole/ Associated Press money spent in the United States prime minister's office on down policy. on liposuction to get rid of fat frequently point out that per capi- The Bush administration has unfair, but makes little sense. Mr. Mehta of the research from excess consumption could ta, India uses far lower quantities called for a truce. President Bush Food prices have not been ris- institute conceded that his be funneled to feed famine vic- of commodities and pollutes far is a "great friend and admirer" of ing continually as developing remarks on liposuction were tims. less than nations in the West, par- India, the United States ambassa- nations grew, said Ramgopal meant to be tongue in cheek, but Mr. Mehta's comments may ticularly the United States. dor here, David C. Mulford, said Agarwala, a former World Bank that "politically incorrect" atti- sound like the macroeconomic Explaining the food price last week. He added that "this is a economist and senior adviser at tudes like President Bush's and equivalent of "so's your old man," increases, Indian politicians and time for increased cooperation RIS, a research institute in New Ms. Rice's needed to be chal- but they reflect genuine outrage - academics cite consumption in among nations to solve this prob- Delhi. "They were static until lenged. Rather than blaming and ballooning criticism - toward the United States; the West's lem and that hostile political com- 2006, then in 2007 and 2008 India, Mr. Mehta said, the West the United States in particular, diversion of arable land into the mentary is not productive." there was a sudden spark," he should be adjusting to a changing over recent remarks by President production of ethanol and other A White House spokesman, said. But India has been growing world. Bush. biofuels; agricultural subsidies Scott Stanzel, said, "We think it is for the last decade. This is "not "If the developing world is After a news conference in and trade barriers from a good thing countries are devel- last year's phenomena," he said. going to develop, demand is Missouri on May 2, he was quoted Washington and the European oping, that more and more people "I don't know who advised the going to go up and there are as saying of India's burgeoning Union; and finally the decline in have higher standards of living." president" on his recent com- going to be new political para- middle class, "When you start the exchange rate of the dollar. Some economists argue that ments, Mr. Agarwala added, but digms," he said. getting wealth, you start demand- There may be some founda- blaming India's growth is not only his analysis is "subprime." [Courtesy: NYTimes.com] ing better nutrition and better tion to Indians' accusations of food, and so demand is high, and hypocrisy by the West. The United + that causes the price to go up." States uses - or throws away - The Law Office of The comments, widely report- 3,770 calories a person each day, ed in the developing world, fol- according to data from the United T. Jegatheesan CAREER COACHING Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, ON. Real Estate, Refinance & Mortgages “Your target - Our destination” For students/immigrants aspiring Business Law to become professionals ... Family Law TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, MELAB TRAINING Power of Attorney & RN/RPN EXAM TRAINING Any other Legal Services IT SOLUTIONS 2620 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 201 Scarborough, ON. M1K 2S3 Contact: 416 710 1584 / 905 306 7259 Tel: 416.266.6154, Fax: 416.266.4677 [email protected] www.magnumchoice.com + MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 7

Son of Indian immigrants and rising Sri Lanka loses race for star in the Republican Party tops Human Rights Council seat Sri Lanka, which was backed elected UN Member States who potential Vice Presidential candidates by India, China and reportedly serve for an initial period of 3 also by Japan, has lost in the race years. Council membership is lim- Several Conservative newspa- in getting re-elected to the seat of ited to two consecutive terms, pers and columnists in the US the 47-member UN Human Rights and any Council member may be who generally support the Council. Sri Lanka received 101 suspended by a two-thirds vote of Republican Party continue to votes and ranked 5th among the the Assembly. endorse Louisiana Governor six Asian countries vying for four A key component of the Bobby Jindal to become the coun- seats in the secret ballot of the Council is a periodic review of all try's next vice president. U.N. General Assembly held in 192 UN member states, called Even after a recent visit with New York on May 21st, 2008. Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Senator John McCain, the pre- Japan received 155 votes, which is a mechanism based on Bahrain 142, South Korea 139, reports from different sources, sumptive nominee of the Pakistan 114 and Sri Lanka 101. including the NGOs. Each coun- Republican Party for President of The Human Rights Council try's situation will be examined the United States, the governor (HRC), based in Geneva, was during a three hours debate, dur- insists the two have not had any established on 15 March 2006 and ing their term of membership. talks about becoming running consists of forty-seven Member Nobel Peace Laureates, mates. Still, talk is swirling States of the United Nations. The Former U.S. President Jimmy up 4% of the electorate and by the US Senate), and two terms in throughout the USA and in India, Council replaced the former 53- Carter, South African Archbishop placing the first Asian-American the House of Representatives the native land of his parents. seat U.N. Commission on Human of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu and on the ticket, McCain could help (including service on the House TownHall.com, an influential Rights (UNCHR), which was often Adolfo Pérez Esquivel of stop the drift of this growing seg- Committee on Homeland Security conservative political website criticized for its failure to objec- Argentina filed objections to ment of the population toward the and re-election with 88% of the recently summed up Gov. Jindal in tively address human rights viola- select Sri Lanka to the U.N. an article as the 'bottom line' best Democrats. vote). Nothing in the Obama tions in individual countries. Human Rights Council. choice after anlaysing several of Also, Jindal is a devout resume comes close to any of Fifteen of the HRC's 47 seats Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, in a the possible candidates. Catholic (he converted in high this. It's true that I started pro- will be decided by U.N. General commentary published by Página The 'Pro' and 'con' of the can- school from Hinduism) and has moting Jindal for Vice President Assembly secret ballot which is 12 in Buenos Aires, "compared didacy of Gov. Bobby Jindal and written thoughtful theological on my radio show nearly a year the third annual election for the the routine torture and the hun- its 'bottom line' verdict endorsing pieces for conservative Catholic ago (before he even won election Geneva-based council. dreds of 'disappearances' and Gov. Jindal, by Michael Medved of journals. His ability to connect as governor) and, frankly, I don't 13 of the 47 seats are allocat- extrajudicial killings committed by ed for the 44 Asian Member Sri Lankan government forces to TownHall.com is as follows: with religious Catholics will help in see serious negatives to his candi- States of the United Nations. the 'dirty wars' waged by various PRO: His impeccable conser- any number of battleground dacy. The HRC is an intergovern- Latin American governments vative credentials (a 98% states. Finally, he displays an ease mental UN Charter-based body, against their own citizens in the American Conservative Union rat- on TV and a sense of humor that 'The Bottom line' which meets in Geneva 10 weeks 1970s and 1980s. ing during his two terms in will disarm all critics: his appear- Bobby Jindal offers the GOP a year, and is composed of 47 [TamilNet] Congress) and stalwart defense of ance on the Tonight Show with the best chance in many years for human life ("I am 100 percent pro Jay Leno has become a favorite reshaping the party's tarnished, life with no exceptions") would on You Tube and represented a tired image without in any way help rally worn right-wingers to triumph for the young governor. abandoning timeless conservative McCain's cause. Influential With Jindal on the ticket, voters principles. McCain should select Conservative radio host Rush wouldn't have to go to the the Louisiana governor several Limbaugh has praised Jindal as Democrats in order to elect our weeks before the convention, to "the next Ronald Reagan - win- first person of color to national get maximum benefit from his ning with 100 percent pure con- office. candidacy. Imagine a quick Jindal servatism." Jindal's remarkable CON: He's too young, too foreign tour-- including a stop in success with ethics legislation inexperienced - how can his ancestral homeland, India, during his first months as gover- Republicans criticize Obama as where he will be received (rightly) nor of notoriously corrupt unprepared, when Jindal is ten as a conquering hero. Just as Louisiana would also help McCain years younger? Actually, this Obama-mania begins to feel a bit run as a reformer who could clean argument ends up turning in forced and old-hat, Jindal-mania up "the mess in Washington" the Jindal's favor, since he possesses can inspire press and public with way his running mate cleaned up vastly MORE experience than attention to every aspect of the the mess in Baton Rouge. Obama, particularly in executive governor's amazing career, his Above all his youth (he'll be 37 positions. In addition to his early gorgeous and adorable young at the convention) and brilliance triumphs as governor, he's also family, profoundly eloquent (biology degree from Brown won spectacular success in a long expressions of Catholic faith (he University, Rhodes Scholar at series of leadership roles - as gives moving testimonials to the Oxford U) would help Republicans executive director of the National power of Christ in Evangelical balance some of the hysterical Bipartisan Commission on the churches), unlikely connection excitement over Obama. As the Future of Medicare, Secretary of with the "Bubba" vote in son of immigrants (who arrived the Louisiana Department of Louisiana, and much, much more. from India for graduate school in Health and Hospitals, President of The very prospect of a Vice Louisiana when Jindal's mother the Louisiana State University President whose full legal name is was pregnant with him) he could System (at the ludicrously young "Piyush Subhaschandra Amrit help connect with Hispanic voters, age of 26!), Assistant Secretary of "Bobby" Jindal" has a marvelously where Republicans desperately Health and Human Services exotic, only-in-America feel to it. need help. Asians will also make (unanimously confirmed - and praised - in a bipartisan vote of 8 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Gover nment of Canada announces new l anguage tr aining funding for inter nationally tr ained Envir onmental Engineer s The Toronto and Region in their field of expertise. shortening the time it takes to Conservation Authority (TRCA) Their success is good for bring newcomers and their fami- will be able to provide enhanced Toronto and good for our country lies to Canada. Under this pro- language training to international- as a whole." "Thanks to the sup- posed system, instructions would ly trained environmental engi- port of Citizenship and be issued to immigration officers neers in Toronto thanks to an Immigration Canada (CIC), we related to the processing of appli- investment by the Government of can now address the challenges cations, including in relation to Canada. The Honourable Diane facing internationally trained pro- the jobs available in Canada, so Finley, Minister of Citizenship and fessionals in finding employment that people with those skills and Immigration, on June 2nd in their field," said Brian Denney, experience can be brought to announced funding of more than Chief Administrative Officer of the Canada more quickly. With these $58,000 to provide enhanced lan- TRCA. "This new funding allows changes, newcomers could have guage training to 40 environmen- us to offer services that will more opportunities to find work tal engineers who were trained increase the communication skills sooner, provide a better life for abroad. of newcomers, provide better themselves and their families and The training will be delivered access to professional accredita- benefit more from life in Canada. as part of the Professional Access tion, and open doors to the job Newcomers to Canada can and Integration Enhancement market." also turn to the Foreign Program, a joint initiative of the Settlement services are an Credentials Referral Office TRCA and several other communi- essential part of the federal gov- (FCRO), which helps internation- ty and professional associations. ernment's immigration program. ally trained individuals find the tle, adapt and integrate into counselling services; Language Engineers who participate in this Through the Canada-Ontario information they need to get their Canadian society. These programs Instruction for Newcomers to program are also offered a 12- Immigration Agreement (COIA), credentials assessed and recog- are delivered in partnership with Canada, which provides basic lan- month full-time job placement the Government of Canada has nized more quickly. Established in provinces, territories and service- guage training for adults; and the with a host organization in the increased settlement funding for 2007, the FCRO provides informa- providing organizations. Funding Host Program, which helps new- environmental engineering field. Ontario by a total of $920 million tion, path-finding and referral for the TRCA is provided through comers connect with volunteers "Language can be one of the over five years. Under the COIA, services to help internationally the Enhanced Language Training who help them access services, most challenging barriers faced CIC works with the province and trained individuals use their skills initiative which provides both establish contacts in their field of by newcomers to Canada," said immigrant-serving agencies to in Canada. There are now 320 occupation-specific language work and participate in the com- Minister Finley. "With this invest- make a real difference in the lives Service Canada centres across the training and employability assis- munity. ment, highly skilled environmen- of immigrants. country offering in-person servic- tance. Other programs include tal engineers in Toronto will have The 2008 budget also propos- es to newcomers. the Immigrant Settlement and For more information on CIC's access to the specialized lan- es changes to modernize the CIC funds a number of pro- Adaptation Program, which pro- programs, consult our website at guage training they need to work immigration system, including grams that help newcomers set- vides orientation, referral and www.cic.gc.ca

8472 www.rajaguru.com MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 9

The Energy of Exercise The sun is shining and skies are blue. The mountains of snow By Mithura Anandarajah, PT seem like a distant memory away. that your heart is working effi- helping you sleep better at night. As the change of seasons occurs, ciently and reduces the bad cho- A good night sleep will improve it comes with a sense of energy lesterol that can block up the your concentration, productivity and exuberance. It is the perfect arteries. Exercise and strength and mood. Exercise has been time to put that energy towards training have been shown to shown to improve your sex life. It New Year resolutions that have increase your bone strength and gives you more energy and been long forgotten. If you did minimize the effects of osteoporo- endurance; the increased circula- make any resolutions this year, sis. tion that results from exercise can exercise and healthy living was make it more satisfying. probably on your list of top ten. As an appeal to our vanity, Whether it's through the media, exercise helps us manage our How much is enough? As a your family or your physician, the weight. We are all in the process guideline, it is recommended for importance of exercise and physi- of pulling out our skimpy summer healthy adults under the age of cal fitness is instilled into us. wear. Shedding those extra 65 that at least 30 minutes of However, for many of us, it is a pounds suddenly has more mean- moderate-intensity aerobic activi- concept that sounds great theo- ing and motivation. The more ty (walking or swimming) five retically, but yet we find if chal- you exercise the more calories days a week or 20 minutes of vig- lenging to make it part of our you burn. This could include tak- orous activity (running) three lifestyle. Our work, family obliga- ing the stairs instead of the eleva- days a week, plus strength train- tions and social life all usually will tor; walking to the corner store ing twice a week. It you're trying come first before we take care of instead of driving. As long as you to lose weight or meet specific fit- ourselves. are moving, you are burning calo- ness goals, you may need to ries. increase the activity. The more We all know that exercise is active you are, the greater the good for us. Why and how is the Exercise enhances our mood. benefits you receive. question? spend some time gardening. Find walk. Make simple changes in It results in the release of chemi- an activity which appeals to your your life that makes you keep cals in our brain, called endor- What is equally important is The most commonly known personality. Do it with a partner moving. It you're moving it phins, which make us feel happier that exercise can be fun. It does benefit of exercise is that it pre- or your family so that it is part of counts! So this spring and sum- and more relaxed. Use it as a not need to be a chore that is vents chronic diseases like heart your social life. Turn off the tele- mer, enjoy the energy of exercise. way to release stress or anxiety. grudgingly scheduled. Go for a disease and osteoporosis. It vision and go for a walk. Park at It will help you look, feel and be It also has the added bonus of hike, take a ballroom lesson or improves your blood flow, ensures the end of the parking lot and younger.

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Brampton Hospital Pharmacy (I DA) 10095 Bramalea Road Unit # 103 Brampton, Ontario (Bramalea / Bovaird) Tel: 905 792 9998 Fax: 905 792 9971 10 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 11 CTCC 2008 awards for various Business Categories

Woman Entrepreneur Award - 2008 Most Outstanding Community Best Marketing Award - 2008 children's clothing. Services Award- 2008 Mr. & Mrs. Rajamani Sureshkumar The Success of Asiyans can definitely be attributed to the Nadpurajah Vairamuthu Ornamental Products. Asiyans Driven by a passion and consistent Marketing of Three Star Bindery Sornalingam Sureshkumar and his wife kindled with an interest Strategies adopted in their Vairamuthu Sornalingam's Thirumagal are the proud Sornalingam wanted to show sales campaigns. The regular Rajamani Nadpurajah, who passion for Music, Drama and owners of a 30,000 square the world and the Canadian rapport with their customers hails from Kotahena in Sri Dance is no closer than to his feet textile emporium in mainstream that the Eelam through their database guar- Lanka and winner of CTCC's family. In such a context, Toronto and the largest Sri Tamils are not second to any Woman Entrepreneur for Sornalingam's community other community in cultural involvement naturally cen- 2008 never realized that she activity. He started providing tered around the national too would become a Business facilities to men and women identity and culture of the Sri woman when she arrived in of his community to show- Lankan Tamils. He arrived in Canada. On arrival in Canada case their hidden talents in she enrolled herself as a stu- Art and Culture, especially in dent at Seneca College and Music and Drama. He began She has invested in modern producing Dramas, compos- Lankan Textile store in North completed her education antees customer satisfaction, ing Songs and Lyrics thus America. Driven by a passion there. Later, Rajamani started plant and machinery for bind- quality and continuity. They providing the infra structure coupled with an interest to working in a Bindery Firm. ing and finishing work. sustain their market by con- to the budding artistes and start something of his own, Having been an employee tinuous commercials through Motivated by the owner and exposed to the community Suresh originally began before, she treats her Print, Radio and TV for her dedication towards talented persons in their cho- importing textile items in a Advertising. Asiyans is today a the organization, the owner employees as family mem- sen fields. In 1990, he start- small way from Singapore. one-stop shopping centre for persuaded Rajamani to buy bers and they all work as one ed the Thamil Isai Kala Slowly but steadily, the the entire family. extended family towards the Mantram for classical artistes Business started growing. the business. She decided to Apart from their Business success of the business.As a to show case their talents Today, Asiyans, with a floor take the challenge and pur- Canada in 1986 and like interest, both Suresh and and create a national identity space of 30,000 feet square chased the business. As a devout Born Again Christian many professionals started Thirumagal spend time, ener- of it's own for his community. area occupying three floors, is result, Rajamani elevated she firmly believes in family doing jobs different from his gy and finance in community He receives limitless support well-stocked with all textile herself as a proud owner values and is a proud mother profession. Later he started involvement by contributions from the community for his items and giftware carrying of two children- Prashanna his own firm- Yarl Metal to Religious, Educational and from the position of an cultural programmes, special- different varieties of Sarees, Fabrication Inc. which manu- Sports charities and organiza- employee. and Laxshaa. ly "Isai Arangam". Men's wear, Ladies wear and factures Architectural tions.

Most Outstanding Professional Young Entrepreneur Award - 2008 Best Entrepreneur Award- 2008 Award - 2008 Shanmugalingam University and passed out as Bala Balasingam sonnel at all levels. a Software Engineer in the ADCO Logistics Bala is married to Ranjani Kunachelvan year 2000. He worked for Dr. Rajeswari Brilliant Tutor At Your Mr. Bala Balasingham is the and attributes much of his Nortel for a brief period of Thurairajah Home owner of a Courier Transport success to his marriage to two years. Driven by an inter- Young Shanmugalingam As a woman obstetrician est to be self employed and Business which he started in her. He is the proud father of Kunachelvan's novel idea of and gynecologist, her great- to put his education to better 1991.His firm transports six children, all of whom he Tutoring at home has created est reward and achievement use, Kunachelvan struck on an extensive team of rowing auto-parts shipments within in her medical career in this novel idea of tutoring in Canada and also across to Canada was to serve the the homes. the U.S natal needs of mothers-to-be "Tution on wheels", so to When Bala Balasingham of the Tamil community over speak was started with a a long span of twenty-five modest 15 students at the arrived in Canada, all he pos- beginning, and gradually years. sessed was a $ 20 dollar bill. began to grow. Within five Dr.Rajeswari Thurairaja Working twenty-hours a day community. It was a time years, the number of stu- began her medical career in and sleeping only four hours, when large numbers of our dents has exceeded 1,800 Colombo. Later, she served in community were migrating with nearly 150 teachers cov- Bala climbed up the steps of the U.K. for five years. It was into Canada. It so happened ering Toronto, Markham, the ladder to be the proud hard at the beginning for that she was the only Tamil Brampton, Etobicoke, Ajax, owner of a business worth Rajeswari when she arrived Missisauga, Pickering and woman Gynecologist at that $60 million today. in Canada, as she had to Scarborough areas. time and our women who ambassadors in Education Arriving in Canada in 1984, repeat four years of Kunachelvan is proud to say were new to the country through out the GTA. His that his business flourishes he started working on odd Residency, to qualify for the received not only pre-natal team of nearly 150 teachers on referrals and word of jobs until 1991 when he says brought him luck. He is Specialist License. She medical advice but she was do their daily rounds of tutor- mouth. He selects the best of weathered the storm and ing 1,800 students. His con- joined a Courier Company as also involved in community also a Family Counselor as the teachers dedicated to finally found a staff position cept of imparting education a Driver. Bala's desire and service, especially to social well. their work and all of them are at the Queensway Hospital in to the younger generation in Dr. Rajeswari has involved Degree or Diploma holders. ambition to start something and religious projects in his their homes has made it con- Etobicoke. herself with the community Kunachelvan is today a happy of his own made him open birth place. venient and easier to both It was during her long by participating in community and contented individual that the courier transport busi- the student and the parent. career in Mississauga that discussions, seminars and he is providing education to Arriving in Canada in 1992, ness. He employs about 150 she came into close contact the younger generation in giving talks even to Seniors. he entered McMaster persons and has skilled per- with the women of the Tamil their own homes. Pictures taken on April 26, 2008 during 11th Annual Awards ceremony to recognize the above winners held at Fairmont Royal York

Cinniah Ramanathan, Siva Sivaramalingam, Dr.(Mrs). Giri, Dr. Giri, Mr & Mrs. Ganga, Mr & CTCC Board of Directors, Advisory Council & Awards Gala-2008 Hon. Stephane Dion, Dinesh Ramanathan & Dr. Tham Mrs. Raveendraraj & other guests Team Members at Fairmont Royal York Vasanthakumar 12 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL A Case of Reverse Imperialism By Benjamin Willson

Beware I ndia's manifest destiny. Though still labeled an emerg- ing market, one could argue that the Indian economy has already emerged. According to Forbes' list of international billionaires, four of the top 10 are Indian. And with an annualized five-year total return of 42.2%, Forbes ranked India second after Brazil in its assessment of the growth of the world's largest public companies. The U.K., with a growth percent- Meeting rooms from $100 age of 17.1%, and the U.S., with 11.1%, occupy two of the last three spots on that list. The bal- ance of power is starting to shift. What is driving India's expan- market and Indian companies' This discrepancy is under- sion? "Unlike China where compa- high price-to-earnings ratios, standable given the context; it is nies are state- and government- according to Khanna. Smaller more difficult for established com- led, in India, it is people's own Indian companies can more easily panies in the U.S. and U.K. to money," says Tarun Khanna, a collaborate with bigger counter- grow as quickly as those expand- professor at Harvard Business parts in other markets--even ing from nothing, as is the case School and author of Billions of those in other former colonies. for start-up companies in India. Entrepreneurs: How China and Last week India's biggest tele- Nevertheless, these figures high- India Are Reshaping Their Futures com, Bharti Airtel, called off light an important trend. As the and Yours. merger talks with South Africa's Indian economy continues to In March, another subsidiary largest provider of cellphone serv- spread its wings, its companies of the Tata Group, Tata Motors ice, MTN Group, citing disagree- are turning to new international (nyse: TTM), acquired Jaguar and ments over the terms of the deal. markets. Land Rover from Ford Motor Reliance Communications, India's Could this be the begin- (nyse: F) for $2.3 billion. It's second-largest telecom, subse- ning of a reverse imperial- another example of originally- quently announced it was enter- ism? British brands being scooped up ing talks with the South African During the 18th century, the by an old colonial friend. While company. A resulting MTN- British first annexed and then col- the two brands will continue to Reliance merger would result in onized India, seeking to exploit follow their own business plans, over 100 million customers, a the subcontinent's vast natural Tata Motors hopes they will boost larger network than AT&T. resources and to expand trade. the company's ability to be a The shared colonial past, Tea became an important com- "meaningful player in the global actually, is an advantage. The modity and came to symbolize market," says Debasis Ray, head British Empire, Khanna believes, British colonial rule. of corporate communications at created a legacy whose repercus- How times have changed! Tata Motors. sions are felt in India and in In 2000, Tata Tea--a member The company recently Africa's eastern and southern of India's Tata Group conglomer- unveiled its Nano model in New regions. "Imperialism is laying the ate of 27 publicly listed compa- Delhi. Touted as "the people's seeds of global chess, with Indian nies--bought Tetley, the U.K.'s car," the small four-seater with a companies naturally capitalizing largest tea company. Tata Tea price tag of $2,500 is said to be on their shared history," he says. now represents the second the least expensive car in the Perhaps other nations should largest tea manufacturer in the world. prepare for a new breed of impe- world by volume, surpassed only The monetary muscle behind rialism. This time, we will be by London- and Rotterdam-based the quest for new horizons is pouring the tea. Unilever. fuelled by a cheap domestic labor [courtesy:forbes.com]

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Sri Lanka needs 'political offensive' for island. peace, reconciliation: scholar Military Campaign Sri Lanka should commemorate the The government of President Mahinda 25th anniversary of the July 1983 riots and Rajapaksa has vowed to pursue a military put forward its best offer to the Tamil peo- campaign to crush the Tamil Tigers who ple as part of a political offensive to end the control much of the country's northern war and find peace and reconciliation, a US region. scholar said. Last year, government forces made William Grassie, a senior Fulbright progress by gaining control of the eastern Fellow, said the commemoration will be province after ousting Tamil Tiger guerillas "healing" and "helpful" for Sri Lanka to from their jungle bases. show its commitment to ensure equal pro- With the government pushing for a mil- tection for all its citizens under the law. itary victory, the Army intensified opera- "The 1983 riots provide an opportunity tions against the Tigers in the northern, to collect oral histories of survivors which northwestern and north eastern regions. can be translated and printed in newspa- Intensified military action has triggered pers and presented in TV documentaries," Tiger terror attacks against civilians, mili- Grassie told a public seminar. tary personnel and government officials in "It will be important to emphasize the the south. individual human tragedies, rather than to Grassie said despite a win on the mili- rehearse conflicting narratives about who is tary front Sri Lanka could still see a worst responsible for the ensuing civil war. case scenario with a loss of democracy. "It would also be important to include Losing Democracy oral histories of Sinhalese who helped to "In thinking about the worst that might shelter Tamils from the mob violence," he happen here, Sri Lanka might win the war said. and lose its democracy," he said. Grassie says such a commemoration "The violence of the war will metasta- would send a message to the Tamils across size and a radical Tamil underworld will be the world that most Sinhalese recognize created and will join a Sinhalese and Muslim that a "terrible injustice" was done to their underworld. fellow citizens who deserve equal protec- "Muslims will systematically arm them- tion. selves in self defense feeling threatened Rampaging Mobs from all sides," he said. The 1983 riots against Tamils fuelled by Grassie says Sri Lanka could end up as the killing of 13 Sinhalese soldiers by the a failed state, heavily indebted by war Tamil Tiger guerillas in the north led to the spending leading to runaway inflation, murder of hundreds of Tamil civilians and investments and aid drying up, tourism destruction of their property across the crippled, an exodus of upper and middle country. class youth overseas, hunger and disease The riots not only sparked full scale war on the rise and communal riots. between Tamil guerillas and government According to Grassie even a worst case forces but also fuelled hatred and suspicion scenario could herald one of the greatest between the two communities. political and economic miracles of the twen- Thousands of Tamils fled the country ty first century. seeking asylum in western countries and He says a political offensive should be others joined the Tamil militant groups carried forward alongside the military offen- including the LTTE in the country's north. sive by the government to reach out to the Grassie, speaking about a best case Tamil population both in Sri Lanka and scenario for Sri Lanka, at a public seminar abroad and to the international community. said recognition is the first step in reconcil- Grassie says the government in recon- iation and that the government's failure to ciliation should forward its best offer to the protect its citizens from lawlessness in 1983 Tamil people who have suffered the most has to be publicly recognized. during the civil conflict. "The tone of the commemoration "The international community says should be "never again" and to promote a there has to be a political solution …so go vision of unified, peaceful and prosperous ahead and develop a political solution and Sri Lanka, in which all citizens … are enti- make the proposal now and make it publicly tled to equal protection under the law," to the world," he said Grassie said. "Basically I would tell the LTTE the same The near three-decade war has con- thing. Put your best offer forward, make it sumed resources and resulted in the deaths publicly and let's stop this silliness." of thousands of Sri Lankans across the [Lanka Business Online] 16 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Lankan Tamil Tamil Australian Maha Sinnathamby - Tenth wealthiest individual in Queensland , Australia second richest Maha Sinnathamby , A man with Sri Lankan Tamil roots, who migrated to Australia in his 18's man in Malaysia has been listed as tenth wealthi- est individual in Queensland in A Tamil of Sri Lankan origin is BRW 2008 Rich list. Courier Mail the second richest man in reported his achievement as , " Malaysia, while a businessman of The man who founded the entire Indian origin occupies the 16th Springfield property development, place in the list of the 40 wealthi- Sinnathamby is worth an estimat- est persons in the Southeast Asian ed $571 million. He has few obvi- country. ous trappings of wealth, living in a T. Ananda Krishnan 70, whose modest abode at Fig Tree Pocket, family originates from Jaffna, runs his ownly real luxury being driving the telecom firm Maxis, with a net a Mercedes car. " Like Sri Lankan worth of $ 7.2 billion. In the lists Tamil Community Maha is highly Queensland in the early 80's, con- their co-operation to help build published by the Forbes maga- patented process to devulcanise values the importance of vinced that bigger opportunities basic infrastructure to the area. zine, he is behind Robert Kuok, used rubber, which makes it recy- Education and says & believe awaited him in the Sunshine Eventually, it needed a special 84, who has diverse business clable. "Education is the key. Education State. He continued slowly build- act of Parliament to enable things interests and a fortune worth $ 10 Another Tamil of Sri Lankan creates a strong community. ing the family company with to happen and he achieved the billion. origin on the list, at No 26, is 63- Education changes our potential." numerous small residential subdi- extraordinary - getting all 89 Maxis became a private firm in year-old G. Gnanalingam, whose Profile of Maha Sinnathamby visions and several commercial members of Parliament to vote in a leveraged buyout in 2007 and fortune is to the tune of $ 230 mil- from His Official Website projects in the region. favour of the legislation. has a 74 percent stake in India 's lion. The former tobacco execu- Maha Sinnathamby is a Hindu In the early 1990s, Maha's Maha assembled a team who telecom operator Aircel. tive is executive chairman of of Tamil descent, born in Malaysia mind turned to the potential of shared his vision and commitment Krishnan is the wealthiest per- Westports Malaysia, the nation's in 1939 where he lived in the the south-east corner as a fast- and has in just 15 years devel- son with a Tamil background, largest privately owned port. small farming village of Rantau, growing "sun belt" region. With oped Greater Springfield - ahead of Shiv Nadar who is the According to the magazine, without power or water, and business partner Bob Sharpless, Australia's first privately-built city 10th richest man in India. the total net worth of the top 40 where he was educated at a he secured a 2,860-hectare parcel and the country's largest master Vinod Sekhar of Indian origin people in Malaysia is $ 46 billion, Catholic school. His father sur- of land in Ipswich, south-west of planned community. It is the tenth is placed 16th in the Forbes' list up $ 3 billion from last year. vived three years in a Japanese Brisbane, for $7.9 million in 1992. largest master planned communi- and has a net worth of $ 320 mil- Net worths for people with POW camp, thanks largely to his Maha became Chairman of ty in the world. Greater lion. publicly traded fortunes were cal- mother making regular and long Springfield Land Corporation Springfield has a present popula- For its Malaysia list, Forbes set culated with share prices and journeys from the village to the which was established in conjunc- tion of over 15,000 people. With the bar at only $ 100 million, com- exchange rates from May 9. For camp to bring him food. tion with the purchase of the par- an average number of three fami- pared to the billionaires list the privately held fortunes, the maga- Maha had to travel 36km cel. lies moving to the city per day, a magazine is known for. zine said it used database compa- every day by bus to and from Friends, family and business population growth of over Noting that Sekhar, 40, runs ny BRIS and other sources to esti- school. He learnt two significant partners all marvel at his extraor- 100,000 is predicted within the Petra Group, named after his mate what companies and assets lessons from his parents - the dinary passion and persistence. next 20 years. daughter, Forbes said the compa- were worth if public. importance of a good education The family saying is: "It's never a Maha is passionate about edu- ny is best known for its Green (I ANS) and the value of a strong work no, until it's a yes." cation. He sees it as the golden Rubber Global, which has a ethic. Maha's lobbying and negotiat- ticket to a better life - just as it's Maha travelled to Australia by ing skills as he and his team lay been with him. Margosa Investment Shares boat in 1962 to study civil engi- the foundations of Springfield He has a vision of socially neering at the University of New were extraordinary - he once uplifting society around him - in Together we are One, Driving shares are cumulative, meaning that South Wales and after years of approached Premier Wayne Goss this case the Ipswich and Western forward the Financial Future for they accumulate, and once accumu- persistence, graduated and at a business function and Corridor - through education. all Sri Lankans & South East lated must be paid before dividends worked for different organisations pounced on him on the way out Maha is married to Yoga and Asians are paid on shares ranking below the as a civil and design engineer, the door, just so he could get a has three daughters - Raynuha, Margosa Credit Union was author- Class A shares. Once dividends are including a stint with the World face-to-face meeting with Goss Meera, Uma - and a son Naren. All ized to sell to its members, Class A paid on Class A shares, Dividends may Bank. about State Government support of them work for Springfield Land and Class B Investment shares on be paid on the Class B shares. The He started his own property for Springfield. Corporation. business in Perth in 1976 and He lobbied the Education and [http://www. mahasinnatham- September 28, 2007. There are more Dividend rate on the Class A invest- later moved his young family to Transport Departments just to get by.com/] than 1,500,000 Class A and Class B ment share exceeds by 1% the simple Shares for sale and each share will be average of the yields on the monthly chase shares. reaches the desired level of $1.5 mil- "As a Sri Lankan, Margosa will be sold at $1.00 per share. We have series of the Government of Canada The Process: lion. At that point, the funds will be there for you. Margosa will strive to openings for two types of investors - five- year Bonds as published by the Assuming that you choose to buy, released to Margosa and the Share make a difference through their com- the small time investor who would like Bank Of Canada for each month in you can subscribe for investment Certificates will be issued to the mitment". to associate with us, just because it is Margosa's Fiscal year. Once these shares by completing the Subscription Investors. It is only then, will the time Recognition Awards Program a Sri Lankan Venture. shares are issued, they are not and the Authorization Forms. The sub- period for dividend calculation, begin. A Panel will be installed in our These Investors could purchase redeemable for a period of 5 years. scription form will set out the number, Concentra will provide the assurance office, which would carry the names Class A shares which are Cumulative. Exceptions will be made on approval class and the dollar amount of the to all the investors that Margosa will of all our members, who have made The minimum investment for this type by the Board of Directors. shares you wish to buy. This form with not have access to the funds until it substantial investments of $25,000 or of share is $500.00and maximum is Investment shares will be sold to your cheque will be forwarded to has complied with all contractual more. This list is now open for the first $5000.00. The Class B shares is Non Margosa Members only. They will be Concentra Financial. The Authori- agreements. 50 Members, who make this contribu- Cumulative and the purchase of these given a copy of the Share Offering zation Form is to give your consent to Margosa Credit Union tion. shares is from a minimum of Statement, which carries all the Concentra to place your funds in We would like to ask our members 2100 Ellesmere Road, Suite# 100A $5,000.00 to a Maximum of important information. They could Escrow.( Escrow is a form of Trust in our community to become first a (Corner of Markham & Ellesmere) , $25,000.00 This type of share is for pick up a copy by dropping by our agreement in which funds are tem- Member by paying $25.00, which Toronto.ON.M1H 3B7, the affluent in our community who Office located at 2100 Ellesmere porarily placed with Concentra until would give them the right to do their Phone: 416-915-8989/8988/8987, typically invest $5000 to $25,000 of Road, Suite # 100A. If you need a specific conditions as set out by FSCO banking business with us. The best Fax: 416-915-8986, their money at a time. copy in the mail, just call us at 416 are met.) Concentra will act as the compliment you could pay Margosa E-mail: contact@ Dividends will be paid as and when 915 8989. We would be more than Trustee for Margosa. Concentra will would be to pass along your positive margosacreditunion.ca, declared by the Board of Directors of willing to discuss your concerns and escrow all purchase funds until such connection with us to your friends and www.margosacreditunion.ca Margosa. Dividends on the Class A will not obligate any member to pur- time as the Investment share issue family. MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 17

Senator Barrack Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination

By Philip Fernando in Los August. The 46-year-old first currency-in fact, sovereign gold Angeles term senator will face Sen. John Senator Barrack Obama has McCain of Arizona in the fall cam- His acceptance speech after effectively clinched the paign to become the 44th presi- winning Iowa was ''We came Democratic presidential nomina- dent. together as tion even if he were to lose both The anatomy of the Obama Democrats, as Republicans S. Dakota and Montana as many win was described as a combina- and independents, to stand up super delegates have just tion of unstoppable prodigious and say we are one nation, we expressed their endorsements of fundraising, ultra modern organiz- are one people and our time for Obama-he may win both primar- ing skills delivered meticulously change has come." A video built ies. Based on a tally of conven- and his theme of change that around Obama's ''Yes, we can'' tion delegates, both pledged and motivated an electorate opposed rallying cry quickly went ballistic. super delegates Obama has to the Iraq war and worried about It drew its one millionth hit within exceeded the required 2,118 del- the economy. These were har- a few days of being posted, egate count now. He becomes nessed to his own innate gifts as the first black candidate ever to an orator and a campaigner. Hillary Clinton was feisty to lead his party into a fall campaign Clinton campaigned from the the end. Many believe that for the White House. He had beginning as the candidate of numerous talking heads, articles, greater sustaining power than his experience ready to be president books and blogs have and will dis- gamey contender Hillary Clinton from day one, a former first lady sect her candidacy, what she did who fought to the last primary. and second-term senator of wrong, her husband's role, what Both Obama and Clinton drew repute. It may have overstated this means for our country's polit- historic voter turnout primary the position so much as to sound ical future and how she would be after primary. It looked some- like a scolding voice of a seasoned remembered. what racially polarizing towards veteran jostling against a charis- the end as Texas, Pennsylvania , matic and audacious charmer, Monsoon Journal completes its second year of circulation Illinois and Virginia rallied behind But after a somewhat shaky Clinton . Obama is certain of get- year on the trail, Obama won the in the GTA. We thank our readers, patrons and advertisers. ting more than the 2,118 dele- first Iowa caucuses on January 3, Visit www.monsoonjournal.com gates for clinching the party nom- 2008. Suddenly, the 46 year-old ination at the Convention in upstart had become acceptable Call 416 358 3235 to place your ads 18 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Bhushany Kalyanaraman, Carnatic musician

Single minded devotion to Carnatic His family was quite well to do, which do something for destitute women music - that sums up Bhushany allowed him to concentrate on music. and children "to be able to reach out Kalyanaraman. Hers is an extraordi- A veritable genius as a vocalist, he to people who do not have the luxury nary tale, spanning oceans. Born and even had many senior musicians com- of music, people weighed down by brought up in Colombo, Sri Lanka, it ing to him for guidance. He has been pressing basic needs, to survive." was a typical Tamil household where my only guru, after my father. I'm her father used to ensure that every- what I'm today only because of him," A Sri Lankan nation ever apprecia- one was awake at 5 a.m., reciting the says a nostalgic Bhushany. Sadly tive of Tamil culture and Carnatic Tiruvempavai. A renowned musician, Kalyanaraman passed away a few music has honoured her with "GANA her father had won the title "Sangita years ago, leaving a big void in the RATNA". Sri Lankan organisations in Bhushanam" from Annamalai music world, and in Bhushany's life. London have had her sing for fund University. All her sisters too sang A senior vocalist today, Bhushany raisers in 2001 and 2003. Bhushany is well. has number of students both in a fortunate person - she has the best Love of Carnatic music brought Chennai and abroad, and many for- of both Sri Lanka and India, the best Bhushany to Chennai, at 16, to stay eign students of Indian origin, who gained by besting life's many odds. and study music at the Government come to live with and learn from her. Music College. She went back to Sri Many of her foreign-based students My favourite raga Lanka, to teach music at a Jaffna col- have had their formal arangetrams, "Bhairavi, captures moments in the lege. The riots in 1982 brought her proving her success as a teacher. flux of human experience, denoting back to India, drawn by her deep majesty (gambhiram), seriousness admiration for her subsequent guru Today Bhushany is an Indian citizen; now and peace and bhakti at another and husband, Tanjore S. so much at home is she in India. "I've moment. It has the power to offer Kalyanaraman, senior disciple of the been all over the world, except deliverance from current difficulties also brings forth special memories Beautiful swarajati legendary G.N.B. Russia. I like it best here. I stay and protection against those of the when she sings 'Bala Gopala,' "The same feeling I experience abroad for two-three months, to teach future. In worship and especially in Muthuswami Dikshitar's chowkakala while rendering Syama Sastri's beauti- A congenial atmosphere prevailed in and perform," says Bushany. fulfilment of a vow, I intentionally sing kriti with her illustrious husband ful Kamakshi swarajati. Mohanam is her marital home, with a very sup- Her ambition is to establish a school this raga summoning forth help from Kalyanaraman sometimes at his pitch yet another raga which brings forth an portive mother-in-law. "My husband for Carnatic music in S. without and within," says Bhushany and sometimes at her own, under- intuitively comprehensible image of was totally immersed in music much Kalyanaraman's name, both here and Kalyanaraman, who has had her train- standing the nuances of the raga, its devotion. Singing it from childhood I of the time," recalls Bhushany. "He abroad. Taped lessons too would ing from stalwarts such as strong rishabh and the movement find my best expression in never took any fee from his many stu- bridge the distance, in her absence. Kulasegaran, her own father and all- which brings out the whole range and Manickavachagar's 'Thiruvachagam,'" dents, he was a very stern man, a Grateful for everything that music has time greats such as T.M. Thiagarajan atmosphere that is unique to Bhairavi. says Bhushany. strict taskmaster, and a perfectionist. bestowed on her, she also wishes to and K.V. Narayanaswami. Bhairavi [Courtesy: Hinduonnet.com]

Vipulananda), Silapathikara Isai Sundaram (Thurai Madan), Movement Nunukka Vilakkam(S. Ramanathan), for Thamil Song (Prof V. Arasu), Was What is Thamil Isai? five volumes of Then Inthiya Isai Carnatic Music cribbed from Thamil (Sambamurthy), Thamil Isai Valam , Isai? ( P.Vealsamy), Musicians from By K.S. Sivakumaran Thamil Isai Iyal, Thamil Isaik Alavai (Alaveddi) (C.Kanthasamy), Kalanjiyam (V.P.K. Sundaram). One Melting oneself Singing( Vasanthi The Thamil word for Music is "Isai". thing more-Photos of Pandit Abraham Thayaparan), Islamic Bards (S. It is also known as "Sangeetham". and Swami Vipulananda adorn the Sivakumar), Pleasure of Music (M. Carnatic music is associated with the front cover of the magazine which is Dhandapaani Desigar), Lyricists that music of the Dravidians (Thamilians, available from the Kolumbu Thamil wrote'Kerthanais' in Thamil (Vasanthi Telugus, Kannadigas, Malayalees and Sangam at 7, 57th Lane (Rudra Thayaparan), and The Thing that is the others of the southern regions of Mawatha), Colombo 06, Sri Lanka. Music (S. Subramania Bharathi). India).Some researchers say that The magazine has excellent articles Carnatic music evolved from Thamil relating to Thamil Isai. Let me trans- This monograph carrying Isai (meaning music of the late into English the Thamil titles of researched material on Thamil Music Thamilians). the essays: Music-Language-Society: by varied hands is really worthwhile To know more about Thami Isai I an expression of relationship (Prof. publication. picked up the special issue (46-47- Saba Jeyarasa), Researcher Pandit An introduction of personages that March 2008) of the journal Oalai pub- Abraham (T. Mathusoothanan), received this year's honours for their lished by the Kolumbu Thamil Research on Ancient Thamil Isai outstanding contributors to Thamil Sangam. I must congratulate the edi- (Swami Vipulananda), an excerpt of a Studies is by S. Sivasubramaniam. torial board consisting of Dr V. speech delivered by Swami The recipients were E.K. Kanthasamy, Maheswaran, Dr A. Jinnah Sharifudin, Vipulanada on the cantos Arangeattu S.M. Hanifa and Dr Sangarapillai K. Raghuparan and Vasanthi Kaathai, Yaarl Nool - a research ency- Nagendtran Thayaparan who in turn turned to a clopedia of Thamil Music (Dr E. It also includes as plus features consultant board of knowledgeable Balasundaram), The Beginning of Quotes on Thamil Isai, Keerthanais people in the caliber of Prof. Saba Thamil Music in the Arena of World and poems. Jeyarasa, A. Raghupathy Bala Music (Prof.S.K. Sivapalan). The [email protected] Sridharan, S. Sivaloganathan, Researcher on Thamil Music V.P.K. K.Shanmugalingam and Pathma Somakanthan. Incidentally the jour- nal's editor is T. Mathusoothanan. According to the editor the pioneer researcher on Thamil Isai was Pandit Abraham, but he also mentions that Swami Vipulananda was also involved in music research! The editor is gra- cious enough to add list some of the books in Thamil on Thamil Isai.

For the general information of inter- ested readers, here are the resources: Karnamitha Saagaram ( Pandit Abraham),Yarl Nool (Swami MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 19 'Isaikku Eathu Ellai" the 19th Programme on Tamil Songs - organized by "ISAI ARANGAM" the cultural Organization in Scarborough Review- By Pudhuvai N. Raman

'Music is Divine - Music has no language' are 4000/- by its unique programme of the ancient proverbs. To add an additional say- Agnikunjugal. ing ' Music has no Boundaries' has been the Unfortunately the strength of participants Theme of "Isai Arangam" an Organization, are not encouraging since 4 to 5 poets only sub- which has been promoting Fine Arts by giving mit their poems, for which composing music and importance to the Tamil Poems and Tamil singers conducting a concert could not be a successful by an eminent scholar and poet Mr. Vairamuttu one unless minimum 10 persons participate in Sornalingam for the past 8 years in Scarborough. this competitions. He also stated unless if there Every year 'Isaikku Ethu Ellai' a very popular is no more than 10 participants in this effort, it music program has been inspiring the Tamil has been decided to conduct only one solo music Community since it aims to promote the younger concert by famous singer Kumari Adhirai generation to write poems in Tamils, compose Sivabalan, which is to be held in August. Hence music and sing in its annual event. it is everyone's interest to promote Tamil songs Though the Music formation may vary by encouraging the talented writers so as new whether it is a song or instrumental by its style, Tamil songs by the migrated Tamil Community rhythm, its cultural, traditional and natural writers could get strengthened to retain our tra- sources throughout the world, everyone admire dition and culture extensively in this multicultur- by a sense of relaxation and peace of mind when al nation. we listen them. As such thousands of poets, 6 poems written by famous poets like singers, mucisians in all countries are still Pudhuvai Ratnadurai, Poet Seran, Promar S. remembered for their contribution in music. So Vivekanandan and the main singer far as the Tamil community is concerned, we all Varnarameswaran in the ragas know that Carnatic, Hindustani, classical and Mayamalavagowla, Yaman Kalyani, Revathi, western music are very popular in the present Sangaraparanam, Hamsanandi and Misra modern world with advanced scientific technical Sivaranjani were really superb. As such singer instruments. Even then Tamil classical music Shri Varnarameswaran compared these ragas with its ragas within the frame of with the present popular Tamil Film songs, really Sabthaswarangal still remains with its melody inspired everyone and applauded with great and rhythm giving an eternal bliss to the music enthusiasm. Further the accompanied instru- lovers. mental players viz., Payas Savahir (Key Board), As such 19th Programme of Issaikku Ethu Vaithinathan Natarajan (Violin), Gajajeyan Ellai, which was held on June Ist at Centennial Pararajasekaram ( Mirudangam), Raju Ragawan College indoor auditorium ( 75 Ashtonbee Road, ( Sithar), Pratheepan (Ocropod) and Keerthanan Scarborough) has proved its success by the Diviyarajan (Tabla) exposed their talents with beautiful performance by the leading musician uniformity . Particularly Key Board Player Payas Mr. Varnarameswaran and his accompaniments. Savahir's composition of Sangaraparanam with Mr. Kathi Selvakumar, a very popular artist, Western music style was really beyond words of as the Master of Ceremony welcomed all and appreciation. highlighted the salient features of Isai Arangam All the artists and poets were honored with and Agnikunjugal as well introduced the per- cash award, presented by Lawyer Nathan forming musicians in the beginning. Sritharan and eminent Mirudangam Player Shri In his welcome address, he also stated the Karaikudi Krishnamoorthy. Who felicitated this forthcoming event of 'Agnikunjugal' to be held program and expressed his blessings so as to during September 08. As one of the fans of Isai fullfill the organizers ambition to own a big audi- Arangam, his comments on the lack of support torium in future as well to achieve their progress to come forward to write Tamil poems really with great success. As the pioneer to this project touched the audience in all respects since this Poet Promar S. Vivekanadan, who was present- organization's aims and objectives are giving ed a cash award, donated the same to this importance to the growing younger generation, organization. Though strength of audience from who pocessess and deserve talents and skills in various fields of Business circle, media and music composing songs like Bharathiar, Kavingar lovers were insufficient, no doubt everyone Kannadaasan and world famous Kaviperasu deserves appreciation since the whole program Kavingar Vairamuthu among us. Hence to show from beginning to end was highly admirable. these talented persons identity , recognition as Monsoon Journal extends its greetings to Isai well raising popularity among all, Isai Arangam Arangam to continue its spirit with a request of has created a platform by conducting talent com- our readers to extend their moral support in all petitions that too awarding a cash award of respects. 20 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Consecration of Auxilliary Bishop held in Batticaloa

The Episcopal Ordination of the Lanka was appointed Auxiliary Bishop Periya Pullumalai and Thandavanvely. Bishop-elect Msgr. Joseph Ponniah of the same diocese by Holy Father He was appointed as the Rector of was held Saturday afternoon at St. Pope Benedict XVI in March. St. Joseph's Minor Seminary, Mary's Co-Cathedral, Batticaloa by His The newly consecrated Bishop was Batticaloa and served from 1993 to Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Kinglsey born in Thannamunai, Batticaloa, Sri 1996. Swampillai, the Bishop of Lanka in 1952 and ordained a priest in In 1996 he appointed as a Lecturer Trincomalee-Batticaloa, sources in 1980. at the National Seminary, Ampitiya, Batticaloa said. Having done his B.Ph at St. Paul's and Kandy in 1996 and was involved A large number of religious digni- Seminary, Thiruchiraapalli in South in the National Seminary formation taries and Bishops of Catholic Church India, and B.Th in the Papal Seminary, and giving lectures in Sacred from various dioceses in the island as Poona, India, Fr.Ponniah returned to Scripture, Hinduism, Indian well as a large number of people from Sri Lanka for the Ordination. Philosophy and Catechetics, untill various parishes in the district partici- Thereafter, he did B.A. in the 2001. pated in the historic event. University of Peradeniya, Licentiate in He was also Resource person at the After the consecration of the auxil- Biblical Theology at Urbania National Institute of Education, Bishop Kingsley Swampillai Bishop Joseph Ponniah iary bishop, Rev. Dr. Kinglsey University, Rome, and Doctor of Maharagama, lecturing Religion in Swampillai handed over selected Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Tamil language to the teachers. He responsibilities to the newly elected Civilization at the University of Jaffna. was the Editor of the Diocesan Mary and Divine Mercy Apostolates. beside the commitments in the Bishop. He served at the Parishes of Catholic Paper "Vettappu" and the He was appointed as the Vicar Diocese, he has been lecturing at the Rev. Fr. Joseph Ponniah, Vicar Batticaloa Cathedral, Vaakarai, Diocesan Bulletin. As a Spiritual General of the Diocese of Trinco- Eastern University, Vanthaarumoolai, General of Trincomalee-Batticaloa, Sri Veechckukkalmunai, Aaiyithiyamalai, Director he assisted the Legion of Batticaloa on 19th February 2006 and Batticaloa. Meditation - a Path towards utter Freedom Saran Ghai recognition even though the At the start of this article, I world knows you by it. As a mat- told you that there are two possi- Who am I ? ter of fact your name is your ble way outs in order to know My last month's article I recognition as a worldly person. It yourself. Let us also give a try to ended inviting your attention is not the recognition of your the second way to find out who towards a question, which you inner self. What meditation is we are. need to ask to your own self - about, to make you acquainted For the second way out, you "Who am I?" This question is the with your inner self. In other have to go to a valley surrounded base of the whole process of words, your name is not you. If by mountains all over. Find a meditation. The moment, you will not the first name, is your last place where you can hear echo of come to know, who you are, name or your family name your your own voice. Applying all your believe me, there will not remain recognition? No, your family strength, shout as loud as you any difference between you and name is the recognition of your can and ask the nature - "Who am God. family but not yours. In some I? Keep screaming until your I suggest you two different communities they add the name voice and the echo of your voice ways to find out the answer of the of father/mother and the name of coincide. You start feeling the res- question, "Who am I?" their place of birth with the first onance of the sound created by The first way out is to sit in an name of an individual. Is that your self. That is the moment easy posture at a calm place at whole information establishes when you become a part of that your home. Stop thinking about your recognition as an individual? environment. You become one everything whatsoever going on Again the answer is very much with those mountains, trees, in your mind. Just concentrate on same - No. stones, plants, grass, animals and one point - asking from your own insects present there. You self - "Who am I?" Keep on If your inner self can not be become a small fragment of the repeating the question again and recognized by your first name, mother nature. To me and many again, again and again - who am family name, name of parents others, mother nature is God. You I, who am I, who am I, as same and family then how would you being a small fragment of mother as a blacksmith continuously be recognized? nature, become a small fragment hammers on an object. Continue of God. At that moment, there is "When I was in the womb of no third person present there. the process till you reach a state You will give me a name, remained unanswered, my mother, One person is you and the other of mind when you start getting The world will recognize me Ultimately I asked to myself - Before incarnating on this is God. Ask him, who am I? God your answer in the form of differ- by that name, "Who am I?" earth, will tell you, you are me, you are ent options from your brain. In But my question remained And I found, even I had no One night when my mom was mine. I sent you as one of billions reply to your question - Who am unanswered, answer." sleeping alone, of my representatives on the I, you will see the first option your "Who am I? Popeye said, "I am what I am I woke her up and asked her, earth to do your part of duty and mind suggests is - 'your name.' Am I my name? and that's all what I am." Mom, when I take birth, when you are done, come back. Your brain will suggest - your Am I a relation? The priest of the church says, And open my eyes in your You come back and become my name is you. People know you by Mom, tell me, "Who am I? "You are the son of the highest world, part again. And then you realize - your name. Your name is your Mom thought over my ques- supreme father. Even before your Upon my first breath and first that is you. recognition. So, you are what tion but could not find a reply, mother knew that you are in her cry, your name is. She went to slept and got lost womb, the supreme authority so Your family will tie me up giv- Continued... A question arises here - are in her own world. loved you that he gave you life ing names to my relationship with you sure your name is your recog- And the day arrived when I and nourished you. Before you them, (Prof. Saran Ghai is an author, nition? The answer is - No. took birth, took your first breath, he demon- People will recognize me as editor and publisher. He is also a Reason - suppose your name is I took my first breath and strated his concern about you and your son, Palm Reader and a Numerologist. John. Could it not be Abraham or made my first cry, provided all you needed to sur- People will recognize me as Readers of "Monsoon Journal" Charles depending upon the Everybody was happy, they vive and grow. Your real self went my father's son, can contact Prof. Saran Ghai at choice of your parents or the per- cheered and loved me, from the womb of flesh to the People will recognize me as (416) 816-5559 or e-mail: good- son who gave you that name? They hugged each other and womb of cosmos. It is for you to my brother's brother, [email protected] for further Besides this, during your life time, got busy in there own things decide to be conscious of the cos- People will recognize me as information about Meditation any day you can change your thereafter, mos and embrace your infinite, my sister's brother, Sessions or for Palm Reading) name. So, name is not your But, my question still eternal identity." MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 21 MonsoonMonsoon FFeatureseatures The Student Volunteer Survivors Come Forward to Tell Programme Stories of Black July

The Student Volunteer Lanka. Programme - Le Programme des As part of this dialogue Étudiants Volontaires (TSVP- process, TSVP-LPEV organized a LPEV) is an international youth lecture on May 18, 2008 at the volunteer programme that offers University of Toronto on students and young professionals, "Constitutional Contradictions: summer internship opportunities Enforcing International Human in South Asia across various sec- Rights Law in Sri Lanka", featuring tors including Information and Rohan Edrisinha, Director and Communication Technologies, Head, Legal Unit, Centre for Policy Education, Health, and Peace and Alternatives (Colombo). Mr. Conflict Resolution. Edrisinha's lecture specifically As part of its Sri Lanka country focused on constitutional reform programme, TSVP-LPEV has vis-à-vis the implementation of proactively worked to engage Sri international human rights law Lanka's large and active diaspora instruments, which Sri Lanka is a community in Canada and signatory to, as a necessary pre- Canadian civil society to work cursor to any negotiations on towards optimizing the peace div- potential models for devolution of idend yield, however limited it power. Mr. Edrisinha also high- may now be, from the ceasefire lighted the recent spike in human agreement in 2002. To comple- rights violations specifically that of This year, 2008, is the 25th Nithiananthan. In his testimony, Nithiananthan and his family lived ment and support the actualiza- the Government of Sri Lanka and anniversary of the July 1983 anti- specific details describe the situa- in the refugee camp. Aware of tion of this goal, it regularly facili- its paramilitary groups against Tamil violence in Sri Lanka, which tion vividly beyond what the news the deteriorating situation in tates public dialogue on power- civilian populations in Colombo marked the beginning of escalat- articles of the time can provide. Colombo, he did not want to leave sharing models of governance, and the North and East of the ed conflict in the island. As a Mr. Nithiananthan's story is a typ- the refugee camp with his small human rights, redevelopment and country, and the general break- result of the widespread, destruc- ical one that chronicles the devas- children. Mr. Nithiananthan rehabilitation, and other salient down of the Rule of Law. The ses- tion, death and displacement, this tation that surrounded Tamil fam- recalls others who left the refugee issues for conflict mitigation and sion was expertly moderated by time period has become known as ilies in Colombo during July, 1983. to buy food and stated that "as a resolution. TSVP-LPEV's work con- Professor David R. Cameron, Black July. It also signifies the At the time, Mr. Nithiananthan precaution I didn't want to leave tinues to elicit considerable broad- Chair, Dept. of Political Science, beginning of the large scale exo- was 29 years old and had two far. But those who left on Black based support in Canada and Sri University of Toronto dus of Tamils who were caught in small children. His family lived in Friday, they never returned." Mr. harm's way. Over the years, Mt. Lavania, a suburb of Colombo Nithiananthan and this family waves of Tamils left their homes that is predominately Sinhalese. endured much hardships at the and emigrated to safer countries He vividly recalls the night of July refugee camp. There were no toi- such as Canada. Currently, 25th. Mr. Nithiananthan was lets, or running water at the Canada is home to over 250,000 aware of the troubles that were refugee camp and at nights, he Tamil Canadians, the vast majori- brewing in the South, and stayed and the children has to sleep out- ty of whom came here as home from work that day. That side under a tree. On the sixth refugees fleeing violence and per- night an angry mob surrounded day, they were among the thou- secution by the Sri Lankan gov- his house making threats and sands who were shipped by a 40 ernment. yelling in Sinhala that 'All the hour cargo ship journey to the The Canadian Tamil Congress Tamils should leave this city'. Northern area of Jaffna. In 1986, (CTC) will be commemorating the Trapped in their own home with Mr. Nithiananthan and this family 25th anniversary of Black July "in the curtains drawn, Mr. came to Canada to begin a new Prof. David R. Cameron & Rohan a way that will begin to bring sol- Nithiananthan states that the life. Yet the scars of his experi- Rohan Edrisinha speaking Edrisinha ace and public understanding." experience was like living in a ences during Black July still Several events, including a vigil, prison cell. They did not want remain with him. exhibition, youth conference and anyone to know that they were Mr. Nithiananthan's story is other events marking the moment Tamils living there. Their young one of many that are out there. are planned to take place daughter was asking so many Many others have also been pro- throughout the month of July. questions wondering why their viding the stories of their experi- The purpose of the events is not family had to hide out that at ences to this documentation proj- only to remember the tragedy times they had to close her mouth ect. "Every story is important in that happened in July 1983, but so she would not shout in Tamil. constructing an accurate picture also to document our collective Mr. Nithiananthan stated that, "At of what happened all across Sri memories to transmit to future the time we were scared to speak Lanka during this period. There is generations. in Tamil also. We were scared to no such thing as 'my story is not Much of the information docu- use our own mother tongue." tragic enough', and the more sto- mented about Black July is scarce. Fearing for the lives of himself ries that are given, the more pow- Telephone and fax machine trans- and his children, he decided to erful all of this evidence will missions were cut during the move on the 26th morning to a become," said Piragal Thiru, CTC worst of the violence. Much of refugee camp to protect them- official. As Mr. Nithiananthan the information that survives in selves. With the help of some kind said, "Now I could request all the L to R: Prof. David R. Cameron, Rohan Edrisinha, Kumaran Nadesan, Director-at-Large, TSVP-LPEV Skandha Sunderasen, Director, TSVP- the West comes from the few for- neighbors he managed to reach young Tamils and other friends to LPEV and Dr. Darshan Ambalavanar, Visiting Fellow, Centre for South eign journalists who witnessed one of the makeshift refugee think about our community that Asian Studies, University of Toronto the atrocities. It is against this camps set up in a Hindu temple in still suffers … to help our commu- backdrop that CTC is engaging in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. When nity in whatever possible ways." For Advertisements in a campaign to document the tes- he arrived at the refugee camp, To share your story or to find timonies and stories of survivors Mr. Nithiananthan was horrified at more information about Black and witnesses in a permanent the sight he saw, stating that "we July, please visit www.blackju- Monsoon Journal database. Already, many people were terrified to see all of our ly83.com or contact Canadian have come forward to tell their friends and our community, most- Tamil Congress at 416-240-0078. stories. ly all Tamils, were injured and cry- call 416.358.3235 One such example is S. ing." For six days Mr. 22 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Singapor e's J.B Jeyar et nam: Mercy of his own force of personality, certain of his principles, uninhibited and seemingly immune to intimidation

by Seth Mydans light of open opposition. own attempts to get back in. But it is not so much his mis- He lost his first parliamentary IT might seem late for a fresh sion or his party that drew seat in 1986 after being fined and start, but that is the story of J. B. reporters, but the phenomenon of jailed for a month, when he was Jeyaretnam's life, a political Mr. Jeyaretnam himself. convicted of making a false decla- intruder who refuses to stay His persistence and his ration of his party's accounts, a away. defeats are woven through charge he says was politically Last month he was back after Singapore's history as a sort of motivated. six years of political banishment, counterpoint to its steady rise to Of the five general elections the grand old man of political affluence and economic success. since then he has been legally opposition ready to joust again In its 42 years, this city-state of permitted to run in only one, in with Singapore's immovable polit- 4.5 million people has built what 1997. Though he did not win, he ical establishment. its founder, former Prime Minister earned a special nonconstituency "We are just beginning!" he Lee Kuan Yew, in a recent inter- seat as "top loser" under election exclaimed at a small news confer- view called "a first world oasis in laws. ence announcing the formation of a third world region." He held that seat until his lat- a new party, the Reform Party. Most people accept restric- est conviction for defamation in a It was an unusual phrase to tions on civil liberties and free suit whose plaintiffs included Goh hear from an 82-year-old man speech as the price of their mate- Chok Tong, who was prime minis- who has been running for office - rial well-being. Few people, even ter at the time. when the courts would allow him the discontents, call for funda- The next election is due by - since 1971. mental change as Mr. Jeyaretnam 2011 and Mr. Jeyaretnam plans to But Mr. Jeyaretnam seems does. run again "if I'm still here." He unable to stop pushing, a man at "We are quite narrow mind- added, in his commanding voice, the mercy of his own force of per- ed," a 16-year-old high school "I'm 82 and still fit." sonality, certain of his principles, student said, asking that her The People's Action Party is a uninhibited and seemingly name not be used when talking brilliantly successful political mer- immune to intimidation. about Mr. Jeyaretnam. "We think itocracy that has all but monopo- He paid his way out of bank- about getting a degree, getting a lized the political talent here. ruptcy a year ago, after having good job, that's all. There aren't And that, says Mr. Lee, is the been convicted in 2001 of defam- any political discussions. It's not only way it can be. "Jeyaretnam," he writes, "is a British law degree, Mr. ing members of the ruling party; really our culture. We just study "We do not have the numbers poseur, always seeking publicity, Jeyaretnam rose quickly in the ordered to pay damages; barred and that's it." to ensure that we'll always have good or bad." legal establishment, serving as a from the practice of law; and WHATEVER his support, and an A Team and an alternative A HE does indeed love the lime- magistrate, district judge, prose- expelled for the second time from whether or not he held a seat, Mr. Team," he said once, when asked light, but it is far more than a cuting counsel, registrar of the Parliament. Jeyaretnam has represented the why Singapore did not have a vig- pose. Like with some dissidents in Supreme Court and chief of the He says he has lost count of idea of an opposition in a system orous opposition. "I've tried it. It's other nations, Mr. Jeyaretnam's Subordinate Judiciary, a position the number of times he has been that offers little role for one. just not possible." single-minded pursuit of a moral of status and influence. sued for defamation for his politi- For Singapore's first 16 years Since Mr. Jeyaretnam opened vision seems to be a compulsion. He resigned in 1963 at the cal statements. as an independent nation, since the door, there have never been "Funnily enough, I enjoy the age of 37 and went into private "We in Singapore are denied 1965, Parliament did just fine as a more than four opposition mem- fight," he said in an interview. practice because, he said, "I was the rights to speak up, to tell the monopoly of the People's Action bers of Parliament. Today, only "It's true. And if I had to give it up disillusioned, completely." In government to change course," Party of Mr. Lee. In 1981, after two of the chamber's 84 members I wouldn't know what to do." A 1971, he made the first of his he said at the news conference. what he says were half a dozen represent opposition parties, and practicing Anglican Christian of Sri many unsuccessful runs for He widened his eyes and attempts to win a seat, Mr. unlike Mr. Jeyaretnam, they take a Lankan descent, Joshua Benjamin Parliament. smiled a puckish smile, displaying Jeyaretnam crashed Parliament's decorous and cooperative Jeyaretnam was born in 1926, At the news conference he three large, widely spaced teeth, gate in a special election as its approach. was raised partly in what is now was asked the question that lies and rededicated himself to the first, and noisiest, opposition Mr. Jeyaretnam's flamboyance Malaysia and received his law at the heart of people's fascina- rescue of his nation. member. has clearly irritated Mr. Lee over degree from University College in tion with him: why he continues "The most important thing," His wife, Margaret, whom he the years, and the government- London in 1951. after all these years of what he said, "is that what we have to had met when they were law stu- friendly newspaper Today recent- His son Philip has followed seems like futility. bring about - and I'm saying it dents in Britain, died of breast ly called their relationship one of him into law and is president of "I am concerned with reform quite seriously - is the liberation cancer a year before the election, the world's longest-running politi- the Law Society of Singapore. His and with people's thinking about of our people, the empowerment and it is one of Mr. Jeyaretnam's cal feuds. "His weakness was his other son, Kenneth, is an econo- the real values in life," he said. of our people." regrets that she did not live to see sloppiness," Mr. Lee wrote in his mist in London. Mr. Jeyaretnam "Why are we here? What is the It seemed an outsize vision for him win. autobiography, "From Third World says they were among the bene- purpose of our being?" this lone crusader at this late Mr. Jeyaretnam's relationship to First." "He rambled on and on, factors who helped pay his way stage. He said 10 people had with the legislature since then has his speeches apparently unpre- out of bankruptcy. Courtesy: NYTimes.com enrolled in his party; others had been defined by the establish- pared. When challenged on the Back in Singapore with his declined to step out into the cold ment's moves to eject him and his detailed facts, he crumbled. MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 23 CTCC Walkathon-2008, Messages of Appreciation & Eve nt Photos Co-Chairs

3050 Lawrence Avenue, East, Toronto, Ontario, M1P 2V5 Tel: 416-431-8200 To the readers of the Monsoon Journal, To the Readers of Monsoon Journal FAX: 416-438-8312 www.tsh.to I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Monsoon Journal for highlighting the 2008 Walkathon in support of Re: CTCC annual Walk-a-thon raises $25,000 June 9, 2008 Providence Healthcare Foundation and The Scarborough Hospital Foundation in its newspaper supplement. The Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce held its 9th annual walk-a-thon on June 8, 2008. Over 500 members To the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce & CTCC Participants and Sponsors: Hosted by the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce (CTCC), the Walkathon raised almost $20,000 for of the community participated in the walk-a-thon to raise money for two very worthwhile organizations that serve the Providence Healthcare's Tamil Caregiver Project in 2006 and 2007. We hope for similar results at the 2008 event! healthcare needs in the Scarborough community. This year's walk-a-thon was more successful than ever and raised Sritharan Bala Jeganathan Mohan On behalf of The Scarborough Hospital Foundation I would like to extend our congratulations to the Canadian Tamils' $25,000 in support of the Scarborough Hospital Foundation and Providence Healthcare Foundation. Chamber of Commerce on the huge success of their 2008 Walkathon! The Scarborough Hospital Foundation was We at Providence Healthcare are thankful that the Monsoon Journal will build public awareness of the importance of Thurairajah Sundaramohan proud to be a part of this incredible event! It was tremendous to see all of our community come together in support community events like the Walkathon. The foresight and generosity of event organizers like the CTCC and publica- A cross-section of the community, including small children, youth and seniors, turned up on one of the hottest days of The Scarborough Hospital Foundation and Providence Healthcare Foundation. tions such as the Monsoon Journal is very much appreciated in helping us 'spread the word' about the innovative of the summer to participate in the 4km walk in Scarborough. Jim Karygiannis, MP for Scarborough-Agincourt, Gerry Co-Chair Jeganathan Balasundaram thanked the participants, fund raisers, sponsors and services provided through the Tamil Caregiver Project. Phillips, MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt, Minister of Energy, Bas Balkissoon, MPP Scarborough-Rouge River were co-chairs for making the event a grand success once again. He commended the sprit of The Scarborough Hospital (TSH), which includes both the Grace and General Campuses, is the community hospital in attendance to greet the walkers as they returned. the Scarborough Rangers Soccer Club for their participation during the past seven years for a large portion of the Tamil Community. They use the facilities and services of TSH and many of their children are The Walkathon is a unique opportunity for people in the community, like you, to play a significant role in securing the born here. Tamil community support and contribution through volunteerism, donations, sponsorship and participation future of the Tamil Caregiver Project and ensuring it continues to serve the unique needs of Toronto's Tamil popula- "This walk-a-thon is an important event for the Chamber and for the Tamil-Canadian community", said Sritharan in being a core leader of the fundraising drive for the CTCC Walkathon. They won the in special events assist the hospital in providing the best care for our vibrant community. tion. Thurairajah, co-Chair of this year's walkathon from the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce. "This is our way first prize sponsored by Air Link Travel (Sponsored the first prize since the inception) and of giving back to wonderful organizations that provide our community with essential services in the healthcare field." The Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce (CTCC) has shown their support by taking the initiative to organize the On behalf of Providence Healthcare, I would like to extend a special thank you to the CTCC planning committee for two special prizes were awarded for their top 2 fundraisers sponsored by the other Co- CTCC Annual Charity Walk-A-Thon, since 1999 raising over $126,000 for TSH! And after Sunday's event, this spearheading the Walkathon fundraiser. A big thank you to the sponsors, walkers, and volunteers, too! Since 1999 the Walk-a-thon has raised approximately $170,000 for the Scarborough hospitals (General and Grace Chair Sritharan Thurairajah. Another Co-Chair Mohan Sundaramohan organized the RBC amount will be even larger! Divisions) and Providence Healthcare. Mascot Leo the Lion to entertain the participants. The CTCC Walkathon is a true example of the power of community to make a significant difference. With your sup- All proceeds for The Scarborough Golf Classic will go towards specialized and critical care equipment for our new port, Providence Healthcare will continue to meet the needs of thousands of Tamil caregivers who will access the "We could not have pulled off this event with out the support of our members, our community partners, our sponsors, Emergency and Critical Care Centre. A commitment to leadership in meeting the needs of a growing and increas- service in the future. and of course all those who collected pledges and participated in the walk," said Jeganathan Balasundaram, co-Chair ingly diverse community is the basis for all that is achieved at TSH. With the expansion of TSH's General Campus of this year's walk-a-thon. This year's main event sponsors were TD Bank Canada Trust, RBC Royal Bank of Canada, “Year after year the numbers of enthusi- Emergency Department, we will be better equipped to handle increasing patient volumes. This multi-level centre, Sincerely, and Scotiabank. astic participants are increasing”, says planned to open in Spring 2009, will greatly enhance our existing services. Logan Velumailum. Logan was "We would especially like to thank our wonderful volunteers who worked hard to plan the event throughout the year." President of the Canadian Tamils’ A great big thank you to the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce, all of the CTCC Walkathon participants and generous sponsors! Your active participation plays a key role in helping us to build a BIGGER, BETTER and FASTER Next year's walk-a-thon will be the 10th annual walk and the Chamber is planning on a bigger and better than ever. Chamber of Commerce in 1999, when Emergency and Critical Care Centre! Jennifer C. Stewart, CFRE The Chamber hopes to have even greater participation from supports and the as a pioneering community charity President Tamil-Canadian community. event - the 1st Annual Walkathon was Providence Healthcare Foundation held to raise funds for The Scarborough Best Wishes Brian Dawe, President Grace Hospital. He added that “the par- The Scarborough Hospital Foundation ticipation and contributions mark the Gary Anandasangaree spirit of giving in the community, the President duty to give back and appreciation for the country we now call home.”

Pictures show participants, sponsors, fundraisers, prize winners, community members and supporting organization members at the CTCC Walkathon.

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Chief committed to greater engage- tal. "One of my goals is to make com- ment of family physicians with hospi- munity physicians more aware of new tal developments taking place within the Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) hospital. We'd also like to make it eas- warmly welcomes its new Chief of ier for our community physicians to Family Practice, Dr. Jawad B. Khokhar. access hospital resources and consul- General Hospital in Winnipeg . Dr. Khokhar has been a hospitalist at tations within the hospital." He was previously a director of Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering since Among Dr. Khokhar's priorities are Continuing Medical Education Family 2005 and brings a wealth of experi- developing systems which will inform Practice, urban program at the ence, skills and enthusiasm to the family physicians of when their University of Manitoba . Dr. Khokhar is leadership role. patients are admitted and discharged fluent in a number of languages, "At Rouge Valley , our priority is in real time, and creating better com- including English, Urdu, Hindi and always to deliver the highest quality munications with patients, their fami- Punjabi. patient care. As chief of family prac- lies and caregivers. Other physicians who have joined tice, Dr. Khokhar will help us to contin- Dr. Khokhar brings with him an Rouge Valley Centenary (RVC) and ue to deliver on that commitment," impressive background in family med- Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering says Vice President, Medical Affairs icine. Some of his experience includes (RVAP) so far this year include: and Clinical Support Sonia Peczeniuk. his work as an assistant professor in Dr. Khokhar says he is looking for- the department of family medicine at o Dr. Sultana Alkon-Mintsopoulos ward to his new role. One of his first the University of Manitoba and (Paediatrician), RVC priorities is to get community physi- McMaster University , and as an emer- o Dr. Zareen Syed (Internist), RVC cians more engaged within the hospi- gency physician at Seven Oaks o Dr. George Xeroulis (General Surgery), RVC o Dr. Shehla Sadiq (Internist), RVC ENGLISH ACADEMY o Dr. Lily Liang (Anaesthetist), RVAP o Dr. Li Liu (Family Practice), RVAP o Dr. Hendrick Scholeman (Family We teach English from Grade 1 to College level Practice), RVC For children to do well in their scho o l For adults to impro ve in their jo bs We have special methods to improve your lan- guage skills

Please Call: 416-2284-77660 23 Marine Approach Dr, Scarborough 28 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL RBC I ncreases Number of Scholarship RBC Royal Bank- South Asian Awards for New Canadians Application Deadline June 9th, 2008 Heritage Celebrations 2008 With the June 9th deadline RBC Royal Bank Financial Group in approaching, RBC is calling for entries Toronto East celebrated the South for its second annual Scholarship for Asian Heritage month recently at a New Canadians Program. RBC has well attended cocktail Reception at added five more scholarships this year, their Grange Avenue office in bringing the total number to 12, giving Scarborough. more students the opportunity to ben- Among the senior executives present efit from the program. at the event from RBC were Ms. Lisa Twelve scholarships, each worth Gallacher-Regional Vice President, $2,000, will be awarded to individuals Scarborough/Pickering/Ajax, Mr. Wally who have been through the immigra- achievement and responses to three, Coghlan, Vice-President, Commercial tion experience, graduated high 250-word essay questions on how Banking-Toronto East, Mr. Imtiaz school or CEGEP and are planning to immigration has helped shape Canada Seyid-Vice President (South Asian pursue full-time studies at an accredit- today. Market), Mr. Mohan Sundaramohan- ed Canadian college or university this Last year's scholarship winners, who Branch Manager, Morningside & Milner fall. The winners will be invited to an have career aspirations in medicine, Branch. all-expense paid awards dinner in their finance and the arts, originally came Ms. Lisa Gallacher, in her address to honour, in Toronto later this year. from China, South Africa and India. the guests referred to Royal Bank's "In the first year of the program, we For more information about RBC Royal association with the South Asian com- received over 700 applications and Bank Scholarship for New Canadians, munity and their organizations. She were impressed by the willingness of including the application forms, please remarked that Royal Bank has spon- the applicants to share their personal visit: www.rbcroyalbank.com/scholar- sored many major events organized by experiences as newcomers to Canada ships/newcanadians. these organizations. She also men- and how they persevered during a sig- RBC's Scholarship Awards Program tioned that the Bank has a large team nificant time of change," said Mark offers a diverse range of scholarship of South Asian officials in it's staff who Whitmell, director, Cultural Markets. awards to help address the critical are always available to service the "We are looking forward to continuing need for student funding across South Asian community. Mr. Wally this tradition by recognizing and lend- Canada. Scholarships are available for Coghlan, Vice-President, Commercial ing support to more new Canadians students studying in high school, pur- Banking-Toronto East proposed a vote who intend to realize their dream suing undergraduate studies at college of thanks and thanked all the guests through advanced education." or university, and those entering pro- for their attendance at the function. To be eligible for the scholarships, fessional programs in medicine or Mr. Mohan Sundaramohan, Branch applicants must have been born out- dentistry. Specialized scholarships are Manager of the Morningside & Milner side of Canada, and be either perma- also available to New Canadians, Branch functioned as the M.C. for the nent residents or citizens of Canada. Junior A hockey players, and event and welcomed the guests. Applicants must have also achieved at Aboriginal students. For more informa- Seen here are some pictures taken least a 70 per cent average in their tion about RBC's Scholarship Program, at the event. previous year of study. Scholarships please visit will be awarded based on academic www.rbcroyalbank.com/scholarships. MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 29

ation. Immigration is, of course, one izens or fellow future citizens fall of these areas. Immigration is very behind. Immigration Minister' s speech important to Canada's development As Minister of Citizenship and as a country. Last year, we welcomed Immigration, I'd like to point out that close to 430,000 new permanent resi- South Asian countries are the source dents, international students, and of the majority of newcomers to the temporary foreign workers-surpassing Toronto area. And India is now the top at the AW IC Community & the previous high set in 1911. In the source country of newcomers to past five years, our population has Toronto-and Pakistan and Sri Lanka grown by 1.6 million-with 1.1 million are the third and fifth respectively. being the result of immigration. In The success of newcomers will trans- Social Services Gala Dinner fact, by 2012, immigration will late, in part, to the success of account for all net growth in our Canada's South Asian community. The script of the speech made by mutual and inter-cultural understand- they'll need before they arrive-so that labour force. When we first came to And, more broadly, I also believe that the Honourable Diane Finley, P.C., M.P. ing among newcomer families, and when they get here, they stand a bet- office in 2006, our Government took a the success of newcomers is the suc- Minister of Citizenship and help to establish a support structure ter chance of getting a job in their number of steps to support newcom- cess of all Canadians. So we're pro- Immigration, at the AWIC Community for them. So I am truly honoured to chosen field. And of getting it sooner. ers and their families. posing changes to our immigration & Social Services Gala Dinner held at join you in celebration tonight. It's a common-sense approach that, We invested an additional $1.4 system-changes that will enable us to Woodbine Banquet and Convention Long before I became Minister of more closely align newcomers' skills Hall in Toronto, Ontario on June 1, Citizenship and Immigration, I talked with the job vacancies in our econo- 2008. to various newcomers to Canada my. Changes that would also help Thank you for that kind introduc- whose stories were often the same. reduce the backlog of more than tion. Good evening, distinguished Many newcomers found Canada to be 900,000 people waiting to enter guests, ladies and gentlemen. a land of opportunity, where it was Canada. Did you know it can take as long as six years just to have an immi- gration application looked at? If we don't change the system, by 2012 it will take 10 years. Six years is a long time to ask potential immigrants to wait, and it's not fair to Canadian employers who want to hire them. By contrast, it takes only six months to review an application in Australia and New Zealand. Not only is it taking too long for immigrants to successfully The Hon. Diane Finley with the evening's bhangra performers enter Canada, but when they do

frankly, Canada should have followed a long time ago and I'm proud that it's my government that's getting this done. I also had the opportunity to (L-R) Prem Mann, President of AWI C; Priti Mehta, Wife of Consul- meet some of the people who have General of I ndia; the Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and benefited from these orientation ses- I mmigration Canada; Hon. Satish Mehta, Consul General of I ndia; sions. Ranju Bakshi Advani, Past President of AWI C; Geeta Udhwan, Joint It's been a year since we Secretary launched the FCRO, and I can tell you Namasthey, Sat Sri Akal, and Salaam. possible to integrate successfully, to it has certainly demonstrated its (Hello.) I bring you greetings from the take advantage of the best that value, both inside Canada and over- Government of Canada and Prime Canada had to offer. But there were seas. Newcomers in Canada can now Minister Stephen Harper. challenges-chief among them the dif- access information through a toll-free I'd like to thank the President of ficulty that skilled trades people and telephone line and in-person services AWIC Community and Social Services, professionals had in getting their cre- at 320 Service Canada Centres across Prem Mann, for the invitation to this dentials recognized once in Canada. the country. The FCRO is also commu- gala. Tonight is a wonderful occasion Many times I heard from newcomers nicating with prospective immigrants The Hon. Diane Finley with the evening's performing models of the to celebrate the many achievements that if they'd only understood better through its Web site. Using the Sama Modelling Agency of your organization over the past what qualifications they needed "Working in Canada" tool, immigrants year. Indeed, your staff and settle- before they got here, they could have are finding an expanded online service billion in settlement funding over five come, they have been doing less and ment counselors can be very proud of used that time waiting to get better that helps them identify occupations years. We streamlined the Temporary less well compared to those who the work they carry out on a daily credentialed. Well, ladies and gentle- in Canada for which they may be qual- Foreign Worker Program, opened came before. That is unacceptable to basis. For the last three decades, men, the Government of Canada lis- ified. This tool provides them with offices for this program in five my government. That is why we have AWIC has provided settlement servic- tened, and we have acted on those detailed labour-market information, Canadian cities, and helped employers proposed changes to the Immigration es, employment, educational and out- concerns. and refers them to the appropriate to bring in workers more quickly. This Act. reach activities for newcomer families, I traveled to India last November, provincial regulatory body. They've summer we will be launching the Our goal is simple - to help more youth, and seniors. Through your suc- and I'd like to share with you a few also been finding information on Canadian Experience Class, to allow immigrants come to Canada and to cess in serving the needs of newcom- observations. I went there for many Canada's education system, our cul- certain skilled workers and interna- help them find good jobs so that they ture, regions and communities, as tional students with Canadian degrees can benefit from life in Canada as well as international credential assess- and work experience to remain in much as those who came before. And ment, job search, language training Canada while they apply for perma- to do it faster. Under the proposed and more. This tool has already nent residence. We want families to changes to the Immigration Act, the reached over 400,000 visitors, the be reunited faster, so we reduced pro- government will issue instructions to majority from people overseas. And as cessing times for many family mem- immigration officers related to the we enter our second year, we will bers by up to 40 percent, and cut the processing of applications, including in focus on expanding our overseas Right of Permanent Resident Fee in relation to the jobs available in services and continue to ensure that half, saving a family of four almost Canada, so that people with those internationally trained individuals get $2,000. We want to protect people skills can be brought into the country the information that they need to put who are vulnerable, so we doubled more quickly. These changes will com- their skills to work when they arrive in the number of Iraqi refugees that we ply fully with the Charter of Rights and Canada. will accept this year, and we've made Freedoms, and must be approved by I'm very grateful that my trip commitments to bring refugees from Cabinet and made public. We do not allowed me to experience some of the Burma and Bhutan. intend to impact negatively on family traditions within regions of India, and, Ladies and gentlemen, newcom- reunification. of course, the connection between ers contribute the talent, commitment Canada is a wonderful country. The Hon. Diane Finley presents an award to Lata Champsee (Past our two countries. This bond is not and diversity that we need to build We need more immigrants to come. President of AWI C) in honour of her outstanding volunteer work. To accidental. We share a heritage strong communities and a stronger We need more newcomers to do well. Lata's left is Prem Mann, President of AWI C through the Commonwealth, through Canada. But in today's world, it's no Because when newcomers do well, we ers from India, you have expanded reasons. But a key one was to pro- our parliamentary traditions, and longer good enough to simply open all do well. You are all making a your services to reach out to newcom- mote the launch of our Foreign through the diversity of our people. our doors, invite newcomers in, and tremendous difference in newcomers' ers from all parts of South Asia and Credentials Referral Office-also known More than 900,000 people of Indian then let them fend for themselves. lives. Tonight's gala is a tribute to your beyond. And I commend you for your as the FCRO-while touring our over- heritage call Canada home. Think of Today we have a more complicated endeavors. So let me wish you contin- vision and initiative in doing so. Today, seas operations. I announced the how we benefit from the millions of society-and a more demanding labour ued success-and please accept my AWIC serves newcomers from over 44 opening of a new office of the daily exchanges between India and market. Statistics Canada recently gratitude and congratulations. countries speaking 28 different lan- Canadian Immigration Integration Canada-the family connections and reported that immigrants who arrived Je vous souhaite une excellente guages. You not only provide new- Project in New Delhi. There was one the business links. Both countries over the past 10 years are not doing soirée! Shukriya, Dhanevaad. (Thank comers with essential services that simple point to the opening of this benefit from these connections. And as well as those who arrived previous- you.) Enjoy your evening! they need upon arrival in their local new office-to help those who want to with India's fast growth, there will be ly. We have to change that. It's simply community, but you also promote come to Canada with the credentialing even greater opportunities for cooper- not acceptable to watch our fellow cit- 30 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

World Renowned Yogi WO RDS O F PEACE Introduces Ancient "Kriya" Find Your Real Strength for Human Fulfillment I sha Yoga Teacher Visits meditation is needed to participate.) "We all have our strengths our achievements. If someone have the strength of spiritual Toronto to Offer I nner Through the Inner Engineering pro- that we like to feel can be useful relies on being very clever, one attainment, we have our physical Engineering gram, Sadhguru introduces to the to us in life. We want to be able to day somebody will turn up who is strength, and the fourth strength Toronto, ONT-May 26, 2008-Self- public for the first time Shambhavi depend on those strengths," says even cleverer. There are people is the strength of wealth. realized yogi and founder of Isha Maha Mudra, an ancient yogic "kriya" Prem Rawat widely known as who can't even remember their Once a person has pride in his Foundation, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, (inner energy process) devised by leg- has designed an Isha Yoga program endary yogis to attain to an unwaver- Maharaji, an internationally rec- names. They can't remember achievements, in his ego, in his called "Inner Engineering" that will be ing state of inner calm and precision ognized voice for peace. "Yet, for anything. You can't rely on intel- physical strength, in his wealth, a human being-just a being in this lect. then he thinks, "Oh, I'm going to world who breathes, who lives, "Family? Sooner or later, it has do this, I'm going to do that." He who exists-what is real strength? to go its own way. Friends? As becomes like a spoiled brat. "Some people are proud of long as you keep reciprocating, The joy that I have found in their physical strength, while oth- they may be around-but if one my heart-that's the degree the ers rely on their mental strength day you stop reciprocating, they human being needs, and that or their intellect. Some people will go away, too. These things degree cannot be received in any rely on friends, and others rely on happen. college. their family." Maharaji has spent his life traveling the world asking people to consider another perspective- that a human being already has something indestructible to rely on within themselves. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev "What is the description of this thing within you? Eternal, offered in Toronto this spring. The clarity. Together the program and immortal, and everlasting," he class will be offered by a trained Isha practice create a foundation of total says. "You will not easily find a Yoga teacher from June 11th to June wellbeing allowing one to tap the description like that in this world, 17th at The Toronto Botanical Garden, wealth of vibrant life within. 777 Lawrence Avenue East, (Lawrence Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a yogi because there's nothing in this & Leslie intersection) Toronto, ONT, and mystic with profound mastery of world to be bought or sold that M3C 1P2. the ancient science of yoga. He is one can be described as indestructi- "What should be my goal? Q: Are you saying I can rely Isha Yoga programs are a 'live' of few yogis capable of transmitting ble." What is it that every person on joy? process-an inner exploration of the the subtlest aspects of yoga, enabling True strength, Maharaji says, wants? Joy. This thirst for joy is A: Yes. I am talking about this very essence of life. Sadhguru's Inner every person to explore and experi- is relying on an experience of ful- not just a simple little thing. Even joy because it is possible. If it Engineering class introduces to the ence the deepest dimensions of life. fillment and peace within that will when you're eating food, you were not possible, I would not say public Shambhavi Maha Mudra, an He is a visionary and humanitarian not diminish with age or circum- want to enjoy it. When you're it. To take full advantage of this ancient yogic "kriya" (inner energy who works with the world's foremost stances. He has personally drinking water, you want to enjoy life is possible. This is your real process) devised by legendary yogis to social, economic, and political leaders addressed more than 10 million it. Our nature is to go towards joy. strength-that in this life, living in attain to an unwavering state of inner to engender a more peaceful and people on nearly every continent, Without joy, we cannot live. this world, it is possible to experi- calm and precision clarity. prosperous global community. At his According to Sadhguru, the home in southern India, Sadhguru and has made his message avail- "As for things that other peo- ence joy. Do whatever is neces- ancient yogic discipline is largely mis- oversees Isha Foundation, an entirely able in more than 70 languages. ple can or can't do, some you'll be sary to find peace in your life and understood. As Sadhguru explains it, volunteer-run, nonprofit service "People exercise first thing in able to do and some you will fail be content. Look for peace, find the types of yoga we are now so famil- organization dedicated to cultivating the morning to build their mus- at-but you can fulfill this goal of peace, and enjoy peace. If you iar with in the West are each just a human potential through yogic sci- cles," Maharaji says. "We are having joy in your life." can't, I can help. It's as simple as small part of an extensive science ence. proud of our physical strength. Maharaji often answers ques- that. gleaned from thousands of years of Set in the lush rainforest at the Have we forgotten that a day will tions related to the joy he talks To receive a free DVD to rigorous inner observation. In fact, base of the Velliangiri Mountains, Isha come when these things will not about. know more about what Maharaji the asanas, or physical postures of Foundation operates Isha Yoga Center, work, no matter how strong a Q: How can we find our real offers, yoga, were traditionally just a prepara- which includes an ashram, program person is or how many huge mus- strength? call 416 657 2124 tory practice for subtler, more potent facility, Dhyanalinga (a powerful medi- cles they have developed? Some A: To find the strength of a 1 877 707 3223 Toll Free techniques. These more potent tech- tation shrine), Isha Rejuvenation niques impart a deep understanding of Wellness Center, and the headquarters people get so weak they can human being, you can't turn out- e-mail wordsofpeace@ one's own body, mind and emotions for three large-scale human service hardly lift a glass. It's just a ques- side. You have to turn within. It sympatico.ca and confer keen perception and con- projects. These projects include: tion of time." has been said that a human being To Learn More visit trol over even the subtlest aspects of Action for Rural Rejuvenation Mental strength too passes has four strengths. We have the www.tprf.org one's own life, including the complex (www.ruralrejuvenation.org), a pro- away, he says. "We have pride in strength of our achievements, we www.wordsofpeace.ca energy system of the human form. gram for health and human upliftment This discrete mastery gives a self-real- serving 2,500 destitute villages in rural ized yogi a moment-to-moment con- southern India; Isha Vidhya scious choice of his inner experience (www.ishavidhya.org), a rural educa- of life. tion program establishing 206 comput- "Everything you go through is just er-based schools by 2014 for children a certain expression of your energy," in grades k-12; and Project Green Sadhguru explained in a recent talk. Hands (www.projectgreenhands.org), "Right now you're angry-it's a certain a ten-year reforestation initiative expression of your energy. You're kicked-off in October 2006 with the happy-it's another expression of your Guinness Record mass plantation of Inspiration Driving Institute energy. You're loving- it's another 852,587 indigenous varieties of trees expression of the same energy. If you across 57 districts in the southern 3430 Finch Ave East # 103 have some mastery over your own state of Tamil Nadu, India. energies…you will see, you will natu- Scarborough. rally become a joyous being because Toll free nationwide, call 1-866- now your energies find a conscious 424-ISHA (4742) or local contact 416 Cell: 416-939-4913 expression." 300 3010. Email: Toronto@ishafoun- Sadhguru's Inner Engineering dation.org To register online visit class features interactive discussion, www.ishayoga.org. For more detailed Bus: 416-847-9773 meditation, and a balanced set of sim- news and information on Sadhguru ple, but powerful yoga practices. (No and Isha Foundation, Inc. visit agility or prior experience with yoga or www.ishafoundation.org. MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 31

Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Heavenly Father Methodist Church. Grace Golden Father's Day Clayton, who is believed to have sug- Father's Day - Sunday, 15th June 2008 gested the service to the pastor, is Raymond Rajabalan males-only hiking tour with one or believed to have been inspired to cel- more smaller wagons, Bollerwagen, ebrate fathers after the deadly mine We celebrate Father's day this Acts 17:26 Father's Day is a secular celebration pulled by manpower. In the wagons explosion in nearby town of month, honouring the fathers " You are fearfully and wonder- inaugurated in the early twentieth are wine or beer and traditional Monongah in the December of the throughout the globe. fully made. century to complement Mother's Day regional food, Hausmaanskost, which orevious year. This explosion killed The following collection of vers- Psalm 139:14 in celebrating fatherhood and parent- could be Saumagen , Liverwurst, 361 men, many of them fathers and es from the books of Holy Bible " I knit you together in your ing by males, and to honour and com- Blutwurst (Blood Sausage), vegeta- recent immigrants to the United States from Genesis to Revelation, titled mother's womb. memorate fathers and forefathers. bles, eggs, etc. from Italy. a"Letter from the heavenly Psalm 139:13 Father's Day is celebrated on a variety Roman Catholic tradition Another possible inspiration for the Father" illustrates the profound " And brought you forth on the of dates worldwide and typically In the Roman Catholic tradition, service was Mothers' Day, which had love of God almighty for the day you were born. involves gift-giving to fathers and fam- Father's Day is celebrated on Saint been celebrated for the first time two months earlier in Grafton,West Virginia, a town about 15 miles (24 km) away. Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonars Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, as a single parent reared his six children in Spokane, Washington. His daughterMrs.Dodde was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, the anniversary of her father's death, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to ily-oriented activities. Joseph's Day, March 19, though in make arrangements, and the celebra- most countries Father's Day is a secu- tion was deferred to the third Sunday I nternational history and lar celebration. of June. The first June Father's Day traditions Taiwan was celebrated on Juner19, 1910, in Father's Day in Taiwan is not an offi- Spokane, WA. Germany cial holiday but is widely observed on Unofficial support from such figures mankind. Psalm 71:6 In Germany there is no such thing August 8 which is the eighth day of as William Jennings Bryan a three HE chose to send his only son " I have been misrepresented as Father's Day as celebrated through- the eighth month of the year times nominee for President of USA Jesus Christ to this word as the by those who don't know me. out the western world. There are two Thailand was immediate and widespread. sacrificial lamb to be crucified to John 8:41-44 terms and/or events of an older origin In Thailand, Father Day is set as the President Woodrow Wilson was per- death so the sinful humanity can " I am not distant and angry, that while similar in name, have birthday of the king. December 5 is sonally feted by his family in 1916. be redeemed, thus proving HIS but am the complete expression entirely different meanings. the birthday of current king, Bhumibol President Calvin Coolidge recommend- unlimited love for the mankind. of love. " Männertag, is always celebrated Adulyadej. ed it as a national holiday in 1924. In A Letter from the heavenly 1 John 4:16 on Ascension Day (the Thursday forty United States of America (USA) 1966, President Lyndon Jhonson made father " And it is my desire to lavish days after Easter), which is a federal In United States, the first modern Father's Day a holiday to be celebrat- " You may not know me, but I my love on you. holiday. Father's Day celebration was held on ed on the third Sunday of June. The know everything about you. 1 John 3:1 " Regionally, it is also called men's July05,1908,, in Fairmont,West holiday was not officially recognized " Simply because you are my day, Männertag, or gentlemen's day, Virginia. It was first celebrated as a until 1972, during the presidency of Psalm 139:1 child and I am your Father. Herrentag. It is tradition to do a church service at Williams Memorial Richard Nixon. " I know when you sit down and 1 John 3:1 session. " As a shepherd carries a lamb, expression of my love for you. when you rise up. " I offer you more than your Exodus 19:5 I have carried you close to my 1 John 4:10 Psalm 139:2 earthly father ever could. " I desire to establish you with heart. " I gave up everything I loved " I am familiar with all your Matthew 7:11 all my heart and all my soul. I saiah 40:11 that I might gain your love. ways. " For I am the perfect father. Jeremiah 32:41 " One day I will wipe away every Romans 8:31-32 Psalm 139:3 Matthew 5:48 " And I want to show you great tear from your eyes. " If you receive the gift of my " Even the very hairs on your " Every good gift that you and marvelous things. Revelation 21:3-4 son Jesus, you receive me. head are numbered. receive comes from my hand. Jeremiah 33:3 " And I'll take away all the pain 1 John 2:23 Matthew 10:29-31 James 1:17 " If you seek me with all your you have suffered on this earth. " And nothing will ever separate " For you were made in my " For I am your provider and I heart, you will find me. Revelation 21:3-4 you from my love again. image. meet all your needs. Deuteronomy 4:29 " I am your Father, and I love Romans 8:38-39 Genesis 1:27 Matthew 6:31-33 " Delight in me and I will give you even as I love my son, Jesus. " Come home and I'll throw the " In me you live and move and " My plan for your future has you the desires of your heart. John 17:23 biggest party heaven has ever have your being. always been filled with hope. Psalm 37:4 " For in Jesus, my love for you is seen. Acts 17:28 Jeremiah 29:11 " For it is I who gave you those revealed. Luke 15:7 " For you are my offspring. " Because I love you with an desires. John 17:26 " I have always been Father, and Acts 17:28 everlasting love. Phillippians 2:13 " He is the exact representation will always be Father. " I knew you even before you Jeremiah 31:3 " I am able to do more for you of my being. Ephesians 3:14-15 were conceived. " My thoughts toward you are than you could possibly imagine. Hebrews 1:3 " My question is…Will you be my Jeremiah 1:4-5 countless as the sand on the Ephesians 3:20 " He came to demonstrate that I child? " I chose you when I planned seashore. " For I am your greatest encour- am for you, not against you. John 1:12-13 creation. Psalm 139:17-18 ager. Romans 8:31 " I am waiting for you. Ephesians 1:11-12 " And I rejoice over you with 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 " And to tell you that I am not Luke 15:11-32 " You were not a mistake, for all singing. " I am also the Father who com- counting your sins. Love, Your Dad. your days are written in my book. Zephaniah 3:17 forts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 The 'Father's Love Letter used Psalm 139:15-16 " I will never stop doing good to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 " Jesus died so that you and I by permission Father Heart " I determined the exact time of you. " When you are brokenhearted, could be reconciled. Communications Copyright your birth and where you would Jeremiah 32:40 I am close to you. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 1999 - 2008 live. " For you are my treasured pos- Psalm 34:18 " His death was the ultimate www. FathersLoveLetter.com 32 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Humans and animal s- Is ther e any equal ity?

The emotional bond between humans and animals is to be easily accepted. With its uncomplicated nature and unconditional love, an ani- mal can expand the boundaries of the human heart. But are animals also deeply connected to the human soul? Like many philosophical systems, Hinduism gives animal's prime of place. But do animals necessarily gain a position of equality with human beings? Beginning perhaps with the Epic of Gilgamesh and the earliest written documents known to humankind, mythic and other elements that would eventually come to define fantasy and its various subgenres have been a part of some of the grandest and most whose personality traits match those amazing transformation of egg, larvae celebrated works of literature. From of its human. This symbolises the shift and pupae. Our dinosaur relatives, the The Odyssey to Beowulf, from the from childish innocence to adult rec- reptiles, lay eggs, just like birds. Mahabharata to The Book of One onciliation and knowledge. In In ancient Egypt, animals were con- Thousand and One Nights, from the Pullman's work, the spiritual link sidered reincarnations of gods and Ramayana to the Journey to the West, between animals and humans is com- were worshipped. Native American and from the Arthurian legend and plete. Why do many philosophies religious traditions assign one of nine medieval romance to the epic poetry deem animals to be alter egos of animal guides to every person to pro- of the Divine Comedy, fantastical humans? vide spiritual direction in this life and adventures featuring brave heroes Anyone who has ever cared for a the next. In Christianity, traditionally, no spiritual link is created between animals and humans. Therefore, it is interesting to consider contemporary fantasy writer Philip Pullman's trilogy titled His Dark Materials, which is usu- ally read as a reinterpretation of Milton's Paradise Lost. The physical interdependence the practice of vivisection on the ings of companionship, affinity and among humans, animals, plants, and grounds that animals, being soulless, kinship. Take for instance the relation- minerals is amply demonstrated by could feel no pain and therefore could ship between Rama and Hanuman. science. But an emotional and spiritu- not suffer whatever the appearance to Similar 'pairings' of gods and ani- al symbiosis, less obvious perhaps to the contrary. Generally speaking, sci- mals pervade Hindu mythology. Every those living in a largely man-made ence has not recognized the reality of deity has a vehicle or vahana: the world, exists as well. In Chief Seattle's the soul even in man, and everything eagle Garuda for Vishnu, the mouse words "What is man without the is judged from an anthropocentric for Ganesha, the Nandi bull for Shiva, beasts? If all the beasts were gone, view, echoing the Biblical statement the lion for Durga, and many more. men would die from a great loneliness that animals, like the rest of creation, The animal associated with each deity of spirit. For whatever happens to the were made for the use of man. represents both the positive qualities beasts soon happens to man. All Like all other beings, however, ani- of the deity - like the bullish strength things are connected." These connec- mals are spiritual individuals in their and virility of Shiva - as well as the tions arise from the spiritual unity own right, sprung from the same energies and qualities that the deity underlying the universe: from the divine source as we are, not material vanquishes, like the vanity reined in same unknowable divine source all objects existing primarily for human by Skanda while riding his peacock. come forth together into apparent convenience and exploitation. Though Do animals thus function as spiritu- separateness as god-sparks, which less evolved, the spiritual centers now al doppelgangers? The idea is evident gradually develop more and more of expressing themselves as animals are when Yudhisthira is accompanied to their potential. In so doing, each destined to accompany us through heaven by a faithful dog at the end of expresses many different aspects of countless evolutionary cycles. In the Mahabharata. The dog, it turns itself, through bodies appropriate to future eons these monads will have out, is a physical embodiment of its changing needs. These centers of perfected their beast aspects and will Dharma, the virtue Yudhishthira kept consciousness are not indivisible; they be ready to bring forth human quali- close to him through his life. are composed of other similar centers. ties. They will then manifest as human Is it because the uncomplicated Just as with the structure of physical beings. natures of animals lend themselves matter, the ultimate particles of con- One of its chief gods in Hinduism is easily to being typecast and so func- sciousness elude our perception. elephant-headed and another is a tion effectively as symbols? Or and heroines, animals, and secret pet dog, neighbourhood cow, kitchen People living close to nature, like monkey. Shiva and Vishnu have sever- because animistic traditions attach arcane realms have inspired many cat or horse at the riding club will ver- the American Indians, were aware of al animal incarnations. Anthropolo- spiritual significance to all natural audiences. In this sense, the history ify French writer, a 1921 Nobel the outer and inner links among the gically, animals were useful to forces? Perhaps the faithfulness of of fantasy and the history of literature Laureate in Literature, Anatole kingdoms. They viewed animals as humans; they were likely given the animals allows poets to use them as are inextricably intertwined. France's statement that "Until one has spiritually important, and so thanked, status of gods to impress their impor- metaphors in the image of god and In Philip Pullman's fantastical reality, loved an animal, a part of one's soul praised, or asked forgiveness of the tance upon the general people. devotee. every human has an animal compan- remains unawakened". The animals spirit of the animals they used to sus- Moreover, since all creatures are con- Is there any rational, intellectual ion called a 'daemon' who is actually that inhabit our planet are all amazing tain themselves. Such fellow-feeling sidered manifestations of the same explanation, an emotional bond or the human's externalised soul. Trying creatures. Each has their own behav- contrasts with traditional Western paramatma, animals necessarily gain really a spiritual connection between to distance humans from their dae- iours and life cycles that continue to beliefs that deny animals not only a position of equality with human humans and animals? mons causes unbearable physical pain create fascinating animal, bird, reptile souls but any spiritual reality and sig- beings. and is nearly impossible. The dae- and insect life. Discover the mammals nificance. Many current attitudes Hinduism's approach towards ani- Kanayalal Raina mons of children keep changing their that nurture their young as we toward animals grow directly from mals is not simply utilitarian and (A Brampton based engineer by forms. After puberty, a daemon takes humans do, insects that go through such ideas: rational. Animals occupy a spiritual training, project consultant by profes- the unchanging form of one animal, the process of metermorphosis, an Descartes, for instance, argued for space that seems to originate in feel- sion and free lance writer by passion) MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 33

Sri Abiramy Dance Academy W ins Silver Medal in Ontario Dance Festival 2008

The Ontario International & C (Polish Dance School), Silver in this competition. Last year the Dance, Sri Abiramy Dance Following pictures were taken Development Agency assisted in was won by our Local Dance Academy won Silver medal on this Academy -2 entries, Cracovia during the festival by Gnanams hosting this annual Dance Festival Group Scarborough division Sri same stage. Furthermore, the Company of Dance - 6 entries, Studio, Scarborough. which was held on Saturday May Abiramy Dance Academy and the Waterloo and Mississauga stu- Nilanthi's Rangana Creations. Suresh Sinnadurai 3, 2008, at the Lester B Pearson Bronze was won by D-Maatrick dents of the Sri Abiramy Dance Sri Abiramy Dance Academy Event Coordinator Theatre, 150 Central Park Dr, Dance Group from Bangladesh. Academy danced together and Director Senthil Selvi Sureswaran Sri Abiramy Dance Academy Brampton, Ontario. Best Costume Design also won by finished in a respectable fourth choreographed the competition Waterloo-Mississauga- At this year's competition, the Cracovia Dance Company. It place in this year's competition. items in this year's festival. The Scarborough board of judges was comprised was a very energetic night and The following is a list of the Academy also gave two solo per- 519-745-2522 (h) of: Dr. Bhushan Sood, Melissa the high quality of the presenta- schools that had entered the formances on Classical 519-591-6366 (c) Bhagat and Mrs. Nievel Regis tions were very notable. competition this year" Nupura Bharathanatyam programs to pro- 647-407-1961 (c) Kankam. This year's Gold Medal This was the second year the School of Music and Dance, mote its rich heritage to the mul- was won by Cracovia Company B Sri Abiramy Academy participated Bharatha Shethira School of ticultural audience.

Sri Abiramy Dance Academy Waterloo Students Sri Abiramy Mississauga Students Sri Abiramy Dance Academy Mississauga - 4th Place finish Ontario Dance Festival 2008 - 4th Place Finish Ontario Dance Festival 2008 - Waterloo Student Ontario Dance Festival 2008

Sri Abiramy Dance Academy Scarborough Students Sri Abiramy Dance Academy Scarborough Students 4th Place Finish Mississauga Waterloo Students - Medals Ontario Dance Festival 2008 - 2nd Place finish Ontario Dance Festival 2008 - 2nd Place finish

2nd Place Winners Ontario Dance Festival 2008 Gold medal 1st place winners of Ontario Dance Festival All the participants on stage - Receiving Trophy and medals 2008- Crocavia-Polish Dance Group Recognition for Volunteerism Region's Top Students Tamil community member of our role models. Every year The Record asks teach- from the Waterloo region has Salute to seniors will take ers at each high school to choose two been recognised for Volunteerism place on Thursday, June 19th students who have not only achieved at the 2nd annual Salute to 2008 at 7.00pm at Kitchener City solid marks, but who have also devot- ed time, skill and enthusiasm to com- Seniors program organised by the Hall, Rotunda. The event and munity-building. Every year, the lists City of Kitchener. Parking is Free. Please, RSVP to of accomplishments are astounding. Mrs. Mrinalini Ramachandran Jean Durnin at 519-741-2507. Congratulations has been actively helping the We need your presence to show KRISTINA MAHENDRAN, 18 from Canadian community for a long your support to our Tamil commu- BLUEVALE COLLEGIATE time and has been well recog- nity member. Kristina was the driving force behind nised by the Govt. of Ontario. Tamil Cultural Association of a number of very successful school ini- tiatives: AIDS awareness, anti-bully- She is a recipient of the Ontario Waterloo Region has been pro- ing, Think Green recycling and Earth volunteer service award 2007. moting local Artists and Week. She has been volunteering her Volunteers over the years. This is Kristina is one of the top Grade 12 pursue studies in accounting and service with the Tamil Cultural another volunteer recommended Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer, MPP - students at BCI. financial management. Association of Waterloo Region by the association. Kitchener with Mrinalini Kristina will be attending the Parents: Mahendran Sangar and for many years and has been one Ramachandran University of Waterloo in the fall to Malathy Mahendran, Waterloo. 34 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Sri Abiramy Dance Academy Bharathanatyam W orkshop "Spotlight" Event in Kitchener City Hall June 7th 2008

Sri Abiramy Dance Academy performed a workshop about the theory aspects of Bharathanatyam and special fusion & modern contemporary Dancers for the Spotlight event at Kitchener City Hall on June 7, 2008. This event was requested by Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region on behalf of Ontario Arts Council. Spot Light was a weekend of festival of free arts events including behind the scenes tours, workshops, arts talk and activities to celebrate the artist who live in our communities. More than 100 free activities were held in city of Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Stratford and Waterloo. Miss Abira Sivakumar MC this event beautifully and conducted the workshop with the help of Sri Abiramy Waterloo - Mississauga Students. The structure of Bharathanatyam and the concept of modern now a day Dance in main stream art society also were shown through Selvi Sureswaran innovative choreography.

Mississauga Waterloo Students Waterloo Students Viveka & Rakavi Contemporary Dance Waterloo Students

Spot light 2008 Sri Abiramy Performers Mississauga Students Abina, Suruthika, Shawmya Selvi Sureswaran & MC Abira Sivakumaran CanadaCanada NewslineNewsline Ontar io Continues to Open Mor e Door s for Inter nationally Tr ained Doctor s McGuinty Gover nment Takes Next Steps to Hel p Mor e Famil ies Get Access t o Physicians

Ontarians looking for a family than doubled, from 90 to 200 doctors enter into medical prac- doctor will benefit from the gov- annually. Currently, 630 IMG doc- tice in Ontario with the creation of ernment's initiatives to create tors are in residency training in a transitional license which will more opportunities for interna- Ontario. allow them to practice under tionally trained doctors to enter In her report, Broten, supervision while they complete medical practice in the province. Parliamentary Assistant to the required education or gain specif- Swift action to provide more Minister of Health and Long-Term ic practical experience; opportunities for internationally Care, includes five key recom- 3. Undertake assessments trained doctors in the province, mendations on how to further more efficiently to allow interna- delivering more physicians to increase the number of IMG doc- tionally trained doctors to get on Ontarians and improving access tors in Ontario to help improve with their education and integrate to health care are the focus of access to health care for Ontario into Ontario's medical system; Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Laurel families: 4. Provide individualized Broten's Report on International 1. Fast track, simplify and bridging support which would Medical Doctors. Released on streamline the registration include cultural and language another area of the health profes- tion honouring newly minted IMG June 6th, it complements the sig- process for doctors already prac- education, mentorship and hands sion or a related career. doctors who are heading off to nificant progress Ontario has ticing elsewhere in Canada, the on training; These recommendations will independent practices throughout made for International Medical U.S. or any other country with a 5. Develop individualized help form the basis of new legis- Ontario. Graduate (IMG) doctors since comparable healthcare system to assistance for those seeking to lation to further reduce barriers [Press Release by Ministry 2004, when the number of resi- our own; transfer their international med- for IMGs. The announcement on of Health and Long-Term dency training positions more 2. Help internationally trained ical skills and knowledge into June 6th was made at a celebra- Care] MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 35

"Vaanavil" Multicultural Painting Exhibition in Kitchener The Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region organised "Vaanavil" (Rainbow), a colourful Multicultural Painting Exhibition in Kitchener. I t was held at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda as part of the Tapestry Festival and Spotlight celebration of Arts weekend. Local artist, Sheila Diemert displayed paintings that reflect the diversity of the Region of Waterloo. A large crowd attended the gallery. The event was supported by the Ontario Arts Council and City of Kitchener.

Celebration of Arts Festival discovers young talent

Kitchener: Discover and cele- thrive in promoting our culture brate over 100 free activities and within the Canadian Mosaic. The events for people of all ages in master of ceremony was Miss Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Abira Sivakumar, who introduced Stratford and Waterloo from the Dance academy and the Friday June 6 to Sunday June 8. teacher Mrs. Selvi Sureshwaren to That was the kick off of Ontario's the general public. She took the first Discover the arts in you and audience back to the history of your community weekend cele- Bharatha Natyam (South Indian bration in the region. The week- Classical Dance) explaining that end festival gave the public an the dance was dedicated to Hindu opportunity to meet and engage Gods in ancient times and how it directly with local artists and arts has changed over the years. She organizations within their commu- along with two students explained nities. The abundance of arts the dance formation, eye, neck, activity in this region made it an feet movements and what each ideal location for this year's pilot Muthirai and face expression weekend. means to the Canadian public. Tamil Cultural Association of Artists from young to middle-aged Waterloo Region was part of the showcased their talent. A friend- spotlight festival and organised ly competition of classical dance Fusion of Rhythm, A South Indian Vs. modern by the students from classical dance interactive Cultural Toronto and Waterloo was the exchange event at the Kitchener highlight of the day. City Hall on Saturday, June 7. The This festival gave a very good students from Sri Abiramy Dance exposure of the dance and local Academy of Waterloo and Toronto artists. The artists learnt how participated in this first ever work- interact and be a link with other shop cum dance festival. The organisations to expand their event was introduced by Mrs. horizon. The event was support- Rajivi Nadarajah, the secretary of ed by the Ontario Arts Council, the association. She welcomed all City of Kitchener, Tamil Cultural guests and was delighted to be Association of Waterloo Region part of the Tamil community that and Monsoon Journal. 36 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is largely the tional Turkic elements from region-specific specialties. The heritage of Ottoman cuisine, Central Asia such as yogurt. The Black Sea region's cuisine (north- which can be described as a Ottoman Empire indeed created a ern Turkey) is based on corn and fusion and refinement of Central vast array of technical specialties. anchovies. The southeast-Urfa, Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan It can be observed that various Gaziantep and Adana-is famous cuisines. Turkish cuisine also regions of the Ottoman Empire for its kebabs, mezes and dough- influenced these cuisines and contain varying selections from based desserts such as baklava, other neighboring cuisines, as the vast array of Ottoman dishes. kaday?f and künefe. Especially in the western parts of Turkey, where olive trees are grown abundantly, olive oil is the major type of oil used for cooking. The cuisines of the Aegean, Marmara and Mediterranean regions dis- play basic characteristics of Mediterranean cuisine as they are eggplants, green peppers, onions, variety of dishes therefore rich in vegetables, herbs, and garlic, lentils, beans, tomatoes. changes with the seasons. There fish. Central Anatolia is famous Nuts, especially pistachios, pine is never a reason to use tinned, for its pastry specialties such as nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and preserved or frozen produce, kashkak, mant? (especially of walnuts, together with spices, unless it is to achieve a specific Kayseri) and gözleme. have a special place in Turkish taste. The style of Turkish food The name of specialties some- cuisine. A great variety of spices owes some of its origins from the times includes the name of a city are sold at the Spice Bazaar. nomadic lifestyle of the people of or a region (either in Turkey or Preferred spices and herbs this region during the reign of the outside). This suggests that a include parsley, cumin, black pep- Sultans. Even today the evening dish is a specialty of that area, or per, paprika, mint, oregano and meal is often the evening's enter- may refer to the specific tech- thyme. tainment. nique or ingredients used in that The Turkish Kitchen is without As a general rule, in most area. For example, the difference doubt one of the richest and most Turkish restaurants you will auto- between Urfa kebab and Adana varied in the world. Turkey is self matically be given a basket of well as western European Taken as a whole, Turkish cui- kebab is the use of garlic instead sufficient, and a net exporter of bread (whether you have asked cuisines. The Ottomans fused var- sine is not homogeneous. Aside of onion and the larger amount of food. The range of vegetables for it or not!) - Very occasionally, ious culinary traditions of their from common Turkish specialties hot pepper that kebab contains. and fruits available throughout the more "sophisticated" restau- realm with influences from Middle that can be found throughout the Frequently-used ingredients in the year provides a constant rants may charge for this. Eastern cuisines, along with tradi- country, there are also many Turkish specialties include: meat, source of fresh produce. The taste and preparation of the wide Spicy Kofta I STANBUL PI LAF Shish Kebab

Ingredients aside. Complete volume of broth to 3 1/3 cups; reserve. Cut chicken liver into 1 cm 1 Large Size Chicken (1/2 inch) cubes. Sauté with almonds in 4 Cup Water margarine until light brown: Stir in rice; 4 slices white bread, crusts removed Soak 6 skewers if using wood for 20 2 1/2 Teaspoon Salt mix well. Sauté for a few minutes. Add 2 lb. ground lamb minutes 2 Piece Chicken Lives hot broth, salt and saffron; mix well. 1/2 red onion, grated Soak bread in cold water until wet 1/3 Cup Almond (Blanched) Cover simmer for 15 minutes. Add chick- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped Squeeze out excess water 6 Tablespoon Margarine en meat and peas. Cover and simmer for 2 eggs Add remaining ingredients and mix 2 Cup Rice 5 minutes or until rice is tender; drain. 1 tsp ground cumin together 1 1/2 Teaspoon Saffron or Safflower Remove from heat. Let stand covered for 1 tsp Turkish red pepper Refrigerate 30 minutes. 1/2 Cup Fresh Peas 20 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with 1 tsp ground sumac Divide meat into 6 portions and form 1/3 Cup Pistachio Nuts pistachio nuts. Toss slightly. Serve hot. 1 tsp paprika into oval shape 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped Skewers patties Simmer chicken breast in salted water Salt and black pepper to taste Grill 3-4 minutes and flip by Chef Nate for 35 minutes or until tender. Remove [email protected] Cook time does not include chill time Grill another 3-4 minutes from liquid; drain. Cut into shreds. Set MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 37 Business Succession Planning: Why plan now?

A business o ften represents a lifetime and estate goals are integrated with plan. of work and vision. However, despite yo ur o verall financial plan. Taxation and Legal Considerations almo st three-quarters o f business o wn- Monitor Plan Implementation It is impo rtant that yo u co nsult with ers wanting to transfer co ntro l o r exit It is impo rtant to mo nitor and review yo ur tax and legal adviso rs early in the ownership within the next decade, your plan during the implementation process to make sure that your plan barely a third have a formal succession period to ensure that you are on track achieves yo ur o bjectives. plan in place. Lack of a plan is also the in terms o f timing and deliverables. Retirement and Estate Considerations mo st co mmo n reaso n family businesses Since yo ur investment in yo ur business fail to survive first-to -seco nd generatio n Elements of a Succession Plan is pro bably yo ur mo st significant asset, o wnership. Leaving business successio n Succession planning does not take there are a number o f impo rtant retire- to chance could allow someone else to place in iso latio n fro m the larger issue ment and estate planning issues that decide what happens to yo ur business, o f yo ur o verall financial security. An sho uld be addressed. and po tentially at significant co st. effective successio n plan will examine Timetable Planning early also helps reduce the tax all aspects o f yo ur financial situatio n. When you develop your plan, you impact of ownership changes, as well Distribution of Ownership should ensure that there is a clear as ensure a smo o th and successful If yo u are transferring o wnership o f timetable, so those involved know transitio n o f the business to the new yo ur business, a shareho lder agree- exactly what will be expected of them, o wner o r o wners. A successful plan will ment is a key tool that should be con- and when. also help the o verall value o f yo ur busi- sidered. Monitoring Process ness today. Selecting and Grooming Your Be sure to update and adjust your Successor plan as necessary if and when there are The Succession Planning Process Identifying the right perso n to take changes to yo ur business and/ o r per- The process of planning and enacting over the reins when you leave is a so nal situatio n. a successful transitio n co nsists o f sever- process that requires careful thought Contingency Considerations and Risk al steps, each of which are equally and planning. Management important. These steps include: Business Maximization Strategies If illness or death meant that you were Identify and Review Priorities There are many strategies you should suddenly unavailable to manage the The first step o f the pro cess starts with consider to increase the value of your business, who would take over your identifying yo ur prio rities. Business business prio r to sale o r transfer o f respo nsibilities? o wners sho uld ask themselves, “ What o wnership. Finding the right appro ach to exiting do I want fo r my future, my family, and The Role of Key Employees your business will depend on your own my business? ” Key emplo yees are vital to the success expertise, the co mplexity o f yo ur per- Identify a Buyer or Successor of ownership transition, and can offer so nal financial situatio n and the time Who will run the business when you real help in the planning process. and desire you have to manage your are no longer doing so? Business Valuation transitio n. Whatever yo u do , do n’ t go it Develop a Succession Plan While you may have a good idea of alo ne. It’ s impo rtant to get the right Since a variety o f expertise is needed, what yo ur business is wo rth, yo u sho uld team wo rking fo r yo u. Wo rking with o ur it is impo rtant that yo u wo rk with an still co nsult with a pro fessio nal business pro fessio nals fro m acro ss the appropriate team of experts to help you valuator to co nfirm o r determine this Scotiabank Group, we can help get you develo p yo ur business successio n plan. crucial figure. take the first step in develo ping a plan Integrate with Personal Financial Financing and the Mechanics of Sale that is right fo r yo u. Planning Financing the change of ownership Ensure that yo ur perso nal retirement sho uld be a key part o f yo ur successio n

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called nekanata. Indeed, many other names were used to refer to this great country of ours before MY CANADA the name Canada was given, and the name of our country is said to by Samy Appadurai John A. Macdonald, shared his have Spanish and Portuguese ori- love for Canada with that of his gins as well. I was once asked to be the country of origin, Scotland. Sir It is also reported that the first guest speaker at a Canada Day John A., as he is affectionately French settlers in this country celebration in downtown Toronto, known even today, was born in demanded a "can a day" of beer; and readily obliged. Many new 1815 and was brought to Upper this is an interesting hypothesis of immigrants, along with their Canada (now Ontario) at the age the origin of our country's name! Canadian-born children, were in of five. As an older teenager, he Essentially, however, the consen- attendance. went back to Scotland, where he sus is that the native Indians' use While delivering my speech, I fell in love with his cousin, of the term Canada gave our called on some members of the Isabella Clark. They soon married, country its name. On July 1, 1867, audience at random and asked and the young couple came to the British North America Act pro- Canda Day - July 1st claimed Canada as the name of them to make a few brief remarks Canada in 1845 to build a new about her remarks. In this regard, sions of prejudice and discrimina- the new dominion. on the significance of the occa- life. Although Sir John A. spent it is noteworthy that when a for- tion are seen here, they are rela- Just as Sir John A. Macdonald sion. Each person who spoke had most of his life in this country and mer French president, Charles de tively few and far between. As the was fiercely loyal to his roots something nice to say about his made many personal sacrifices in Gaulle, visited Canada a few great Montreal poet Irving Layton although he led the new or her country of origin. Even order to bring progress and pros- decades ago, he decided to pro- wrote, "We do not kill each other Dominion of Canada for so long, those who had been born in perity to this land, he never lost mote of the French heritage of here as they do in the more civi- so, too, is William Jefferson Canada spoke glowingly about his emotional tie to his country of our country in a very different lized countries of the world." Clinton, known by all and sundry the homeland of their forefathers. origin. way. Our government does not tol- as Bill, the former president of the I noticed a few Canadian flags Indeed, Macdonald was Where are we heading? Who erate discrimination or the promo- United States of America. being waved by little children, and British to the core. Although he is a true Canadian, and who is a tion of hatred in any form, and Although he was not reared on many of those in attendance were served as Canada's prime minister Canadian in name only? Who is a anyone who is a victim of such Irish soil, Bill Clinton has always wearing T-shirts that proclaimed for 18 years, his loyalty to his patriotic Canadian? Various inter- treatment has the right to report had strong feelings for Ireland them to be proud Canadians. This ancestral homeland was pro- pretations exist, some objective, it to the authorities, who will take and, many years ago, did consid- did not surprise me, but I was found. This is what he had to say some subjective: Anyone who appropriate action. erable research on his Irish roots. quite disappointed that none of on the subject: "As for myself, was born in Canada or was born Some friends who migrated to While in office, he made sure that the young people born in Canada my course is clear. A British sub- abroad to one or both Canadian other parts of the world at around everyone knew that he always said anything about living in this ject I was born; a British subject I parents. Anyone who has chosen the same time as I came to celebrated the most famous of great country of ours. Indeed, will die. With my latest breath, I Canada as his new home and has Canada, recently visited my wife Irish festivals, St. Patrick's Day, none of the audience members will oppose the 'veiled treason' attained naturalized citizenship. and me. While reiterating that we and that he regularly received who spoke said one word about which attempts by sordid means It is understandable that it is are incredibly fortunate to live special guests from Ireland. Canada! and mercenary proffers to lure very hard to uproot the deeply here, they told us that what we The issue of heritage can be a The interesting part of the our people from their allegiance." held sentiments that many people have in this country cannot be very complex one, and feathers background of these young peo- When the 13 colonies in feel for the place they were born. bought for any money. Indeed, are sometimes ruffled when peo- ple goes way beyond the Canada America revolted against the Sometimes I wonder where the they remarked on what everyone ple hold different views on the Day celebration. In the past, I had British Empire, at that point in hearts of those who hold dual cit- living in the Greater Toronto Area subject. Governor General seen some of these teenagers time the sun had never before set izenship truly lie. Such people are already knows: In this city one Michaele Jean recently paid a visit carrying the flag of the nation of on that empire. Those who fought truly people of two worlds-or can visit many parts of the world to France while Quebecers began their ancestors and expressing for independence in the American more-as the intricacies of interna- on the same day. There are their year-long celebration of the their support of those countries Revolution were considered tional law sometimes permit peo- Chinatowns both downtown and 400th anniversary of the estab- when the World Cup matches, anathema by the British loyalists ple to hold three or more citizen- uptown, Little India on Gerrard lishment of the City of Quebec by played elsewhere, drove much of who chose to migrate to Canada ships simultaneously. Street, Sri Lankan enclaves in Samuel de Champlain. In her the world into a frenzy of excite- rather than live in a land they I have had the privilege of Scarborough and Markham, speech, Madame Jean made men- ment. Indeed, at the time I won- considered treasonous to Mother seeing life on three different con- Korean communities at Bloor and tion, in a patriotic manner, of the dered whether the heated compe- England. tinents. I was born and brought Christie and Sheppard and Yonge, significance of the event. It is tition and its reverberations Although the Americans did up in Asia, I spent most of my Italian and Portuguese neigh- more than a celebration of around the globe might have away with the constitutional middle years in Africa.. I have bourhoods downtown, midtown Quebecers, she declared; rather, added to global warming! I also monarchy and became a republic, made several trips to Europe, and and up north. Likewise, in many the 400th anniversary of wondered if such a match were to Canada continues to maintain the have visited many places across parts of British Colombia, Alberta Quebec's founding is, as well, a be played by a Canadian team same system that remains in North America. I have now had and Quebec, it is easy to feel that celebration of all the descendants against competitors of their place in the United Kingdom, and the good fortune of residing in one is not in Canada but abroad of the French who came to ancestral heritage where these the Queen of Britain is the Queen Canada for more than two on account of the large pockets of Canada's shores. Indeed, she young people would stand and of Canada as well. I am deeply decades. Here I have been privi- immigrants from other places who said, more than a million of them which flag they would wave. In privileged and honoured to hold leged to find a unique society that have brought the best of their currently reside in provinces other the end, I could not come up with the Golden Jubilee Gold Medal of I have not seen anywhere else. respective cultures with them to than Quebec. an answer. her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Officially, Canada is a multicul- our shores. The reaction to Madame The issue of divided loyalty is Canada is a word derived from tural, bilingual nation. It does not Canada is the land of promise Jean's comment by some mem- not a new phenomenon but is one or more of our native lan- discourage new immigrants from for everyone who migrates here. bers of the Bloc Quebecois was deeply rooted in Canadian soil. guages. In the Iroquois tongue, pursuing their traditional activi- The foreign-born can become not encouraging, to put it mildly. The Father of Confederation, the kanata means "town." In the ties; indeed, Canada supports naturalized citizens, and such Quite a few people were unhappy first prime minister of Canada, Sir Mohawk language, a town is multiculturalism. While expres- people face absolutely no restric-

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tions in climbing to the very top of implies a state of merely putting sheiks in supplying our southern being perpetrated in China and Sri Canada is in need of qualitative the ladder. Indeed, they can serve up with something. The overall neighbours.) Furthermore, the Lanka. and quantitative human capital at the highest levels of govern- acceptance of the mutuality and Hibernia Oil Sands, off the shores It is particularly noteworthy for purely economic reasons, so ment, which is not the case in intrinsic worthiness of one anoth- of Newfoundland, have become a that Canada always stands up for immigrants of the economic class most other countries of the world. er's cultures is a very positive gold mine of new opportunity for the rights of the poor and disen- are encouraged to move here. In this regard, Canada has vir- force in Canadian life. Canada in terms of oil reserves. franchised around the world. Our Their contributions will help allevi- tually no parallel. In this country, When it comes to Canadian The major issue in terms of immigration policy is very gener- ate the shortage of workers a person's talents, skills, educa- foreign policy, we try to carry over our foreign policy vis-à-vis the ous, particularly with regard to caused by the expansion of the tion and experience speak louder our acceptance of others into the United States concerns maintain- refugee claimants. Canada has economy, the low natural increase than his socio-economic or ethnic international sphere. Canada, a ing the sovereignty and unique been honoured by various world of population and the high num- background. There are countless major world power located in the identity of Canada. Our legislated bodies, including the United ber of retiring baby boomers. In stories of people who came to north, receives 80% of its rev- borders cannot be called into Nations, for its acceptance and fact, economic-class immigrants Canada as refugees, with little or enues from export income. It question, and we must be partic- treatment of those who have had account for more than half of no money, who worked hard and would therefore be most unwise ularly vigilant regarding the pro- to flee their country of origin on total immigration. I applaud the became millionaires. Some have for us to antagonize our neigh- tection and sovereignty of our Far account of famine, natural disas- decision of the Honourable Diane The following chart is most illuminating: Permanent residents - Canada

Year Family class % Economic immigrants % Refugees % Other % Catag not stated % Total %

2006 70,506 28 138,257 54.9 32,492 12.9 10,382 4.1 120 0 251,649 100

1997 59,979 27.8 128,351 59.4 24,308 11.3 3,400 1.6 0 0 216,038 100 even attained billionaire status. bour to the south. This, whether North. Under no circumstance will ter or armed conflict. The accept- Finlay, Minister of Citizenship and Let us look at the back- we like it or not, is our reality. Canada ever become the 51st ance ratio compared with other Immigration Canada, for making grounds of Canada's current gov- Historically speaking, when state of the United States of Western countries is relatively significant changes in policy to ernor general, Madame Michaele Canada had very close ties with America, as some cynics sarcasti- high. Although most of the reduce the backlog of applications Jean, and her predecessor, Great Britain, both economically cally comment. refugee-receiving countries base for members of the potential Madame Adrienne Clarkson. Each and otherwise, it was, perhaps, In this regard, our govern- their acceptance or rejection of independent class. of these outstanding women less important for us to concern ment has increased Canada's refugees on the Geneva The number of new immi- came to Canada as refugees ourselves regarding how the presence in the Far North and Conventions of the United grants who were born outside (from Haiti and China respective- United States felt about us or how assures us that our presence Nations, the yardstick by which Canada has reached almost 20% ly), and made significant contri- the decisions taken in Washington there will remain strong. The cre- the refugees are judged varies of the total population, a relative- butions to our society before affected us. ation of the Territory of Nunavut from country to country, to a cer- ly high percentage. After a peri- attaining this country's highest Nowadays the European some years ago continues to tain degree. Some refugees, in od of adjustment, most new post. In the corporate and non- Union has attained the level of a strengthen the social fabric of the fact, have been accepted by one immigrants participate fully in profit sectors, too, there are a single economic bloc while the Far North while validating and country after having been reject- Canadian life and enjoy the many great many successful people. North American Free Trade promoting the flourishing Inuit ed by another. This is one reason benefits it offers. While some socio-cultural barriers Agreement (NAFTA) is not work- culture that exists there. why many refugees have knocked still exist, these barriers are not ing out as well as its signatores With further reference to and continue to knock at All in all, as virtually every part of Canada's official policy; (Canada, the United States and Canada's foreign policy, it is Canada's door from south of the newcomer will attest, Canada is they are, in fact, officially frowned Mexico) had hoped. Both important to understand Canada's border. the land of opportunity, not only on. Democratic presidential candi- role in the British Commonwealth Let us turn now to the issue of for us, but for those who will I have heard from many immi- dates for the upcoming U.S. elec- of Nations, the North American family-class sponsorship. The come after us. Happy 141st birth- grants of diverse ethnic origins tion have clearly indicated that Treaty Alliance (NATO) and the reunification of family members of day, Canada! Many happy returns that Canada has cultivated a very they want to see some basic, United Nations (UN). In each of permanent residents and citizens to all Canadians and Canadian high level of tolerance. While the drastic changes to the policy and these institutions, Canada takes of Canada holds high priority on residents! word "tolerance" is in popular framework of NAFTA. its own, independent stand. For account of the family values this use, I do not find it a particularly Fortunately, the United States example, Prime Minister Stephen nation holds. Samy Appadurai is a positive word. In place of the depends on Canada for most of Harper, at the recent Immigrants of the independ- renowned broadcast journal- word "tolerance" I would use the its natural gas and petroleum. Commonwealth meetings, con- ent class make significant contri- ist, author, educator and pub- word "acceptance." Acceptance (Until lately, the U.S. got most of demned the undemocratic activi- butions to life in Canada. This lic speaker who makes his reflects an appreciation of one its oil from Saudi Arabia. However, ties going on in Pakistan, and the group primarily encompasses home in Toronto. another's cultures while tolerance Canada has now surpassed the oil flagrant human rights' violations skilled workers and investors. Baby Steps Walkathon-2008 The Annual Baby Steps Walkathon for fund raising for the new Regional Birthing Centre now under construction at the Centenary Hospital, Scarborough was held on Sunday 25th May. The Walk commenced from the Malvern Town Centre and wound its way to the Centenary Hospital where a function was held to celebrate the event. Mr. Kula Sellathurai, Chair of the Walkathon Event welcomed the participants and remarked "We are very committed to helping to raise funds for the building of this new centre." He also thanked TD Canada Trust for being the event sponsor for the second year of this event. Seen here are some pictures taken at the event. 42 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL MonsoonMonsoon AppreciationsAppreciations

Former Mayor of Jaffna AT Moorthy: A Sri Lankan diplomat, Sinnathamby Nagarajah passes away he resigned his post over Tamil conflict By Tom Farrell racial allegiances at home, on the manent representative to the world stage Moorthy was deter- Economic Commission for Asia In 1981 Arambamoorthy mined that his country would not and the far east. In 1970, he was Thedchana "AT" Moorthy, who be defined by cold war ideological posted as chargé d'affaires to has died aged 79, became high allegiances. Iraq, shortly after the revolution. commissioner for Sri Lanka to the Moorthy was born in the east- In 1974, Moorthy returned to Court of St James, a post normal- ern Batticaloa district, an area of Colombo to help coordinate the ly reserved for senior politicians. the island mainly populated by fifth non-aligned summit, held That same year, Sinhalese thugs Tamils, a predominantly Hindu two years later, Bandaranaike burnt down the Jaffna municipal minority, making up around 10% having become chair of the non- library, one of the largest in Asia, of the population. Having com- aligned movement. But by now, with the apparent connivance of pleted his primary education at the island's ethnic fault lines were the police, destroying more than the Sivananda Vidyalayam nation- fraying at the edges, since 97,000 Tamil volumes. Moorthy, al school in Batticaloa, and Jaffna Bandaranaike had continued the who came from a Tamil back- college, he moved to the capital, populist policies of her husband ground, believed in a common Sri Colombo, and the university, in Solomon, assassinated in 1959, Lankan identity and resisted the the 1940s. designed to appeal to chauvinistic ethnocentric politics that would Moorthy entered the foreign impulses among the island's tear his island nation apart. Yet, in service in 1953, a year before the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, who May 1983, a state of emergency Colombo conference at which made up around 80% of the pop- Former Mayor of Jaffna Sinnathamby Nagarajah was declared and that July, fol- India's prime minister, Jawaharlal ulation. Bandaranaike's govern- (28 February 1931-May 8th 2008) lowing the massacre of an army Nehru, laid out the principles of ment fell in 1977, but her succes- Mr. Sinnathamby Nagarajah, ical activities and constitutional patrol in Jaffna, anti-Tamil riots non-alignment supported by sor Junius Jayawardene took an who served as Mayor of Jaffna matters. erupted across Sri Lanka, killing many newly independent nations. even harder line against Tamil mil- twice in the late 60's, passed Later, he taught at the Tamil hundreds of Tamils and forcing His first diplomatic posting to itancy. His pro-western foreign away in New Jersey, USA, on Eelam Judiciary Department, thousands abroad. Jakarta, Indonesia, coincided with policy antagonised New Delhi to Thursday May 8th at the age of which was newly inaugurated by Moorthy knew that his position the 1955 Bandung conference, the extent that India began arm- 77. Mr. Nagarajah was a Tamil the Liberation Tigers of Tamil had become untenable. He hosted by the President Sukarno ing and training guerrilla groups nationalist, and an active member Eelam (LTTE) in the early 90's. He belonged to a generation whose with the aim of promoting Afro- such as the Tamil Tigers. of the Tamil diaspora in lobbying gave lectures at the Law School of politics had not been corrupted by Asian economic and political co- In 1978 Moorthy was posted in the United States for political the Tamil Eelam Judiciary narrow, murderous nationalism. operation and opposing colonial- as ambassador to Pakistan, con- support for Tamil struggle of self Department to the judges and In early 1984, with the Tamil ism. current with Iran. In the after- determination. attorneys. Tigers' remorseless campaign In 1957 he became chargé math of the 1979 revolution, he Mr. Nagarajah, born on 28 In the late 90s, he moved per- underway, he stepped down as d'affaires to Beijing, meeting such played a key role in Sri Lankan February 1931, was an old boy of manently to New Jersey, USA to high commissioner. He had leaders as Mao Zedong and Zhou government efforts to free US Jaffna Hindu College. Later he live with his children. In New refused to declare that his posi- En-Lai. Bilateral trade and eco- hostages in Iran, one of several attended Madras Christian Jersey, he mobilized and took part tion was evidence that no serious nomic agreements with China special missions during his diplo- College, Chennai to complete in all Tamil activities. He frequent- Bachelor's degree and Masters ly met several congressmen and discrimination existed against Sri were integral to the policies being matic career. Then came the degree in English Literature. Upon officials to convey the plight of Lanka's Tamil minority. Thus pursued by Sirimavo appointment to London. returning to Sri Lanka, he became Tamils living in Sri Lanka. ended a career that could proba- Banadaranaike, the world's first In the years that followed his an Attorney-at-Law and practiced "We are neither terrorists nor bly have culminated with a United female prime minister, and resignation, he devoted himself to law in the North and East of Sri separatists, we are only fighting Nations post. Moorthy made many friends voluntary work and the upbring- Lanka. back to regain our lost freedom," Yet when he graduated in eco- among the Beijing diplomatic ing of his three beloved grandchil- In 1982, Mr. Nagarajah he said in the welcoming speech. nomics from the then University community, including the British dren. resigned from his position as Vice "Tamils have the right to reclaim of Ceylon in 1948 - the year of chargé d'affaires Sir Duncan Having lived quietly in London Chairman of the then proposed freedom for their traditional independence from Britain - edu- Wilson. In 1959, he married for many years, he was deeply District Development Council, homeland and restore the sover- cated Ceylonese of Moorthy's Suseela, the daughter of a affected by Suseela's death in realizing that the body was not eignty to Tamil people," he said generation did not define them- supreme court judge. 2005. He is survived by his three empowered to help Tamil people. during his address at the Tamil selves along ethnic or religious From 1961 to 1963 he served children and three grandchildren. He continued to be active in the Memorial day of USA, held in lines. Having avoided the bloody as first secretary in London - and Arambamoorthy politics, and remained as a resi- November 2007. birth pangs experienced by India, he and Suseela also studied for Thedchana Moorthy, diplo- dent of Jaffna until late 90s. Mr. Nagarajah is survived by there was every reason to believe the bar at Gray's Inn, being called mat, born August 10 1928; In 1989, when Indian Army his wife and five children. was occupying north-East of Sri The cremation was held in that Ceylon - which became Sri in 1965. He then served as first died April 1 2008 Lanka, he traveled to Vanni, New Jersey, on May 10th, 2008. Lanka in 1972 - could be a model secretary in West Germany (1964- stayed at the LTTE political head [TamilNet] for newly independent nations. 66) and as chargé d'affaires in [Courtesy: The Guardian, UK] quarters, and participated in polit- And if he refused to be defined by Thailand (1969-70) and also per-

Capture the Spring Property Market with your listings through Monsoon Realty www.monsoonrealty.com Real Estate Section of Monsoon Journal www.monsoonjournal.com MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 43 Book Review Second Annual RBC desiFEST Enjoys National Success, Love Marriage Surpasses 2007 Attendance By Vasugi (V.V) Ganeshanandan (Published by Random House)

"Love Marriage" is an intricately woven story between love, marriage and war, authored by Vasugi (V.V) Ganeshananthan who is of Sri Lankan origin living in New York. The story centers around Yalini, the daughter of an immi- grant Sri Lankan couple, married in America and caught up between the age old traditions of her ancestors and the modern ways of the world in which she lives. The book gives an insight into the fratricidal war and conflict in Sri Lanka. The main players in the novel are the extended family members of Yalini. The contents of the novel go deep into Sri Lankan Tamil culture, customs, rituals and traditions. Obviously the author has done some inten- sive research into these aspects reflecting Tamil traditions. The book is an ideal source for those who would like to know some of es of a family history and perhaps Ms.Ganeshananthan was in the Tamil customs and traditions the author was inspired by the Toronto recently and participated .The book also has insights into path that her family took in their in the International Readings at the extremely complicated Sri own life. Two different aspects of the Harbourfront. Her book has Lankan politics beginning from a marriage within the Tamil com- received international reviews to the 1983 Racial riots (incidentally, munity -Love marriages and make the novel a book-club the heroine in the novel was born Arranged marriages, are woven favorite. The Book is available at during Black July).But the as the central theme into the Chapters Bookshops in Canada. author's reference to politics, she novel. In her debut novel, the "Love Marriage" is more than herself admits "is not in the voice author has knitted together uni- a novel! of an activist but in the voice of an versal themes of Love, Marriage, Siva Sivapragasam artist". The novel also has touch- Duty, Honor etc.

Monsoon Kids Corner South Asian Heritage Month ended Canada's top South Asian celebrities with an explosive grand finale at from a variety of fields also took the Yonge-Dundas Square this weekend stage as guest MC's during the festi- with the 2nd annual RBC desiFEST. On val, including actress Sitara Hewitt, Color Me Competition - 4 Saturday, May 31 Toronto's number playwright Anita Majumdar, director one visitor destination came alive with Richie Mehta, author Devyani the spirit of South Asia. RBC desiFEST, Saltzman, and a variety of media per- Dead Line fo r entries: Canada's first and only Canadian sonalities. June 25, 2008 South Asian music festival, returned to Thrilled with the overwhelming suc- Yonge-Dundas Square with a 12-hour cess of the second annual RBC concert after national successes in desiFEST, festival founder and CEO Entries have to be made on Montreal and Vancouver, showcasing Sathish Bala had this to say about this original paper, photo the very best in South Asian music year's big event: "This year's festival and dance from classical and contem- was a tremendous success despite the copies not accepted. porary indo-jazz fusion to pop, rock, rain delays. The turnout surpassed hip-hop and reggae along with cutting last year's attendance and confirmed The Winner will be selected edge DJs. Toronto's passion and support of its Despite uncooperative weather, a arts and artists regardless of the and posted in the July crowd of 17,000 strong enjoyed obstacles. I am very proud of our issue. incredible performances by over 30 community and city and am also very artists including Juno award nominat- happy for the artists. We look forward Please mail to: ed fusion band Autorickshaw, leg- to 2009 and continuing our mandate Monsoon Journal endary Qawwali singer Shahid Ali to promote South Asian music and 3107 Sheppard Ave East Khan, Canadian Radio Star national artists within Canada." Toronto, ON. M1T 3J7 winner Shobha, Bollywood sensation IshQ Bector, Ottawa rock artist Parul RBC desiFEST became the first Winner for May 2008 Sharma, RBC desiFEST Vancouver Canadian South Asian music festival to artist ambassador Jagua, and interna- go national this year, with a club night Color Me competition-4 tional bhangramuffin star Apache at the legendary Just For Laughs Jathorsan. L , Indian among many others. Museum in Montreal on March 29 and VAUGHAN This year RBC desiFEST Toronto also an outdoor festival in Vancouver's his- became the first South Asian Canadian toric Gastown District on May 3. Mr. Congratulations from music festival to broadcast live over Bala is looking forward to continuing Monsoon Journal the internet, with 5000 plus viewers RBC desiFEST's national presence and from around the world enjoying over opening in additional Canadian cities $10 cash will be mailed 10 hours of music at www.desifest.ca in 2009. to the winner. < http://www.desifest.ca/> . Many of 44 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Centre for I nformation and Meet Attorney Bruce Fein in Toronto Attorney Bruce Fein (pro no unced East, 55, Hallcro wn Place (Hwy 401 yet to be born! As you will be aware Community Services "Fine") who has been retained by the and Victoria Park Ave.) No rth York, even Nobel Laureates have spoken up US based human rights organization O ntario 2. O n Friday 20th June to o penly co ndemn Sri Lanka fo r its I mmigrant Resource Centre (I RC) "Tamils For Justice" is visiting Toro nto 2008 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in odious human rights record and have from Tuesday 17th June to Sunday the Canada Kanthaswamy Kovil Hall, succeeded in having Sri Lanka voted Presents: 22nd June 2008 to brief the 733 Birchmount Road (South of off the UN Human Rights Council. As Canadian Tamil public and non-Tamil Eglinton Ave. East), Scarbo ro ugh, such there never has been a better Canadians including politicians, O ntario and more auspicious time for the How to Win in a Competitive Job Market !! church leaders, academics, account- 3. And once again on Saturday Tamils to utilize the unsurpassed ants, lawyers, do ctors, engineers and 21st June 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to charisma and sleepless energy o f per- o ther pro fessio nals and representa- 9:00 p.m. in the Canada so ns like Bruce Fein to achieve their Topics I nclude: tives of the media and students about Kanthaswamy Kovil Hall, 733 legitimate aspiratio ns and ultimate Communication Skills his work which among other things Birchmo unt Road (So uth o f Eglinton goal. In this connection I need your Career Development & New Skills invo lves: Ave. East), Scarbo ro ugh. help to o rganize a successful visit fo r Exploring modalities for organiz- Bruce Fein by enabling more of our Networking Skills ing and conducting a Referendum O n all three occasions Bruce Fein fello w citizens to attend meetings o f Canadian Workplace Culture (Under United Natio ns Security will speak to the audience to explain this nature towards enabling them to Co uncil supervisio n) the work he is doing and then better understand what is really hap- O n Tamil Statehood in the island respo nd to written questio ns. English- pening in Sri Lanka. Date: Thursday June 26, 2008 o f Sri Lanka thereby ascertaining Tamil-English translatio n will be avail- Kindly help by inviting and ensur- Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm directly and demo cratically fro m the able so as to enable both Tamils and ing attendance of leading politicians affected Tamil people what the major- no n-Tamils to understand Bruce Fein's (of all parties), church leaders, aca- Location: CI CS I mmigration Resource Centre (I RC): ity o f them want with a view to facili- speech and the questio ns asked and demics, accountants, doctors, engi- 2330 Midland Ave (Midland/ 401) tating a just and lasting peace. answers given. As yo u wo uld no neers, lawyers and o ther pro fessio n- In additio n to his vario us live doubt see from the attached profile of als, representatives of the media and Speaker: Bill Redwood: Director of Marketing and Public Relations radio and TV appearances with Bruce Fein that he is a man o f glitter- student leaders and other Tamil and at Concordia College of Canada phone-in facilities to have your ques- ing credentials and impressive reputa- no n-Tamil co mmunity leaders o f dis- Language: English tio ns answered, he is also meeting in tio n. As such we need perso ns o f yo ur tinction. Your generous help and For Registration: Call 416-292-7510 ext "0" or Register in person with the Tamil and non-Tamil stature and caliber to support Bruce untiring suppo rt to ensure success o f public on the following three (3) occa- Fein's effo rts that pro mise to bring this special opportunity to encourage person at IRC. sio ns. peace to the island of Sri Lanka to Canada's involvement in bringing Spaces are Limited! Register Now!! 1. O n Thursday 19th June 2008 benefit no t o nly Tamils who are living, about a just peace to benefit both the (Priority Seating for JSW Participants and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the but also pro mises to ho no r Tamils Sinhalese and the Tamils alike is here- Banquet Hall, Radisso n Ho tel Toro nto who have died and safeguard Tamils by humbly and earnestly so licited. CICS Resource Centre Members) Hospital employees compete for 'Biggest Loser' status The winning team of The Scarborough Hospital's first-ever 'Biggest Loser' contest will be revealed Wed., June 11 in Thomson Park, behind the General site, as 60 staff members complete a 16-week health and fitness regime. WHAT: 'The Biggest Loser' contest WHERE: The Scarborough Hospital, General campus WHEN: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. Inspired by the TV reality show of the same name, 12 teams from the General and Grace sites of TSH competed for $2,500 in cash and a complimentary one-year member to the TSH fitness centre. While the team with the largest collective percentage of weight loss triumphs, the real prize is the switch to a healthier lifestyle, says contest organizer Lori Irvine, TSH's Healthy Workplace Coordinator. There will be refreshments, music and entertainment following the announcement of the winning team. Condo for Rent 1 Year New , Downtown Entertainment City, For more information: Front/Blue Jays Way, 2 bedroom, Parking included Dave Bourne Manager, Corporate Communications Available from August 2008 Rent: $2,100 or For Sale: $410,000 The Scarborough Hospital Call: 416-358-3235 416-438-2911 ext. 6836 [email protected] Life Bliss Meditation NAMDHARI SANGEET SOCIETY Work Shop PROUDLY PRESENTS Nithyananda Meditation Academy, AN EVENING OF 416 271 5690 or 416 277 9448) CLASSICAL AND www.lifebliss.org DIVOTIONAL MUSIC www.divinecommunity.com BY 221.Dennison Street, GAURI GUHA (VOCAL) Markham.On. L3R 1B5 ( Woodbine & Steeles) LUNA GUHA (HARMONIUM) HARPAL SINGH KALLA (TABLA) CLASSIFIEDS SUKHRAJ KALLA (SWARMANDAL) 410 CHRISLEA ROAD, UNIT 6 Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant WOODBRIDGE, ONTARIO is now hiring for Waiters and Cashiers. (WESTON ROAD & H.WAY 7) English speaking preferred. Brampton SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2008 905 450 7575 7 PM - 8 PM Scarborough FOR INFORMATION 416 265 2695 CALL: Are you interested in Making Unlimited Income Call this Number that will change your Life HARPAL S. KALLA 416-691-4176 905-497-5212 MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 45 Charity car wash raises 15th Anniversary of Rajaguru $4900 and awareness Martial Arts Academy In Canada

Rajaguru Martial Arts Academy, Shotokan Karate 5-6 years have through their hard work and dedica- Do - Canada, located on Markham and McNicoll cen- tion, not only proved that they have developed good tre in Scarborough, Ontario, recently celebrated it character but also won their Black Belt in Karate by 15th Anniversary and the 5th Advanced Martial Arts training their Mind, Body and spirit and proved that Training Camp. Karate Training develops once Physical, Mental and In this Advanced Martial Arts Training Camp, the Spiritual life and make all of these students a respon- students were taught, Karate, Silambam, Weapons sible Citizen of our Country. Training, Yoga and Meditation. After 10 hours of The students who won their Black belts are as training every day, the students attended the grad- follows. ing for their respective belts. PROVI SI ONAL 1ST DEGREE BLACK BELT. All the parents of the students attend this cere-  ARGUN GERARD (8 YEARS) mony and the students who passed their grading  PRAKASH RAJMOHAN (9 YEARS) received their Belts and certificates from it Founder  RAAHUL EASWARAN (12 YEARS) and Grand Master, So Shihan, Rajaguru T  SEYON RAVEENTRANATHAN (12 YEARS) Ravindran.  GANESH RAVEENTRANATHAN (12 YEARS) This camp and the function was organized by  BAVITHRAN KATHIRGAMANATHAN (13 YEARS) Shihan Sriram Rangan, International Chief Instructor  JONATHAN JEYARAJAH (13 YEARS) and the Senior Instructor of Rajaguru Martial Arts  PRAHASH MAYOORAN (13 YEARS) Academy Canada.  MOHESHAN SRIKULADEVAN (13 YEARS) In his speech, Grand Master So Shihan Rajaguru  YADAVAN PATHMANATHAN (14 YEARS) T Ravindran said "Today 8 years to 14 years old boys  SHERVAN KUMAR MURALIDHARAN (14 YEARS) and girls, who have been training Karate for the last  JOHAN YOGARENTNAM (18 YEARS)

(Markham-Unionville) It was hosted and Power King was a beautiful day during May restaurant contributed their park- 2008 to have the family car ing lot and water. Others pitched washed and many did as the in and donated all supplies used Duncan Fletcher Team along with so one hundred percent of all friends like Secretary of State for funds will be donated to the Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney Canadian Red Cross - who had and members of the Chinese officials on site throughout the Canadian Conservative Associa- day. As a result, the day's total tion (CCCA) among others raised earnings of $4900 will be money for Chinese earthquake matched by the Conservative gov- relief. "We were blessed to have ernment's assistance program. great weather, fantastic volun- "As happy as I am with our teers and many generous people results, I hope our efforts will come by today" said Conservative inspire others to do whatever M.P. Candidate Duncan Fletcher. they can too" concludes Fletcher. "The devastation caused by the For further comment, infor- earthquake hits close to home for mation on Duncan Fletcher or the people of our community as many Conservative Party of Markham- have friends and family directly Unionville, please contact; affected by it. We felt we had to Ben Seto-Campaign Manager; do something and were happy to 416-720-1307, contribute" he offers. Duncan Fletcher-Candidate; The management of New 416-859-6868 Kennedy Square, where the event Yoga-thon-2008 Websites for Sale This was the 3rd annual Yoga-thon and funds raised approx $32000 net. The expenses were covered by sponsors so Recently a site was sold to 4th largest bank in the world. 100% of the funds raised from participants were given to the early intervention to help youth at risk of mental illness programme. Apart from $s, the organizers said that they were very happy to raise awareness of this illness with the Make your Offer now ! yoga community of Toronto and grateful for their support. For Sale by best offer within 30 days. BESTNEWSAGENT.COM CLICK2HOMESEARCH.COM DOLLARS2SAVE.COM HELP2BUYHOME.COM HOME2LIVE.COM HOW-2-MORTGAGE.COM I2IRESEARCH.COM IPHONES4LESS.COM MYCENTURY21HOME.COM NFLBANKCARD.COM NIKE4LESS.COM OUTSOURCEANDYOU.COM Picture shows the Organisers, I nstructors and Volunteers taken on 3rd Annual Yoga-thon held on May 10th, 2008 at Distillery District, Toronto. This union of karma and hatha yoga was held to raise funds for REALTOR121.COM the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario's Early I ntervention Program. Several participants enjoyed the day learning the importance of meditation, took part in Yoga postures like Ashtanga style, etc. Also partici- Call: 416-560-4375 pants enjoyed a unique Kathakali dance performance and special head and neck massage therapy. 46 JUNE 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Kollywood Film Review

ously-short-tempered-son-who-is- and does comedy with style. issues (that seem forced and the worst of her fears are realized by Anand. J of-less-value-to-the-family cate- biased) to give the story a new- when the stalker's identification is PANDI gory. For these reasons, his entire While Nasser, Saranya, and look is barely justification enough. revealed. family, except mother Saranya, Sreeman score with their per- Monicka, hitherto playing con- With its simple story woven hates him with their whole heart. formances, Lawrence looks as if servative girl in movies like Fowzia's cinematography and into the texture of the movie, Meanwhile, Lawrence meets he definitely needs acting lessons. 'Azhagi', has taken to glamour Sathish Kurasowa's editing lends Pandi proves to be an average Sneha and falls in love. Or is it just that director Raasu with 'Silandhi'. She plays a newly- solidity to the film. Fowzia's lens entertainer that seems tailor- Maduravan felt felt a hero need married girl, who runs for her life. captures the runs and chases well made for frontbenchers. A com- A crucial gridlock in the family not bend backwards to make him- Munna is cast as her lovable hus- and is equally complimented by mercial entertainer targetting brings to light Sreeman's ugly self look credible? That apart, band, who helps her overcome the music composer's thrilling front-bencher is 'Pandi'. It has side and he elopes with his U.K. Senthilkumar's camera feasts her troubles. Though the first half background music. Silandhi could on Namitha big time and Suresh lags as it simply revolves around have been one of the creepiest Urs' neat editing flows with the thrillers, however, the director's movie without interrupting the conviction in portraying the course of it. Srikanth Deva's lifestyle of young girls (IT profes- songs are loud and the remix sionals, it is told) as sex-maniacs Masimasam Alanna....is picturised seems contrived and lacks credi- in a glamorous way on Sneha and bility. And the movie falls flat on Lawrence. its nose when the stalker delivers All said, 'Pandi' is a masala a two-page dialogue about how entertainer that keeps the audi- his dreams of marrying off his sis- ence engaged. two characters ( Munna and ter and taking care of his elderly Monica), Aathirajan has made the mother were shattered owing to SILANDHI second half more crispy and racy. these girls' crude sexual desires.

Director Aathiraj quit his more-than-a-decade old job as a comedy, action and romance to father's hard-earned money journalist for an evening daily to lure the B and C audience. With saved for his sister's wedding. direct Silandhi and it is easy to Lawrence oozing the right energy Lawrence takes over from this decipher the source of his inspira- and Sneha and Namitha filling up point and shoulders his family's tion. The movie is shot using HDD the glamour quotient, 'Pandi' responsibility. In the process, he camera and the clear winner is turns out to be an entertainer that moves to Dubai for greener pas- Fausia's cinematography and the is worth a watch. However the tures. goose-flesh inducing angles. So it story line is wafer thin. It is a Sneha is the show-stealer and is M. Karthick's background score cliched and oft-repeated in Tamil announces the arrival of a siren. that deserves a special mention. So much for her good girl next door image. She gyrates hard for Monicka has tried her best to the three songs in her designer shed the good-girl-next-door outfits - of course, scantier than image and struts around scantily her earlier movies. The songs The background score is top- clad with a near-innocent face. Kuthu madhippa and the Maasi While thriller as a genre finds notch and it sets up the momen- Chandru - the erstwhile PRO - Maasam remix song (done shod- few takers in Tamil cinema, tum. The dialogues in the latter plays the villain and shoulders the dily, making you wonder what the Silandhi is an attempt to reopen part of the film deserve apprecia- responsibility with considerable point was in brutally butchering the topic. In today's booming IT tion. While the honeymoon cou- ease. Monica has acted well. But cinema. A youth, who is ridiculed the lovely original) provide ample culture, for every woman, charac- ple, Munna and Monicka, make at many places, she oozes glam- by his family for being callous and scope for Sneha's dancing skills. ter is more important than her merry, Monicka is haunted with a our aimed at enthralling young- not caring, eventually turns out to Sneha's sexy dance moves also career. Journalist-turned-director few incidents and strongly feels sters. Munna has performed with be a responsible son taking care makes poor Namitha's item num- Aathirajan has taken this serious the possibility of a stalker intrud- calm and ease. of the entire family. bers look lackluster. Interestingly theme and churned out ing their private lives. To make Though the movie could be Raghava Lawrence and Tamil cinema has seen such story- 'Silandhi'.The movie defies the matters worse, her friends are enjoyed only in parts, congrats Sreeman, sons of the couple line in the early 1980s itself. rules of Tamil cinema, running brutally slaughtered by a stranger. Aathirajan for dealing with an Nasser and Saranya, are two Madhuravan has taken one such only to 100 minutes (although not When things go out of hand, issue which is relevant to the soci- extremes. While Sreeman is the and treated it with a swift screen- without songs). A commendable she spills the beans about the ety. perfect example (note, only play. Lawrence carries the entire attempt, though. However, there party-hard and blind date lifestyle And, before we forget, the example) of an ideal son, burden in his shoulders and deliv- are no excuses for trying an over- of her roomies before marriage movie has an A certificate. Lawrence figures in the danger- er his best. He dances, romances used and tawdry storyline. and how it culminated into the contact: Besides, using contemporary murder of an innocent man. And [email protected] MONSOON JOURNAL JUNE 2008 47 Job Opportunity in Scarborough

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