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Monsoon Sri Lanka U.N. Launches $ 50 million appeal for displaced Tamils in Northern Sri Lanka 13 Canada increases it's assistance to 7.5 million Dollars Joy of Enlightenment... By Siva Sivapragasam The assistance will also go for support of agricultural and eco- The United Nations nomic projects for persons Children in Mullivaaykkaal Organization along with the returning to their own homes. Government of Sri Lanka has Canada has also increased it's issued an appeal to raise fifty mil- commitment for rehabilitation to 14 lion dollars to meet the urgent 7.5 million dollars from the earlier "No fire zone", humanitarian needs of the dis- amount pledged. This came Responsibility to protect... placed civilians in the war-torn about after the recent trip of Ms. Sri Lanka-May 1, 2009 areas of Vanni and Mullaitivu. Beverley J. Oda, Minister for 24 The urgent appeal comes in International Co-operation. the wake of immediate needs for Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary- about 250,000 people, including General Ban Ki moon has told food, water, sanitation, shelter, reporters in New York that he had nutrition, health and protection, telephoned Sri Lankan President as well as education needs for Rajapakse and called for a pause EAGLE GLEN ... thousands of children who have in the fighting to allow humani- been without schooling due to tarian workers into the conflict the conflict. According to a U.N. zone. He also stated that "the source, the number of people World is watching events closely, trapped and yet remaining in the including for violations of interna- conflict zone is around 50,000. tional law. 39 Mirabhai ... 42

Monsoon Journal History - Sri Lankan civil war wishes you all a Monsoon Health 9 Monsoon Real Estate 22 Waterloo News 33 Monsoon Cine 36 Happy Mother’s Day Monsoon Kids 46

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3.6 Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Canada Newsline 3 Increasing Burden of Cancer Beginning to Strain Parts of System 2009 Quality Index Reports on Ontario's Cancer System Despite improvements to the "Cancer Care Ontario is look- cancer system including lower ing at ways to maximize smoking rates and better screen- resources to ensure that patients ing and care for colorectal cancer receive timely access to cent) of cancer patients treated in patients, this year's Cancer chemotherapy as close to home outpatient units continue to System Quality Index also reports as possible," noted Sullivan. "We report a reasonably high degree that the increasing burden of can- are working with the regions and of satisfaction with most aspects cer is beginning to strain parts of the Ministry of Health and Long- of their care. While scores for the cancer system. Term Care to address this issue." emotional support, remain lower "The overall quality of the Other highlights from the (this indicator was rated as satis- cancer system is very good with Cancer System Quality Index factory by only 51 per cent of many indicators showing include: cancer patients). improvements each year," said ?? Despite most patient wish- The Cancer Quality Council of Michael Decter, Chair, Cancer Dr. Bob Bell, President and CEO, University Health Network, The es, over half of Ontario cancer Ontario monitors and reports to Honourable Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion, Dr. George Quality Council of Ontario. "At the deaths occurred in an acute care the public on the quality and per- Pasut, Vice President, Prevention and Screening, Dr. Rene Shumak, same time, there is still room for Radiologist-in-Chief, Ontario Breast Screening Program hospital setting, but these num- formance of the cancer system. bers are beginning to decrease. The Cancer System Quality Index improvement. We continue to see The Index shows gains being ColonCancerCheck program is In addition, over 40 per cent of was launched in 2005 and pres- higher obesity rates and a signifi- made in the fight against colorec- making a difference. If detected cancer patients are visiting the ents a rolling snapshot of activity cant number of the population tal cancer, the second leading early enough, there is a 90 per emergency department for pain in 29 key indicators that cover the not following low-risk drinking cause of cancer deaths in Ontario. cent chance of surviving colorec- and symptom control in the last spectrum of cancer services, from guidelines that we know raise a Significant progress has been tal cancer, so that's why screening two weeks of their life. prevention through to end-of-life person's risk of cancer. As a soci- made towards improving screen- and early detection are so critical. ?? Wait times for cancer sur- care. ety we are still not doing enough ing, diagnosis and treatment for We have a ways to go but we are geries show some modest Cancer Care Ontario is the and require greater commitment colorectal cancer patients, which on the right track," said Terrence improvements, but variation provincial agency responsible for on the part of Ontarians, govern- are all contributing to better sur- Sullivan, President and CEO, exists across regions in their abil- continually improving cancer ments, and health professionals vival rates. In the past year, Cancer Care Ontario. ity to meet targets for the higher services. As the government's to promote healthier lifestyles and screening for colorectal cancer The increasing burden of can- priority surgeries (priority two and cancer advisor, Cancer Care modify behaviours." increased by 30 percent and diag- cer is largely attributed to an age- three cases). Ontario works to reduce the num- More than half of all cancers nostic colonoscopies are being ing population and it is beginning ?? With the exception of lung ber of people diagnosed with can- are preventable and about half of completed in a timely manner. to impact the capacity of the sys- cancer survival, rates for the 4 cer and make sure that patients cancer deaths are related to Survival for colorectal cancer has tem. An area where the cancer most common cancers (prostate, receive better care every step of tobacco use, diet and physical increased to 62 per cent -- up 11 system is starting to show signs breast, colon and lung) have sig- the way. activity. However, while Ontarians per cent from the previous of strain is chemotherapy. Until nificantly improved since 1991- For more information visit: are more physically active (48 per decade. now, Ontario has been able to 1995. Too many lung cancer www.csqi.on.ca. cent) and consuming more fruits "I am pleased to see the keep wait times for chemotherapy patients (78 per cent) are diag- Lenore Bromley, Senior Public and vegetables (42 per cent) than progress Ontario is making in in check. However, the Index nosed in the later stages of the Affairs Advisor, Cancer Care in 2001, at 17 per cent of the screening for colorectal screen- shows that wait times for disease (stages three or four). Ontario - 416.971.9800 ext. 3383, population, the obesity rate con- ing. The Ontario Government's chemotherapy are starting to ?? The vast majority (97 per l tinues to be a concern. commitment to the increase. [email protected]

people get cancer and patients receive bet- [email protected] Minister Best is One in a Million ter care. Dipika Damerla, Sr. Communications For more information visit: www.can- Adviser The Ontario Breast Screening Program Celebrates its 1 Millionth cercare.on.ca. Minister's Office, Ministry of Health Lenore Bromley, Sr. Public Affairs Promotion Health Promotion Minister, 50 year old more treatment options available to them," Advisor, Cancer Care Ontario 416-326-8497, Margarett Best marked an important mile- said Dr. George Pasut, vice president, 416.971.9800 ext. 3383, lenore.brom- [email protected] stone for cancer screening on April 22nd, Prevention and Screening, Cancer Care 2009 as she became the 1 millionth woman Ontario. "While we know the mortality rate screened by the Ontario Breast Screening for women in the target age range with Program (OBSP). "Regular breast screening breast cancer is decreasing, we need to Ontario’s Proposed is an important part of taking care of my continue to work to reach under-screened health and I encourage all women aged 50 populations and to ensure that services are Green Energy Act and over to ask their health care provider if available to continue to meet the growing a mammogram is right for them," said the demand." Expanding Renewable Energy: Accelerating development of Minister. "The OBSP provides women in In 2008, there were just under 1.5 mil- clean, renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar, hydro, Ontario with mammography services and I lion Ontario women between the ages of biomass, biogas and geothermal. want to thank everyone involved in the 50-69 potentially eligible to participate in program for your efforts and contributions the OBSP. The number of women in this Creating a Conservation Culture: Giving consumers more tools to its success." age group is increasing by approximately to conserve energy. The most valuable kilowatt of electricity is the Breast cancer is the most common can- 48,000 women each year. Close to 63 per one we don’t use. cer in Ontario women. In 2009, it is pro- cent of eligible Ontario women are being Expanding a Green Economy: Making Ontario a green economy jected that 8,700 Ontario women will be screened for breast cancer with mammo- leader. The benefits of new green collar jobs will be shared by First diagnosed with breast cancer and 2,100 grams every two years. This rate has Nations, rural and urban communities. will die from the disease. In Ontario, it is remained reasonably constant since 2000- recommended that women aged 50 and 2001. The goal of the OBSP is to achieve a older have a screening mammogram, gen- 70 per cent participation rate in Ontario JOIN THE GREEN MOVEMENT erally every two years. women aged 50-69 by the year 2010, and To find out more about how you can help the Ontario Liberal Party move our "Since the Program began, the OBSP 90 per cent by the year 2020. province to a greener and more prosperous future, please visit our website at: has provided over 3 million screens to The Ontario Breast Screening Program Ontario women aged 50 and over and has is an organized screening program that detected over 16,000 cancers, the majority offers important advantages to women. www.OntarioGreenEnergyAct.ca in early cancer stages," said Terrence Women with or without a family physician Sullivan, president and CEO, Cancer Care can be screened through the OBSP. Women Contact us at [email protected] Ontario. "Breast screening saves lives and can book their own appointments and are more women should get screened and not reminded by letter when they are due for just for breast cancer. Women should be their next mammogram. screened regularly for cervical cancer and To find an OBSP site, women can call 1- now with ColonCancerCheck, women over 800-668-9304 or use the OBSP Screening 50 should be screened for colorectal cancer Locations search tool at www.cancercare George Smitherman Dalton McGuinty as well." .on.ca/obsplocations. MPP, Toronto Centre Premier of Ontario/Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party "Screening finds breast cancer earlier, Cancer Care Ontario continually and by detecting cancer early women have improves cancer services so that fewer Paid for by the Toronto Centre Provincial Liberal Association 4 MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal

Monsoon Journal Printing the Winds of Change From the Publisher’s Desk ... around us All lands home, all men kin. Tamil Civilians Struggle in Internment camps "Have compassion towards The thought of a camp for Lankan city of Vavuniya that many been removed as they are forced May 5th, his only response to the to bath openly. They are unable to conditions in the internment all living beings. Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of the Tamil civilians reside in is in Sri Lanka offers a sense of relief merely in the control of the Sri tell anyone about their concerns, camps were that he was unable to Hatred leads destruction." - to many outsiders as aid now Lankan government after they fears and injustices that they face comment. The question that is Lord Mahavir flows to the anguished popula- leave the LTTE held areas. There daily. posed now is if the Sri Lankan tion. However, the extent of aid is is no freedom in these camps as Why the media is denied High Commissioner is unable to Managing Editor & Publisher not specified, and the conditions the Sri Lankan military holds a access to these internment camp comment, then why is he being Logan Velumailum are not known without sufficient tight surveillance on the civilians. areas? interviewed and who is in fact international organizations or Although food is claimed to be Many questions are raised legitimately authorized to com- Editorial & Marketing Consultant media present. distributed, at limited quantities, concerning the conditions of these ment. The politically savvy Siva Sivapragasam Independent observers are Tamils are still suffering the same internment camps and how the response that Jayasinghe provid- calling the camps setup for dis- conditions of injustice and danger military is actually treating the ed represented the underlying Promotion Co-ordinator placed Tamils are in fact that they would have in the LTTE Tamil civilians that are living in message, which is that the Sri Senthi Senthivel "Internment camps". zones under the Sri Lankan mili- Vavuniya's camp. Based on inde- Lankan Government is deter- "Internment is the imprison- tary onslaught. Mothers are still pendent footage that was mined to conceal the terrible con- Layout Design ment or confinement, of people, struggling to obtain enough food obtained by London's Channel 4 ditions that these internment Santosh Kumar K.A usually in large groups, without for their children and many of News recently, aid workers were camps offered. trial." The difference between an their thoughts surround when the interviewed and described the When asked why there were Graphics Consultant internment camp and jail is that in next meal would be given. poor conditions and frequent no international aid and media Gnane B. Gnanendran jail one is detained in lawful cus- Is this the type of assistance casualties that have occurred in allowed to enter the internment tody by the state because he/she that the Tamils have been waiting this camp. There is a constant camps the response that was Contributing Columnists is convicted of a crime or awaiting for? Military run internment battle of food shortages and pow- given was "We will let them in Anand. J a trial, in contrast in an intern- camps have been provided to the erlessness that the civilians have once we are satisfied that the Abizar Badani ment camp one is held in captivi- Tamil people with the cost of their begun to come to terms with. conditions are conclusive for pub- Arun Senathirajah ty without committing or even freedom, dignity, and even their When the Sri Lankan High lic view." Ayktah Grover being convicted of any crime. lives. Women have heard to be Commissioner in UK, Nihal Does this then confirm the Prof. Ghai, Saran The military directed intern- abducted and sexually abused by Jayasinghe was interviewed in state of Vavuniya's camp? Harish . G ment camp in the Northern Sri the military and their dignity has West London for Channel 4 on by Krishni Loganathan, BA (Hons) K.T. Kumaran Krishni. L Mother's Day Message by the Honourable Kumar Punithavel Forced Eviction into 'Menikfarm' Mithura Anandarajah Nate. V Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament Raymond Rajabalan concentration camp for Tamils for Scarborough-Agincourt Rudy Ruthran Shiyam. L There is no job more satisfying In North America, Mother's Day is and demanding than that of mother. celebrated on the second Sunday in Sri Krishnan. S Mothers, the world over, regardless of May. It is a time to order flowers, Circulation Co-ordinator their circumstance, share a collective send special cards, visit and telephone S.S. Mathavan goal - to provide the best possible life our mothers telling them how impor- Killy Sivarajah for their children. tant their love and support is in our Whether Mother's Day originated lives. It is a time to cherish all that Disclaimer: in ancient Greece or Rome or was an our mothers mean to us. Opinions and I nterpretations early Christian practice of visiting As we celebrate this day with our appearing in the newspaper are one's Mother Church, it has come to mothers, I join with you in wishing all those of the writers and need be the day when we remember and our mothers a "Happy Mother's Day." not be necessarily of honour our mothers. Monsoon Journal

To place community and non profit organization news STONEHOUSE RESTAURANT submit by email to: Champions Off-Track Wagering WANTED [email protected] Tel: 416-358-3235 FULL TIME COOK TO PREPARE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No contents SOUTH INDIAN/SRI LANKAN DISHES in Monsoon Journal may be printed without the written consent of the TEL:416-751-4580 / Publisher. The views and opinions expressed in Fax:416-751-3207 the articles in Monsoon Journal are 1399 Kennedy Rd. Scarborough, Ontario those of the authors and do not nec- [email protected] essarily reflect those of the Publisher. While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy Monsoon Journal is not responsible for any errors or Accident Referral Services omissions in the contents. Advertisers are responsible for the contents in Car Accident? TTC Slip & Fall? the Advertisements and all liabilities for their claimers. Refer a friend or yourself & receive $2000. Monsoon Journal Call us if not happy with your treatment. Circulation April 29, 2009: "I repeated at this morning's press conference the need for the fighting to stop. But now en route from the I DP camp to Toronto(GTA), Scarborough, We refer you to best physiotherapy clinics. the president I 'm thinking too about the basic deal for those who Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, have escaped the conflict zone: the Sri Lankan government want aid (647) 836-9621 Pickering, Ajax, Vaughan, Waterloo. but for that they need to offer access to the UN and NGOs. - David www.AccidentReferralServices.com “Source for Multi Ethnic Exposure” Miliband, Minister of Foreign Affairs, UK Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Newsline 5 Church groups in India IMF loan would not demand U.N. intervention be delayed, Sri Lanka to help Sri Lankan Tamils central bank says Church groups in India have as the Sri Lankan High Technical levels discussions ty to be delayed any longer. demanded the United Nations Commissioner. for Sri Lanka's International Claude Heller, the Mexican intervene to help end Colombo's "The bodies, psyche and spirit Monetary Fund (IMF) loan have ambassador who presided the 15- "hostilities" against Tamil people of the innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka now been finalized and with the nation UN Security council in in Sri Lanka. have been shattered. In the name UN Security Council also not April, indicated there was no pres- In New Delhi, hundreds of of war on terror, the Sri Lankan standing in the way, there would sure at the council to withhold the Catholics and Protestants, mostly government and military is be no further delays, a senior cen- IMF loan. priests, pastors and nuns, held a engaged in genocide," said the tral banker said. "No ... I have not heard any- joint demonstration on April 29 memorandum. Media reports indicated the one suggesting this at this time," against what they called "geno- It demands the U.N. and the United States, which has substan- AFP news agency quoted Heller as cide" in the neighboring island international community "initiate tial say in IMF decision-making, saying in response to a question nation. a process" to bring peace through could delay a 1.9 billion US dollar after an informal council discus- A day earlier, Catholic theolo- a political settlement to protect IMF balance of payments support sion on the Sri Lankan situation gians who met for their annual the rights and self-determination loan to Sri Lanka. late Thursday. meeting in Pune, western India, of the Tamil people. "Neither the governance rules Ranee Jayamaha Jayamaha said technical level sought U.N. mediation to find "an The memorandum also urged nor the mandate of the IMF allow discussions regarding the loan amicable and mutually acceptable the Indian government to "stop all political considerations to be nor Ranee Jayamaha said. have been finalized and an IMF political solution" to the conflict. logistical and military support" to taken into account and therefore She says the UN Security 'safeguards assessment mission' At the New Delhi protest, the Sri Lankan government and the Staff Report should be placed council has also said that blocking which is Colombo is in the process organized by the Ecumenical for international agencies to man- before the Board in a few days the loan was unnecessary and of finalizing its report. Clergy Forum for Human Rights, age relief camps without interfer- time," deputy central bank gover- there was no reason for the facili- [LBO] priests and nuns in traditional ence from Colombo. Church dress sang and carried Another demand was for an placards in support of Tamil civil- independent international fact- Indian woman aims for chilli record ians caught in the fighting in Sri finding team to visit the war zone JORHAT, India (AFP) - An Indian bled 51 red-hot chillies without Lanka. to assess damage and monitor woman is hoping to enter the batting an eyelid or shedding a The ecumenical forum was humanitarian assistance. record books as the world's tear, and also smeared seeds of established in December 2008, The memorandum also calls "hottest" woman after munching 25 chillies into her eyes in one initiated by the Protestant Tamil on the Sri Lankan government to Nadu Theological College to announce a unilateral ceasefire to 51 fiery chillies in two minutes, minute," Atul Lahkar, a chef who defend human rights. More than allow Tamil civilians to leave the organisers of the feat said Friday. organised the show, told AFP. 15 Christian denominations, war zone and hasten rehabilita- Anandita Dutta Tamuly, 26, The chillies are known locally as including the Catholic Church, and tion, food and shelter to displaced chewed her way through the chill- bhut jolokia and are a staple of their organizations joined the people. ies before an audience late local diet in Assam. They are coordinator. recent protest. About 200,000 Tamils are dis- Thursday in India's northeast. recognised by Guinness World Tamuly said she became hooked She consumed the chillies in the Records as the world's hottest on hot peppers when she was five company of British celebrity chef chili pepper. years old. Gordon Ramsay, who was produc- Guinness World Records had "I had a sore tongue and my ing a television show on food and "asked us to provide them with a mother applied a chilli paste to anchoring the event in Jorhat, 300 recording of the feat supervised cure the infection. After that I kilometers (180 miles) east of by someone responsible. We developed a penchant for chillies," Assam's main city of Guwahati. asked Ramsay to be the adjudica- Tamuly said. "In two minutes, Anandita gob- tor," said Diganta Saikia, another

Earlier, the Indian Theological Association urged the Sri Lankan government and rebels to lay down their arms and come to the negotiating table. Forty nine the- ologians, including 11 women, who attended the meeting expressed their "solidarity with the suffering of Tamils". Tamil "children, women, the elderly and the wounded are sub- jected to untold gruesome inhu- man suffering, and thousands of them are being killed in the ongo- A memorandum from the pro- placed in the war zone with "thou- ing military offensive," the associ- testers welcomed the Sri Lankan sands barricaded in concentration ation said in a statement. Its government's announcement on camp-like conditions" in govern- annual meeting ended on April April 27 that it would end the use ment-run camps, Vijayakumar 29. of heavy weapons against the James of the Church of South Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam India told demonstrators. Jaffna's Catholic bishop called on (LTTE) and concentrate on rescu- "Free media does not exist in Colombo to allow access to the ing trapped civilians. "But this Sri Lanka," said James, a member displaced civilians packed in gov- step, which is too little too late, of a team that visited the war ernment camps on the Jaffna does not guarantee and fulfill the zone in February. "No cameras or Peninsula. just demands of the Tamils on the mobile phones are permitted in "Allow UNHCR and other aid island," it added. Jaffna. There is a systematic agencies to work in internally dis- The memorandum, handed to blocking of news coming out of placed people camps as the gov- officials at the U.N. offices in New the area," he added. ernment is struggling to cope with Delhi also demanded international The Protestant lay leader also the situation alone," Bishop intervention to end war crimes alleged the Sri Lankan army is Thomas Savundaranayagam said. and restore human dignity in Sri "systematically killing Tamils, He issued the appeal following Lanka. even children". He also said about a four-day visit to refugee camps Protesters also submitted the 200 churches had been destroyed and hospitals in Vavuniya, Mannar memorandum to Indian President in the Jaffna area alone and that and Trincomalee districts in Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime war victims have "no food, no Jaffna. Minster Manmohan Singh, as well medicine." [UCA] 6 Monsoon Newsline MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Severely Injured Patients Stream into Vavuniya Hospital aul McMaster is working into us. they're injured. The family mem- Palong with another Our hospital has got about bers, if there is one, come with Doctors Without 450 beds, and we've now got nothing - no pots, no pans. We Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières more than 1,700 patients in the and our other colleagues and (MSF) surgeon and Ministry of hospital-on the floor, in the corri- organizations give them some- Health staff at Vavuniya hospital dors, and even outside. So the times some clothes and sandals in the Northern province of Sri hospital is very close to being and a mattress. And we're also Lanka to treat some of the tens of overwhelmed. feeding in the camps, supporting thousands of civilians streaming What conditions are the in the camps, thousands of chil- out of the Vanni, the conflict zone patients arriving in? dren and pregnant women who to the north. About three-quarters of the need supplementary food to try to Over the last few days an esti- injured coming in now have suf- build them up again. mated 60,000 civilians have fered from blast injuries, and the What are the challenges to escaped the heavy fighting in the rest are gunshot wounds and providing care in the hospital Vanni and many wounded have mine explosions. We are seeing right now? been brought in buses to who has survived on the field and The post-operative care is the Vavuniya hospital. On April 21, actually reached us. We see area of main concern, really. It's A boy who fled the Vanni area required an amputation MSF reported treating 400 people abdominal injuries, but many of very difficult. We have a ward that at Vavuniya hospital in 36 hours, almost twice as many the chest or head injuries we're I think is supposed to have 45 patients as were admitted the suspecting don't survive the and bodies are being taken off the I n what sort of mental beds; we've had something like previous week. The following day, blasts to get to us. buses sometimes as well. state do patients arrive? 325 patients in it. It's extremely patients continued to arrive at We are doing a lot of amputa- Are you seeing many Well we're obviously seeing difficult to give any quality post- these levels, said Dr. McMaster. tions. Many of the lower limbs are women or children with the critically injured and the shock operative care, and we try con- severely, severely injured and severe injuries? patients. As I said earlier, they stantly to pick out the ones who What is the situation at blown off. So we're doing emer- We're seeing a lot of men with just lie silently waiting their turn are at risk of infection or sepsis. the hospital now? gency amputations and a lot of severe injuries, but we're also to get the treatment. We're deal- The nurses work very hard; We and our Sri Lankan col- these patients we're doing seeing a lot of women, a lot of ing with critical people who need the nurses are working 19-, 20- leagues have been dealing with abdominal expirations, or damage children. We're doing amputations surgery urgently, and truthfully hour shifts. But even so, there are casualties brought into us over to internal organs and the bowel, on children; we're doing abdomi- there's little time to go further. We very few nurses to go around. these last few days from the con- we're dealing with chest injuries, nal expirations for internal dam- have people in the team who are And often it's trying to pick the flict in the north of us. We've draining damaged chests and age as well, in children. And counselors and mental officers patient with the problem and deal been seeing very severely wound- lungs, and we're dealing with sometimes we're operating on who are working in the camps. with it, rather sometimes doing ed patients, the numbers of some head injuries as well, but both the mother and father and a But these are deeply, deeply trau- our full normal quality of work patients have increased rapidly the majority of the severe head child from the same family that matized people. We have children that we want to support these over the last three or four days, injuries don't make it to us. Buses had been wounded in the same sitting in the middle of emergency people. It is very difficult for all so we're seeing a stream of badly that bring these people down, explosion or mine. We're seeing wards seeing people brought in the staff here, who are all working wounded people being brought people are dying on those buses, whole families that are wounded with major blasts limb injuries. very, very hard. sometimes. And these are children, just sitting What do you expect to see We had a young woman of silently, emotionless, in the mid- in the coming days? about 19 who is breastfeeding dle of all this, as we try to treat From what I hear, the num- Sri Lankan Tamils that I had to do a major leg them and move them quickly up bers are likely to continue over amputation on. I just wonder to the surgery or the ward. these coming days, and could what the future for her life and Can you tell what the even increase. We're making Protest in Melbourne child will be. We're seeing chil- patients' living conditions what preparations we can to Hundreds of Tamil supporters prepare to march on dren that have no parents with must have been like before receive and even larger number them. We had a little boy with a they arrived at the hospital? of casualties over these coming Government House as they protest the actions of the blast amputation of his leg, I think Many of them clearly have days. And our hope and prayer Sri Lankan government against the Tamil Tigers caus- he's about five, and he's being been living under very difficult would be, of course, this stops looked after by his big brother, conditions. They come in needing very quickly, but I've seen no sign ing the deaths of innocent civilians, in Melbourne on who's about seven, and we don't acute surgery, so are not able to of that as yet, and I've not heard April 28, 2009. They are asking supporters to email to know where the parents are or eat, and certainly some of them anything from the team or our Sri whether they're even alive. But have had little to eat in the previ- Lankan colleagues to suggest the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen these two little children are in the ous days. They come with noth- that's going to stop any time Smith, urging the Australian Government to make middle of a very traumatic hospi- ing; they have barely the clothes soon. [MSF] tal setting on their own. that they have on. Of course, immediate and direct representations to both the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE. (Getty I mages) + The Law Office of T. Jegatheesan Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, ON.

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2620 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 201 Scarborough, ON. M1K 2S3 Tel: 416.266.6154, Fax: 416.266.4677 + Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Canada Newsline 7 The Scarborough Hospital RBC STUDY FINDS HOME- BUYING INTENTIONS well prepared for swine flu STILL STRONG Hospital taking extra precautions Opportunity awaits- two-in-three Canadiansthink it'sa buyer'smarket to keep patients and visitors safe TORONTO, According to the five years for their home to recov- surveys as one way to provide 16th Annual RBC Homeownership er its value. insight to Canadians about the Survey, 65 per cent of Canadians "Low mortgage rates and marketplace in which they live. think it's a buyers market right favourable housing prices are These are some of the find- now and more than a quarter of influencing home purchase inten- ings of an RBC poll conducted by Canadians (27 per cent) say they tions this year and may be the Ipsos Reid between January 6 to intend to purchase a home over reason why more Canadians are 9, 2009. The online survey is the next two years, up four points poised to purchase over the next based on a randomly selected from 23 per cent in 2008 - the two years," added Leggett. representative sample of 2,026 largest single year increase since The primary reason stated by adult Canadians. With a represen- 2001. Additionally, almost half (48 homeowners not planning to pur- tative sample of this size, the per cent) indicate it makes sense chase a home is that they are results are considered accurate to to buy a home now versus waiting within ± 2.2 percentage points, 19 until next year. Now is a Buyers Market Intentions to Buy The RBC survey found that Extensive precautions to pre- the spread of infection and dis- BC 78% 26% younger Canadians are most like- vent the transmission of swine flu ease. Alberta 72% 35% ly to spark an upsurge in home at The Scarborough Hospital are "Despite the increased level Sask/Man 34% 25% sales. In the under 35 group, 48 helping ensure that both the of monitoring and precaution, Ontario 73% 30% per cent said they plan to buy, General and Grace campuses are patients can be reassured that Quebec 52% 22% which is up sharply from 36 per safe for patients, visitors and TSH is well prepared for an out- Atlantic Canada 58% 25% cent last year. Renters also appear staff. break situation," says Dr. Wright. to be saying they are tired of pay- To date, there have been no "Many of our staff worked ing someone else's mortgage pay- suspected cases of swine flu at through SARS and other out- ment, with 38 per cent planning TSH. Still, a rapid preparation to breaks, and the lessons learned to become homeowners in the deal with potential cases began are being brought to the table in next two years. last week when the Ministry of spades. I don't think there is a "The current economic envi- Health and Long-Term Care first more experienced team at any ronment does not appear to have alerted hospitals to the risk. hospital in this province." dampened Canadians' overall con- "Patients who have scheduled More information about swine fidence in the housing market," appointments or procedures flu, and measures TSH has in said Karen Leggett, head, Home should know that the hospital is place to deal with the situation, is Equity Financing, RBC Royal Bank. safe," says Dr. John Wright, available at www.tsh.to/swineflu. "Canadians continue to have an President and CEO. " Because overwhelming belief in the long- swine flu is a community-based TSH leads Ontario in hand term value of a home and we're outbreak, people are probably hygiene seeing this in the buying inten- safer here than in other places in On Thursday, the province tions of many first time homebuy- the community due to the diligent publicly released hand hygiene ers this year." precautions we have put in data and The Scarborough A large majority of Canadians place." Hospital had the highest compli- (83 per cent) remain positive that While we are asking visitors ance rate of all Ontario hospitals - homeownership is a good invest- who may have visited destina- 97 percent, compared to a provin- ment. While the proportion is tions with confirmed cases of cial average of 61 percent. down slightly from 85 per cent in swine flu to not enter the hospi- The data collected measures 2008 and from the all time high of tal, day-to-day hospital business how often staff and physicians 90 per cent in 2006, it is 10 points continues for patients in our correctly clean their hands before stronger than it was a decade ago Emergency Department, specialty and after a patient contact. (72 per cent). clinics, day surgery and other "With all the concerns sur- Among those who intend to areas. Those who may have trav- rounding swine flu, I am very buy, three-in-ten say favourable content with the home they have times out of 20, of what they eled to affected destinations, and proud that the staff and physi- housing price is a major reason (sixty per cent). Job loss/employ- would have been had the entire who have flu-like symptoms cians here have taken hand driving their decision. In a marked ment factors (eight per cent) as adult Canadian population been including the acute onset of a hygiene so seriously," says Dr. change from last year, 54 per cent well as general concerns about polled. The margin of error will be new or worsening cough and/or John Wright, President and CEO of Canadians believe housing the economy (six per cent) also larger within regions and for other shortness of breath, sore throat, of The Scarborough Hospital. prices will be lower in 2009, up influenced people's decisions not sub-groupings of the survey pop- headache or fatique/exhaustion, "Proper hand hygiene is still the from 31 per cent in 2008. to buy a home. ulation. These data were statisti- will be provided with surgical most effective way to protect our Similarly, the study showed 14 per RBC is the largest residential cally weighted to ensure the sam- masks and asked to make use of patients and ourselves." cent of Canadians believe their mortgage lender in Canada. As ple's regional and age/sex compo- the hand sanitizers available More information about TSH's home has lost value in the last the country's number one source sition reflects that of the actual throughout the hospital. hand hygiene compliance results two years. Of these, most (54 per of financial advice on homeown- Canadian population according to As always, hand hygiene are available at www.tsh.to. cent) think it will take three-to- ership, RBC conducts consumer the 2006 Census data. remains the best defense against Revive your business Let us show you the way. Call David: 416.567.3206 www.djrretailconsulting.com 8 Monsoon Newsline MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Appeasers of Sri Tamils of Dharavi Lankan atrocities go protest Sri Lanka berserk over blog onslaught

by Kotravan Tamil residents of Dharavi - in ed their village atmosphere into Robert Mackey of New York Mumbai, demonstrated and their new place of residence. Times is now the journalist to be shouted slogans against the Sri Dharavi is a closed society. Even continuously vilified by appeasers Lanka military onslaught and the non-Tamilians have learnt to of the Sri Lankan state atrocities. forced eviction of Tamils from speak Tamil to survive here. Robert Mackey wrote a post their homes on April 25th. They There are some Tamilians who titled, "Is the World Ignoring Sri burned posters of Sri Lankan have been here for years and still Lanka's Srebrenica?" in The New President Mahinda Rajapaksa dur- don't know a single word of Hindi. York Times News blog, The Lede ing the protest. They don't need to know. They on Apr 17th. According to A Ganesh Nadar live and work in Dharavi where Blogger Pradeep Jeganathan of Rediff.com, "Dharavi's main the national language is Tamil." in a post has accused Mackey of population consists of Tamilians "Tamil" is described as the being "illogical" and "disingenu- who've migrated to Mumbai from "National language" of Dharavi, ous" in making the Srebrenica their home state. an urban slum ward in Mumbai. comparison as it is a "deliberate Srebrenica - by Yasin Kocak These Tamilians have import- civilian massacre, and has been says: assume that the only possible deemed to be genocide, by the About my "motives" meaning of the word Srebrenica International Court of Justice." I posted a further clarification now is shorthand for "genocide" is Government of Sri Lanka and of what the question asked in the beneath someone of your educa- its supporters say there is no headline of the blog post I wrote tion. mass killings taking place in the means to many journalists and Against the killing of innocent country. And the appeasers of Sri aid workers who were in Bosnia at civilians Lankan state atrocities have been the time that Srebrenica was I have one bias here: against using from pen to gun to silence allowed to fall. You can read that the killing of innocent civilians in the critics of the government. addendum to my post, and accept any war zone. And maybe a sec- In January this year, Lasantha that the word means different ond one: against the allowing of it Wickramatunga, editor of a Sri things to different people, or not, by the international community. Lankan newspaper called the but I find your wild accusation But having grown up partly in Sunday Leader, was assassinated that some sort of racism is behind Northern Ireland and lived and on his way to work by two gun- what I wrote really baseless. You worked in former Yugoslavia with men riding motorcycles. The really have no idea what my back- refugees from the conflict during Leader's investigative reporting ground or perspective is, and yet it, I am aware that it is hard to had been fiercely critical of the you feel comfortable launching say anything about a conflict like government and of the conduct of into this personal and insulting this without being misunderstood its war against Tamil separatists. attack on me and hinting about by some or most people deeply Renowned author Arundhati my "motives." invested in it. Roy and singer M.I.A Maya Failure of the United Nations Different meanings for many Arulpragasam are continued to be to protect the U.N.-designated different people demonized on Sri Lankan web- "safe areas" Lastly Srebrenica is not in fact sites, including that of the Sri People who were very close a code word for genocide: it is a Lankan army for speaking about witnesses to the failure of the place, with a history that has Tamil civilian plight. United Nations to protect the many different meanings for In his response to Pradeep U.N.-designated "safe areas" in many different people. If that Jeganathan, author of the post Bosnia may have a different per- were not so, it would not have "Is the World Ignoring Sri Lanka's spective on what happened there ended up being the site of a mul- Srebrenica?", Robert Mackey than people who were not, but to tifaceted tragedy. Bundles of joy amidst the horrific Sri Lanka war zone [in Dharavi, Mumbai April 25, 2009-Reuters pic] Lanka wants LTTE to allow eviction of Twin babies were delivered on 16 April 2009 by a dedicated Tamil civilians into internment camps Health team, Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) in the [An awareness campaign in London in April] area said in a media note. The babies were delivered by caesare- an section successfully with very minimum facilities. The makeshift-hospital in Vanni is struggling to cope with very minimal facilities and short- age of medicines amidst continu- ing Sri Lanka military onslaught. [pictures by RDHS]

by T. Earakan international loot in the form of Independent analysts say Sri aid for the internment camps as Lanka Government wants to con- the economy is in the doldrums tinue the agenda of forcefully amidst massive military spending evicting Tamil civilians and detain and rampant corruption. Towards them in internment camps without this objective, Sri Lanka continues livelihood, under various guises. its calls to "allow civilian move- Government is also looking to lure ment", these analysts pointed out. Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Health 9

ment with others, routinely wash your hands and also sanitize the equipment with the use of a disin- Get the Dirt on Germs fectant. mised. However, infection pre- When washing your hands it is By Mithura Anandarajah, PT vention measures can help pro- important to remove rings, apply Registered Physiotherapist tect you and others if this virus a small amount of liquid soap and With the recent outbreak of ria because they spread more does continue to spread. Did you rub your hands together for about that common surfaces are kept the H1N1 flu virus (human swine easily. know that perhaps the most 20 seconds. The mechanical act clean and germ free. The kitchen flu), it becomes exceeding impor- If more than one person in important thing that you can do of rubbing washes away dirt and counter and sink is the place in tant to gather the facts and act your family has the same sick- to stop the spread of germs is fre- grease that the germs can stick the household where most of the accordingly. While it is important ness, odds are it is a viral infec- quent and thorough handwash- to. Rinse your hands thoroughly germs exist. Avoid sharing per- to be aware of the facts, risks and tion. Cold and flu viruses invade ing? Eighty percent of germs are and dry your hands, preferably sonal drinks and food. If you are prevention methods, it is also our cells and rapidly grow in num- spread through your hands. For with a single use paper towel. If sick, avoid going to work or important not to add to the hyste- ber causing symptoms like runny example, if you touch a door knob you do use a hand towel, change crowds, where the germs can be ria that can result. There are sto- nose, cough, aches and sore with the flu virus on it and then it daily. Use hand lotion if your easily spread. ries of Mexicans being discrimi- throats. Sometimes these viruses you touch your mouth, you could hands are dry. Teach your chil- Following these guidelines will nated against, detained and quar- mutate or change in composition then get infected. dren how to wash their hands limit the spread of this infection antined. In several countries, pig and new viruses emerge. Such is Handwashing is easy to learn, properly. and other seasonal influenzas. livestock have been killed despite the case with the current H1N1 cheap and incredibly effective at Another important reminder is They make good practice now the fact that the virus is not trans- flu virus which traditionally was a stopping the spread of disease- that you should avoid sneezing or during this outbreak, but also mitted by food. Eating properly respiratory disease of pigs. causing germs. Do it several times coughing into your hand. It is throughout the year. Knowledge cooked pork or pork products is All influenza infections can be a day, before and after meals, better to cough or sneeze into is your best defense against the safe. The H1N1 flu virus is spread dangerous, especially for the very after use of the bathroom, after your arm. If you do use a tissue, spread of the H1N1 flu virus. For the same way as regular seasonal old, young or populations that are blowing your nose or coughing. If dispose of it appropriately and more information please review influenza. Influenza and other immune-deficient or compro- you are sharing toys or equip- then wash your hands. Keep your the updates distributed by the respiratory infections are trans- fingers away from your nose or Public Health Agency of Canada mitted from person to person hand. In your home, make sure (www.publichealth.gc.ca). when germs enter the nose and/or throat. What are germs? The word "germs" is a general term for dif- ferent types of tiny organisms. Bacteria and viruses are examples of two different types of germs. Bacteria are virtually everywhere in our environment and make up 60 per cent of the living matter on earth. Of the billions of types of bacteria only about 50 are known to cause infection. Viruses cause far more illnesses than bad bacte-

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by Kanayalal Raina words: "While no one can stop tion. spending his time in the company me from entering the political In our part of the country, of second-rung politicians. The What is the similarity between arena, nobody can force me to do however, the majority of film list also includes Vyjanthimala and cine stars and politicians? Both so as well. Legal action will be ini- actors have not been consistent in Rajesh Khanna. Shatrughan sell dreams. Everything about tiated against those who use my their role as politicians. They have Sinha, Raj Babbar, Jayaprada, movies is generally big --- glam- name for political ends." How come, won the elections and then Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini our, action and eventually the tri- should one interpret a statement faded away. Dharmendra and are still striving to gain political umph of the good over the evil. like this? Evidently it implies that Govinda are the latest to join this respectability despite having One has just to remember the as and when Rajnikant joins poli- category. Amitabh Bachchan's spent considerable time in their dialogue: "Rishte main to hum tics he would do it with the inten- political stint has been an utter new field. Only actor who has tumhare baap lagte hain naam tion of playing a long stint rather failure. Whatever his standing in won overall political acclaim in the hai Shahenshah" Almost all of us than quitting after a brief flirta- the Hindi cinema he has ended up past is Sunil Dutt. respond by saying: Wah! Wah!! So is the case with our political leaders. They have readymade solutions to end our miseries: "Garibi hatao." It comes in handy for them in one election after the other. They promise to turn their Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Leader of AI ADMK Party constituencies into the lands of Ms. Jayalalitha plenty and prosperity. When in power they hold no less attention Minister? Jayalalitha continues to than film actors. reflect in his glory. In Andhra They enjoy every moment of Pradesh N.T. Rama Rao had shat- it. So do those who hang around tered the charisma of Indira them. However, there is a big dif- Gandhi in an extraordinary devel- ference between politicians and opment. Thriving on his screen our celluloid heroes. The former image he had swayed the mass- actually control the levers of gov- es. ernance. The latter do so only on Only such miracles could pos- the screen. By the sheer force of sibly break the Congress strangle- their media they nevertheless hold. This was what many con- acquire a larger-than-life image ventional opposition politicians among the people at large. In the had said then. Even these days process, it seems, they believe the Tamil and Telugu politics sig- that they can click in real life nificantly rotates around them. (read politics) as well. They try Don't we hear of Chiranjeevi and their luck in the elections. While his Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) in they have done extremely well in Andhra Pradesh nowadays? There the polls and afterwards in Tamil is Vijayakant and his Desiya Nadu and Andhra Pradesh their Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam performance in the post-election (DMDK) in Tamil Nadu. A notable period has generally left much to exception so far is the country's be desired in the north of the highest paid actor, Rajnikant. country. Who can ever forget that Wooed by the topmost politicians M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) had a he has not yet made up his mind long spell as the Tamil Nadu Chief to join their ranks. In his own 12 MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 13

Subramaniam Kanthaswamy faith and confidence in moral, spiritual and intel- lectual values; (2) Sila: abstain from destroying The sixth century BC is regarded as a chap- The Joy of Enlightenment and harming life, from stealing and cheating, ter of exceptional interest in the story of from adultery, from falsehood, and from intoxi- mankind. Mighty empires flourished but that was cating drinks and drugs; (3) Caga: practise char- the least part of the glory. Much more significant ity, generosity, without attachment and craving were the historic conquests made in the realm of for wealth; (4) Panna: develop wisdom which the spirit. It was an age of intellectual ferment, and Renunciation lead to the complete destruction of suffering, to of heart-searching and discontent, of longing lead to realisation. and quest. But it was also an age of fruitful It was the night of the full moon, in the achievement, when the discovery of new values month of Vaishakha in Kusinagar. The hour was brought solace to the human heart. This was the approaching when the Buddha, having kept the glorious epoch of Gautama Buddha (Circa 563 - wheel of Dharmma in motion for forty years, was 483 BC) Mahavira (Circa 599 - 527 BC) and to depart from existence and embrace the state Confucius (Circa 551 - 479 BC.) of annihilation. He was surrounded by his sor- The life and teachings of Gautama the rowing disciples "Where shall we seek solace, Buddha have been a source of inspiration to mil- Blessed One?" they cried. The Buddha consoled lions in many countries for over two thousand them by saying, "You shall still have the four five hundred years. Edwin Arnold in his book on noble truths and the way of righteousness. He the Buddha has fittingly called him the "Light of advised with feeling of holy reverence and awe, Asia". The spiritual and moral forces generated viz. the place where he was born (Lumbini by Buddha have strengthened and enriched grove), the place where he reached enlighten- Hinduism and helped to wean it from perver- ment (Bodh-Gaya), the place where he first sions which had set in at that time. taught the Dharma and where the Buddhist The word 'Buddha' means 'the Awakened or Sangha came into existence (Deer park in Enlightened One.' Known as the 'Buddha' only Sarnath near Varanasi), and the place of his final after his enlightenment at the age of thirty-five, extinction (Kusinagar). Gautama is also respectfully called Sakhyamuni What the Buddha discovered will always ('sage of the sakhyas'), Siddhartha ('he who has remain a mystery to the unenlightened and accomplished'), and Tathagata ('he who has hence for them it became a subject of endless arrived at the truth' or 'thus come' or 'thus speculation and debate. The Buddha frowned gone') On the night of the full moon in the month of Law. The Asoka pillar at Sarnath, with its upon all philosophical questions that had no rel- Gautama Siddhartha was the son of of Vaishakha 531 B.C., thirty-five years after his famous capital of four lions, was erected at the evance to ultimate Emancipation. He always Suddodhana who ruled the Sakhya clan from birth, Siddhartha settled himself under a spread- place where the Buddha established his first refused to discuss the question of the existence the town of Kapilavastu, in present-day Uttar ing Pippala tree (now called the Bodhi tree) and Sangha, the Buddhist congregation. The lion of God or Creator. Theistic systems advocate Pradesh in India. Siddharta was born on the full resolved: "Never from this seat will I stir, until I capital of this pillar is the national emblem of the that man should demonstrate his utter sub- moon day in the month of Vaishaka circa 563 have attained the supreme and absolute wis- Republic of India. servience to God through sacrifice and prayer. In B.C. Legend has it that Queen Maha Maya Devi dom." The Four Noble Truths: Buddhism, however, there is no God who has to was travelling from Kapilvastu to her parents As he sat in deep meditation, Mara, and his * The truth of suffering (dukkha), all exis- be appeased or bribed in order to win favours. home in Devadaha. During the journey the men, the personifications of doubt, confusion tence is suffering. The onus is wholly on man to cleanse himself of Queen seeing the natural beauty of Lumbini and temptation, assailed him with terrific force * The truth of the cause of suffering (samu- all traces of karma and to realise nirvana. The Grove, in modern day Nepal, decided to take to distract him from his purpose. Gautama then daya), the true origination of suffering has been Buddha eschewed all forms of dependence and rest and there under a mighty sal tree brought touched the earth, calling it to bear witness to discovered. stressed the importance of self-reliance. In his forth the future Buddha. Lumbini soon became a the countless lifetimes of virtue that led him to * The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha), words it is incumbent upon man to free himself place of pilgrimage. Emperor Asoka visited this place of enlightenment. The earth shook the stopping of that suffering is possible. of the desire to be helped by gurus, priests, Lumbini in 249 BC and erected a commemora- confirming the truth of his words. * The truth of the path that leads to the end avatars, astrologers and intercessors. Equally tive stone pillar. The day of his birth is widely cel- Gautama had only one companion to sustain of suffering (magga). The way leading to the deplorable is the worship of statues and pictures ebrated by Buddhist as Vesak. him - the tree above him. The struggle went on stopping of suffering is the Eight-fold path. of the Buddha and Hindu deities. until the seeker of the truth emerged victorious The Buddha expounded the four virtues con- Contd. in Page 21... The GREAT RENUNCI ATI ON and attained Enlightenment (Nirvana.) Nirvana is ducive to a healthy and happy life: (1) Saddha: Suddodhana went to great lengths to sur- the extinguishing of one's ego and self in the round Siddharta's life with all kinds of luxuries realisation of one's true nature. As the tree and pleasures because he was haunted by the showered soft blossoms upon him in his moment fear that his beloved son might renounce the of enlightenment, the Buddha woke up from his world as had been prophesied. After marrying trance, walked a short distance and stood gazing Yasodhara, Siddharta lived with her for a period with infinite gratitude upon the tree that had of about ten years before the birth of their son sheltered him. To his followers it became the Rahula. According to some commentators it was holiest tree in the world. And after his Great the birth of Rahula that spurred the prince to Departure it became their main object of wor- become an ascetic. But there is a more tradition- ship. For many centuries the figure of the al and popular theory that attributes his renunci- Buddha himself was not deified and homage was ation to his seeing a decrepit old man, a dis- paid only to such symbols as his foot-prints, his eased man, then a corpse; and finally, a wander- begging-bowl, and above all the Bodhi Tree. ing religious monk with a serene countenance. The present Bodhi Tree at Gaya is most These Four Passing Sights lead Siddhartha to probably the fifth descendant of the original recognise the reality of death and suffering, the tree. It still performs a very important role to cyclical nature of human existence (samsara) Buddhists of all traditions, being viewed as the and the impermanence of all mundane things. actual Buddha by some; it is a reminder and an As he started brooding his heart was filled with inspiration, a symbol of peace, of the Master's the desire to emulate the wandering monk who enlightenment and of the ultimate. There is not radiated such peace and happiness. He was con- one Buddhist monument or temple, where its sumed with a burning passion to unravel the majestic branches do not beckon the pilgrim. At mystery of suffering, its nature and origin as well Baharhut, Sanchi, Sarnath, Amaravati, Nalanda as its total elimination. His mind made up, the and Nagarjunkonda enormous amount of labour prince exclaimed: "I must go forth on the Great has been spent in the representation of this holy Retirement this very day." tree in stone. Siddharta called Channa, the charioteer, and A rock edict records Asoka's visit to Bodh ordered him to saddle a horse. Channa selected Gaya in the 3rd century B.C. where he erected a the steed, Kanthaka, and drew the girth around shrine to commemorate the sacred spot. Under him. Giving up a life of princely comforts, riches the Bodhi tree, there is still a stone seat, the and security, Siddharta Gautama was on his way Vajrasana, which has an inscription of that peri- to the adventurous quest into the great od. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World unknown. This event has been called the Great Heritage Site, stands east of the Bodhi Tree. This Renunciation for it entailed an inward journey sacred edifice is like a grand banner unfurled by into the hidden depths of his psyche - the time to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of Bodhisattva (one whose essence is perfect wis- the Buddha to solve the knots of human mis- dom or one destined for enlightenment) full of eries, to ascend above worldly problems and to the joy of Renunciation, went forth to achieve attain transcendental peace through wisdom, the greater joy of Enlightenment. good conduct and disciplined life. The theme of the Great Renunciation has As a Buddha, an awakened one, he deliv- been narrated by poets of every age, but never ered his first sermon to his five former compan- with such matchless literary skill as Ashvaghosa ions at Sarnath, near Varanasi. He taught them has achieved in his Pali classic Buddhacharitha. the four Noble Truths and the Noble eight-fold In sculpture, the Great Renunciation is described Path leading to the cessation of all suffering. in some of the outstanding reliefs at Sanchi and This event is known as the Dharmachakra Amaravati. Pravartin, or the setting into motion of the Wheel 14 Monsoon Newsline MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Sri Lankan Tamils and India's 'Responsibility to Protect' by M.G.Devasahayam to intervene directly and bring the ADMK supremo, J. Jayala- genocide to an end as per lithaa has set the cat amongst the Professor Francis Boyle, an inter- pigeons when she declared the national law expert. other day: "If a government that In the event, Ms. Jayalalithaa listens to me is formed at the and her alliance partners are on a Centre, I will take action for the strong wicket as far as India's dispatch of the Indian army to the direct intervention to halt the island nation and create a sepa- 'racist genocide' and evolving a rate Tamil Eelam." This demand just and fair political solution to had been raised earlier by her bring this long-festering conflict alliance partners - Dr. Ramadass to an end. of PMK and Vaiko of MDMK. As to the 'creation of a sepa- [All I ndia Anna Dravida rate Tamil Eelam', the Sinhalese Munnetra Kazhagam seem to be facilitating it more (AI ADMK) chief Jayalalitha, than the Tamils. How else does center, holds hands with one interpret the Western Communist Party of I ndia Province election results wherein leader A.B.Bardhan, left and the Sinhala people have given full Communist Party of I ndia mandate to Mahinda Rajapaksa to (Marxist) leader Prakash go ahead in the war against 'Tamil Karat during an election rally terrorism'. The same can be seen in Chennai, I ndia, Thursday, in any forthcoming elections April 16, 2009-AP pic] introducing and championing the out by killing, forced expulsion, ing in distress and agony but the under the Sri Lankan state sys- Prof. K.Anbazhagan, the intel- principle of the 'Responsibility to acts of terror or rape. UN Security Council is merely tem. lectual face of DMK, responded: Protect' (R2P). Commission was Under Article 24 of the UN indulging in meaningless seman- With a 'military victory' of "Tamils are being destroyed in Sri hosted by Canada and headed by Charter, the Security Council has tics and bureaucratic procedures. Sinhalese over Tamils achieved by Lanka . The place is full of widows Gareth Evans, former Australian the primary responsibility for the China is reportedly blocking all an Army General who has openly who have lost their husbands, Foreign Minister. maintenance of peace and securi- efforts to even bring this issue on declared that 'Sri Lanka belong to widowers who have lost their Heads of state and govern- ty. It has the power to impose the discussion agenda of the the Sinhalese' and near total wives, and people who have lost ment from 150 countries, meeting sanctions, establish peace keep- Security Council. political polarization of Sinhalese their arms and legs. This has as the UN General Assembly, ing missions, and authorize mili- It is clear that in Sri Lanka UN vs Tamils engineered by a been going on for a long time. unanimously accepted not only tary action. As a signatory to the Security Council has failed to dis- President who wants to 'rule for Sinhalas are making Tamils into that sovereign states have a very UN Charter, 1948 Genocide charge its responsibility of pro- ever' with that linguistic majority heaps of corpse. But theirs and explicit responsibility to protect Convention, and the Four Geneva tecting innocent civilians in 'con- in tow, 'Tamil Ealam' looks like an ours are different countries. The their own people from genocide, Conventions of 1949, India is science-shocking situations that agenda that has self-generated laws of that land are different. We war crimes, ethnic cleansing and bound to invoke the UN Security has been crying out for action'. It itself! [www.transCurrents.com] cannot intervene". crimes against humanity, but Council to halt the crimes against is imperative therefore that India (The writer is a former Indian He was only echoing what when they manifestly fail in that humanity and gross violation of as the concerned state has to Administrative Service (IAS) offi- UPA Government, Congress party responsibility - as a result of human rights and civil liberties consider 'other means' including cer, who had held many important and Chief Minister Karunanidhi either incapacity or ill-will - the taking place in Sri Lanka . When military action to meet the gravity positions nationally and been in a have been repeating ad nauseam. responsibility falls upon the wider Security Council fails or is pre- and urgency of the situation. very high position in the TN State This is the concept that carries international community to take vented from performing this criti- As parens patriae (parent of administration, before retirement. the benign nomenclature of "sov- whatever action is appropriate, cal role concerned countries his country) for the Tamils in Sri Presently chairs the Chennai ereignty" wherein the internation- including in the last resort, and if acquire the right under R2P. Lanka , being the original home- Intellectuals' Forum and was a al system is structured to entitle the Security Council agrees, mili- Sri Lanka situation is the ideal land for the Tamils, India has an member of the Chennai team that states to impunity within their tary action. This was contained in one to invoke the R2P. It has been added responsibility. In this met with President Rajapaksa to borders. Sovereignty enables Articles 138 and 139 of the UN horrendous and conscience- capacity India has the moral right, discuss possible power sharing states to determine for them- World Summit Outcome shocking crying out for action. the legal obligation, and the mechanisms as a solution to the selves whether human rights are Document 2005. This commit- The world Tamil Diaspora is wail- standing under international law present conflict.) indeed universal, or whether ment has been reaffirmed in UN international standards and con- Security Council Resolution 1674. ventions can be omitted from According to Gareth Evans, Jayalalitha's AIDMK ahead of Karunanidhi's their jurisprudence and conduct. R2P is intended to apply to mass What does this mean in the atrocity crimes, which refer to context of Sri Lanka ? That the "genocide, war crimes, ethnic DMK in Tamil Nadu Elections Tamils there are urchins and cleansing, and crimes against By Siva Sivapragasam nidhi's resp-onse for this was to pressurize the Indian Govern- orphans to be deserted on the humanity." State sovereignty Jayalalitha Jayaram, former go on a fast for a couple of hours ment to act strongly against the streets and cast to the vultures implies responsibility, and the pri- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and in Chennai demanding an imme- Sri Lankan Government to halt and wolves to destroy and deci- mary responsibility for the protec- one time South Indian film diate cease-fire in the fighting in the war. mate as they wish? Can a civilised tion of its people lies with the world's glamour queen, is obvi- Sri Lanka. They allege that his desire for society tolerate this? state itself. Where a population is ously a strong fighter when it Karunanidhi's fast has been power and position made him to On similar lines UN Secretary suffering serious harm, as a result comes to electioneering. She has termed as a farce by Jayalalitha soft-pedal the issue with the General Kofi Annan had posed a of internal war, insurgency, outwitted the current Chief and her partners who ridiculed it Centre. Jayalalitha is scoring on challenge to the Millennium repression or state failure, and Minister and seasoned octoge- by saying that he began the fast this with the help of her partners General Assembly in April 2000, the state in question is unwilling narian politician Muthuvel after a heavy breakfast and like Vaiko, Dr. Ramadoss and asking "If humanitarian interven- or unable to halt or avert it, the Karunanidhi over the Sri Lankan ended it just in time for his mid- Nedumaran who are powerful tion is indeed an unacceptable principle of non-intervention question which has taken centre- day meal. speakers at election rallies and assault on sovereignty, how yields to the international R2P. stage in the Tamil Nadu elections The heavy fighting that has who can sway the masses. As at should we respond to a Rwanda, There is a 'Just Cause to be held next week. been going on in the Mullaitivu now, Jayalalitha seems to be cut- to a Srebrenica - to gross and sys- Threshold' for military interven- She has dropped a bomb- district resulting in the heavy ting an edge over Karunanidhi. tematic violations of human rights tion under R2P - large scale loss shell on election platforms civilian casualties has become a With a few days to go for the that offend every precept of our of life, actual or apprehended, recently that if her party is elect- highly emotional issue in the elections much depends on the common humanity?" This chal- with genocidal intent or not, ed she will help Sri Lankan Tamils Tamil Nadu elections due next events that would unfold in the lenge was the catalyst for the which is the product either of to carve out a separate Tamil week. The allegation leveled war arena. Whatever said, the International Commission on deliberate state action, or state Eelam state in Sri Lanka and if against Karunanidhi and the DMK five times Chief Minister Intervention and State neglect or inability to act, or a necessary pressurize the Centre by his opponents stem from the Karunanidhi is facing an uphill Sovereignty, which was launched failed state situation; or large to send Indian troops to Sri fact that he has not used his task to win the elections this in September 2000, and pub- scale 'ethnic cleansing', actual or Lanka to achieve this. Karuna- party position in the Centre to time. lished a report in December 2001 apprehended, whether carried Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 15 Ta m ils a n d Ce y lo n in th e 1 9 5 0 's - Fro m a rc h iv e s o f The Tim es,UK: Decades have gone bay, but violence per- petrated by those with the Sinhala Sri Lanka only agenda continues through today under various guises. Today "War on Terror" and even a "Humanitarian rescue" are being carried out by the Sri Lankan state to with the uprooting of Tamils. - compiled by K.T. Kumaran A Tamil passenger taken out of the vehicle and being beaten up - May 1958

6 June 1956

28th May 1956 31 May 1956 16 Monsoon Newsline MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal A new tribe of shoe-throwers he was speaking at Cambridge Having registered his protest, University. Mr. Wen called it a he sat down calmly and seemed "despicable act." The protestor ready to take down further notes was charged with a public order when two security men rushed in offence. In March 2009 a shoe and frog-marched him out. As he By: Kanayalal Raina was hurled at Iran president was being taken out by the secu- Throwing shoes on top lead- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as he rity personnel, Jarnail Singh said, ers has now become a fashion waved to the crowd from an "Whatever I did, the method was amidst the disgruntled audience open-top car during a motorcade wrong. But I did for a right as witnessed during last 4 procession through the Iranian cause". Chidambaram regained months. It seems shoe-throwing city Urumiye. The Israeli ambas- his composure almost immediate- will pick up currency in the days sador to Sweden, Benny Dagan ly. He urged the securitymen to to come. The "SHOE" is no doubt was also hit by a shoe thrown by be gentle with the offending on its way to become the ultimate a woman in February 2009 when scribe (it is election time), and symbol of protest. The culture has he was addressing an audience in went on with his press briefing. caught the popular imagination of Stockholm University. Jarnail Singh is known to be the people and we have to wait- The show-throwing act deeply religious but not dogmatic. who will be the next? entered the Indian protest circuit Almost instantly he was a hero tigated the 1984 Sikh riots. found courage to fling his Shoes are the new addition to on April 7, 2009 when a journalist among sections of the Sikh com- Jagdish Tytler in his four Lok footwear at Congress candidate the protest arsenal, may be tossed his shoe at India's Home munity. The Shiromani Akali Dal Sabha victories in Delhi has Navin Jindal in Kurukshetra while because it is the handiest weapon Minister, Palaniappan lost no time in announcing a cash always defeated top ranking BJP he was in the middle of a speech available to the general public. Chidambaram after a confronta- reward of Rs 2 lakh to him for stalwarts. He has served as a to protest Congress's policies. Going by its usual shape, shoe is tional exchange during a news courage to display the Sikhs' pain Union minister in the Indira This shoe-thrower has been quite a throwable object and conference in Delhi. The shoe, and suffering. Akalis then went a Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha arrested and a case registered throwing of the same at a political lobbed underhand, passed step further to offer him a party Rao and Manmohan Singh's gov- against him. Within another six celebrity is of more recent vin- Chidambaram within sniffing dis- ticket in the current election. ernment. days, on April 16, a former district tage. tance as he deftly swerved before Jarnail Singh, however, seemed It now appears that his politi- president of BJP's youthwing cre- On December 14, 2008 Iraqi the missile could hit him. The contrite within an hour of his, cal career is almost over. Once a ated a sensation by throwing a television journalist Muntadher al- Minister thus got included in a what seemed a calculated act. He roadside tea seller, Sajjan Kumar wooden slipper (khadaun) at Zaidi famously hurled his shoe at prominent line of world leaders was released by the police after was elected for the first time in Prime-ministerial aspirant L.K. the then US president George who have been subjected to a brief detention. Singh said that he 1980 from the rural outer Delhi Advani when he was about to set- W.Bush in Baghdad. Zaidi immedi- shoe attack - a cowardly and has no plans to jump into the seat. He repeated the act in 1991 tle in his chair on the dais at a ately became a hero in anti- depraved phenomenon. The jour- arena of politics nor is he hanker- and in 2004, both the times public meeting in Madhya American circles, Iranian officials nalist, a veteran correspondent ing for cash rewards, etc. defeating BJP heavyweight Sahib Pradesh. The disgruntled BJP hailed his gesture as a mark of with one of India's largest news- Jarnail Singh's Reebok shoe Singh Verma. This time he was member was immediately arrest- Islamic courage. He is currently papers the Hindi daily Dainik did hit home just after two days nominated for Delhi's South par- ed and charged under appropriate cooling his heels behind the bars Jagran, flung his shoe for being when the two senior congress liamentary seat. For more than sections of the IPC. He told as he was subsequently impris- left unhappy at the Home leaders- Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan two decades Sajjan Kumar suc- media-persons that Advani was oned for three years for the un- Minister's explanation for the CBI Kumar were asked to step down cessfully outfoxed the ghosts nukli Lauh Purush (fake iron man) civilized act. Zaidi seems to have giving clean chit to Congressman as the Congress party didn't want from his past but this time he was and so not a fit candidate to be a inspired entire tribe of shoe- Jagdish Tytler accused of spear- to lose Sikh votes, particularly in unable to repeat the act. Prime-ministerial choice. The slip- throwers. heading the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Punjab- the only Sikh majority Emboldened by the instant per missed Advani by about 4 On February 2, 2009, a and Congress party's decision to state in India. Both Tytler and celebrity-hood of Jarnail Singh, feet, but he became the latest vic- German student hurled a shoe at field Tytler from Delhi's Northeast Kumar were indicted by the just within three days a retired tim of a series of 'shoe-throwing" Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao as parliamentary seat. Nanawati Commission that inves- principal of a Government school maverick acts in the country.

fire Zone" and are now at grave where governments manifestly London, United Kingdom risk of mass killings. Even sani- failed in their responsibility to pro- P. Suresh (Solicitor) London, R2P & Tamils tized reports seeping through Sri tect their citizens. United Kingdom Lankan official sources and per- We urge the United Nations Raphael Maharajah (Barrister Full text of the letter sent to "No-Fire Zone". Our parents, sonal testimonies of the kith and and the international community & Solicitor) Ontario, Canada UN, Common Wealth & Head of brothers, sisters and children con- kin of the victims reveal that the to exercise its responsibility to Saravana Navaratnam States (Canada, England & tinue to perish in their thousands Armed forces have entered the react to the dire catastrophic situ- (Barrister & Solicitor) Ontario, Australia) by the International pathetically at the hands of the 'No-Fire Zone' indiscriminately ation and apply appropriate polit- Canada Coalition of Tamil Lawyers on April Sri Lankan forces, despite isolated killing and maiming hundreds of ical, diplomatic, legal and human- Ponnambalam Kayilasanathan 23, 2009. appeals from certain members of civilians. Even medical staff in itarian measures to stop the car- (Barrister & Solicitor) Ontario, the international community to shoddy make-shift hospitals have nage and human suffering in the Canada April 23, 2009 stop the war. Contemptuously been killed. Due to the intensified 'No-Fire Zone'. Thangavel M. Kesavan rejecting the appeals and denying artillery attacks and gunfire from We respectfully urge the (Barrister & Solicitor) Ontario, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki- the massacre by its military all sides, the dead and the United Nations to invoke its power Canada moon forces, the Sri Lankan govern- wounded are left along the road- under Article 24 of the UN Charter c.c. UN Secretary-General ment continues its war campaign side to rot or bleed to death. and take collective action, in a - H.E. Mr. Miguel d' Escoto UN Headquarters with greater intensity and ferocity. According to reports, all indica- timely and decisive manner, Brockmann, President of UN First Avenue at 46th Street tions are that the government through the Security Council, to General Assembly New York NY 10017 On behalf of the innocent forces have launched their final protect the Tamil civilian popula- - Members of the Security Tamil civilians, we earnestly assault and the spectre of a tion from genocide and prevent a Council Your Excellency: appeal to the U.N., as the last bloodbath is looming large. bloodbath. - Ambassadors, Permanent abode of refuge for these In view of the grave circum- Missions to UN THE SPECTRE OF A BLOOD- defenseless people, to act urgent- stances, doing nothing is not an Yours respectfully, - The Director-General of BATH IN SRI LANKA ly and stop the military offensive option. It is incumbent on every DI LANI GUNARAJAH UNOG & UNOV by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces member state to discharge its Barrister & Solicitor (Canada) - The Honourable High We represent a cross section and prevent the killing and maim- responsibility to ensure the pro- Representing the Members of Commissioner for Human Rights of the lawyers practicing law in ing of the multitude of civilians in tection of the civilians who are the Legal Profession, named - The Honourable High different countries. We are ethnic the so-called No-Fire Zone (NFZ) exposed to imminent harm. We below: Commissioner for Refugees Tamils hailing from the Tamil in the North of Sri Lanka. strongly believe that the United Daya Arumugam (Solicitor) - Under-Secretary-General for habitat in Sri Lanka where mem- Despite the government's Nation and the International London, United Kingdom Humanitarian Affairs & bers of our Tamil fraternity are attempt to falsify the figures, Community will honour the World Vasuki Muruhathas (Solicitor) Emergency Relief being mowed down and massa- based on information from inde- Summit Outcome Document London, United Kingdom - Under-Secretary General for cred, day to day - even at this pendent sources, there are Endorsement of R2P endorsed by C. Sriskandarajah (Solicitor) Children and Armed Conflict very moment - by the Sri Lankan approximately 200,000 civilians world leaders at the 2005 World London, United Kingdom - Common Wealth Secretariat armed forces in the ostensible still trapped in the so-called "No- Summit pledging to act in cases J.A. Rajakariar (Solicitor) Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Newsline 17

JOINT STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AND PRIME MINISTER HARPER UNITED STATES-CANADA SUPPORT FOR CHRYSLER LLC

The Governments of the will appoint four independent United States and Canada, have directors to the new Chrysler LLC this restructuring agreement. reviewed and approved the board, while Canada will appoint The United States and Canada restructuring plans of Chrysler one independent director. are committed to continuing to LLC and its subsidiaries, including The close cooperation of our work together closely as we chart Chrysler Canada Inc. Governments acknowledges that the path to a stronger automobile As a result, thanks to the con- the automotive industries in industry in both countries, both in siderable contributions and sacri- Canada and the United States are the short term as we complete fices of company management, tightly linked, with major automo- similar efforts on General Motors the United Auto Workers and bile manufacturers and suppliers restructuring plan, and in the long Canadian Auto Workers, and operating on both sides of the term as we seek to ensure a com- major lenders, and a successful border in a completely integrated petitive, environmentally respon- partnership agreement with Fiat way. The cost sharing reflects the sible automobile industry for the SpA, our Governments are in a historic shares of auto production future. position to extend support to help in both countries for Chrysler, Chrysler restructure itself and re- which will be maintained under emerge as a globally competitive both sides of the border," said automaker. Prime Minister Harper. Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth The Governments will provide "We appreciate the close and largest government, and home to a diverse cooperative relationship between $ US 10.5 billion in financing, the U.S. and Canadian govern- including short term and medium population of about 2.6 million people. I t is ments during this period of term capital and debtor-in-pos- the economic engine of Canada and one of the session financing to assist with restructuring in the auto industry. greenest and most creative cities in North Together, we have put in place a the court-supervised restructuring financing package that will give of Chrysler LLC. Of this amount, America. Toronto has won numerous awards Chrysler a chance to achieve the United States is contributing for quality, innovation and efficiency in deliv- financial viability," said President $US 8.08 billion and Canadian ering public services. 2009 marks the 175th Obama. governments (including the "I want to thank President Government of Canada and anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a Obama and the U.S Automotive Government of Ontario) $US 2.42 city. Toronto's government is dedicated to Task Force for their close cooper- billion. prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all ation with Canada on this chal- The United States will have 8 lenging issue. Thanks to our joint percent of the equity of the its residents. efforts, there is now a road ahead restructured Chrysler LLC, and Courtesy: Patricia Trott, Strategic Communications, Canada and Ontario will have 2 to a stronger Chrysler and a 416-392-8937, [email protected] stronger industry in the future on percent, and the United States Life Insurance at Lowest Cost Who wants to be an Life Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Insurance agent Mortgage Insurance Non-Medical Insurance FREE Children Education Plan - RESP LLQP Lessons and Training 10 Year Term Insurance for $100,000 $1197 Monthly*

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We are writing to express our grave concerns about the human- forms of engagement in Sri Lanka itarian catastrophe unfolding in the "safe zone" in the Vanni Statement on Sri Lanka by International and Canadian Academics region of Sri Lanka. Most inde- ed dramatically since the current minimum standards in probing Windsor Jack Layton, Leader, New pendent observers estimate that government assumed power in rights abuses). Canada is unique- Carol Lynne D'Arcangelis, Democratic Party of Canada more than 200,000 Tamil civilians, 2006. The Sri Lankan government ly positioned to reactivate and Instructor, Ryerson University Genevieve LeBaron, Professor, many already displaced multiple has utilized the "war on Terror" as support such constructive forms Radhika Desai, Professor, York University times, have been under siege in a cover to systematically destroy of engagement. University of Manitoba Jean Lee the tiny coastal strip with at least all democratic processes and We therefore call on the Susan Drummond, Professor, N. Gitanjali Lena, Lawyer 50,000 still there. Confirmed institutions. Sri Lanka was ranked Government of Canada to: York University Eleanor MacDonald, Associate reports indicate that more than 165th out of 173 countries in the oWork with both parties to the Robin E. Feenstra, McGill Professor, Queen's University 6,400 civilians, including 700 chil- 'Reporters Without Borders' 2008 conflict to implement an immedi- University Audrey Macklin, Professor, dren, have been killed since press freedom index, the lowest ate and comprehensive ceasefire. Christoph Emmrich, Assistant University of Toronto January 2009. ranking of any democratic coun- oUrge the International com- Professor, University of Toronto Ali Mallah, Canadian Peace Displaced persons who have try. Political opponents and jour- munity and the UN to take Bryan Evans, Associate Alliance/Canadian Arab managed to flee the fighting have nalists with critical views are sub- responsibility for the protection of Professor, Ryerson University Federation been placed in de facto detention ject to threats, intimidation and Tamil civilians. Pascale Fournier, Assistant Elizabeth May, Leader, Green camps by the Sri Lankan govern- assassination. The culture of oUrge the UN Security Council Professor, University of Ottawa Party of Canada ment where they are denied free- impunity has been institutional- to authorize timely and decisive Evan Fox-Decent, Assistant Susan McGrath, Associate dom of movement, in contraven- ized. In an effort to shield its own measures to halt mass atrocities Professor, McGill University Professor, York University tion of international standards. actions from public scrutiny, the in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka, Victoria Freeman, University Pat McKendry There are over 40,000 displaced Sri Lankan government has including the dispatch of a special of Toronto Susan McNaughton, York people being held in 13 sites in barred most humanitarian agen- envoy to the region, and the cre- Doreen Fumia, Assistant University the Vavuniya District in over- cies, independent observers and ation of a commission of inquiry Professor, Ryerson University Adele Mercier, Professor, crowded conditions without ade- journalists from the conflict into crimes under international Grace-Edward Galabuzi, Queen's University quate access to healthcare, food zones. As a result there is a lack law committed by any person or Associate Professor, Ryerson Nchamah Miller, Network of and water. There are reports of of timely information about the entity. University Latin American Investigators for rape, torture and killings in the situation of the trapped civilians o Demand that the govern- Glynis George, Associate Democracy and Peace camps (Medico International, as well as severe shortfalls in ment of Sri Lanka remove restric- Professor, University of Windsor Srimoyee Mitra, SAVAC Germany, April 16, 2009). humanitarian assistance. tions imposed on access to the Wenona Giles, Professor, York Kevin Moloney, York University Civilians who are suspected of The government of Sri Lanka conflict zone for humanitarian University Colin Mooers, Professor, LTTE ties have been taken into continues to justify its actions as workers and media and permit Sam Gindin, York University Ryerson University government custody, leading to necessary to achieve an imminent international observers in the Harry Glasbeek, Professor Khaled Mouammar, National fears of enforced disappearances victory over "Tamil terrorism." detention camps. Emeritus and Senior Scholar, President, Canadian Arab and extrajudicial killings, tactics However, as long as the human o Demand that the LTTE allow Osgoode Hall Law School Federation the government and its allied mili- rights of the Tamil minority are civilians to continue to leave the Avvy Go, Director, Metro Katharine N. Rankin, tias have employed in significant subject to systematic violation, conflict area. Toronto Chinese and Southeast Associate Professor, University of numbers over the past few years the conflict will persist and the o Initiate internationally medi- Asian Legal Clinic Toronto (Amnesty International, ASA LTTE will garner support from ated efforts aimed at achieving a Ellen Goldberg, Professor, Mary-Jo Nadeau, Trent 37/004/2009). Tamils in both Sri Lanka and the durable political solution to the Queen's University University Recent artillery attacks by Sri diaspora, despite its proscription conflict in Sri Lanka. Rebecca Granovsky-Larsen, Mera Nirmalan-Nathan, Lankan forces have indiscrimi- by various Western countries, Signed by: Ryerson University Ontario Public Interest Research nately targeted civilians and civil- including Canada. Nuzhat Abbas, Toronto Ricardo Grinspun, Associate Group ian objects, in contravention of There is a critical need for Maita Abola Sayo,York Professor, York University Peter Nyers, Associate international humanitarian law. international solidarity in the face University Gayle Gross, The NIA Group, Professor, McMaster University There are credible reports that of this immediate catastrophe. Lyn Adamson LLC Obiora Okafor, Professor, York the Sri Lankan army may be using We believe that the government Greg Albo, Professor,York Victoria Gross, The NIA University illegal cluster bombs as well as of Canada has a special responsi- University Group, LLC Leo Panitch, Distinguished thermobaric bombs in the safe bility to act to bring about an end Tariq Amin-Khan, Assistant Tanya Gulliver, York University Research Professor, Canada zone with high civilian casualties. to violations of international law Professor, Ryerson University Shubhra Gururani, Associate Research Chair, York University There have been more than two and to make a significant contri- Benjamin Baader, Assistant Professor, York University Stephen Pender, Associate dozen incidents of artillery bution to a political resolution of Professor, University of Manitoba Denise Hammond, CUPE Professor, University of Windsor shelling or aerial bombardment this conflict. As host to the largest Zaheer Baber, Professor, Sharryn J. Aiken, Assistant Steve Pitt on or near hospitals, in flagrant Tamil diaspora outside of Sri University of Toronto Professor Queen's University Srilata Raman, Assistant violation of the Geneva Lanka, Canada should assume a Reem Bahdi, Professor, Barbara Jackman, Jackman & Professor, University of Toronto Conventions. The presence of proactive role in promoting and University of Windsor Associates, Barristers and Narda Razack, Associate wounded combatants in hospitals supporting efforts aimed at Tanya Basok, University of Solicitors Professor, York University does not turn them into legitimate resolving the legitimate griev- Windsor Kajri Jain, Assistant Professor, Judy Rebick, Gindin Chair in targets. Deliberately attacking a ances of the Tamil people includ- Andrew Biro, Assistant University of Toronto Social Justice and Democracy, hospital is a war crime. At the ing recognition of their right to Professor, Acadia University Amina Jamal, Assistant Ryerson University same time we deplore the LTTE's self-determination. The world- Malcolm Blincow, Associate Professor, Ryerson University Darryl Robinson, Assistant forcible recruitment of civilians, wide Tamil diaspora is strongly Professor, York University Donna Jeffery, Associate Professor, Queen's University including children, for untrained represented and plays an impor- Raoul Boulakia, Lawyer, Professor, University of Victoria Stephanie Ross, Assistant military duty and for labour in the tant role in the life of many of our Toronto Ilan Kapoor, Associate Professor, York University combat zones as well as its prac- cities; their concerns should be Mark Bradley, UQAM Professor, York University Carole Roy, St. Francis Xavier tice of forcing civilians to retreat our concerns too. Mike Burke, Associate RM Kennedy, Centennial University with its forces, deliberately pre- The previous government Professor, Ryerson University College Andre Schmid, Associate venting civilians under its effec- supported an advisory role for the Laura Cameron, Associate Samantha King, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto tive control from fleeing to safety. Canadian Forum of Federations in Professor and Canada Research Professor, Queen's University Craig Scott, Professor of Law, Nevertheless, violations of the Sri Lanka while the current gov- Chair, Queen's University Gary Kinsman, Professor, Director, Nathanson Centre on laws of war by one side to a con- ernment appointed a representa- R. Cheran, Assistant Professor, Laurentian University Transnational Human Rights, flict do not justify violations by tive to the International University of Windsor Mustafa Koc, Associate Crime and Security, Osgoode Hall the opposing side. They do not Independent Group of Eminent Tanya Chung Tiam Fook,York Professor, Ryerson University Law School permit the indiscriminate use of Persons (IIGEP) with a mandate University Joy Kogawa Alan Sears, Associate force by the Sri Lankan forces in to observe investigations into Francis Cody, Assistant Jane Ku, Assistant Professor, Professor, Ryerson University response (Human Rights Watch, human rights abuses (the IIGEP Professor, University of Toronto University of Windsor Mitu Sengupta, Assistant 20 Februrary 2009). withdrew from Sri Lanka in March Janet Conway, Associate Anton Kuerti Professor, Ryerson University The overall human rights situ- 2008 in the face of Sri Lanka's Professor, Brock University Lee Lakeman, Vancouver ation in Sri Lanka has deteriorat- Continued Next Page... failure to meet even the basic Kendra Coulter, University of Rape Relief and Women's Shelter Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 19

Continued from March I ssue

(By Ursula Stanislaus B.A. (Cey); LL.B. (Cey); Attorney- at-law (Cey) LEGAL ENTITIES Diploma in Corporate Law include the business name, trade- (Canada) marks, appearance, trade secrets, patents, copyright, design, proce- Mark is typically one or more A Limited Partnership must dures, techniques, business man- words, or numbers, or a design or have at least one general partner, uals, accounting systems, any combination of these, which who will be subject to unlimited employee uniforms, etc. The one business uses to distinguish liability for the debts of the part- franchisee agrees to implement its goods and services from the nership. Limited partners are and follow this structure, consis- goods or services of another busi- liable only to the extent of their tently and without deviation. The ness. A Patent relates to inven- capital contribution, provided franchisor and franchisees enter tions, which gives the owner of they do not participate in the into a 'franchise agreement', in the patent, the exclusive right to management of the business. which the relationship and agree- make, use and sell the invention The law prohibits a limited part- ment between them is described claimed in the patent, in Canada, ner from participating in the man- in detail. A franchise agreement for the duration of the patent. A agement of the partnership. The is a contract which is entered into Copyright protects the original lit- Limited Partnerships Act, R.S.O. between the franchisor and the erary, artistic, musical and dra- 1990, provides that a limited part- franchisee and any guarantors, or matic works, by giving the owner nership is dissolved if a general others, if applicable. The fran- of a copyright various rights, partner dies, retires, or becomes formed in another jurisdiction may be a profit sharing agree- chisor may or may not be carrying including the exclusive right to mentally incompetent. may be registered in Ontario as ment based on a licence wherein on its own business using the reproduce the work, in whole, or 'Limited Liability Partnerships' an Extra-Provincial Limited the licensor wants to utilize low- business structure. The fran- in a substantial part, in any mate- also know as "LLP" are distinct Liability Company. The Canada cost production in a marketplace, chisee operates a business using rial form whatsoever. A list of from Limited Partnership, in which Revenue Agency will consider an but does not wish to set up a pro- the business structure or format works which are protected by all partners will have limited liabil- LLC to be a corporation for taxa- duction facility directly; or a cor- of the franchisor, and pays to the copyright in Canada, includes, ity. Currently in several provinces tion purposes under the Income porate joint venture agreement franchisor one or more fees for books, newspapers, dictionaries, in Canada, as well as certain Tax Act (Canada). wherein one party provides the the right to use the business magazines, computer software, States in the United States of A 'Joint-Venture' is a contrac- technology and cash, and the structure or format. The paintings, drawings, sculptures, America provide for professionals tual relationship as a partnership, other party provides the land and Canadian Franchise Association architectural works, engravings, such as lawyers, accountants, which is therefore flexible and can cash to build the manufacturing adopted the mandatory disclosure dramatic works, photographs, doctors and engineers to form be structured to meet different facility; or a consortium agree- policy since 1996 in order to pro- films, videos, maps and musical Limited Liability Partnership under needs, but it does not confer on ment which permits two compa- tect franchisees from malpractice. works. If either party is to pro- their respective governing laws, in the partners many of the advan- nies to join forces to bid and com- According to the International vide intellectual property to be which the partners who were not tages of incorporation. Joint- plete a single project. Franchise Association a new fran- used in the production of the directly involved in certain acts of Ventures are governed entirely by Registrations or filings are not chise opens in North America products, an agreement should other partners are not liable. contract, as there is no specific required in order to carry on busi- every 8 to 16 minutes. Franchise set out the terms and conditions Form 6 under the Business statutory definition or regulatory ness in a joint venture. The Joint businesses are estimated to of that use. It is more common to Names Act should be completed scheme for joint ventures, at Venture can take the form of a account for almost $90 billion in do so in a 'licence agreement' or a for the registration of Limited either the provincial or federal partnership (often referred to as a Canadian sales. There are about technology transfer agreement. Liability Partnership or Extra- level. contractual joint venture) or as a 500 franchisors and 40,000 fran- In drafting this licence or technol- provincial Limited Liability A Joint Venture is an associa- corporation (often referred to as chisees in the Province of Ontario. ogy transfer agreement, the Partnership or Extra-provincial tion of two or more businesses an equity joint venture) depend- Many franchise outlets employ 10 Licensor should treat the joint Limited Liability Company. intend to enter into a limited ing on the laws of the country in to 15 people. Franchise employ- venture as if it were an unrelated 'Limited Liability Company' scope of enterprise (mostly for a which it is located. ees make up a significant propor- third party, taking care that the also known as "LLC"is a new form single purpose) for the purpose of 'Franchising' is fundamentally tion of Ontario's work force. property rights are not uninten- of unincorporated association mutual profit of the parties by a form of business investment A 'Licence' is an arrangement tionally granted to the joint ven- introduced in the United States of pooling their resources and and ownership governing the dis- in which the Licensor gives to the ture, and that upon breach of any America. It provides the benefit expertise. Business expansion, tribution and sale of goods or Licensee the right to use certain of the terms of the agreement, of separate entity with limited lia- development of new products or services. It involves the fran- intellectual properties owned by the Licensor has preserved its bility with tax treatment as of a moving into new markets, partic- chisor who for a fee or fees the Licensor or do certain things. remedies in full. Trade Marks Partnership. There are no statute ularly overseas, are some of the licences to one or more fran- Trade Mark, Patent and Copyright should be guarded carefully and to establish a Limited Liability reasons to form a joint-venture. chisees, a complete business are the most common forms of be made the subject of a separate Company in Ontario, but an LLC A Joint Venture agreement structure or format, which may 'intellectual properties'. A Trade agreement. (End...)

Contd. from previous Page... Mel Watkins, Professor Professor, University of Michigan, Emeritus, University of Toronto USA Tyler Shipley, York University Melissa Autumn White, York Dennis McGilvray, Associate Sadeqa Siddiqui, Centre University Professor, University of Colorado Jobs Available Communautaire des Femmes Cynthia Wright, York at Boulder, USA Sud-Asiatique, Montreal University Mr. J.B.P. More, Institute for Preethy Sivakumar,York Jesse Zimmerman, York Research in Social Sciences and COOK University University Humanities Haema Sivanesan, SAVAC Endorsed By: Kathleen Morley, Professor, Jamie Smith, York University Elizabeth Allen, Massey University of Oslo, Norway Susanne Soederberg, University, New Zealand Madhusree Mukerjee Karaikudi Chettinad Associate Professor and Canada Gnana K. Bharathy, Assistant Tove Nicolaisen, Professor, Research Chair in Global Political Professor, Old Dominion University of Oslo, Norway Economy, Queen's University University, USA Lalsangkima Pachuau, Aparna Sundar, Assistant Anne M. Blackburn, Cornell Associate Professor, Asbury Restaurant Professor, Ryerson University University, USA Theological Seminary, USA Cook (Indian/ South Indian Cuisine), Permanent, Full Time, Donald Swartz, Associate Piya Chatterjee, Associate Peter Schalk, Professor, $17.00 Hourly for 40 hours per week, Medical Benefits Professor, Carleton University Professor, University of California Uppsala University, USA Cheryl Teelucksingh, Associate Riverside, USA Janikke Solstad Vedeler, WO RK: Prepare and cook full course meals, Prepare and cook Professor, Ryerson University Lawrence Cohen, Professor, Norwegian Social Research individual dishes and Vimalesan Thasan, York University of California Berkeley, Jonas M.N. Sørensen, Norway University USA Margaret Trawick, Professor, foods, Plan menus/ Work with minimal supervision, Estimate fo o d Nishant Upadhyay, York E. Valentine Daniel, Professor, Massey University, New Zealand requirements and costs, Train staff in preparation, cooking and University Columbia University Padma Venkataraman, MAN- Ravi Vaitheespara, Associate Öivind Fuglerud, Professor, GAI - Theatreperson handling of food, Clean kitchen and work areas Professor, University of Manitoba University of Oslo, Norway Sita Venkateswar, Massey Start as soon as possible, 5 years or more experience. Chris Vance, York University Anita Hillestad, Norway University, New Zealand Heather Vidito, CUPE Paul Knight, Massey Mark Whitaker, Professor, Karen Walker, York University University, New Zealand University of South Carolina, USA Contact: 416-701-0003 Rosemary Warskett, Associate Ram Mahalingam, Associate Professor, Carleton University 20 Monsoon Newsline MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Government of Canada recognizes efforts of Toronto youth to combat racism

Five students from Toronto were recently honoured for their efforts to combat racism by the Government of Canada. The stu- dents from a Toronto Public school created the winning video in Ontario in the "Racism. Stop It!" National Video Competition. This contest encourages young people, aged 12 to 20, from across Canada to produce a short video to express their points of view on eliminating racism. More than 1,200 students partici- Photos of winning students from mean by negative stereotype is pated in this year's competition. Sir Alexander Mackenzie Senior like which race/gender/religion An independent national panel Public School and etc are bad in however ways. Photo Courtesy: selected ten winning videos based What I mean by positive stereo- Rudy of A1 Digital on their originality, audio-visual type is like which race/gender/ and one of the group won and quality, and the effectiveness of religion and etc have to be that elected 5 students to represent in their anti-racism messages. The good. A typical example of posi- the finals. The teacher gave lots eleventh winning entry was rec- tive stereotype is, Asians are good of encouragement for the stu- ognized with a Public Choice at Math. But it's so not true, dents to enter into the competi- Award, selected through voting because I have so many Asian tion and students also took on YouTube. These winning friends that are bad at it too. advantage and in the end grab entries were then edited into 30- They always say that they are the award. second public service announce- ashamed of themselves because Comment from one of the ments. CBC Radio and Radio everyone thinks that Asians HAVE winning student: Canada started airing these to be good at it. To whom it may concern: announcements on March 21, the Stereotype changes our Hi, My name is Rachel Zhang International Day for the Elimin- few words about it. I think stereo- For example, Family Guy, thoughts, it doesn't make us dif- and I'm from Sir Alexander ation of Racial Discrimination. typing is a form of racism too. It American Dad and South Parks. ferent from anyone else. But at Mackenzie Senior Public School. Given below is a comment not only eliminates individuality, it Media use stereotype all the time this age, what we really need is I'm writing this letter for a follow from one of the winning student, also makes people think that they to entertain people. But they individuality. Sadly, almost no one up for winning the Racism, Stop when Monsoon Journal team vis- have to belong to a certain group. don't know what it's doing to us. realizes this very important issue. It! National Competition. Thank ited Sir Alexander Mackenzie For example, if all your cousins It makes us think that we have to Thank you for taking your you so much for coming to our Senior Public School and met the are good at soccer, you have to be live up to that expectation they time to read my letter. school today. We really appreciate winners and the Teacher. The good at it too. Media, a big influ- want us to be. Not only negative Sincerely, it. Since our video is about stop whole class divided into 2 groups ence on children are starting to stereotypes are bad, positive Rachel Zhang of 17 entered in the competition stereotyping, I would like to say a have more and more stereotypes. stereotypes are bad too. What I

Raymond Cho, Toronto City Councillor’s letter to The Prime Minister Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 21 LAYTON CON VEYS CALL FOR The Joy of IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN SRI LAN KA Enlightenment New Democrat leader Jack Layton took the opportunity at a meeting with the Sri and Renunciation Lankan High Commissioner to Canada to Contd. from Page 13 convey New Democrats' call for an immedi- The theme of compassion pervades the appealed to him to support the Japanese, and ate ceasefire in Sri Lanka . entire length and breadth of the Buddha's to persuade the Chinese that the 'New Order' "I call on the government of Sri Lanka teachings. He stressed the importance of limit- was for their own good. Rabindranath wrote a to accept an immediate ceasefire," said less loving kindness for everyone without any stinging reply and denounced Japanese aggres- Layton as he expressed his condolences to kind of discrimination. It is easy to remain meek sion. He wrote: "You are raising your New all those on both sides of the conflict who and mild so long as nothing unpleasant hap- Order on a tower of skulls. I do believe in the pens. But confronted by unpleasantness, hostil- had lost loved ones. message of the Light of Asia; but I never ity and violence, goodness and composure are dreamt that this message could be identified "Furthermore, I asked that aid agencies tested. Therefore the Buddha continually with deeds that would have brought exaltation and international media be given unfettered exhorted his followers to maintain goodwill and to the heart of Tamerlane." (Tamerlane: access to the conflict zone." love in their hearts, regardless of however Mongolian conqueror (1336-1405) who led his Layton expressed his concern regarding badly they are treated by others. Returning nomadic hordes from their capital at the camps erected by the Government of Sri enmity for enmity is a conduct absolutely alien Samarqand in central Asia to overrun vast areas Lanka and relayed the fears of Canadian to the Buddha's philosophy of courtesy and of Persia, Turkey, Russia, and India.) He went Tamil families about the safety of their rela- anteed through a peace process, starting compassion for all, even under the most trying on to write a poem on the subject, giving vent tives at these camps. with an immediate ceasefire to all hostilities. conditions. to his holy wrath: "I expressed my strong rejection of the Layton expressed hope that meetings It is hardly the Buddha's fault that his 'fol- The war drums are sounded practice of internment at these camps and between high-level UN officials and Sri lowers' in Buddhist countries do not heed his Men force their features into frightfulness, asked that at the very least the government Lankan government may lead to a ceasefire words. Even in Sri Lanka the soi-disant 'leading and gnash their teeth; of Sri Lanka open the means of communica- agreement. Buddhist country in the world' where the teach- And before they rush out to gather raw tions between Canadian Tamil families and "New Democrats have once again artic- ings are supposedly preserved in their 'pristine human flesh for death's larder purity', it is appalling that social relations are their relatives at these camps," said Layton ulated its strong position for an end to the They march to the temple of Buddha, the characterised by anything but harmony and Compassionate, . conflict, this time directly to the government goodwill. Those belonging to other religions are To claim his blessings, while loud beats the The meeting had been requested by the of Sri Lanka ," stated Layton . downtrodden and the internecine tribal conflict drum rat-a-tat, Sri Lankan representative. Layton rejected Layton spoke of the anguish in the eyes between the Sinhalese and Tamils has resulted And the earth trembles. the Sri Lankan government's assertion that of those many Tamils with whom he had in much bloodshed. The eighth of May (2009) is the full moon a ceasefire was impossible. He reiterated met here in Canada because they cannot When an entire nation is going up in day of the lunar month Vaishaaka. This day the New Democrats' position that sustain- communicate with their loved ones back flames, all in the name of race, language and commemorates three important events of able peace in the region can only be guar- home. religion, Buddha's enlightened words seems like Buddha's life - his birth, enlightenment and ulti- a call in the wilderness. What better message mate liberation. This thrice blessed and sacred Congratulations to our can there be in these troubled times when the day is celebrated as Buddha Purnima, Vesak or teachings of the Blessed Master can make the Buddha Jayanti. Let us all pay homage to the student volunteers! world a better place? And what better target Enlightened One and meditate for world peace. can there be than children who are now grow- "It is sublime in the beginning, it is sublime Each year the Scarborough Optimist Club hosts an ing up on a diet of violence and sensual pleas- in the middle, it is sublime at the end," - evening to acknowledge students volunteering in the health- ures? Buddha to Ananda on the essence of his teach- care facilities in Scarborough. In 1935 Japan invaded Manchuria. The ing. Congratulations to The Scarborough Hospital volunteers Japanese poet, Noguchi, with whom (e-mail the writer at: Camellia Srikathan, Irene Wong and Thadchana Ariya-rajah. Rabindranath Tagore had been very friendly, [email protected]) 22 Monsoon Real Estate MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal New Homes-The Statutory April sales news Warranty - What's Included on Greater Toronto

This section is intended to help new homeowners under- REALTORS stand what's included in the In April 2009, Greater Toronto "The rate of average price Ontario New Home Warranties REALTORS® reported 8,107 sales decline continued to diminish last Plan Act (the Act) and what to do -down seven per cent from April month. This is due in large part to if a warranty problem arises. 2008. While April sales remained a tightening in the resale market," The Act outlines the warranty lower than last year, the resale stated Jason Mercer, TREB's coverage that builders are housing market gained momen- Senior Manager of Market required to provide to their cus- tum on a month-over-month Analysis. "The level of sales rela- tomers. basis. The seasonally adjusted tive to new listings increased in Coverage under the Act annual rate of sales in April, at April." includes deposit protection, pro- 80,900, was up 26 per cent from Greater Toronto REALTORS® tection against defects in work March and up twothirds compared are passionate about their work. and materials, protection against to January's ten-year low. They adhere to a strict Code of unauthorized substitutions, and "Conditions in the resale hous- Ethics and share a state-of-the-art protection against delayed clos- ing market have improved Multiple Listing Service. Serving ings or delayed occupancies with- markedly this spring," according over 28,000 Members in the out proper notice. For condomini- homeowners and builders inter- prior to July 1, 2006, the warran- to TREB President Maureen Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto ums, warranty coverage also pret the limits of the Act, and will ty coverage under the One Year, O'Neill. "Home purchases have Real Estate Board is Canada's includes common/shared areas of intercede to protect consumers Two Year and Major Structural increased as households have largest real estate board. the building. when builders fail to honour war- Defect warranties will continue to taken advantage of low interest Greater Toronto Area open The aggregate maximum war- ranty obligations. be as follows: rates and slightly lower home house listings are now available ranty coverage for new homes * Tarion increased the aggre- a) $100,000 if the purchase prices." on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard and condominium units is gate maximum warranty coverage agreement or construction con- The average price for April .com. $300,000* . The maximum cover- provided under the One Year, Two tract for the home was entered transactions was $385,641 - down Source: Toronto Real age for condominium common Year and Major Structural Defect into before September 1, 2004; three per cent from last year. Estate Board elements is $50,000 times the warranties to $300,000 for homes and number of units, to a maximum of with a date of possession on or b) $150,000 if the purchase $2.5 million. after July 1, 2006. This increased agreement or construction con- Most issues related to the coverage amount applies regard- tract for the home was entered For Advertisements in Monsoon Journal Statutory Warranty are resolved less of when the purchase agree- into on or after September 1, between builders and owners ments or construction contracts in 2004. without the intervention of Tarion. issue were entered into. If the Source: Tarion When necessary, Tarion will help date of possession of a home is Call 416.358.3235 Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 23 New issue of Our Toronto outlines how your City can help sary song and photography con- The second edition of the City particularly important for There are many other articles special four page pull-out in the tests is also provided in this edi- of Toronto* s official city-wide Torontonians,* said Mayor David in the second edition, including centre spread that provides the tion. Our Toronto replaces three newsletter, Our Toronto, will be Miller. * Information about how to information about the recently essential information home-own- former city-wide publications. It is issued shortly. This edition of Our access City services is especially passed 2009 Budget, Building ers and renters should know to printed and distributed to every Toronto informs residents and important during a recession and Permits, TTC * next vehicle* initia- prepare for an emergency includ- household in the city through businesses about how the City this newsletter ensures everyone tive, Toronto* s 175th Anniversary, ing information about emergency Canada Post, and will be available can assist them through the eco- is aware of the City* s many pro- Recycling and Green Bin pro- kits and the importance of home- on the City* s website later next nomic recession. grams and services - including grams, apartment inspections, owner and renter insurance. The week in English and * This edition of Our Toronto is recently enhanced programs.* water meters, lead water pipe articles provide critical planning French as well as the top 10 replacement programs, access to tips which can help Torontonians languages spoken in Toronto. free dental care, community prepare for severe weather, Those languages are Chinese, investment grants, Streets to power outages, fire or other Tamil, Italian, Spanish, Homes programs, fire and carbon urgent Portuguese, Tagalog, Urdu, monoxide (CO) alarms and more. situations. The City wishes to Russian, Farsi and Korean. Our This issue of Our Toronto also acknowledge the support of Toronto will also be available in contains a number of features Insurance Bureau of Canada and English in HTML, PDF and audio about new and enhanced eco- Toronto Hydro in making the spe- format, and Braille and large print nomic and environmental invest- cial pull-out section possible. is available upon request. ments the City is making. Information about how to This edition also includes a enter the City* s 175th anniver-

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the amenities of the urban lifestyle while providing the beau- ty and tranquility of the neigh- EAG LE G LEN bouring countryside. Since 1955, John Boddy has been involved in the construction A FAMILY COMMUNITY BY JOHN BODDY HOMES of thousands of new homes throughout Ontario, and has John Boddy Homes has won earned a reputation as an accom- the Diamond Award for 'Best plished builder of fine residential Builder' for the twelfth year in a communities. Of significance are row in this year's Readers' Choice the award winning 1000-acre Awards and has now opened its 'Bridlewood Community' devel- newest phase in their Eagle Glen oped during the 1960's and community in Ajax. Located just 1970's in Scarborough, the minutes east of Toronto, the 'Forestbrook Community' in Eagle Glen Community combines Pickering developed in the 1980's, the closeness and convenience of 'Willowcreek' in Peterborough, city living with a suburban feel, and 'Eagle Ridge on the Green' in and its prime location makes it a Ajax developed in the 1990's and great place to call home. Classic early 2000's. two-storey homes are available, The John Boddy Homes' team as well as side and back splits, of experienced management, bungalows, and future town- planners, designers, supervisors, homes. Homes start at 1,800 marketing and sales personnel square feet and range up to a have distinguished themselves by spacious 3,858 square feet, some creating innovative and unique with triple car garages. John designs in truly outstanding com- Boddy Homes offers traditional munities that meet the needs and size lots with a minimum of 105 desires of today's families. feet in depth and a limited selec- With five fully furnished model tion of wide shallow lots and pond homes to view, a visit to Eagle lots. With such a broad range of Glen is a must. Drop by the Sales ous upgrade items to select from Rogers services for free! Presentation Centre located on in order to customize your home. I ncluded in this package are Stevensgate Drive, north of Their high-tech electrical and home phone with 150 long Rossland Road West, one half décor consultants allow home- distance minutes and 2 call- kilometre west of Westney Road buyer's to make upgrade selec- ing features, personal TV with three kilometres north of Hwy tions on site, enabling them to free rental of a standard defi- 401. Sales office hours are conveniently personalize their nition box, a HD digital box, Monday through Thursday 1:00 home. VI P package, free on demand p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, When you purchase a new programming, Canadian Saturday, Sunday and Holidays home in Eagle Glen there are no timeshifting channels as well 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Let their hidden closing costs. John Boddy as Rogers Hi-Speed internet friendly knowledgeable staff help Homes pays for education levies, service and all are installed you determine which of the many development charges, water and for free. home styles available is perfect hydro meter hookup fees, boule- for you and your family and get vard tree planting, landscape The Eagle Glen community set to join the ever-growing 'Eagle package and a paved driveway. offers many important neighbour- Glen' family community by John For a limited time only hood amenities such as a brand Boddy Homes. For more informa- John Boddy Homes is current- new public elementary school tion, please call (905) 619-1777 ly offering a number of spe- opening in September 2009, or visit the website at www.john- cial incentive packages such places of worship, fully equipped boddyhomes.com. breakfast bars, private water clos- as an upgrade master ensuite parks and easy access to both house sizes and styles Eagle Glen ets, interior garage access, high which includes a separate Ajax and Go-Transit Services. Rendering of Model has the ideal home to suit every efficiency furnaces and basement shower and upgrade tub, a Toronto is easily accessible from preference. From the unique rough-ins for future bathrooms. granite kitchen countertop nearby Highways 401 and 407. Homes designed by exteriors and charming Also, windows are vinyl clad wood and $5,000 in free upgrades. Located just north of a host of streetscapes to the elegant interi- JOHN BODDY HOMES which allows for interior custom They are also including an shopping and recreation centres, ors, various John Boddy Homes colours with a maintenance free oak staircase and one year of 'Eagle Glen' allows residents all include such impressive standard exterior. Other features include features as vaulted ceilings, dou- arched entryways, custom mill- ble door entries, décor columns, work, window mullions on all mirrored sliding closet doors, front and rear facades and deco- ceramic kitchen backsplashes, rative garage doors featuring double basin bathroom vanities appealing window lites. Custom with make-up counters and so landscaping packages and paved much more. Their gourmet driveways are also included in all kitchens, welcoming great rooms homes providing the renowned with cozy gas fireplaces and ele- curb appeal that enhances the gant dining rooms with coffered entire Eagle Glen community. ceilings are all spacious and com- Innovative floorplan designs fortable, making them the perfect combined with an extensive array location to enjoy time together of standard features included with with family or entertaining every new home have become a friends. In addition, some models corporate trademark of John include such impressive extras as Boddy Homes and 'Eagle Glen'. classic french doors, transom win- Not only does a John Boddy dows and custom octagonal sky- Home offer such striking standard lights allowing light to travel features, there are also a wealth throughout the home for a bright of opportunities to upgrade, mak- and spacious feel. ing their homes as unique as each For their homeowner's con- individual homeowner. The 'Eagle venience, most John Boddy Glen' Sales Office features a Homes include main floor laundry Décor Centre that contains vari- rooms, laundry chutes, kitchen Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 25 26 MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Book Review City photo contest Imagining India: The Idea of a Nation calls for creative Renewed - By Nandan Nilekani (Co-Founder, Infosys Inc.) Toronto images Published by Penguin Group Inc. The City of Toronto today Winning photos and those "There are not a lot of execu- announced it is holding a that receive honourable mention tives around the world who are "Building a great city - together" will be posted online. known simply by their first names. photo contest. The City is looking Photographers with a winning Silicon Valley has "Steve" -as in for powerful images that evoke submission will also receive spe- Jobs, Seattle has "Bill'-as in Gates, Toronto* s spirit, energy and cial City of Toronto prizes. Omaha has "Warren' - as in Buffet. unique character. The contest is The contest will run from April And Bangalore has "Nandan"-as in Nilekani. open to anyone 18 years of age or 22 through June 12, 2009. The - From the Foreword by older. contest is being run on the Flickr Thomas. L. Friedman "This photo contest is a way website at www.flickr.com/groups to tap into the tremendous wealth /torontophotocontest. Those Reviewed by of creative talent we have in wishing to submit photos to the Siva Sivapragasam Toronto and for the public to contest must be a member of engage with local government," Flickr - membership is free. "Imagining India" is the story of said Mayor David Miller. More information about this a great Nation which has triggered tremendous social, political and cul- Judging will take place in a photo contest, including rules and tural changes, and well authored by number of categories including instructions, are available at Nandan Nilekani, a pre-eminent City programs and services; parks www.toronto.ca/photocontest. Business leader and co-founder of policy and taking up those ideas In this respect, the book can be and playgrounds; landscapes and Toronto is Canada's largest Infosys, a Global leader in that have been largely missing from viewed as a visionary look at the gardens; urban wildlife and pets; city and sixth largest government, Information Technology. evolution and future of India by a public discourse. the waterfront; local events and and home to a diverse population The book reflects a fascinating The contents of the Book is well pre-eminent business leader. It is festivals; people at work, play and of about 2.6 million people. It is study of India in it's present state interspersed with comments from an interpretation of the country's on the move; architecture/build- the economic engine of Canada and the challenges that the country leading personalities in different present and the future. Nilekani faces in the future. fields. In writing this book, the uses the rich experience he has ings; culture and entertainment; and one of the greenest and most Nilekani's view is that the New author had interacted with many gained at Infosys in charting out the and Toronto* s neighbourhoods creative cities in North America. India has now arrived in many persons who are specialists in their ideas that are crucial for India's and history - all tied to the theme Toronto has won numerous places and in many ways. It is pres- chosen fields. This adds value to the development and growth in the of building a great city together. awards for quality, innovation and ent in the Business community, in future. book and makes the contents rich. Entries will be evaluated efficiency in delivering public college campuses, in many villages Apart from tracing the growth Nandan Nilekani's "Imagining based on content, image quality, services. 2009 marks the 175th and towns, in many schools. The of the nation since independence, India" is a long journey into creativity, uniqueness, relevance anniversary of Toronto's incorpo- Book is divided into four parts- the Nilekani also offers a fascinating Incredible India and is certainly a change of attitudes over the years, window into the future of India. The collector's edition for quality read- to the contest theme and catego- ration as a city. Toronto's govern- ideas which have been accepted but book engages with the central ideas ing. ry, and overall visual appeal. A ment is dedicated to prosperity, have yet to see results, lack of con- and challenges that face the coun- (The Book is now available in panel of three judges will review opportunity and liveability for all sensus on issues and urgent policies try-from within the country and as a leading Canadian Bookshops. The short-listed photos and winners its residents. Publishers are Penguin Group Inc.) and finally the forgotten nooks of part of the global economy. will be notified in July 2009.

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DOWNTOWN TORONTO - INVESTMENT 2+1 B/R and 2 W/R with bsmnts. Tenanted & willing to stay well below market price- Bank Sale Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 27 United Nations and Co-Chairs Surrender to Sinhala Chauvinism by Arun Senathirajah The UN and the Co-chair billion loan, UN Secretary General able solution to the Tamils in Sri countries apply preach democracy Ban Ki Moon and Under Secretary Lanka. Today echoing that surren- bility of sovereign governments Latest report received from and tries to protect the Sri General John Holmes are making der asking Tamil Tigers to surren- and the international community Vanni Sri Lanka as the last serving Lanka's genocide agenda under calculated and gentle touch state- der their arms to the killer and get to protect civilians. Hillary Clinton, hospital at Puthumaththalan has that cover. These countries should ments with the glossary terms massacred by them as it has hap- the US Secretary of State, has been attacked. Earlier Kilinochchi have applied the same democrat- 'democracy', 'sovereignty' etc., pened to Tamil prisoners in Sri joined us in describing the failure and Puthukudiyiruppu hospitals ic principle among immigrant hiding the brutal fact of Sri Lanka Lanka prisons by its custodial to protect civilians in Sri Lanka as were bombed by Sri Lankan Air Tamil citizens to see whether they government's genocide on Tamils. guardian the Government of Sri truly shocking". But what con- forces. Even Sri lankan Defence support the LTTE or not. They are This is evident as revealed in the Lanka. Even in the current mass structive and forceful action has Secretary Gothapaya Rajapakse the right people make a decision last week of April 2009 by genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka been taken to avoid the geno- decalared openly that to ban a movement they general- Mexico's Heller who chaired the they have no courage even to cide? Nothing much is heard. Puthukudiyiruppu hospital is a ly believe that is the only move- session and by Britain UN repre- supply food and medicines to the New Middle East in 'South legitimate target to be attacked, ment that fight back the Tamil sentative John Sawers, 'Sri Lanka starving and wounded Tamils Asia" just before the attack. Do the ICs genocide. These countries have shouldn't be penalized for what it caught in the war, breaking China that has funded (international countries) need fur- to listen to the opinion of the is doing' was a decision of the UN Mahinda Rajapakse barrier. Colombo and has supplied the ther proof of this crime committed Tamil immigrant citizens. These Security Council. 'For what Sri No Hope from Obama country with lethal and even pro- by the Defence Secretary of the countries have failed to get con- Lanka is doing' UN has its own The US President Obama hibited weapons of conventional so called 'democratically elected sent from the Tamil Diaspora recent figures released on April Barrack administration is in con- warfare knowingly for internal use government of Sri Lanka. At the before the ban is imposed. LTTE 24, 2009, almost 6500 Tamil civil- stant contact with Indian FP mak- is sitting on UN action, maintain- request of Sri Lanka the interna- at any circumstances did not ians have been killed and more ers, who support the Sri Lankan ing that what is happening is tional countries have banned involve any activities against the than 16,000 injured since January war on Tamils. While Tamils are purely an internal matter of Sri Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eeelam countries which banned them. In 2009. But for the UN these are massacred in Sri Lanka's 'safety Lanka. The US, India and the EU since they claim they respect the Canada Quebec is allowed to legitimate since a democratic sov- zones', there was no any con- countries have to make a big shift democratically elected govern- decide on its separation issue. ereignty can undertake genocide. structive action from President against Si Lanka in the near ment's request. At the same time Canada in its Quebec National It is interesting to note that only Obama or State Secretary Hilary future, not because of sympathy Sri Lanka persistently and sys- question allowed to Quebec for Eelam or Sri Lankan Tamils a Clinton to supply at least immedi- or kind heartedness on getting tematically breaching internation- Province to hold referendum by custodian government is allowed ate relief to the dying Tamils in killed Tamils in the 'safety zones' al humanitarian and human rights Quebec people only, not by other to commit genocide, not for any Wanni. This shows that Obama (safety for the killers) announced law and committing acts of geno- Canadians. Why should Canada other race in the planet of earth administration is also waiting for by the Sri Lanka government, by cide against the Tamil community. ban a voice of Tamils the LTTE according to the world body the post LTTE period and will not do the Sri Lanka government forces Camping Tamils and which claims to fight for Tamils United Nations. anything that may not please itself, but because of ever increas- Settling Sinhalese cause in Sri Lanka without consid- The Co-chair's Role Indian FP makers National ing presence of China in that soil. Sri Lanka has already started ering Canadian Tamil citizens? Mahinda Rajapaksa was Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan Egregious human rights violations forcibly putting war escaping and Are their democratic right on this encouraged by the international and Foreign Secretary only matters for these countries if IDP (Internally Displaced People) issue is suppressed? community itself in the use of Shivshankar Menon. it happens for their advantage Tamils in internment camps for The United Nations heavy weapons against the civil- Visit of the foreign minis- only. longer period as beggars for food Oppressor Role ians as they have supplied funds ters of Britain and France Beijing has increased arms and tortures them endlessly and UN has taken the side of the and weapons, in competition with Visit of the foreign ministers and funds supply to Sri Lanka brings Sinhalese to grab their oppressor and encouraging the who is contributing more to Sri of Britain and France David since 2007, when western coun- lands under the pretext of reset- genocide on the oppressed Tamils Lanka. The western countries Miliband and Bernard Kouchner tries started agitation on human tlement and redevelopment pro- in the name of convenient cover- have failed in it, China is taking brought a new lesson for them. right violations issue. grams. Showing the ICs as they age of safeguarding sovereignty leading role. In the view of Co- The ministers' insisted that "The All India Anna Dravida are waiting for resettlements, and of Sri Lanka. Eelam Tamils dead chair countries USA, Norway, UN had an agreement with the Munnetra Kazhakam (AIADMK) when get the funds Sri Lanka gov- or alive have being used as tools Japan and European Union coun- Government to send a mission leader Jeyaram Jeyalalitha, has ernment use the funds against to raise funds for Sri Lanka. By tries Tamils are senseless animals into the conflict zone to help to publicly declared that if her party them. Sri Lanka is well experi- undertaking genocidal war on so that they will accept their call assess and address civilian needs. won, she would ensure a separate enced in this strategy as recently Tamils Sri Lanka has to spend to surrender the arms to the That agreement has not been state for Tamils. Will that happen? proved in appropriating the more of its borrowings and genocide killer Mahinda implemented. It must be". "Here All the Tamils in the world should Tsunami funds that were chan- resources and face foreign Rajapakse's regime. Another the refusal to allow the UN, the unite against genocide and sup- nelled by various governments exchange reserve and economic underlying fact is they think we aid agencies, and the media full port her in the new hope. and NGOs for the NorthEast of Sri problem. Now the hope is to still trust them. While as a peace and proper access is quite Lanka. replenish deficits and debts from negotiator shamelessly they sur- wrong", they said. "As members Silencing Tamil Diaspora the IMF. In order for the IMF to rendered to Sinhala chauvinism of the UN Security Council we do Voice facilitate the already applied $1.9 and failed to mediate an accept- not shy away from the responsi- The Bottom LINE! - Economic Seminar

The bottom Line! - The Economic Seminar, a Above breakfast event was held at Centennial breakfast event was hosted by The Scarborough College Residence & Conference Centre, 940 Walk of Fame and jointly presented by the Canadian Progress Ave. On April 22nd, 2009 Tamils' Chamber of Commerce, the Canada Pakistan SWOF'S this year's gala evening is scheduled for Mano Thillainathan, Manager Scotiabank, Dr. Warren Jestin, Senior Business Council and the Canada Sri Lanka Business May 28th, 2009 at Delta Toronto East Hotel. Vice President and Chief Economist, Scotiabank, Christine Williams, Council. Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist District Vice President, Scotiabank, and at right, Sangeetha I sabel from Business Development Bank of Scotiabank Dr. Warren Jestin delivered the Economic Update to the participants. The Scarborough Walk of Fame (SWOF) event showcases citizens, past and present, whose accom- plishments bring pride to the community and inspire young people to follow in their footsteps. It was cre- ated in 2004 by a group of community leaders con- cerned with the negative and misleading portrayal of Scarborough by mainstream media and the social and economic consequences this type of coverage typically has on a community. The SWOF goal is to produce annual events that portray Scarborough in a positive light and help Siva Sivayogapathy, Khalid Mohamed, Mano Thillainathan & develop future leaders. Participants at the Seminar Christine Williams 28 Monsoon Feature MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Events 29 Dadi Janki's programme Every penny counts at St. Brendan school fundraiser for Rouge Valley This will be held at Don Bosco Secondary School, Centenary Emergency 2 St Andrews Blvd, Toronto. McDonald's "Save Time, Save faster diagnoses enables Islington Ave and Hwy 401 Lives" Campaign coin drive adopt- improved patient flow and school principal Dan Koenig. ed by local students reduced wait times for all. On Sunday May 10th, 2009. "Children understand the impor- The "Save Time, Save Lives" Rouge Valley Health System The public programme begins at 9.00 am tance of their local community Campaign launched by 23 Foundation - Enhancing care in hospital, so supporting it hasn't For Brahmans the programme begins earlier at 7.30 am Scarborough-area McDonald's the community been a tough sell." 7.30 - 8.00 am - Meditation restaurants has been adopted by The Rouge Valley Health "Of course, having the students at St. Brendan Catholic System Foundation's mission is to 8.00 - 9.00 am - Avyakt Murli with Sister Mohini Principal and all of the dedicated School. partner with the community to teachers at St. Brendan behind 9.00 - 9.30 am - Bhog Offering. Sr Mohini will take bhog McDonald's is currently invest in superior healthcare at the campaign is instrumental and to Baba and bring a message for Canada. fundraising for a portable ultra- Rouge Valley Health System. The a great example of community sound machine for Rouge Valley Foundation raises funds to sup- 9.30 - 10.30 am - Dadi Janki' s Master Class on How to Handle the Present Crisis spirit", says Dale Bartlett, Centenary's (RVC) Emergency port the purchase of leading-edge 10.30 - 11.00 am - Toli and Blessings McDonald's Owner/Operator who Department. St. Brendan, a local medical equipment and support helped spearhead the campaign. 11.00 - 12 noon - Dadi Will meet Canada instruments and main Brahman souls. elementary school in the Rouge major capital expansion projects. "The school has created a healthy Then Dadi Janki has some private meetings. Valley area, has been filling paint Contacts: Kerry McLeish, competition between classrooms cans with pennies for only a few Communications Officer, RVHS where the winning class will get a weeks and have already collected Foundation, (416) 281-7265 McDonald's lunch party for their Dadi's Flight arrives at Pearson Airport at 8 .0 0 p.m. on $2,500 to date. They are still Dan Koenig, Principal, St. hard work." Saturday evening May 9 th by Air Canada at Terminal 1 going strong and are very excited Brendan Catholic School, (416) Every single Emergency about this initiative. 393-5359 Dadi's will leave from Pearson Airport and we may patient will benefit from this "Philanthropy isn't taught; it's Every penny counts at St. give send off at 6.30 pm from AirCanada Terminal 1 portable ultrasound machine nurtured by supplying children the Brendan school fundraiser for donation. The equipment can be on Sunday evening May 10th. opportunity to give back," says Rouge Valley Centenary used on men, women and chil- IN Baba's yaad, your sister, Denise school principal Dan Koenig. Emergency dren alike and, even if a patient "Children understand the impor- McDonald's "Save Time, Save BK Sister Denise, National Coordinator doesn't require an ultrasound, tance of their local community Lives" Campaign coin drive adopt- faster diagnoses enables Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization hospital, so supporting it hasn't ed by local students improved patient flow and 8 97 College Street, Toronto, ON M6 H 1 A1 been a tough sell." The "Save Time, Save Lives" reduced wait times for all. "Of course, having the Campaign launched by 23 416 537 3034 Rouge Valley Health System Principal and all of the dedicated Scarborough-area McDonald's Foundation - Enhancing care in teachers at St. Brendan behind restaurants has been adopted by the community the campaign is instrumental and students at St. Brendan Catholic Sermon from the cross- The Rouge Valley Health a great example of community School. System Foundation's mission is to spirit", says Dale Bartlett, McDonald's is currently The Seven Words' partner with the community to McDonald's Owner/Operator who fundraising for a portable ultra- invest in superior healthcare at During these times when the Ponniah, William and Joel Joseph. helped spearhead the campaign. sound machine for Rouge Valley Rouge Valley Health System. The Tamils are attracting awareness to 'Salvation for the repentant at any "The school has created a healthy Centenary's (RVC) Emergency Foundation raises funds to sup- the plight of their kith and kin stage'; God's awareness of man's competition between classrooms Department. St. Brendan, a local port the purchase of leading-edge caught up in a death-trap in the weakness'; 'importance of human where the winning class will get a elementary school in the Rouge medical equipment and support Vanni area of Sri Lanka, Thaya relationships', 'The need for God's McDonald's lunch party for their Valley area, has been filling paint major capital expansion projects. Ponniah , editor of the Siraku blessings to continue the work for hard work." cans with pennies for only a few Contacts: Kerry McLeish, newspaper, speaking at the Good the world's redemption'; 'God's Every single Emergency weeks and have already collected Communications Officer, RVHS Friday service of the Tamil thirst for the souls', 'the satisfac- patient will benefit from this $2,500 to date. They are still Foundation, (416) 281-7265 Christian Church of Canada tion of Christ after fulfilling his portable ultrasound machine going strong and are very excited Dan Koenig, Principal, St. asserted that Jesus himself mission' and the submission of his donation. The equipment can be about this initiative. Brendan Catholic School, (416) sought awareness when he cried, soul to God at the end'-were the used on men, women and chil- "Philanthropy isn't taught; it's 393-5359 " My God, my God Why hast thou major components of the sermon dren alike and, even if a patient nurtured by supplying children the forsaken me?", when his life was from the cross expressed in seven doesn't require an ultrasound, opportunity to give back," says about to depart. words. He invited the attention of the The Church choir provided the YOUTH EXPO Almighty God that his services for message of the sufferings of the the emancipation of the world Lord Jesus at the cross with - 2009 should continue. The Good Friday sweetly and piously rendered Saturday, May 16, 2009 at service was held by the TCCC with songs and lilting music. Junesh Scarborough Civic Centre talks and songs pertaining to the Chinniah, chairman of the execu- For more info: seven words that Jesus uttered tive committee of the church from the cross. thanked all those who helped to www.Mahajanan.org/Expo_2009.htm The spiritual implications of make the Good Friday service a 416-721-9395 the seven words were given by memorable experience for the Mahajana College OSA - Canada Revds: Isaac Selvaratnam, Bobby enrichment of the soul. www.Mahajanan.org Mather, Milton; Mrs. Daisy By: JJA Gods Own Children Hensman and Messrs: Thaya www.GodsOwnChildren.com THE WORLD FASTEST MOVI E Script to Screening in 12 Days WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT Suresh's Accident Puts Guinness Dream on Hold. The movie which was to commence on April 13 at Pudhucherry, India, has been postponed till May 22, 2009. Unfortunately, the actor Suresh Joachim met with an accident while rehearsing a stunt for the movie. 30 Monsoon Events MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Leon's Furniture Store Celebrates

Leon's Furniture Ltd., one of 100 Years in Business Canada's leading Furniture stores is celebrating it's 100 years of price he paid for it. After 100 ities, Leon's is also engaged in business with the Canadian pub- years, Leons chain today includes charitable work. The Company is lic. "The made in Canada" success 64 large super stores across the donating furniture to 64 Hospitals story is being celebrated through country where approximately 20 to commemorate it's Centenary out the country to mark this million Canadians visit Leon's celebrations. Leon's is also part- important milestone in it's history. store each year.Mr.Terry Leon, the nering with Boys and Girls Clubs The story of Leons Furniture grandson of Founder Ablan of Canada, donating to the started with the Founder Mr. Leon,is the President and CEO. Association's national office and Ablan Leon, a hardworking immi- His first job at Leon's was folding furnishing more than 100 loca- grant from Lebanon who ven- flyers, when he was seven years tions across the country tured into the furniture field when old and his payment was a bottle Seen here are some pictures he sold a mattress which he had of coke and got to keep the of the Centenary celebrations at bought as a wedding gift for his deposit. Around 3,750 associates the Store in Scarborough. son, to a passerby outside his dry now work for the Company. goods store, for more than the Apart from the Business activ- Balloon blast

Terry Leon at Boys and Girls Club Terry Leon at Boys and Girls Club 2 Terry Leon with Hospital Staff RBC Royal Bank's "Give from the Heart to Save a Heart" Campaign launch ECGs for Rouge Valley's Cardiac Care Program to boost cardiac screenings The campaign launch was held on April 16th at 2867 Ellesmere Road participated by senior RBC and RVHS officials along with media. From April 16 until June 14, 2009, 14 RBC Royal Bank branch- es across Scarborough, Ajax and Pickering will be fundraising for Terry Leon with VI P's three Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines for Rouge Valley Health System's Cardiac Care Program. The "Give from the Heart to Save a Heart" campaign includes a raf- fle with numerous prizes, in- branch donations and a Commercial Financial Services banking appeal. The campaign will close with a celebration bar- becue, including a fundraising Hula-Hoop-a-thon, on Sunday June 14, 2009. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most commonly performed Terry Leon with VI P's 2 cardiac test; it is a valuable screening tool for a variety of car- President for Scarborough/Picker- About RBC diac abnormalities, and often ing/Ajax; Dr. Joe Ricci, Program RBC supports programs and times rules out heart attacks or Chief, RVHS Cardiac Care services that improve community diagnoses lethal arrhythmia. ECGs available will enable right in our backyard. We know a Program; and Dr. Paul Galiwango, resources and enhance quality of ECGs are performed on many improved patient flow and healthy community is a strong RVHS' newest cardiac physician, life. RBC donated over $12.5 mil- patients in the hospital in the reduced wait times for east community," says Lisa Gallacher, www.rougevalley.ca/rvhsf lion to health related organiza- Cardiac Diagnostics Service, on Toronto and west Durham. Regional Vice President, RBC. About Rouge Valley Health tions in 2008. For more informa- the in-patient units and in the RBC has made a commitment "This campaign is about keeping System Foundation tion, please visit www.rbc.com. Emergency Departments. ECGs to support patients at Rouge Rough Valley at the forefront of The Rouge Valley Health Contacts: Kerry McLeish, are also performed on every Valley Centenary (RVC) and acute care service by ensuring System Foundation's mission is to Communications Officer, RVHSF patient over 50 years of age who Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering that leading-edge diagnostic tools partner with the community to (905) 683-2320 x1227 is admitted for elective surgery. (RVAP) hospital campuses. "As a are available to all members of invest in superior healthcare at or (416) 281-7265, Rouge Valley Health System's dedicated supporter of local our community." Rouge Valley Health System. The [email protected] Cardiac Care Program is a Centre health and wellness causes, we Some of the notable atten- Foundation raises funds to sup- Judy Dobbs, Director of of Excellence and is considered are pleased to partner with the dees were: Jennifer Tory, RBC's port the purchase of leading-edge Communications, RBC one of the best of any community Rouge Valley Health System - a Regional President, Lisa medical equipment and support (416) 974-3178, hospital in Ontario. Making more world-class health care centre Gallacher, RBC's Regional Vice major capital expansion projects. [email protected] Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 31 WORDS OF PEACE Yoga means ultimate inclu- siveness. The word yoga literally means union. When you have become one with everything, this Hidden Treasure is yoga. Yoga does not mean twisting your body, tying your The problem with common A: Express to yourself your limbs into knots or holding your gies may not be in your experi- approaches to bringing about sincere desire for peace. Express breath or doing some other cir- peace on earth, says Maharaji, is your own want, your own need ence, but you can easily infer and cus. The word Yoga means, in the assumption that it needs to be for peace in your life. If you don't see, if one has to function, there your experience, everything has legislated or mandated. Maharaji feel this thirst for peace, then find is some kind of energy making it become one. How can everything has spent decades traveling con- it, because it's the thirst that will happen. become one? You are you; I am stantly around the world with a lead you to water. The thirst will So these are the four realities message of hope. He speaks of take over and lead you to the me, isn't it? No question of these for you - body, mind, emotion and an individual experience of peace well-a well within full of sweet, two becoming one. energy. If you employ your body available to anyone who desires clear water that can quench your Do you know today modern and try to reach your ultimate it. thirst. science is telling you the whole nature, we call this Karma Yoga, "It's said that necessity is the Q: Shouldn't we as human mother of invention," Maharaji beings focus on alleviating suffer- The Right Concoction says. "What you are looking for, ing in the world rather than just you already have. It does not worrying about our inner state? have to be created. It does not A: Inside has much to do with have to be manufactured. You the expression of what takes already have peace inside of you; place on the outside. When there you just have to discover it." is no peace within, there are wars Discovering that peace, he says, is like unearthing a treasure. "Imagine there is a person who he is really, really poor," he says. "He's so poor that he has to beg every day. He has made him- self a little hut out of some cloth and some poles, and every day, he gets up and he begs. "Suppose I know that under this little hut of his there is a gold Sadhguru Vasudev is a realized master, yogi and mystic, who has founded mine. Should I tell him or not? I sha Foundation, an international public service organization that strives for ultimate human well-being. For world-wide program information, "There are people who will visit www.ishafoundation.org say, 'No, you would really be Toronto local contact 416 300 3010 or email [email protected] doing him a disservice. The next Q: So many people say they're thing you know, he's going to be looking for peace. If it's as acces- on the outside. existence is just one energy man- yoga of action. If you employ your miserable. He's happy now.' So sible as you say, why don't more I have nothing to sell. If I can ifesting itself in a million different intelligence and try to reach your should I tell him or not?" people find it? make you think that because you ways? It's a scientific fact, isn't it? ultimate nature, we call this A person who has no peace in A: They don't know where to are alive you have the opportuni- Maybe it's not in your perception, Gnana Yoga, yoga of intelligence. ty to be in peace, to be in joy; his life is just like that poor per- look for it. It requires a whole but that is the reality. So this is If you employ your emotion and son, Maharaji says. that peace can become not a fan- change of plan when what you what science said. And the reli- try to reach your ultimate nature, "All the begging we do every tasy, but a reality in your life; that are looking for is something you gions of the world have been we call this Bhakti Yoga, yoga of day to make peace! Not from you don't have to beg, because already have. screaming for a long time that devotion or emotion. If you trans- strangers; that's not who we go Think of all those explorers there is a gold mine inside-then I God is everywhere. Whether you form your inner energies and try begging in front of. It's our own who went to different continents. have done my job. say God is everywhere or you say to reach your ultimate nature, we family. It's our own friends. It's There was a difference between You need to have peace in everything is same energy, are we call this Kriya Yoga, yoga of trans- the people we know. We're beg- those who went to discover and your life-with my help, without my talking about a different reality or forming energies. These are the ging and begging for peace, bare- those who went to create some- help, I don't care. Whatever it the same reality? God is every- only four ways you can do it ly make ends meet, while under thing. takes, get it! If you can't find it, I where, everything is same energy. because these are the only four our hut is a gold mine. People search for peace, for can help. That's what it's all It's the same reality expressed in things that you really have. "You do not have to beg. You real joy, like they don't have it. about. two different ways. A scientist So if you want to get some- are richer than you realize, richer That's why they don't find it, To learn more about Maharaji, has not experienced this reality. than you have ever hoped for. because the reality is they do visit: where all these four aspects, He has somehow mathematically That's my message." already have it. It needs to be dis- www.tprf.org body, mind, emotion and energy deduced this reality. He has no After public addresses around covered, not created. www.maharaji.net has to function together; only experience that everything is one the world, Maharaji often encour- Q: Then how do you go about www.contactinfo.net then you get somewhere. With energy, he does not experience ages people to ask questions discovering peace? Where would Call 1 877 707 3221 Eng one aspect you don't get any- about discovering peace within. I start? 416 431 5000 Tamil this and that as one. where. Every one of you is a com- Mathematically he knows that this bination of these four things, but and that are one. A religious per- a different kind of combination; a son also has not experienced it unique combination. Inspiration Driving Institute but he believes it that it's all God. So accordingly the right kind Now a yogi means somebody who of yoga has to be mixed in the is not willing to settle for deduc- right proportion, otherwise it tions or belief systems, he wants doesn't work. It is because of this, to know it. If you have such a in the yogic traditions so much Inspiration Driving Institute longing that you want to know it, stress has been laid about having you are unwilling to settle for a live Guru because he will mix 3430 Finch Ave East # 103 other people's deductions or the right kind of concoction. belief systems then you have to Scarborough. Unless it is mixed properly, even if pursue Yoga. it's the best thing, it doesn't work. Cell: 416-939-4913 Anything that leads to the What is working wonderfully for union is called yoga, whichever one person is not working for the Bus: 416-847-9773 way. Now you can only work with other person because it is wrong what you have - your body, your prescription. Medicine is good but mind, your emotion. Your ener- wrong prescription. 32 Monsoon Events MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal TRILLIUM 24 HOUR FAMINE EVENT

Kindergarten to grade 6 support- ed the Famine Event by making personal sacrifices at home under the supervision of their parents. Grade 7 & 8 students and In the weeks leading up to the staff at Trillium School in event, a school-wide education Markham had fun staying awareness campaign helped stu- overnight when they took part in dents to understand the issues the school's 24-Hour Famine affecting children in developing Event on Thursday April 23rd and countries - issues such as hunger, Friday April 24th, 2009. The stu- poverty, children's rights, child dents were involved in a series of labour, poor water quality, and learning activities, games and lack of education. Most impor- events, all the while going with- tantly, the school community is out food for a full 24-hour period. currently raising money to sup- By getting a sense of what it feels port the good work being done by like to be hungry, the students Plan Canada. were able to develop a greater If you'd like to support this appreciation for the reality many cause, please go to the school's children face everyday in devel- homepage at www.trillium- oping countries. school.ca and click on the 24- Trillium School students at 24 hr Famine Event The other students in Senior hour Famine Donation link. Volunteer Services thanks its own Second annual Streetsville During National Volunteer included Vidhya Vivekananda, Heartfelt thanks to Joanne Arts Fest at Streetsville Week, the Rouge Valley Youth Service Awards, 700+ Moffitt, Tapestry Gift Shop and Centenary Volunteers Services Services Hours; Buvani Country Style Donuts for gener- This is just a quick heads up held their Annual Volunteer Sivagnanasunderam and Thaksha ously donating prizes. that the second annual Recognition Evening on Monday Kaneshapillai, Youth Champions; Photos by Akilah Dressekie Streetsville Arts Fest is slated to April 20, 2009. and June Fitzgerald, 40 Year and Roselyn Sagar-Lal bring much colour, music, song Volunteer award winners Service Award. and dance to the Village of Streetsville in Mississauga. The dates are Friday May 22 to Sun. May 31, 2009. More info is avail- able. The Streetsville Arts Fest is Director, being organized by the Streetsville Gallery Streetsville, Arts Collective (SAC) , a not for 223 Queen St. South profit community group. Mississauga,ON Contact: Atiya Ahsan, L5M 1L6 Member, Ad Hoc Committee, 905-593-0111 Streetsville Arts Collective [email protected] Co-Chair, Arts Fest Committee www.gallerystreetsville.ca

June Fitzgerald (centre) with Sheri Loosemore, Nash Jan on left Manager Volunteer Services, and Darrell Sewell, VP COMPUTER HARDWARE-SOFTWARE- RVHS Human Resources NETWORKING UPGRADES

WE REPAIR YOUR COMPUTER @YOUR HOME/OFFICE Group of Youth Volunteer Award Winners @ HARDWARE & SOFTWARE INSTALLATIONS @ REMOVING VIRUS FROM COMPUTER @ INTERNET SETUP & SHARING @ WEB DESIGNING & GRAPHICS @ CUSTOM BUILD COMPUTERS WE FULFILL YOUR NEEDS @ LOW LOW PRICE

CALL: ABHI 647-300-0330 E-Mail - [email protected] You have a problem in your Computer? We have the solution!!! Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Waterloo 33 Waterloo Region Tamil Community elects new board for TCAWR

Kitchener: Members of Spotlight festival in Kitchener. Sivakumar Somasundram was elected as the new President Waterloo region and City of The Spotlight festival was organ- thanked all members for their of the association for the term Guelph Tamil community held ised by the Government of kind co-operation in preserving 2009/2010. In his maiden speech their annual general meeting on Ontario and Ontario Arts Council. Tamil culture, Arts and communi- he stressed the need to encour- the 18th of April at the KW TCAWR also donated a sum of $ ty spirit in the region. Tamil cul- age Tamil language and culture Joint Secretary Counselling Centre in Kitchener. 2,100 to an IDP facility run by the ture is a link that unities all mem- among our children in the region. Mr. Ram Ramadass - A large number of members, their Ramakrishna Mission, Batticaloa, bers and their values. We have He explained his vision to bring in Joint Treasurer family and guests were present. Sri Lanka. A very successful immigrated from around the more membership and expand Mr. Bala Thambypillai - Mrs. Rajivi Nadarajah, the Garage sale was held to raise world and should live unitedly in new programs. Auditor secretary of the Tamil Cultural funds, Tamil Thai Pongal (Mattu peace and harmony. Our organi- The membership elected the Mr. Sivakumar Somasundram

following members to - Director of Public Relations Association of Waterloo Region Pongal) was held at Perrin Farm, sation is proud to have a diverse the new executive committee. Mrs. Indra Logendran (TCAWR) welcomed all members Ayr, Ontario; which was a lot of membership from Sri Lanka, Mr. Prakash Venkataraman - - Director of Cultural Affairs to the Annual General Meeting fun and very traditionally held. South India and Malaysia under President Mr. Suresh Abraham and Tamil New Year celebrations. Members of our community were one umbrella. Mr. Venkat Ramachandran - Prof. Pala Kannapan In her annual report she high- also recognized for their achieve- Mr. Bala Thambypillai, the Vice President Mr. Thevaker Athithan lighted the events that took place ments in arts and volunteering by Director of Finance submitted the Mr. Dennis Loyola - Mr. Athithan Arunasalam in 2008. Tamil Arts and Culture the government establishment for financial report. The Secretary Secretary Mr. Subramaniyam was highlighted in the main- the city and were awarded for dissolved the executive commit- Mr. Nagul Sundram - Mrs. Rathy Abraham stream media when TCAWR par- their contributions. tee to make away for the election. Director of Finance ticipated, for the first time, at the The outgoing President Mr. Mr. Prakash Venkataraman Mrs. Rajivi Nadarajah - Tamil Cultural Association honours community volunteers Kitchener: Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region honoured local community volunteers during the National Volunteer Week in Kitchener. The volunteers were presented with certificates by senior members of TCAWR. The certificates were authorized by the Government of Ontario.

TAMI L CULTURAL ASSOCI ATI ON OF WATERLOO REGI ON (Kitchener - Waterloo - feedback. First - I wanted to He began to explain about what Cambridge - Guelph) share this. I had a lovely story he had already learned about Economics http://www.tamilculturewa- passed along by a student wetlands and water from home. terloo.org teacher. She was in a Toronto Apparently it was a very exciting University Students!!! Tamil Cultural Association of classroom with a young Tamil experience for everyone in the Pressurized with yo ur wo rklo ads? Waterloo Region partnered Ducks speaking boy - newly-arrived - class - all the students started unlimited Canada, a non-profit who's friend was translating for interacting and sharing what they For Tutorial Assistance organisation working to protect him to help him get used to his knew and the boy now felt includ- and conserve wetland habitats in new school. Apparently he had ed. Thank you again, Warmest Just Call: 416 525 8213 North America, in formating the been quite shy and withdrawn but regards Tamil text on the map. when they started to work with Merebeth Switzer Arun Senathirajah, ACIB, MBA Banking Mgmt Below is a note received from this project he saw the Tamil text National Education Coordi- Ducks unlimited Canada. on the map and became very nator [email protected] Thank you so much for your excited because he could read it. Ducks Unlimited Canada Thursday morning, my neigh- ON bors and I joined an orderly line SELLING DEMOCRACY in front of the election desk at the end of our street. We did what the public-service ads had been urging us to do for weeks: “Give them the finger.” The polling officer (AND TEA) IN didn’t even raise her head. After dipping a plastic straw into a bottle of purple ink, she By Naresh Fernandes, INDIA drew a blotchy line down the middle finger Mumbai, India of my left hand. Then I stepped up to the voting machine to press a button in India’s 15th general election. The scene was repeating itself across Mumbai. At another polling station, I saw Bollywood B-listers happily show off their ink-smeared digits to TV cameras. A practice that had originally been instituted to ward off electoral scams like ballot-box stuffing (we call it “booth capturing”) was transformed into a proud reaffirmation of faith in Indian democracy. In the weeks leading up to this elec- tion, the ink smearing became a source of inspiration for a barrage of pun-stud- ded campaigns aimed at getting normally apathetic middle-class Indians to fulfill their civic responsibility. The election — with more than 714 million voters — was also a fantastic advertising opportunity. An auto- mobile parts company ran an ad of a finger imprinted with an ink mark in the shape of a car battery. “Vote for a trouble-free five- year term,” was its message. A purveyor of tea, India’s pick-me-up, declared: “If you continue sleeping, so will our politicians. Wake up and vote!” On Thursday, many Indians ignored that advice. Turnout was sluggish across the city, but the figures were especially disap- pointing in affluent South Mumbai, which had been a particular focus of the get-out- the-vote effort. Only 43.3 percent of eligible voters in the area exercised their franchise, but that wasn’t much of a surprise. Rich Indians have long known that they com- mand more powerful means to influence politicians than votes. art by: Emma Houlston This contradicts India’s perception of it- And yet our inability to protect reli- pression. And the brutality against ethnic Mumbai the government responds to its self as a deeply rooted democracy. Democ- gious minorities is obvious to the thou- separatist movements in the northeast and residents — whether they stand in the sun racy is the superior virtue we claim as we sands of Muslim victims of the Gujarat Kashmir demonstrates our unwillingness for that purple streak or not. smugly survey the chaos that military dicta- riots of 2002. Our most famous painter, to make pragmatic compromises. tors have visited upon Pakistan. Democracy M. F. Husain, who lives in exile under Our experiment with democracy has Naresh Fernandes is the editor of Time is our defense against China’s superior threats from extremists for daring to paint been far more successful than some oth- Out India. [NYTimes.com] record of alleviating poverty and raising Hindu deities in the nude, knows that we ers, but despite regular elections, it has standards of health and literacy. have yet to secure the right to free ex- failed many Indians. After all, in South NEPAL’S MAOIST PRIME MINISTER PRACHANDA RESIGNS epal’s Maoist prime minister has a parallel power. He said he is stepping deal. The army chief says the fighters Nresigned, following a confronta- down for the protection of democracy. cannot join the military because they tion with the president over a contro- are politically indoctrinated. versial decision to fire the army chief. Prime Minister Prachanda, who is Demonstrations were held in the cap- The resignation plunges the country also known as Pushpa Kamal Dahal, re- ital, Kathmandu, by supporters of both into political uncertainty and is a signed after two parties in the coalition the Maoists and the opposition. There setback to a peace deal that brought the withdrew support to protest the firing are fears street protests by supporters of Maoists into the political mainstream. of the army chief, leaving the Maoists the former rebels will intensify follow- Prime Minister Prachanda announced with a thin majority. ing the Prime Minister’s resignation. his resignation in a nationwide address Nepali Times Editor Kunda Dixit Prachanda led a decade-long insur- hours after President Ram Baran Yadav says the Maoist decision had met with gency before he renounced violence overturned an order by his Maoist-led strong opposition from virtually all and embraced multi-party democracy government sacking the army chief. political parties. under a 2006 peace deal. The Maoists had accused the army “The Maoists are politically iso- The former rebels went on to win the chief of defying government orders not lated,” said Dixit. “All the other parties most seats in elections held last year, to hire new recruits, and reinstating have now said that they were wrong. bringing Prachanda to the helm of the eight generals the Defense Ministry had Their argument is that the Maoists government. But in the past year, the dismissed. bypassed the president, who is actually Maoists have been criticized for muz- The president, who belongs to an op- the ceremonial commander of the army, zling the press and using violence to position party, said the Maoist decision and they are using the threat of mob intimidate opponents. was “illegal and unconstitutional.” violence in order to get away with it.” The latest crisis could imperil the Mr. Prachanda called the president’s The standoff between the Maoists 2006 peace deal. As part of the deal, move an attack on Nepal’s infant and the army chief stems from his Nepal’s monarchy was abolished, and a democracy and the peace process. He refusal to integrate former rebel fighters new constitution is being framed for the Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda said the president had no right to act as into the army as stipulated by the peace country. [voa news] Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 35 Credit Solution Centre & Joe Mathew, B.Com, CIRP Trustee in Bankruptcy

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80 Corporate Drive, Suite 309, Scarborough, Ontario. M1H 3G5 Tel: 416-439-0224 Fax: 416-439-0226 Email: [email protected] Whiff of realism Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puraavum apital Film Works’ products have begun As the screen teems with new faces it Cto create much expectation among the takes quite a while for the viewer to deci- movie-going public thanks to its path-break- pher that Ramakrishnan is the protagonist. ing offering, ‘Chennai – 600028.’ So it is He even looks a little shorter than the hero- but natural that ‘Kunguma Poovum Konjum ine! The uniqueness of not having a larger Puraavum’ (U/A) has kindled a lot of inter- than life hero is ‘KPKP’s strength all right est. The title has a poetic feel to it and re- but director Rajamohan could have thought minds you of Chandrababu’s popular refrain of a ploy to avoid the initial confusion. of yore. By taking up a serious theme this time, with a new director and an unknown Seasoned performances cast, producer Charan seems to say that the The role fits Tananya like a glove — for a trick lies in selecting a strong story with a first-timer her performance is amazing! She well-chalked out screenplay. Directing so isn’t the ordinary three- many debut- duet heroine that today’s making faces cinema abounds in. Her character has enough couldn’t have Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puraavum substance and she does been easy for Romance Worth a watch Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puraavum writer-director Genre: ample justice to it. Rajamohan Rajamohan, a Director: Large, expressive eyes a point Ramakrishnan’s constant self-pity voice of SPB and the foot-tapping beats of first timer him- Cast: Ramakrishnan, Tananya, and a tall, lissom figure as he drowns himself in drinks like a rustic ‘Naan Dharumanda …’ are a treat. are Tananya’s other as- self. He turns Tarun Shatriya Devadas, is too melodramatic. ‘KPKP’s scene of action and its milieu sets. But at times when the challenge Storyline: Of adolescent love that Come to think of it, the story is as old as transport you to the days of Bharatiraaja’s into an advan- she laughs out loud her the hills. It is in treatment and direction that ‘Kadalora Kavidhaigal.’ The veteran’s influ- goes bizarre … voice is more a wail. tage because Realism rules! Rajamohan scores. And he has admirable ence is quite evident in ‘KPKP.’ the fresh casting Bottomline: (Has she dubbed for technical support from cinematographer In today’s scenario depiction of ardent enhances the re- the role herself?) Siddharth, composer Yuvan Shankar Raja love may seem rather outdated. Living, alism of ‘KPKP’ — it is And who is the woman who plays her and editors Praveen K.L. and Srikanth. Even boozing and dying for the sake of love have as though you are in Muttam and the nearby granny (Nagamma)? Like a seasoned actor fight sequences have been realistically cho- been showcased on screen several times. areas watching a true-to-life tale unfold… she breathes life into the role! The can- reographed (Selva). Yet for those with a penchant for serious Kuselan (Ramakrishnan) is in Class tankerous, crude, loud-mouthed mother of The unobtrusive lens that follows the romantic lore, the natural portrayal of all the XII and the entry of new student Thulasi the hero (Chandra) is another memorable story, the right tones that accentuate the characters, the treatment and the finale of (Tananya) creates quite a stir in the minds character. Compared to these noteworthy effect of the stark, serious scenes and the Rajamohan’s venture should prove watch- of the adolescents. Thulasi soon finds her performances, Tarun Shatriya’s (who plays beauty of the rocks and sea are captivating. worthy. soul mate in Kuselan and just as you feel the villain Dharuman) essay falls short. He Yuvan’s background score is another major MALATHI RANGARAJAN could have added more zing to the portray- everything is hunky-dory the first knell of plus of ‘KPKP.’ The lyric, the revved up Hinduonnet.com sorrow is struck. al, but just manages to pass muster. After

Tamil industry bids tearful farewell to Balaji

he Tamil film industry bid a tearful farewell to actor- Deewar and Namak haram were remade into Tamil by Tproducer K.Balaji as he was cremated on May 3. Balaji who always used top stars as his male leads like Balaji was a versatile actor and had essayed roles of late Sivaji Ganeshan and thespians Rajnikant and Ka- hero as well as villain. He had acted in hit films like mal Haasan. “Padithale Mattum Podhuma” and “Bale Pandya”. Very few in the Tamil film industry know that Balaji Under his company Sujatha Cine Combines, Balaji was born in a prominent Tamil Brahmin (Iyengar) fam- had produced blockblusters like “Billa”, “Needhi”, ily and was the grandson of a very prominent colonial “Vaazhkai”, “Savaal”, “Viduthalai” and “Sattham”. era advocate T. Rangachari. Superstar Rajnikant along with other big names like Balaji wandered into films after developing a taste Prabhu and Manorama paid their respects to the emi- for acting by performing the odd school play and ama- nent actor-producer. teur theatre shows. Balaji, who died on Saturday, May 2, was cremated His quest for a space in showbiz led Balaji to the at the Besant Nagar electric crematorium here. office of S.S. Vasan, then owner of Gemini Studios in him to remake Hindi hits into Tamil with leading actors. Former chief minister and AIADMK head Jayalalitha 1951. Vasan was not very keen to work with a new- Despite being one of the most successful film producers, unlike air-dashed to Chennai from Coimbatore on Saturday comer but gave him a minor role in Avvaiyar, in which most in showbiz, Balaji never flaunted his wealth and always spoke soon after she heard of his demise. he played Hindu god Muruga. softly. “For me, it is a personal loss, as he was like an elder Even as the career was taking shape, he was hired as Survived by his daughters Suchitra and Sujatha and a son Suresh, brother to me,” Jayalalitha, who had starred in a few a manager in Narasu Studios in the southwest suburbs Balaji was a sad, lonely man since the nineties after his wife Anan- films produced by Balaji, told reporters. here. davalli passed away. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who is in hospital fol- In that capacity, he discovered his true calling in the His daughter Suchitra is married to Malayalam superstar Mohan- lowing a stomach upset and fever, also sent a wreath. sixties after coming in contact with top Hindi actors lal. Since the sixties, all the top Hindi blockbusters like like Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar and Tamil stars Sivaji Balaji passed away on Saturday evening due to multiple organ and Rajesh Khanna starrer Dushman, Amitabh Bachchan’s and Gemini Ganeshan and actress Savitri who advised renal failure. He had been hospitalised for over a month. [IANS] Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 37

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The Board of Directors for Build Toronto today appointed the CEO, Lorne Braithwaite new corporation* s first Chief Executive Officer. has a chance to take full advan- developer and commercial land- Bata Shoe Corporation World- Following a lengthy and com- tage of some of its under-utilized lord in major markets across wide, and Enbridge Inc. and has petitive recruitment process, assets for the benefit of all Canada, amassing 40 enclosed been involved with corporate Canadian development executive Torontonians and I intend to see regional shopping malls, until sell- boards including Woodward's Lorne Braithwaite was named that happens.* ing the company in 2002. During Department Stores, Jannock CEO (biography attached). For more information visit: this period and until 2002, Lorne Properties Ltd. and OMERS Realty * Toronto needs the skill, tal- www.buildtoronto.ca was also Chairman and CEO of Corp. ent and vision that we will have in Toronto is Canada's largest Ethan Allen Canada. Lorne's not-for-profit board the new CEO for Build Toronto,* city and sixth largest government, Since 2002, in addition to con- and member involvement has said Mayor David Miller. * Lorne* s and home to a diverse population sulting to what is now Ivanhoe included Junior Achievement, the considerable expertise in the pri- of about 2.6 million people. It is Cambridge, Lorne has sat on a United Way, the Shaw Festival, vate sector will serve the public the economic engine of Canada number of corporate boards and the Calgary Philharmonic, the interest of Torontonians well.* and one of the greenest and most served for two years as Chairman International Council of Shopping Build Toronto will engage pri- creative cities in of Majid Al Futtaim Group, the Centres, the World President's vate and public sector partners in North America. Toronto has company experience during a 45 largest enclosed shopping mall Organization, the Canadian the development of City real won numerous awards for quality, year business career. Lorne began group in the Middle East. In 2006, Institute of Public Real Estate estate to unlock the value of the innovation and efficiency in deliv- his business career in sales and along with other partners includ- Companies (CIPREC), and the properties, stimulate the creation ering public services. 2009 marks merchandising with the T. Eaton ing Oxford and Cargill, Mr. Board of Governors of the Council of desirable jobs, and regenerate the 175th anniversary of Co. and as a project manager Braithwaite founded the $500 mil- for Canadian Unity. He is a recipi- neighbourhoods. Toronto's incorporation as a city. with ATCO Industries. He later lion dollar SEACAN Realty Fund to ent of University of Alberta Alumni Through maximizing the Toronto's government joined the Oxford Development develop hypermarket anchored Recognition Award, the University development potential of real is dedicated to prosperity, Group as a project manager for enclosed community malls in of Alberta's Wall of Fame Award estate assets, it is anticipated that opportunity and liveability for all the Edmonton Centre and was China. He currently owns and and the NAIOP 2005 Award in Build Toronto can generate signif- its residents. promoted to Vice President and operates Park Avenue Holdings Real Estate Excellence - Lifetime icant employment and new rev- J. Lorne Braithwaite later Senior Vice President for Limited, a private investment Achievement Honoree. enue for the City. Lorne is a highly respected development across Canada. holding company with a portfolio Lorne holds a Bachelor of * I* m excited to be part of this Canadian real estate developer Lorne left Oxford in 1978 to of assets in Canada. Commerce from the University of new corporation and by the who possesses strong strategic purchase Cambridge Shopping Lorne chairs the Investment Alberta and an MBA from the opportunities it presents,* said vision and business acumen Centres. Lorne led Cambridge into Committee for the Canada Post University of Western Ontario. Braithwaite. * The City of Toronto gained through public and private becoming a successful retail Pension Plan and is a director of Thanks a million for the million! Volunteer Services fulfills $1,000,000 pledge and to thank members personally, pital wing where babies come into the Foundation held a celebratory the world." luncheon on Wednesday, April 22, Thank you, Rouge Valley The Rouge Valley Health 2009. Centenary Volunteer Services. System Foundation is pleased to "The members of RVC On April 22, 2009, during announce that the Rouge Valley Volunteer Services are invaluable National Volunteer Week, the Centenary Volunteer Services has to our patients, the hospital and Foundation held a special thank made the final payment on their the healthcare system in general," you luncheon for RVC Volunteer $1 million dollar pledge towards said Chad Hanna, Foundation Services for successfully fulfilling the newly-opened Birthing and President & CEO. "This kind of their monumental $1,000,000 Newborn Centre. This remarkable devotion demonstrates how a pledge towards the Birthing and gift, completed a year ahead of group of individuals can make Newborn Centre. schedule, made them the largest such an incredible impact, trans- Photos by William Meijer and donor to the facility. forming small change into a hos- Kerry McLeish. To show our deep gratitude Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 39

By: Kanyalal Raina with a smile softly playing on her Few years before my migra- lips she beckons to us - let them tion to Canada, I read about an who will follow. international conference being Mirabhai Life Story of Mirabhai held jointly by the University of Sea is a difficult subject to California and the Los Angeles' write on. Not a mystery it lies County Museum of Art had at Los wide-spread before eyes, but Angeles on Mirabhai with partici- The Melodious Saint whatever the measurement in References pants from world over. This hand, its length, width, depth, Bhaktamal reminded me of my grandmother height to which its waves rise, its Chaurasi Vaishnavan ki Varta who was devote of Mirabhai and sublime quietude or fury, are Pada-prasanga-mala, commentary was fond of singing her devotion- always beyond the compass. on Bhaktamal by Nagaridasa al bhajans on various occasions. Mira's case is hardly different. Bhakti-rasa-bodhini, commentary of Since then I have been thinking, A Rathor princess wedded to the Bhaktamal by Priyadasa Dhruvadas: Bhakta Namavali to study the life of Mirabhai. As house of Sisodias, the two earliest Ananda Swarupa: Miram-Sudha- revealed, the papers presented at and the most reputed ruling Sindhu-Swami the Los Angles conference, it dynasties of Rajputana, Mirabhai Col. J. Tod: Annals and Antiquities of underlined international efforts to was essentially within the periph- Rajasthan locate Mirabhai into history but ery of history, the history of our G. A. Grierson: The Modern Vernacular Literature of Hindustan Mira still transgresses it and times, not of far gone days. J. N. Farquhar: An Outline of Religious declines to transform into a chain However, with history's all param- Literature in India of dates or what are called 'the eters and research techniques F. E. Keay: A History of Hindi Literature historically established events'. applied even her parentage, hus- W. G. Archer: The Loves of Krishna From the many books that I band's name, birthplace, dates, or J. S. Hawley: Saints and Virtues S. S. Mehta: A Monograph on Mirabai, have read since on Mirabhai par- rather years, of birth, death, mat- the Saint of Mewar ticularly written by W. G. Archer: could he, a humble devotee of through out India and especially rimony could not be finally deter- V. K. Subramanian: Mystic Songs of Mira "The Loves of Krishna" and J. S. Narayana, do it? He went to in Rajasthan only by virtue of her mined. Scholars, especially those John Stratton: Three Bhakti Voices Hawley: "Saints and Virtues", I Narayana's spouse Lakshmi but immortal Muse that continued to trained in European methods of K. P. Bahadur: Mira Bai and Her Padas am attempting here to place considering it a sin she too shower praise of God's glory at all researching plumbing court Usha Nilsson: Mir Bai declined. Narad thought he could times, without any artificiality Mira's bhakti and a glimpse of her records and those of genealogists forbearance and unique courage find someone in Brij who could about her. life before the devotees of Lord and families of bards, are trying in facing every moment bringing give his or her feet's dust. He The dilemma of many modern Sri Krishna, as she experienced to discover the historical Mirabhai, her death with a smile on face, went to Brij, met Gopis and told scholars aft is that they seek to the change of heart which filled a Mirabhai in 'modern historical not in individuals, material world, them all about Narayana's pain apply same parameters for span- her with joy and peace in the life sense' though despite such or even in her historicity. Nida and the remedy he sought. Not a ning a rock which they apply for of faith and the mysteries of efforts, and a set of ever emerg- Fazali, a known contemporary moment of hesitation, Gopis col- measuring water. What is appro- "inner life' and the happiness of ing new arguments, even now her poet, in one of his widely sung lected a basketful dust of their priate in case of a king may not the state of ''recollection in God. birth swings from one date to verses, paid to Mira perhaps the feet and gave it to Narad. A sin or be so in case of a saint. One can- Bridal mysticism marked other over a period of almost hun- most appropriate tribute. He per- virtue, beyond all calculations of not determine the moment of a Mira's spiritual approach to God. dred years or more, from 1403 to ceives in Mira the strength to profit and loss the concern of saint's attaining enlightenment Krishna, whom she endearingly 1506 C. E., and whatever is transform into the light of life the Gopis was their Lord's relief - the the same way as he does the date called Giridhar, the Lord who claimed as widely accepted is instruments of death - the cup Chaitanya's Gopi-bhava. of a prince's ascendance. Hence, upheld the mountain, was her filled with poison, or the deadly The fervent devotional songs more significant than choosing Beloved, and she expressed the cross. in which Mira describes the crisis the kind of methodology is to imagery of human love to delin- In a world full of lies, liars and in her life are truly inspiring. The determine to which kind of person eate the agony of separation from hypocrites Mira stood for truth fervency of her love for Krishna one has to apply it. Mira was not Him and the intense desire to be and gave it strength. He perceives became so great and over power- a king in whose life dates, individ- united with Him. in Mira's mad devotion such inten- ing that it allowed no intermis- uals, events, personal things - What an irony that Mira, who sity that the temple's inoperative sion. It was a state of mind birth, marriage, death, or whatev- during her lifetime was not only votive deity would not remain where- in the taste of God was so er, mattered much. In a king's life despised by her kin but even the confined in the idol, but the all great, so pure, unblended and they do. If not the Babur's son, common man's head did not bow powerful One would come out of uninterrupted that it drew and history would not have known to her, out of fear or whatever, is it and extend His bliss and divine absorbed the powers of the soul Humayun. If the date of his death perhaps the most popular saint of aura into all directions. He finally into a profound recollection, a was not conclusively determined, India. As compared to three to prays to God to let the temple state of confiding and affectionate the date of Akbar's ascendance, four films attributed to other have a mad Mira once again. saints Mira has over ten movies rest in Krishna. or indeed the sequence of all sub- During such ecstatic state she sequent events in his life and made on her life. Not merely that History's fallacy is that in had no sight but for her beloved indeed in the polity of the subcon- India has a number of temples search of Mira it looks into the Giridhara and repeatedly renewed tinent would have muddled. devoted to Mira, even structures doors that not only threw her out her spiritual marriage with her To me Mira is the moth that earlier to Mira herself, such as the merely a broad consensus. but generations after generations Redeemer Krishna. She excluded burnt itself in the candle of love 14th century Mira Mandir at Ahad, Efforts at discovering this his- kept washing their floors, walls everything, every thought of for Giradhara and for all times Udaipur, Rajasthan, are renamed torical Mirabhai are not mean by and all records lest worldly existence in order to love, filled the Temple of Devotion with after her. any standards. Scholars world- any of her imprints are left with greater purity and energy, fragrance. Undaunted by fire or It is said in some legends over are exploring various records behind. It forgets that a postal her spiritual lover Krishna which frown, unperturbed by persecu- when Mira danced, in her legs and interviewing people in any- address is not Mira's home- consist in the complete identifica- tions, this devotee of Sri Krishna revealed her surrender to her way linkable to Mira; Rajasthan's address, and one does not reach tion of the human will, with the sang her songs of princely renun- Lord and when she sang, in her royal houses are searching their her by knocking that door. She will of God, were bourgeoning ciation and self-surrender, that words revealed her yearning to stores to find their Mira-connec- certainly had an abode, the soul's themselves within her and found shall infuse courage in the aspi- unite with Him. Mira's bhakti tions in mass of rags; and women as well as the body's, the bones' expression in her devotional rant on the Path of Love. Mira towards Sri Krishna was unparal- of Rajasthan are re-visiting past as well as the bricks', but she songs which are a heritage of lived the message she preached, lel. "Bhakti" in Sanskrit and relat- for discovering in Mira's life the lived in neither. A saint, Mira lived Divine Love and true Devotion left scoffed at cold intellectualism and ed languages is a general term for contexts that glorified Rajput beyond both, the body and the behind her to the people of India. boldly proclaimed the doctrine of loving devotion, but it has also womanhood. bricks, and certainly not in the History's strange predicament absolute faith in, and devotion to become a technical term for It is entirely different with palatial abodes of her in-laws or is that it has of Mira hardly any- the Lord. exclusive monotheistic devotion Mira. Mira would not have been even father. In the world Mira was thing conclusive on record, but Modern Science and Art might to a personal God to the exclusion any different if Rao Duda was not a soul in sojourn, a traveler in a still it cannot write her off from its well mock at her poetic outbursts of other paths traditionally avail- her grandfather, or Rao Ratan transit house, yearning to reach pages. Mira's 'bhakti', and in this and call those emotional effusions able to Hindus, particularly Singh, not her father, or if home where lived her Lord : jnana, or experiential knowledge. bhakti Mira discovered her ulti- as mere paroxysm of a maniac or Kumbha was her husband, not 'Janyugi main nah rahungi It is said once sage Narad saw mate strength to face whatever the after-effects of an "overheat- Bhojaraj. It is not in any of them piva bina pardesa' - Lord Narayana tormented by came her way: ed" brain; I however, feel that that Mira seeks her relevance. I will go, I will not stay here, acute headache. A bewildered 'Koyi nindau koyi bindau main these charges are untenable. I Actually, Mira has her rele- and without my Lord this land is Narad asked him if he could do chalungi chal aputhi' - hold it honestly and express it vance in Mira, in her love, suffer- foreign. anything that would relieve him of "Whether condemned or laud- emphatically that the Path to ings, devotion and complete sub- pain. Narayana told him that the ed Mira would go the way not Salvation lies through love and mission to Krishna, in her power dust of someone's feet alone treaded ever before". devotion, which transcend reason to inspire and generate confi- could do it. Narad could give the The pride of Mewar and and intellect. Let them, who will, dence among those pursuing the Contd. in the next issue... dust of his own feet but how Marwar, Mira's fame spread try it - Mira has given the lead and path of truth, and above all, in her 40 Monsoon Feature MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal EXPERIENCE THE CHANGE: THE TRUTH & SCIENCE OF YOGA COME ALIVE IN YOGAM just a posture or practice, but as held at: der barriers. a tool for Living Enlightenment. Everest Banquet Hall, 1199 Kalpataru program is a full day Kennedy Road, Scarborough, ON. Nithyananda is currently the Enlightened Guru Parama- meditation program, and an initi- M1P 2L2 most-watched guru on YouTube hamsa Nithyananda to Reveal The ation into Living Enlightenment. Name of Program: Free with almost 500,000 channel Original Essence Of Yoga & The "Kalpataru" is the name given to a Discourses (Tamil/English) views. Life Bliss Foundation, the Key To Living Enlightenment tree that fulfills your desires. The Date & Time: May 18-22, non-profit organization he found- Yoga is the fastest growing fit- program provides you with 2009, 6:30pm-10:00pm ed in 2005, is a part of a world- ness regimen in the country - with Shakthi - the energy to change Name of Program: Kalpataru wide movement with more than numbers reaching 11 million in whatever you can change; Buddhi Darshan (Tamil) 1,200 centers. Nithyananda has the US this year. Seasoned and - the intelligence to accept what- Date & Time: May 23, 2009, given presentations and work- new practitioners of Yoga cite its ever doesn't need to change; 8:00AM - 8:00 PM shops at Microsoft, AT&T, benefits for a strong and healthy Yukti - the understanding that The following program will be PepsiCo, Oracle Corporation, body, and balanced and peaceful everything we perceive as reality held at: Qualcomm, Petrobras Corporation mind. Lesser known, however, is is nothing but a continuous Sri Gurumandalam Siddhargal (Brazil), and ITT (India). the fact that Yoga is a 5,000-year- changing dream; and Bhakthi - Thiru Maaligai Ashram About Life Bliss Found- old science of Living Enlighten- the devotion to that which does 610 Coronation Drive, ation ment. not change. An enlightened mas- Scarborough, ON M1E 4V8 "Living Enlightenment is being ter's energy is like the Kalpataru, Name of the Program: YOGA The Life Bliss Foundation is intense every moment and awakening your innate potential ered that right conduct and high SPURANA PROGRAM (English) part of a worldwide movement for responding intuitively to achieve to enable you to fulfill your personal standards were pre-req- Date & Time: May 24-25, meditation and healing that aims your limitless potential for creativ- desires and offering healing. uisite for a Yogic practice. 2009, 7:00AM- 11:00PM to raise individual consciousness, ity and joy," says Paramahamsa Following the Kalpataru Yoga Spurana program dispels Name of the Program: Healers and ultimately, to significantly Nithyananda, an Enlightened Program is the weekend-long misunderstandings for the seek- Initiation (English/Tamil) raise the collective consciousness Guru from India. Yoga Spurana Program in which ers, yoga practitioners or experts. Date & Time: May 26, 2009, of humanity. To achieve this, the Starting in May 2009, participants can apply these For a beginner it is the best intro- 8:00am onwards Nithyananda Mission aspires to Paramahamsa Nithyananda will teachings and fall in tune with duction and initiation in to the For more info on YOGAM and initiate 100 million people into the reveal Yoga in its truest and their true nature, experiencing spiritual path. It immediately Yoga-related programs, please unique meditation technique, intended form as created by greater fitness and health, brings about good health, blissful visit www.yogam4you.org. Nithya Dhyaan, and for 100,000 Patanjali, the Father of Yoga. increasing productivity, bringing relationships and complete fulfill- About Paramahamsa individuals to "live enlighten- Following the mantra, "Experi- clarity, and leading to success in ment in life. For a yoga practi- Nithyananda ment." ence the Change," Nithyananda's all walks of life. tioner it will be a window to the Paramahamsa Nithyananda is Paramahamsa Nithyananda, YOGAM is a new movement to The yoga world was looked at real meaning of yoga and shift an Enlightened Guru from India Founder, says, "Living understand, experience and radi- by a common man as a physical from doing to being. For an who is on a mission to re-estab- Enlightenment is being intense ate Yoga, uniting your intentions work or a sport or some where in expert it will be a revealing expe- lish the science of inner bliss in every moment and responding and actions to allow you to between. Society has largely lost rience that divine conduct will every individual. He offers guar- intuitively to achieve your limitless achieve excellence in perform- the knowledge that it is a way of happen to one who experiences anteed solutions for issues as potential for creativity and joy." ance - whether you're an athlete, life. The spiritual view was miss- the state of yoga rather than common as daily worries and Our meditations and spiritual pro- executive, parent, student, ing. being caught in the practice sim- stresses to those as profound as grams help one to tap into this teacher, professional or employ- On the other hand the vast plistic routines as impediments to enlightenment. His authenticity, potential and experience Eternal ee. majority of yoga practitioners the experience it self. broad appeal, sense of humor and Bliss, Nithyananda. Speaking on the Yoga Sutras, have been focusing on the pos- This program provides a deep ability to make the Vedic wisdom For more information, please the original text on Yoga as tures and at best breathing experience as well as techniques both practical and enjoyable have call Mahiliny Thapendran @ 416- expounded by Patanjali, aspects only. Few who attempted to carry home and radiate the allowed his teachings to reach far 559-6561, [email protected] Nithyananda will share the to go deeper have been caught in same experience everywhere. and wide, crossing all societal, or visit www.yogam4you.org, authentic powers of Yoga - not as the dos and donts. It was consid- The following program will be cultural, language, age and gen- 2009 Green Toronto Awards winners announced Mayor David Miller, Deputy row. Your leadership makes it similar homes across Canada: of the Environment. Mayor Joe Pantalone and actor possible for other individuals, Green Design Award, sponsored Toronto Food Policy Council and environmentalist Ed Begley organizations and companies by Enbridge Gas Distribution. for its work to foster partnerships Jr. announced the winners of the across the city to see new possi- Mahogany Management for its and promote food as a critical 2009 Green Toronto Awards at bilities for themselves as they green roof on a supportive hous- environmental issue: Bob Hunter the Direct Energy Centre on the look to take action to green our ing building for tenants suffering Environmental Achievement Green Living Show Main Stage homes, communities and work- from a history of mental illness: Award. during end of April 2009. places." Green Roof Award, sponsored by Winning videos from the The Green Toronto Awards, And the winners are . . . Stantec. GreenSceneZ Toronto Youth the result of a partnership Roscoe Handford for her work Enermodal Engineering for Video Challenge premiered at the between the City of Toronto and to transform the neglected designing buildings that reduce awards ceremony. Through the Green Living, recognize the indi- Wychwood TTC repair barns into energy use and waste and for its challenge - the result of a part- viduals, organizations and compa- Artscape Wychwood Barns, an role in LEED certification: nership between the City, Planet nies that are helping lead the way eco-friendly paradise: Community Leadership Award, supported by in Focus, the Toronto District to a greener Toronto. Projects Award, sponsored by Toronto Community Foundation. School Board and Toronto The 10 winners, selected from Loblaw Companies Limited. Deborah Doncaster for her Catholic District School Board - six among the largest number of Enbridge Gas Distribution for work that culminated in the devel- teams of students in grades 7 Toronto is Canada's largest nominations ever received by the building an innovative hybrid fuel opment of the Green Energy Act: through 12 won the opportunity city and sixth largest government, City, were awarded a prestigious cell plant that produces near zero- Market Transformation Award, to turn their ideas about what it and home to a diverse population Green Toronto Award and $5,000 emission electricity: Energy sponsored by Green Living. means to live green into 30-sec- of about 2.6 million people. It is to donate to a registered charity Conservation Award, sponsored Campbell Company of Canada ond videos. the economic engine of Canada of their choice. by Ontario Power Authority. for its water recovery program, For more information about and one of the greenest and most "We celebrate you for your Green Thumbs Growing Kids which saves millions of litres of the Green Toronto Awards win- creative cities in North America. leadership and the difference you for making ecological food pro- water each month: Water ners and finalists, visit Toronto has won numerous are making right here and right duction part of the inner city Efficiency Award, sponsored by www.toronto.ca/greentoron- awards for quality, innovation and now in Toronto," Mayor Miller said school day for children: Toronto Water. toawards. efficiency in delivering public to the Green Toronto Award win- Environmental Awareness Award, Kipling C.I.* s EcoTeam for For more information on the services. 2009 marks the 175th ners and finalists. "And we cele- sponsored by Toronto Hydro. engaging students and the broad- Green Living Show, please visit anniversary of Toronto's incorpo- brate you because who you are as The Now House Project Inc. er community in initiatives which www.greenlivingonline.com. ration as a city. Toronto's govern- leaders, and what you have for its near zero-energy retrofit of meet the needs of the communi- For more information about ment is dedicated to prosperity, accomplished, paves the way for a wartime home and goal to ty, in several languages: Youth GreenSceneZ Toronto, please visit opportunity and liveability for all an even greener Toronto tomor- inspire the retrofit of a million Award, sponsored by TD Friends www.livegreentoronto.ca. its residents. India LooksAhead to Economic Recovery

By Anjana Pasricha

n India, optimism is growing 6.5 percent in the last fiscal year. Iabout the prospect of an eco- Manufacturing and exports took nomic recovery following a slow- a hit, consumer spending slowed down triggered by the global fi- sharply, and jobs were lost. nancial crisis. The tone is still cautious, but six Stimulus packages making months after the Indian economy impact registered a sharp slowdown, In- However three stimulus packag- dian industry says the worst may es, cuts in interest rates and taxes, be over. and higher spending on infrastruc- Most industries expect revival ture by the government are begin- ning to make an impact. Anjan Roy is an economist at the Economists say sectors such Federation of Indian Chambers of as steel, automobiles and cement Commerce and Industry. He says a - a key gauge of economic health recent business confidence survey - are already faring better than shows that most industries expect expected. India is one of the few to see a revival toward the end of countries in the word where steel the year. consumption is rising. Demand “Maybe now is a phase of bot- for trucks and buses has begun to toming out of the slowdown in climb. Sale of consumer goods in People look at a Tata Motors’ Nano car displayed at showroom in Mumbai, 01 Apr 2009 India, and even if we don’t see rural India, where two thirds of an immediate upsurge the drifting the country live, has continued to the first countries to rebound from However, economist Anjan Roy main sluggish. That is a major down will stop, and in sometime grow, and a good monsoon could the global crisis. They say this is says it may still take time for ex- challenge,” Roy said. maybe we can see some improve- fuel more spending. partly because India’s economy port related industries to turn the There are other concerns. Ana- ment,” he said. Stock markets are already re- is not as dependent on exports as corner. lysts caution that the emergence India was less affected than many flecting the optimism. India’s many other Asian countries, and “One cannot expect that the of a weak coalition government other emerging economies by the benchmark Sensex share index is is driven largely by domestic de- export sectors can improve very after general elections, which end global economic crisis. But Asia’s at a six-month high, and has gained mand. radically because that will de- in mid-May, will dampen confi- third largest economy, which had nearly 40 percent since March. pend to a very large extent on dence and could slow down the been growing at over nine percent, Government officials have said Slower recovery for export the recovery of the international prospect of an early economic re- saw growth slip to an estimated recently that India will be among industries markets. Export sector will re- covery. [voa news] Independent Candidates Rising in India Politics

from new independent parties, are “The 26/11 [attacks] perhaps has been been harassed and threatened by support- vying for South Mumbai’s seat in the last straw where a lot of us thought ers from more established parties. India’s parliament this election. that something definitely needs to be As some leaders of the country’s ma- That is nearly three times the num- done. We have given enough opportuni- jor parties make dramatic election-rally ber of contenders for the seat dur- ties and chances to the existing traditional entrances aboard whirling helicopters, ing the last election. parties to make a difference and that has independent candidates knock on doors, Mona Shah is one of them, an not happened. So now we find ourselves talk to small groups of people, and hand eye surgeon who turned to poli- taking charge,” said Shah. out campaign leaflets, a more grass-roots tics. She leads the newly formed In the first phase of Indian elections approach to politics. Professionals Party of India. earlier this month, half of the 947 candi- And not everyone is encouraged by the “New parties are important in In- dates vying for parliamentary seats were proliferation of independents running for dia today because the existing, tra- from independent parties. There are more office. India’s Prime Minister Manmohan ditional parties are so steeped in than 5,000 candidates, many of them in- Singh called them “spoilers.” corruption that people need to see dependent, running for the 545 seats in Others say a vote cast for an indepen- the hope that will lead the coun- India’s parliament. dent candidate is a vote wasted. Khan dis- try forward. And that is one of the In other parts of the country, indepen- agrees. He says that India’s democracy is main reasons that new parties like dent candidates from a colorful range of probably safer in the hands of indepen- ours have been floated with clearly backgrounds have taken their first steps dent candidates and candidates from hun- defined objectives for the people, in the political arena. Among them are dreds of India’s smaller, regional parties. not for ourselves,” she said. doctors, bankers, Bollywood stars, crick- “They feel more responsibility toward Analysts say the rise of so many et players and dancers. their constituency than their political par- By Raymond Thibodeaux independent candidates like Shah A political analyst for the Delhi-based ty,” he said. is a sign of growing public frustration Foundation for Pluralism and Inclusion, That is, unlike many of the politicians here has been a huge increase in with the nation’s two main parties, the Azim Khan, says candidates run for a from the bigger, more established parties Tthe number independent candidates, ruling Congress Party led alliance and the wide variety of reasons. “There are some who, he says, often are more loyal to the mostly ordinary citizens, vying for seats Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, reasons for the rise of independent can- party than to the voters who put them in in India’s parliament this election, a sign or BJP. Citizens have formed watchdog didates who are contesting elections this office. of growing frustration with the country’s groups aimed at rooting out corrupt poli- time. Sometimes, a very popular leader But neither of the two main parties is two biggest parties. ticians. Others have formed their own is not in a position to get a ticket from a likely to win a clear parliamentary major- Many of Mumbai’s politicians seek out political parties, fielding their own can- recognized political party. There are other ity, forcing them to lure winning candi- votes in slums like these, home to about didates. things as well. In some cases, it is caste,” dates of regional and independent parties 70 percent of the city’s 14 million people. It also shows that public fury over last he said. like Shah’s, sometimes with cash bonuses Residents at this South Mumbai slum say year’s deadly Mumbai siege, known here Some independent candidates say cam- and political favors. they have seen an unusually high number at the 26/11 attacks, has morphed into a paigning is dangerous in some parts of But Shah and many other independent of candidates passing through here, ask- surge in political activism among ordi- the country where politics are dominated candidates have vowed that, if elected, ing for their support. nary citizens not only in Mumbai, but by either Congress or BJP. Campaign vol- they would not hand over their constitu- At least 19 candidates, many of them across the country. . unteers for independent candidates have ency to the highest bidder. [voa news] Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 41 Some Reflections on Human Suffering By: Devadas Chelvam our essentially eternal nature, as children of God. We are not our The horrendous image of the bodies, but inhabit them tem- Tamils of Vanni in Sri Lanka, being porarily. We can rise above the smile, he replied: "where do you massacred in hundreds daily, passing pain of the body and think you are now?" It is neces- haunted me day and night. There mind through non-resistance. All sary to be aware of the hell we are pictures of parents crying in suffering is due to resistance. are in already, in order to find anguish, with the dead or wound- "Resist not evil," said Christ. God. ed children on their laps; young When we accept the pain and Finding God is an unceasing women are said to be raped and humiliation as necessary for our uphill journey with slips and falls left to languish in sorrow and purification and spiritual growth, along the way. Though we may shame. Before long many thou- the result is profound peace in not feel it, we need to affirm sands would be wounded or spite of the pain. again and again His loving dead. What did the Tamils do to God is in the heart of pain. He Concentrated awareness has possessions, home, land, kith and Presence within us and every- face such a tragedy? suffers in and through us who healing power. Only then can our kin or their own lives? where. We cannot find God, It was quite dark before suffer, as much as He acts in and hearts open to God. Ignorance of our soul is the unless we show sympathy to the dawn, when I went to my medita- through our enemies who inflict Those who realize the most significant loss of all. All suffering people and reach out to tion room, and poured out my pain. What is the reason for this spiritual benefits of suffering will other losses will hardly affect us, help them. The saints need not heart to God. Laying all the conflicting cosmic drama? The have no bitterness, resentment or if we are aware of our soul. Christ engage in external helpful acts, responsibility and blame on Him law of karma is the answer. It anger towards the people who act referred to us when He asked since they exude vibrations of for the terrible plight of the comes from God's love and wis- as instruments inflicting the pain. "what does it profit a man if he peace, love and joy to the whole Tamils, I vented my anger and dom. Without it, creation cannot Instead, they will pray for God's gains the whole world and suffers world in order to keep it in bal- sadness on God freely. How could evolve to its noble end of spiritual healing power to transform their the loss of his soul?" Awareness ance. He be so cruel? How can He allow glory. enemies and bless them. of the soul is constant peace and Human suffering is an amaz- such mindless violence? We cannot imagine the extent However, these insights and joy. ing grace, if we face our pain After I had expressed my feel- of God's love for us. He allows the the sense of peace did not stay Those who are truly aware of squarely, and cry to God and for ings of anger, hurt, despair, and pain only for our own welfare, with me for too long. I reverted their soul or God are the saints God. As the great sage Ammachi confusion, I was almost exhaust- purification, and growth. Our suf- back to the negative feelings of and sages of all religions or no says: "God will make the devotee ed and silent for a while. Then fering is due to our past evil acts frustration and bitterness, espe- religion. They can easily endure suffer, using egotistical people as certain insights flashed in my in this or former lives. Hence we cially when I talked with others any amount of pain, since they instruments. Those who are sor- mind that left me with a sense of have no reason to blame others about the situation in Sri Lanka. are continuously bubbling with rowful will call God with more inner peace and a light heart. Let or God for our suffering. We have Why? ever new endless joy in the depth concentration. In this way, God me share those insights with the caused it through our own acts in Like most people I too live in of their being. The rest of us Himself will make a bridge, and readers here. the past. the ignorance of God. My faith is waste our precious time in vain by the means of that bridge He God is eternity. Time is infini- Pain must be felt with full much too weak. God seems to be distractions, covering up a quiet will come down." The bridge is tesimally small compared to eter- awareness. The temptation to unreal compared to the world to desperation. the spiritual masters whom God nity. Suffering happens in time. escape pain through indulgence which He gives reality. Given our Someone asked Paramahansa has sent on earth to guide us We cannot give much importance in self-pity, blame game or other ignorance, are we better off than Yogananda whether there is a back to Him. to suffering when we tune into distractions should be resisted. the people who have lost all their place called hell. With a whimsical Senthimani Mailvaganan

By Siva Sivapragasam sister of Mrs. Ratnathikam, the Vice-Principal of Saiva Mangayar "The News… Vidyalayam, the leading school in Read By Senthimani Mylvaganan" Colombo for Hindu girls. Much Shanmuganathan. It was also the credit goes to her husband training ground for Juniors like V. Listeners of the Radio Ceylon Mylvaganam who was really the Suntharalingam,V.A. Gafoor and Tamil Service almost sixty years architect of the Tamil Commercial S. Punniamoorthy who later ago would remember the above Service at Radio Ceylon. became professional and veteran headline which echoed almost Senthimani initially began her announcers. She left the shores of daily through their radio sets. The career as a teacher at Saiva Sri Lanka to settle down in proud owner of this melodious Mangayar Vidyalayam and popu- England with her family and lived voice which synchronized perfect larly known as "Ramanathan there until her demise recently. pronunciation and clarity Teacher". The writer remembers Apart from her marriage to belonged to none other than Ms. her vividly when I attended this Mylvaganan which made her bet- Senthimani Mylvaganan, the pop- school as a toddler for my kinder- ter known, the fact that she was ular announcer of Radio Ceylon's garten classes. As a teacher she the sister of an equally famous Tamil service. Her recent passing represented the look of a discipli- lady-Mrs.Ratnathikam, the Vice- away marked the end of another narian but always fond of her stu- Principal of Saiva Mangayar chapter of Sri Lanka's Radio per- dents. As years passed, her Vidyalayam, makes their story "A sonalities who won the hearts of career changed and she became Tale of Two Sisters". thousands of listeners. the first lady Tamil announcer of Senthimani Mylvaganan's Senthimani was the daughter Radio Ceylon, working for the ninety-two years of life was full of of Mr. Ramanathan, a Media per- Tamil service. Her reading of the lively episodes, rich in experience sonality who had the distinction of news coupled with the gift of her with a dedicated devotion and naming one of the first Tamil voice soon earned her a name as interest in a chosen profession in Newspapers in Sri Lanka- one of the most popular announc- which she saw complete satisfac- "Thinakaran", and also functioned ers. It was she who introduced tion. It could be said that her life as it's first Editor. Senthimani will Mr. Mylvaganan to Radio Ceylon It was during the time of nessed many veterans over the reflected the truism of woman- also be remembered by the fact and soon the two of them eventu- Senthimani that Radio Ceylon's air -S. Sivapathasunderam,K.S. hood coupled with wifehood and that her husband was the leg- ally got married and became a Tamil service glittered as the Nadarajah, G.N. motherhood. endary Tamil Commercial Service pair that won the hearts of thou- Golden era. This was the peak Balasubramaniam, S. Announcer Mylvaganan, and the sands of Radio fans. period for the service which wit- Kunchithapatham and "Saana" 42 Monsoon Feature MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal From Want to Need (A concise history of Sri Lankan civil war)

By Kumar Punithavel its last foreign ruler, the British. It Independent India thrived well largest English speaking country ever translated to Tamil used the was freed from subjection after with a federal government, but in in the world. Unlike in duality name 'Thamil Arasu Katchi', During an interview of a suc- centuries of foreign rule. They the case of Pakistan, it split into there isn't any one group in India meaning Tamil kingdom party cessful business tycoon the inter- were first ruled by the Portuguese two countries Bangladesh and that will have a commanding where as 'Samastik Katchi' should viewer asked the secret of the then followed by the Dutch, and Pakistan. The both halves of majority over all others put be the Tamil translation. This kind executive's success. "Two words' finally by the British. Though the Pakistan have Islam as their together. Secondly it does have a of politicking on both sides helped the executive said, "Right deci- first two rulers had occupied for national religion but the West wonderful working democratic further polarizing the two commu- sions". The reporter probed fur- around two hundred years, when Pakistan had Urdu as national lan- federal government. nities. ther, "How are right decisions the British took power there were guage whereas Bangladesh (East Only time when two races in a How ever Mr. Bandaranayake made?" The executive responded, still two different nations living Pakistan) has Bengali as their country prosper with the unitary signed a pact with then Tamil "It is one word: experience." Very with mutual respect and good national language. They were two form of government will be; either moderate leader (at that time much impressed by the crisp will. In 1799 Hugh Cleghorn, the different races and geographically the Majority be magnanimous or there was no Tamil militant response the reporter further first British Colonial Secretary apart. As a unified country both the minority be meek. In the Sri- group) Mr. Selvanayagam giving a asked, "how do you gain experi- recorded in the minutes; communities bled. After separa- Lankan situation it is neither. The form of autonomy to the Tamils. ence?' The executive responded "Two different nations, from a tion slowly but surely both coun- majority Singhalese believed this The Prime minister used his elo- "the answer for that question is very ancient period, had divided tries are thriving. is the promised land of theirs. quence to defend the pact. Here once again two words" "What are between them the possession of Ceylon was made into one Except for a very small number too was a fatal mistake he made. they?" asked the young reporter the Island. First the Cinhalese nation by the oppressors, and the living abroad, Sri-Lanka is the As reported in Ceylon Daily News: for which the executive replied (Sinhalese) inhabiting the interior people of both nations were made only country Singhalese live. They 'The knotty problem of State had smiling "Wrong decisions" of the country, in its southern and to believe themselves as one peo- fear if the Tamils were given their been successfully tackled by It is true we all learn from our western parts, from the River mistakes. Don't we all say failures Wallowe to that of Chillaw, and are the pillars of success? Aldous secondly the Malabars (Tamils), Huxley in 'Texts and Pretexts' who posses the northern and mentions "Experience is not what eastern districts. These two happens to a man: it is what a nations differ entirely in their reli- man does with what happens to gions, language and manners..." him'. One has to pause and find Till the time of invasion what went wrong so that next by the foreigners, the two nations time it can be avoided, or else co-existed peacefully, though misery met by the mistake will be there were occasional wars akin in vain. to sibling rivalry. The only time February 2007 Sri Lanka cele- the whole country was ruled by brated its sixtieth anniversary of one king was during the time of independence. Except change of Parakramabahu I of Polonnaruva. name has Sri Lanka advanced in He united Sri Lanka around 1160 any way? Nay, they have gone AD. The great Parakramabahu's behind. On 28th of February 1948 unity did not last even 100 years. Ceylon became an independent From 1215 to 1619 there was nation in the Common wealth. a kingdom in Jaffna, longer than Yes, you guess it correct; it was the life of Canada we live in! It then called Ceylon, and was was briefly annexed again by referred as the pearl of the Indian Bhuvanekabahu VI, also known Ocean. as Sapumal Kumaraya, in 1450 At the time of the independ- but lost control of it by 1467. ence Ceylon had a robust econo- On the night of 1st June 1981, the splendid Jaffna public library, housing 97,000 rare books and manu- British King George III of my. The economy was depended scripts, was burned. This act of arson was carried out, not by a bunch of nameless hooligans, but by a principally on her export. Tea, for the House of Hanover militarily posse of two hundred officers of the Sri Lankan police force, taken to Jaffna by two senior Sri Lankan which Ceylon was justifiably united it in 1815. That unity last- Cabinet Ministers (Cyril Mathew and Gamini Dissanayake), ostensibly to oversee an election. famous, together with Rubber ed for about 140 years under the [sangam.org] and coconut were the other major British before starting to come ple. This is the first mistake. Yes, legitimate aspirations they will invoking the principles and tents sources of wealth. There were apart. With the active commercial it is true for the oppressors they loose that country too. So Mr. of Buddhism. 'The Middle Path, also other sources of income like interest in Ceylon (Unified by the were all people of a colony. But Solomon Ridgeway Dias Maddiyama Prathipadawa', has plumbago gems and few other rulers to make it easy to adminis- the absolute truth is they are two Bandaranayake contested on the been my magic wand and I shall mineral products which had a ter) by the colonial masters, the distinct people joined together to platform to make Singhalese as always stick by this principle' he steady market. Immediately after centre of gravity of the Singhalese drive away the common enemy the official Language and won the said. By this act he legitimized the the Second World War these population had shifted south and the colonial masters. The ruler's election in 1956. At that time political decision using religion. Of exports produced enough rev- south-westward. The traditional effort to make them believe as English was the official language course the ultimate custodians of enue to pay for the imports of ancient capitals of the Singhalese one people had done great dam- and only about five percent of the religion (the Buddhist monks) rice, flour etc. like Anurathapura and age. As the executive mentioned Ceylonese knew English. The felt otherwise, and who can chal- The economy was so good Polonaruwa were abandoned. The earlier at the beginning of this United Election front led by lenge the monster which is there were Indian citizens from Tamils concentrated in the north article, the rulers should learn Bandaranayake was given mas- already out. On the morning of southern states illegally migrated and north eastern maritime from the mistakes done in the sive support by an ad hoc organi- 9th April 1958, about 200 Bhikkus into Ceylon in search of a brighter plains. The once fertile plains past. Instead to-day the whole zation of over 12,000 Buddhist (Buddhist priests) and about 300 future. These men were of work- were consumed by dense tropical Island is bleeding. monks who came out of their followers gathered agitating to ing class who came in search of forests. This resulted in actual In the case of India, the uni- temples and hermitages to can- repeal the pact in front of the jobs. They were nicknamed as physical isolation of the two main fied country with a federal gov- vass openly against the Sir John Prime ministers residence. After 'kalla thoni'. Meaning stolen racial groups, the Singhalese and ernment is thriving by bounds and Kotelawala regime which they all who is Mr. Bandaranayake to boats, as these boat people were the Tamils. leaps. This diverse country has claimed was influenced by the give the meaning of the Buddhist illegal migrants who came across When the British gave inde- 325 spoken languages, and 1,652 Christians. tenant 'Maddiyama in boats. To day, the exodus is in pendence to Ceylon like in the dialects. The country has 18 offi- Being a shrewd Politician Mr. Prathipadawa"? On that day at the opposite direction, where Sri- case of India and Pakistan they cial languages (Sri-Lanka is Bandaranayake in the English ver- 4.15 P.M the B-C pact was torn Lankan is illegally going on boats unified the two kingdoms in unable to have two) and 29 states sion of United front squared his into pathetic shreds by its princi- to India in fear of death. India Ceylon and treated it as one with 5 union territories. Having so conscience by writing in a clause pal author, who now claimed that with a trade balance nearing one country and left with a unitary many spoken languages ensures providing for the 'reasonable use its implementation had been ren- trillion is overtaking many devel- form of Government. In a pluralis- that no one language or race can of Tamil' but this was conspicu- dered impossible by the activities oped countries of the west. What tic society a pluralistic govern- dominate over the others. The ously absent in the more signifi- of the minority. It strangely went wrong since independence ment would have been the logical founder of Modern independent cant Singhalese version. It must reminds the story of wolf com- of Sri-Lanka? solution which the departing India Mahatma Gandhi's mother also be pointed out that the plaining the lamb down stream Ceylon is about half as big as rulers could not fore see. tongue was Gujarati. It is the Federal Party of the Tamils when has spoilt its drinking water. Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Feature 43

Once the ascetic monks of It was in 1983 Sri- elled out of Sri Lanka 1979 four- politicians. Even if the Tamils Buddhism came out and enjoyed Lankan Tamil people came to teen rupees was equivalent to an learn to speak Sinhalese language the challenges of the world were Canada on a boat. They fled for American dollar. Today it is plum- they will continue to retain their not in a hurry to get back to their their life and got asylum where meted to one hundred and twen- identity and this will bring dis- monasteries and pancelers. They ever they could get. ty rupees to a dollar. Except for a crimination. A snail will continue continued to linger in politics. The The politicians of the majority few politicians' families whose to be a snail even if it sheds its founder of the Buddhist philoso- never learnt from the mistakes of sons and daughters are in politics shell. To day many Tamils and phy Lord Buddha proclaimed that terrorizing the minority doesn't the rest of the county, both Singhalese who have migrated their goals and ambitions. the cause of all suffering (Dukka) lead to peace, nor improve either Singhalese and Tamils are chok- out of fear from motherland Sri Immediately after the Second is desire (thanha). The desire of community's life. It is the majori- ing in poverty. Lanka have children who cannot World War there was bitter enmi- the ascetics to make Buddhism ty community politicians that cor- Though the politicians of speak their mother tongue, but ty between Germany and France, and Sinhalese as the only official nered the Tamils to take up arms. Sri Lanka failed to learn from their they are still Tamils and but as they continued as two dis- Religion and Language has University Teachers for Human mistakes, there was a great Singhalese by race. Thus there tinct races they were able to caused them so much suffering Rights, a much-respected inde- leader of another country who will be two races and there is resolve their differences and live they have joined in the political pendent human rights organiza- gained by the experience of bound to discrimination. The agi- in peace. mire pool by forming a political tion which frequently strongly repeated failures. The eighty tation armed or otherwise is only It is meaningless for the party 'Jathika Hela Urumaya' and criticizes the Tamil militants for three year old founder primer and the symptoms of this unfair treat- majority to shed crocodile tears gone into the parliament. This is a their misdeeds very boldly and present minister mentor of ment of one race. The need to be that the Tamils cannot survive on separate discussion on theological very frankly on their report dated Singapore at a recent interview free to seek their destiny for the their own. If Tamils fail as a analysis of Buddhist philosophy. 3rd August 2007 on page 6 has with The International Herald Tamils is there. nation let it be called their karma. With the advent of the clergy mentioned; Tribune observed; Lord Buddha has said the It is important that the Singhalese beating the war drum there was ' Any notion that the sover- The basis of a nation just was cause of suffering is desire, and people be educated that a federal intense growth of race egotism eignty of the state must be pre- not there. But the advantage we the solution is to rid of desire. The form of Government is not parti- among the majority found its served through massacring and had was that we became inde- cause of the problem in Sri-Lanka tion of the country. When the fullest scope in the development chasing minorities from their pendent late. In 1965, we had 20 is the prevention of, and denying unity cannot be achieved by uni- of hatred towards the Tamils. In homes to create special zones is years of examples of failed states. the aspirations and dreams of a tary form of government, it is best no period of Ceylon's history has to deny them their birth right to So, we knew what to avoid - racial race which is its legitimate right. to sacrifice the unitary govern- been such epidemic of hatred their environment and renders conflict, linguistic strife, and reli- Unless this is recognized and rec- ment and form a federal govern- perversity, by the churning up of them aliens who must seek their gious conflict. We saw Ceylon. tified such struggles cannot be ment and find unity. Canada and jealousy, greed, hatred and mutu- own protection. Such attitudes The Singaporeans were prevented. The only out come of India are wonderful examples of al suspicion. This fire of hate was necessarily founded on violence smart enough to learn from the the present situation is a few such countries. How many more further fanned by the chauvinistic and invite spiralling violence'. mistakes made by Sri Lankan politicians and their cronies are mistakes the politicians are to be politicians of both sides. In this As observed in the report the politicians but not the Sri Lankan becoming richer and richer. Both permitted, before they become galloping competition of hurtful- Tamils were given only two choic- politicians. Singhalese and Tamil masses are smart enough to learn the lesson ness, on the slope of a bottomless es; Either They cave in and live as To-day there is anarchy undergoing untold suffering. and turn the tide? pit, none in this nation dared to second class citizen in their own in Sri Lanka. Abductions and mur- In order that the two Remember it is not a want but stop or slow down. country devoid of any aspirations der is a common feature. Both races to be in harmony they must the need the two nations live As mentioned earlier, the or dreams, or take up arms and Singhalese and Tamils are living in go back to the state they were apart so that they can resolve majority Singhalese couldn't fight back. The desire was to fear of death. Under the backdrop when the foreigners came in. As their differences and form a work- develop enough compassion to struggle, and there were many of unruliness it may be possible British Colonial secretary Huge able union. Will they? allow the minority Tamils to pur- groups that came out to fight for the present government to put Cleghorn correctly pointed out in Kumar Punithavel sue there dreams and aspiration. back against repeated pogroms down the armed agitation of the 1799, there are two nations. This To reach Kumar Punithavel They decided to fright the minor- and atrocities by the thugs who LTTE with the air power, but it will has to be recognized. The two write to kumarpunithavel@ ity Tamils to make them become were orchestrated by the politi- not rid of the cause of the prob- races must have their own auton- yahoo.com meek. The repeated attack on the cians. By the carpet bombing of lem. To-day it is not a case of omy so that they could achieve minority Tamils by the majority the area occupied by the freedom Tamils want freedom but they Singhalese orchestrated by the fighters, I would not call them need freedom. When there is a majority politicians in 1956, 1958, terrorist as they never targeted need some one will rise from the A powerful photo! 1961, 1974, 1977 and 1983 are civilians; it does not care for the ashes of the dead. If the present CNN may not have shown this photo. TV reporters are too busy ample proof of the intentions of innocent lives lost. Will ever government manages to put focusing on the Queen receiving the VIP guests at Buckingham the majority political leaders. One Canada bomb Quebec if some down LTTE, then from their ashes Palace. This was a "touching" Kodak moment outside 10 Downing should not be mislead to believe militant agitators for freedom of the dead will raise other mili- Street that won't be forgotten by this London cop. that there is peace for the last holed in that province? By doing tant groups fighting to get their Remember the cops on duty are not supposed to shake hands, but twenty years. In the last twenty carpet bombing they view the need fulfilled. Sri Lankan politi- the two brothers couldn't resist the historic moment. The black cop four years there is an armed civil civilians living there as foes and cians have made many mistakes never imagined in his wildest dream that he would usher a black struggle is taking place. It is futile need to be perished and that land in the past by resorting to vio- to continue making mistakes and distroyed. The moral responsibili- lence, and taken the country to American President into the British corridors of power. Nice! not learning from it. On the 1983 ty to the formation of these very low ebb. One should not incident of violence The armed groups rests solely on the loose sight that the arms struggle International Commission of political leaders of the different is in response to the repeated Jurists Review declared in ineffective Sri Lankan thugery by successive govern- December 1983 - Governments. ments. Come what may the politi- "Under the Convention on the What is the result of cians do not seem to learn the Prevention and Punishment of the these efforts of the politicians of lesson from history. Crime of Genocide, acts of murder the majority in trying to subdue With the loss of mutual committed with intent to destroy, the desires of the minority? First it trust it is futile to expect that the in whole or in part, a national, erased what ever faith minority two races can exist in a unitary ethnical, racial or religious group had in the majority's intention of form of government. Had there as such are considered as acts of appreciating their just desires. been more magnanimity in the genocide. The evidence points Secondly it made the majority to majority or meekness in the clearly to the conclusion that the fear the Tamils and refuse granti- minority the two races might have violence of the Sinhalese rioters ng of any reasonable freedom. merged as a hybrid producing a on the Tamils (in July/August Last but not least this communal homogeneous society. The oppor- 1983) amounted to acts of geno- rift has ruined the economy of the tunity for this to happen is totally cide." country to shambles. When I trav- lost, by the actions of the selfish

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A person, very special who can claim with proud - No one is like No One is Like You me. from the state of a particular individual who is known by his - Continued… Prof. Saran Ghai country we live in. We are New name. Name is the first recogni- -Prof. Saran Ghai "There are six hundred million Yorkers, we are Ontarians, we are tion of an individual. Ph: (416)816-5559, Blog: people in this world. I am one Gujaraties etc. We are also known But it is not your name that saranghai.blogspot.com, E-mail: among those but I am not just by our cities. Someone will say - I makes you special as thousands [email protected], website: like any other person. I am what am from Toronto, the other will others may have the same name. www.muktipathmeditation.com. I am. I am different. Nobody say - I am from Lahore and third It is your achievements in the life (Prof. Saran Ghai is an equals my qualities, and nobody one would be proud of being a that make you special. You have Author, Editor and Publisher of a can because every individual is citizen of Moscow. to do something extraordinary, number of Books, Magazines and different: so am I." Keep these This classification does not something very special which a Newspapers. He is a Palm Reader words in your mind and every end up there. We also want to be common person would not do. and a Numerologist too. To book morning when you wake up, known ourselves by the language That does not mean that to be appointment to know about your repeat these. These words will we speak or our mother tongue. special you have to have your present and future, Love, remind you that to be special, you French are proud to be using the name in the guinness book of Marriage, Business and other have to work harder than others. French, Germans are proud of world records. It means that your problems, make an appointment You have to fetch extra hours their German language and deeds should have a meaningful on phone. from your everyday life to do Punjabies are proud to be speak- and good impact on others life. Prof. Ghai publishes a 2-in-1 greater things. ing Punjabi. This differentiation You got to do something which is English-Hindi monthly magazine As stated above, millions live narrows up further by the caste or good for the society, humanity To be better and from better titled "Superior Star" & on this earth. To be better recog- religion of the individual. The and the world. to the best and unique, you got to "Soubhagya" (Good Fortune) cov- nized as per the geographical Hindus, The Christians, The Whatever you do in your day develop such qualities within ering Meditation, Wellness, subdivisions we are said to be of Muslims, The Sikhs, further subdi- to day life, if you do with full sin- yourself that the world starts rec- Naturopathy, Yoga, Palmistry, a hemisphere or a country. We vided by their castes are all proud cerity and dedication, you are ognizing you as a special individ- Astrology, Numerology, are called Americans, Canadians, to of their language and caste. doing special as mostly the com- ual. You got to be important, a Astronomy, Reiki and many other Germans, French, Indians, British Finally it comes to a family. A mon people do not do even that celebrity automatically you will alike subjects. To Subscribe and so on. That is our recognition small close knit unit of blood much. They would find shortcuts, be. Once you become a celebrity, Superior & "Soubhagya" just for as we belong to that country. To related individuals which include a confiscate application of energy you are above the common $20 per year, please e-mail - narrow it down further, it comes Father, a Mother and their kids. or would play hide and seek with crowds. [email protected]. to the states. We are recognized And last but not the least it is the their job. That is what you want to be. A WOMAN ON A MISSION...NORMA MCLEAN After taking vacations in sev- EDUCATION/ TRAINING eral countries, I thoroughly We can help you in getting training/ education. enjoyed the time spent, but on If you are Laid off, a New immigrant, on EI, have Disability returning home, never felt ful- filled. There was always an empty or if you want to change your career. feeling inside me that I should be The time is best for Education/ Training of your choice. doing some kind of charitable work to help all those less- fortu- FTP International nate whom I had encountered. In 2007 I was able to join with (647) 268- 0582 a group headed for Kenya. This [email protected] was a group organized and led by the Rev. Kim Beard of St. Paul's Twins Victoria and Bryan with Norma McLean Church On-The-Hill in Pickering. I worked with the eye-care clinic, This July in 2009, a similar Brian and Victoria Lee decided, of which was one of several clinics team will visit Lima/Peru, led by their own accord, that for their set up. our fearless leader Rev. Kim birthday, they would have a party It was a truly profound and Beard. Dr Lorna D'Souza will head and in lieu of gifts, would accept eye-opening experience (no pun up the eye care team for the sec- cash donations for the Mission to intended), to see the difference ond time and eight others includ- Peru. They brought in an amazing we were able to make in the life ing myself, will be working along- $625.00, which will be used to of an individual who might not side. We hope to distribute more purchase much needed items for have been able to see, or even to than 4, 000 pairs of prescription our work in Lima. afford a pair of glasses. We were and reading glasses to the people It's great to see our students told it would cost a month's salary in need and provide them with taking the initiative and hope they for them to afford one pair of funds to pay for cataract surgery. will encourage other young peo- glasses. After having had such a Two of the students here at ple to reach out and help others rewarding experience, it is my Trillium School, where I work, in need. A big thank you to intention to pursue mission work decided to conduct a very unusu- Victoria and Bryan. Happy to the best of my ability. al fundraiser for the mission. Birthday! SUPERIOR STAR sOwaGy (GOOD FORTUNE) A 2-in-1 English-Hindi Monthly Magazine on Good Health & Smiling FutureFuture Read articles on Meditation, Yoga, Wellness, Good Health, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Reiki, Acupuncture, Magnet & other therapies. Astrology, Numerology, Palm Reading, Hora, Tarot Cards, Zodiac Signs, Lucky Stones & other Prediction Sciences. FREE IN TORONTO Ph: (905) 799-9955, (416) 816-5559 Subscription:$20 Per Year E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] (Out of Canada Postal Charges Extra) Website: www.muktipathmeditation.com Blog: saranghai.blogspot.com Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 Monsoon Events 45

Rama, thou art the home of unparalleled might; Anjaniputra - Anjani's son, and Pawanasuta - son of the wind god, art thy Hanuman Jayanti names. 'Ko nahi janat hai jaga mein On Thursday April 9th 2009, Kapi Sankata-mochana nama tin- the first full moon day of Chaitra- haro' - April equinox -the birthday of ONE them, to commemorate anyone Who does not know in the who is revered and considered they held in reverence, Rama world, O Monkey-god, redeemer GOD a superman since millenni- asked Lakshmana to invoke in crisis is thy name. And, the lau- ums by all across Hindu culture Hanuman who alone could rescue dation is least exaggerated. ...Hanuman Jayanti was celebrat- them. Whatever Rama's attributes as ed for 5 days at Mississauga's Shri The Protector the supreme God or Vishnu's Ram Mandir with traditional devo- This redeemer of scripts is the incarnation, when broken hearted tion and fervour lead by Pandit protector of common folk. He is he wandered in search of Sita, Roopnauth Sharma the spiritual invoked by common masses also Hanuman came to his aid. leader, assisted by a well knitted for redeeming them but more He not only pledged to this harmonious Kirtan Mandli backed often to protect them from every- cause himself, Kishkindha's mon- by our musicians and singers thing untoward. His images are key king Sugriva, his entire army through out these 5 days. installed and worshipped invari- and ministers, and discovered Sita A large number of devotees ably as the protector and patron but also initiated efforts for her of Bhagwan Hanuman, kept a deity having power to ward off recovery by waging a psychologi- constant stream of visitors misfortune. He is Kherapati, the cal war against Ravana. He put through the temple complex on as a GOD by all Hindus in all the like steadfastness, is known and patron deity of 'khera' - village, Lanka into flames leaving Lankans all these 5 days on regular inter- nooks and corners of the vast and worshipped primarily as the and Ghatoria, the protector of panicky, and brought to Rama's vals, and whole heartedly partici- 'varied looking' world. redeemer in crisis, and those who 'ghats' - valleys, to include river- fold Ravana's brother Vibhishana pated in the Hanuman Jayanti cel- As you hear recitation of chant this Chaleesa with devotion crossings, descents, ascents, forts without whose aid Rama's victory ebration on 9th April. Hanuman Chalisa or understand get His blessings: and village boundaries. As Balaji, over Ravana would not be so There are so many legend sto- the various meanings of so many Bhagwan Hanuman, the he keeps evil spirits and maladies easy. ries of faith about Bhagwan eulogising names HE has been redeemer, is more widely wor- away and exorcises ghosts and ills When struck by the 'shakti' - Hanuman that one reads in called, you would understand his shipped and has a larger number from within. His name by itself divine weapon of Meghanatha, ancient books and also sees now true significance THEN. of shrines dedicated to him than has the status of the 'mantra' - Ravana's eldest son, Lakshmana on NET and on TV serials .We Bhagwan Hanuman has been even Lord Rama, his master. hymn, which, being commemo- swooned and helpless Rama only respect HIS act of faith that has pictured-captured in- fixed in, Hanuman's power to redeem is rated, dispels evil, evil spirits, wailed, Hanuman not only made our own eulogise the super various IMAGES according to the not a mere theological conceptu- ghosts: 'Bhuta pishacha nikata brought Ravana's personal physi- hero of the past and who still wisdom faith and imagery of love alization or a believer's hypothe- nahin abein' - ghosts and evil cian Susena competent to cure resides within and around all of by various artists of brush and sis, his life, as it reveals in differ- spirits dare not come around. As Lakshmana along with his house us. sculptors ..but for me he is more ent sources, is its example. In Bajaranga - with body made of but also the mountain Dron from Bhagwan Hanuman acted and than that above all the limitations Rama-katha - story of Rama's life, 'vajra', or Bajrangabali - having the Himalayas with Sanjivini on it, overcame super human obstacles, imposed by these bound images which is broadly also the story of 'vajra'-like strength, he presides and Lakshmana's life was saved. completed herculean tasks he of faith and love for him by so Hanuman's life, this emissary and over gymnasiums and wrestlers' He rescued Rama and Lakshmana was asked to do by sheer faith in many.. servant of Rama often rises above rings infusing into wrestlers' bod- from Ahiravana's custody almost his ''deity ''Rama and inner and Bhagwan Hanuman is a pic- his master at least in the face of a ies his own might, and in the bod- when Ahiravana was going to physical strengths, HE was natu- ture of a great superman and I crisis. In theology or tradition of ies of gymnasts and acrobats, his behead them for sacrifice. rally endowed with..It needed bow to all those who follow the devotion, no God of any pantheon own agility and swiftness. Bharata had pledged to end his only a reminder from Rama or a great Bhagwan Hanuman as HE in India or else where in the world life by immolating himself if Rama need to do the job for the welfare acted and have potential to act on is venerated so much for redeem- It is only Hanuman who wards did not return to Ayodhya before of the most that HANUMAN came behalf of us all and successfully ing in crisis as Bhagwan Hanuman off adverse influence of planets sun-set on the day his fourteen forward to accept the challenges accomplishes super human efforts by Hindus. As occasions of misfor- like Saturn and Rahu, protects years of exile ended. Rama was that NO body else could. He did that benefit the society. My rever- tune outnumber those of happi- from business failures, failure in delayed, but before Bharata complete the job given to him in ence to super hero THE HANU- ness in life, mankind looks more examinations, politics, sports and entered the pyre in full flames the fight between Dharma lawful MAN MARUTA ...and his incar- to him who redeems from misfor- other fields. In a strange fusion of and immolated himself Hanuman existence and Adharma perpetrat- nates today and also in advance tune rather than him who the machine and the faith, which rushed to Ayodhya, assured him ed by likes of Ravana (a Brahmin to those waiting in times to come bestows happiness. reveals when a road-roller, truck, that Rama would reach there in learned and powerful Chieftain) to evolve into a ''Va Naara hero'' 'Jaya Hanuman jnana guna locomotive engine, or a ship, minutes and therefore saved then. who acts accepting super human sagara, jaya Kapisha tinhu loka painted with an icon of Hanuman Bharata's life. This month as we celebrate challenges overcoming un-sur- ujagara, or simply his name, passes across Lord Rama himself narrated birthday of a original superman -- mountable looking obstacles for Ramaduta, atulita baladhama, in many parts of India, Hanuman Hanuman's glorious deeds, but HANUMAN -full of immense benefit of civilisation. .Jai Veer Anjaniputra, Pawanasuta nama.' is believed to avert mishap at sea, more notably, he recalled him strength of knowledge and Hanuman Jai Siya Var Ram. Victory to thee, O Hanuman, rail-track and roads, and protect specifically for redeeming him and physique with faithful timely guid- It is said Bhagwan Hanuman thou art the ocean of knowledge machine and treasures it con- his brother from crisis. When ed right actions for benefit of the Ji, possesses ocean-like unfath- and virtue. Victory to thee O Lord tains. Ahiravana asked Rama and humanity, we continue to be omable knowledge and virtue, of Monkeys, thou art known in all Kanayalal Raina Lakshmana, before beheading inspired by his unique acceptance incomparable might and earth- three worlds. O Emissary of

4th ANNUAL TAMIL STUDIES CONFERENCE Home, Space and the "Other" TRINITY COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MAY 21-23, 2009 Plenary Lecturer:Prof. R. Radhakrishnan, University of California, Irvine Plenary Panel: Hari Krishnan (Dancer), Prof. M.A. Nuhman (Poet), Padma Vishwanathan (Novelist) & Prasanna Vithanage (Film Maker) This conference is organized by the Centre for South Asian Studies of the University of Toronto and the University of Windsor Over 70 scholars, writers, artists and activists from universities including University of Bergen (Norway), University of Chicago, Columbia University, Eastern University (Sri Lanka), Harvard University, Jamia Millia Islamia University (New Delhi), Jawaharlal Nehru University, John Hopkins University, Leeds University (England), University of Manitoba, McGill University, University of Morelos (Mexico), University of Otago (New Zealand), University of Pennsylvania, Peradeniya University (Sri Lanka), Princeton University, Ryerson University, Stockholm University, University of Toronto, and York University will participate in this conference. ALL ARE WELCOME Online Registration and Payment Required Registration Deadline May 5, 2009 www.tamilstudiesconference.ca [email protected] 46 MAY 2009 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Color me Competition - 15 Kids Corner

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selected. Tel No:…………...... ….E-Mail: ……………...... ………… LIGHTS CAMERA - YOUTH IN ACTION Contributed by: to direct our thoughts to what much to the fabric of our lives. Abizar Badani they say is where youth are often Each interview and event in the misunderstood, and truly I can films speaks volumes of what the Imagination these days is say this effort has been a fruitful youth have contributed. The film finding fewer buyers in cinema journey. is available in a single-disc edi- these days ---may it be any part Just meeting them bought me tion. Even if you're not a of the globe, Hollywood or to realize that today its these Documentary type, PEACE LIFE Bollywood, its all the same, and films that need a wider audience, STRUGGLE is a great soul film, sequels are considered a safer as most of our top line banners and one of the MUST OWN titles. bets -- I find my self being drawn have almost lost the sheer com- a whole new cinema for stimulat- passion of fun family movies or For more information on this ing stories and brain tonic. even movies that you can take a feature email us at: n_issac@hot- One of the few to catch my part of home ---- It was after a mail.com eye is PEACE LIFE STRUGGLE screening of PEACE LIFE STRUG- produced and directed by the GLE at the FOX THEATER; I sat youth of Toronto under a program with Alysha Joseph and Piramila called Youth in Action --- about to speak to them about how this how the youth film was made and what they have come out to talk on took home from it , "I think what some of the most important makes PEACE LIFE STUGGLE so issues this generation has to face, interesting is that the film seems may that be peer pressure or just to represent the worst of what coping up with daily day to day people think about teens; yet on struggles, a film that makes you another level the film symbolizes think that these minds have so the best of the teens--as dutiful much to deal with and is there a youth, and loyal friends" explains voice there that can support them Alysha, Joseph and Pramila as the in anyway. continue to talk about various Personally, I think we all struggles they encountered as should have to be pretty crusty or young film makers, may it be then just have a bad day to object screenwriting or editing or then to these issues which in some just getting people to talk in front way or the other knit the fabric of of the camera. our future---So I decided to meet PEACE LIFE STRUGGLE is a up with this wonderful team of great film----a character study of film makers, Alysha, Joseph, interesting and complex youth Piramila, who have worked hard who have at times walked the thin to bring out their first movie only ice and yet at times have given so Monsoon Journal MAY 2009 47 BuyingBuying Vacancy for or Tamil Interpreters or SellingSelling Tamil Interpreters needed for an on-call Call: Logan Velumailum Broker basis position in Scarborough, 416-410-1620 [email protected]

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