Troubled Politics in Tamilnadu Mark by Siva Sivapragasam Tamilnadu Chief Minister Octo- Genarian Muthuvelu Karunanithi Is Sri Lanka' S a Troubled Man These Days

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British Tamils Monsoon Troubled Politics in Tamilnadu mark By Siva Sivapragasam Tamilnadu Chief Minister octo- genarian Muthuvelu Karunanithi is Sri Lanka' s a troubled man these days. He is facing an onslaught from his ally, the Congress party and ' 60 years of his arch enemy- convent educated cinematic idol, former Chief Oppression' 11 Minister Jayalalitha .In a recent outburst he has declared "our Tamil expatriates in Britain Valentine’s Day self-respect is clearer than the marked Feb 4th, Sri Lanka's inde- crown of thorns that denotes pendence day with protests and power. We are ready to lose publicity campaigns highlighting power if our self-respect is under '60 years of oppression'. threat". The bone of contention Hundreds of Tamils participated in that is rocking his boat is divisive a lively demonstration outside 10 politics, family squabble, Sri Downing Street, the Prime Lankan ethnic problem and the Minister's official residence. question of a successor after him. Another group of expatriates When Mu Ka (as he is affec- hosted a major photo exhibition 13 tionately known by his party of Sri Lanka's post-independence cadres) assumed power, he had history highlighting the state's Designer Profile no absolute majority in the State repression of the Tamils. Assembly and had to depend on the ruling Congress Party at the Media threats center and other minority parties to form the Government. Thus, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi hurt Sri Jayalalitha Jayaram always pokes fun at him by referring to his "Thalapathi" who had been choice for Karunanithi specially to Lanka rights - Government as the "minority gov- groomed by party followers all oppose Jayalalitha. 16 ernment". Now and then his these years as his legitimate suc- But the big problem that is Amnesty major allies, the Congress Party cessor. But Stalin lacks lustre and plaguing Karunanithi now is the Nayak Regime ... and the PMK give him pin-pricks charisma that is a sine-qua-non in Sri Lankan ethnic strife and the Attacks and threats against Sri on delicate issues. He also earned Tamilnaadu politics. It was film allegation from his allies and Lanka's media are creating a cul- Monsoon Health 9 the wrath of religious leaders in charisma than efficiency that opposition parties about LTTE ture of silence and lack of dissent the North sometime back when he plummeted MGR and Jayalalitha presence and support in just as abductions, killings and Monsoon Arts 16 scorned Lord Rama as a mere into power. On the other hand Tamilnaadu. Tamil politicians in rights abuses rise in the island's imaginative epic hero and not of Alagiri is a tough-talking "goonda" Tamilnaadu like Nedumaran, civil war, Amnesty International Monsoon Real Estate 23 the status of a Hindu God. type politician who rules the roost Thirumalavan and Vaiko said on Feb 7th. Other issues haunting The rights group said in a Monsoon Photo Journal 36 in Madurai. A third person who Gopalasamy are protesting Karunanithi are internal squabble has come into the lime-light against the Centre's alleged arms report that at least 10 media Monsoon Auto Mart 37 within his family and the problem recently is his sweet smiling support to the Sri Lankan workers -- mostly from the ethnic of a successor after him. Two of daughter, poet Kanimoli .She has Government and want Karunanithi Tamil minority -- have been killed Monsoon Food Court 38 his sons-MK. Stalin and been made an M.P. at the centre to take the issue with the Central in the last two years as a 2002 MK.Alagiri, born to different moth- and perhaps would soon be ele- Government and suspend any ceasefire between the govern- Cine Journal 47 ers are competing for leadership vated to the rank of a cabinet such assistance. ment and Tamil Tiger rebels col- after him. It was Stalin, the minister. She would be the best ...Continued in Page 3 lapsed into all-out war. THE LAW OFFICE OF WALK IN DENTAL CLINIC VANEE HARICHANDRAN Dr. Iru Vijayanathan Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, LL.B., LL.M., B.Ec. www.vaneelaw.com 3150 Eglinton Ave East Business Law Family Law Immigration Law Commissioning & Notarization Markham & Eglinton Accident Benefits Statutory Declarations & Affidavits Call now for an appoinment Real Estate, Refinance & Mortgages Last Wills & Power of Attorney 416.264.3232 700 Dundas Street East, Suite 2, 2nd floor Ph: 905 270 5454 Mississauga, ON, L4Y 3Y5 2 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Good News Under new Management, Fancy Florist And A Large Flower Shop in Tamil Nadu, India are working together to bring best ﬂowers as such Jasmine, Kanagambaram etc, garlands with good fragrance, Tulasi, Lotus Flowers, Vilvam, etc from Tamil Nadu every week via direct ﬂight from Chennai to Toronto.

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Immigrants in smaller centres Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery achieve economic integration faster re- opens at the ROM on February 16th Statistics Canada Study: I mmigrants in the hinterlands The Royal Ontario Museum very proud of our long history of 1992 to 2005 (ROM) is proud to announce the support for this world-class muse- re-opening of the Sir Christopher um, and of this year-long partner- Immigrants living in small Ondaatje South Asian Gallery, ship as the ROM enters this excit- urban centres and in rural areas named in honour of Sir ing new phase in its history." tend to achieve economic integra- Christopher Ondaatje, C.B.E., The Sir Christopher Ondaatje tion much faster than immigrants O.C., in appreciation of his gener- South Asian Gallery presents the living in large urban areas, ous support of Renaissance ROM ROM's important collection of the according to a new study. and the Royal Ontario Museum. artistic and cultural traditions of The study, published recently The original gallery, the first in South Asia. Spanning over 5,000 in Perspectives on Labour and Canada to highlight South Asian years, each artifact reveals Income, shows that the income culture, opened at the ROM in aspects of South Asia's long and gap between immigrants and 2000. The new gallery, located on diverse history. Nine thematically Canadians living in similar areas Level 3 of the Michael Lee-Chin Sir ChristopherOndaatje organized exhibit areas present closed faster over time in smaller Crystal, is scheduled to open the ROM's outstanding collection centres and rural areas than in and lack of information on labour come to appreciate brand new February 16, 2008. of South Asian religious objects large cities. market requirements and employ- highlights." "This gallery is uniquely and sculpture, decorative arts, In very large urban areas, the ment opportunities. On average, "As inaugural season sponsor, Canadian," says Sir Christopher arms and armour, miniature paint- initial income gap was 37%; after however, immigrants living in it has been our pleasure to sup- Ondaatje. "While conflict exists in ings and textiles, originating from four years, the gap was 22%. In large urban centres experienced a port the ROM as it brings this fas- many parts of the world, here in countries such as Afghanistan, the 12th year, it fell below 10%. slow decline in this income gap. cinating Michael Lee-Chin Crystal Canada we have created a Bangladesh, India, Nepal, In contrast, in small urban More vulnerable immigrant gallery to the public," states Gerry tremendously diverse South Asian Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. areas the initial gap was only groups such as refugees, immi- McCaughey, President and Chief gallery, with Canada's varied [rom.on.ca] 14%, and in the fourth year, grants with no prior ability in an Executive Officer of CIBC. "We are South Asian communities and the immigrants were earning 2% official language or immigrants ROM matching my initial support. more than Canadians. This rela- with no more than a high school What an achievement! It is to this Page 1 tive advantage increased over education also experienced more Troubled politics in Tamil Nadu ideal that I pledged a further $1 time, reaching a peak of 18% rapid economic integration in million. Canada is the great At the same time, the the entire film world which has during the 11th year. small urban centres and rural United Nations experiment, and it Congress Party in Tamilnaadu a big say in Tamilnaadu politics The income advantage of areas. is working." and Jayalalitha are alleging that is backing Karunanithi (as evi- immigrants was even more pro- Although refugees represent- William Thorsell, the ROM's he is giving a free run to the dent in a function held some- nounced in small towns and rural ed only 5% of immigrants in small Director and CEO responds, "The LTTE in Tamilnaadu, which he time back to felicitate him). areas, where the average income towns and rural areas, they inte- ROM is grateful to Sir Christopher has vehemently denied. So, he As a seasoned politician and of immigrants was 4% higher grated very rapidly—so rapidly Ondaatje, whose ongoing support is caught between the devil and a diplomatic personality, the than that of Canadians after only that, after only one year, their has again enabled the ROM to the deep sea. Kalaignar is bound to emerge one year of permanent residence. incomes were 10% greater than bring more of its objects out of its Against the back drop of unscathed from the vexed and Immigrants remained less those of Canadians living in the collections areas and into the complexed problems, the econ- complex issues confronting him. likely to settle in small urban cen- same type of area. public eye, where they belong. omy in Tamilnaadu is basically Perhaps, in the evening of his tres, with 75% of immigrants In contrast, refugees in very The ROM's South Asian collection sound. The economy is flourish- political career he would utter choosing to live in Toronto, large urban areas earned 43% is particularly renowned and, ing with foreign investment the word "Success"which he Montréal and Vancouver (com- less and, after 13 years of resi- thanks to Sir Christopher, visitors pouring in and several high-tech penned for his onetime friend pared with 34% of the general dence, the gap was about 20%. to the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal and auto industries being setup. Sivaji Ganesan in his legendary population) and less than 3% set- Only immigrants from the will delight in old favourites and The business sector and almost success film "Parasakthi. tling in a small town or rural area United States (and to a lesser (compared with 22% of the gen- degree from Oceania) integrated eral population). more quickly in larger centres The income gap was widest than in smaller ones. All other upon an immigrant's arrival. It immigrants, especially those from declined over time as individuals Asia, integrated more rapidly (in overcame such hurdles as lack of economic terms) in smaller cities. ability in official languages, unrec- [statscan.ca] ognized foreign qualifications, Valentine’s Day Greetings To Our Readers,Advertisers From Monsoon Journal Mallikai-Jasmine By Kuzhanthai Kavignar Azha. Valliyappa

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Pleasing the eyes Its scent mixes with wind while on women's head making them proud At a Mayurapathi Flower Shop, Wear it on our heads Wellawatte, Sri Lanka: we aren't fortunate Pic by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai wonder the men in angst with the jasmine flower - Translated by K.Thirukumaran 4 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Monsoon Journal From the Publisher’s Desk ... Printing the Winds of Change around us All lands home, all men kin. "They who are united to the glori- Sri Lanka @ 60 ous feet of Him who occupies swift- February 4th, 2008 marked We re-produce Harini the human rights situation in Sri their government would take an ly the flower of the mind, shall the 60th anniversary of Sivalingam's article in full here: Lanka has deteriorated. With the interest in a global human rights flourish in the highest of worlds ‘Independence' for Sri Lanka from Sri Lanka needs our collapse of the cease fire, the sit- situation that impacts Canadians. (heaven)." - Thirukkural # 3 Britain. But ‘Nation building' Leadership uation will only get worse. The Canada certainly has a role to remains unfinished and Tamils "This year started off with a United Nations, international play in the Sri Lankan conflict. Sri Managing Editor & Publisher particularly face increasing threat bang in Sri Lanka . Literally. Not human rights NGOs and several Lanka is among the top 10 donor Logan Velumailum to life and mounting rights viola- the firecrackers we are accus- Western democracies have con- recipients of Canadian develop- Editorial & Marketing Consultant tions. Instead of redressing Tamil tomed to in Canada , but the demned the gross violations of ment aid. Sri Lanka relies heavily Siva Sivapragasam grievances and trying to accom- sounds of guns and bombs. On civil liberties and human rights by on Canada economically and modate legitimate aspirations, the Jan. 1, Tamil parliamentarian the Sri Lankan government. therefore can be influenced by Promotion Co-ordinator Sri Lankan state is ignoring calls Thiyagarajah Maheswaran, was In the last 18 months we Canadian condemnation of their Senthi Senthivel for political solution. shot dead while attending a New have seen the erosion of all the human rights record. The Monsoon Journal like Year's service at a Hindu temple in pillars of democracy in Sri Lanka , By using soft diplomacy, Layout Design many others in our communities Colombo , Sri Lanka . from the suppression of the media Canada can support the call for a Santosh Kumar K.A likes to see Canada play an impor- Shortly after this assassina- and free speech to assassinations United Nations Special Envoy to Graphics Consultant tant diplomatic role in bringing tion the government of Sri Lanka to erosion of the rule of law. Sri Lanka to monitor the human Gnane B. Gnanendran about peace in Sri Lanka. announced its intentions to with- OBLI GATI ON TO ENGAGE rights situation and encourage the In an op-ed piece written by draw from the 2002 Cease Fire Canada is home to the largest negotiation of a peaceful resolu- Contributing Columnists Harini Sivalingam - published in Agreement, igniting a chain of Tamil Diaspora outside of Sri tion to this crisis. Anand. J the Toronto Sun recently, she events that will ultimately lead to Lanka . It has an obligation to By taking a more proactive Harish . G says, "Canada certainly has a role the full resumption of war and engage with Canadian Tamils. approach to the conflict, Canada K.T. Kumaran to play in the Sri Lankan conflict. bloodshed. On Jan. 16, the six- Most of the 200,000 Canadian can condemn the human rights Krishni. L Sri Lanka is among the top 10 year-old ceasefire came to an Tamils have come to Canada as violations of the Sri Lankan gov- Kumar Punithavel donor recipients of Canadian abrupt end. refugees fleeing the ethnic war in ernment and impose trade and Mithura Anandarajah development aid. Sri Lanka relies This year not only marks the their homeland. They have strong aid restrictions on Sri Lanka if it Nate. V Raymond Rajabalan heavily on Canada economically 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka 's emotional and family ties to their continues to fail to abide by its Rudy Ruthran and therefore can be influenced independence from colonial rule, homeland. international human rights obliga- Shiyam. L by Canadian condemnation of but also the 25th anniversary of While Canadian Tamils are tions. Sri Krishnan. S their human rights record". the 1983 anti-Tamil riots. Of these grateful to Canada for offering Canada not only has a respon- Circulation Co-ordinator In a voice of clarity in preci- 60 years of independence, 25 many refugees from Sri Lanka a sibility, but also a moral and ethi- S.S. Mathavan sion, she is echoing the minds of years were marred by a bloody safe haven, they cannot be cal duty to undertake a greater Disclaimer: those Tamils who had to leave the civil war that has left more than expected to simply "leave their leadership role in bringing about a Opinions and I nterpretations ‘Independent' Sri Lanka for safety 70,000 dead. baggage behind." peaceful resolution to the conflict appearing in the newspaper are and security. Over the past several years, Canadian Tamils should expect in Sri Lanka." those of the writers and need not be necessarily of Monsoon Journal

To place community and Letters to Editor & Opinions non profit organization news submit by email to: Kanayalal Raina Rashid's bouncer hit me when I days when the rules were fol- International Cricket Conference [email protected] Tel: 416-358-3235 Brampton was at the crease. I was lucky not lowed scrupulously. Cricketers no (ICC) and given a golden hand- We used to play cricket to lose my left eye. But I bled like more walk out when they know shake in lieu of his possible earn- together back home in Kashmir, a halaaled goat. After that day my they are out. It is also a matter of ings in future! ALL RI GHTS RESERVED: No contents in Monsoon Journal may be when we were young. I and a father never allowed me to play record that before the Second It is disappointing that a printed without the written con- dozen other kids from our school cricket with the boys if Rashid was World War there were two cate- thrilling Test match at the Sydney sent of the Publisher. were known players of soft ball playing too – which was like gories of cricketers even in Cricket Ground was overshad- The views and opinions cricket. For the record, they are all always – and so I ended up being England . One consisted of gen- owed by controversies and ended expressed in the articles in holding important posts in various a score-keeper for both sides tlemen who were rich and studied in an unfortunate manner. The Monsoon Journal are those of the Govt. organizations or working in whenever cricket was played. in the best schools. The other Australians' approach in the last authors and do not necessarily different cities of India and some Here I forgot to mention that I included the men whom Marx innings of the match is the reason reflect those of the Publisher. are business men now and some had also developed a mortal fear would describe as proletariat. for the entire controversy. The While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy Monsoon have even settled abroad just like of hard leather cricket balls fol- Although playing for the same Aussies, caring little for the spirit Journal is not responsible for any me. lowing that accident. "How team they would walk into the of the game, used every trick of errors or omissions in the con- Rashid a young robust Muslim silly…but whatever...Since then I ground through separate gates. the trade to wrest the match form tents. Advertisers are responsible boy, who was senior to me, was have been watching cricket main- This is how cricket was played in Indians. The match it looks was for the contents in the rather good at the game. He bat- ly on TV / Internet or reading arti- a country that is credited with 'fixed' in favour of Australia as 8 Advertisements and all liabilities ted with a straight bat, bowled a cles published in various newspa- having popularized it wherever it wrong decisions against India and for their claimers. consistent line and fielded without pers and magazines and at the ruled. Over the decades several the circumstances of each one of Calling Students fear of injury. Around the time we same time I was wondering why such incidents have taken place these lapses certainly need a “Earn Pocket Money during your were fourteen, Rashid came up the United States and the erst- that indicate that cricket can't be thorough investigation. India had spare time” helping with with the idea that we should stop while Soviet Union have never elevated to a super status. defeated Australia in the 20/20 “Monsoon Journal” Subscriptions hitting the silly green tennis balls played cricket? Umpires have been biased at one competition and came near to “Monsoon Journal”, the monthly around and start playing with a We used to say that cricket is, point or the other in the history of demolishing them on the first day English publication for the South Asian community is recruiting stu- leather ball instead. ‘Like real well a gentle man's game. But the game and that is why neutral as Australia lost 6 wickets but dents to canvass subscriptions for the cricketers,' he said. He was tall now whoever says that cricket is a umpires were appointed. But alas then Andrew Symonds was given paper during their spare time. and the de facto captain of our gentleman's game will have to they too did not work out. Not 'not out' on four occasions [once Students will be provided leads and group. There were no protests think again. The recent Sydney very long ago one of them was by the Third Umpire who disre- lists of prospective subscribers to make their job easy. They will be when he asked us to contribute cricket Test between India and exposed to the charge of openly garded the facts on the screen compensated for every subscription ten rupees each towards the Australia will strengthen the basing his decisions on racism. seen by the entire crowd] and obtained. leather ball. Things were going impression that it is just like any The moment he stood exposed he predictably made 160 plus! Interested applicants, please call: well. But one day while we were other sport. It is competitive. It is had offered to walk out provided 416 358 3235 Or e-mail: [email protected] playing with the leather ball played for money. Gone are the he was compensated by the Continued in next page “Source for Multi Ethnic Exposure” MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 5 Letters to Editor & Opinions

spinner. Does this mean that the which investigated the case and Continued from previous page Recommendations of APRC words of one of the leading and ruled in favour of Dr Haneef and best cricketer in the world are not his visa has been now restored. and the grim prospects for Their on-field behaviour was to be trusted? This is insulting and The reason I am mentioning this also pathetic and needs to be it amounts to practicing racism in is because we should not con- peace in Sri Lanka condemned. But one wonders if its crudest form. Together the demn or form a wrong opinion By: Usha S Sri Skanda Rajah and a contemptuous lack of all the criticism aimed at the Australians have proved that they about a country or its people by Canadians of Tamil heritage understanding of the legitimate Australians will make them can also level a rather serious acts committed by a few and the must educate their government and reasonable aspirations of the behave any better in future. The charge of racism and get it estab- arrogant attitude and alleged and elected representatives of Sri Tamil People. media in Australia [vast majority] lished at least prima facie in front threats of Australian players Lanka's All Party Representative Nadesan Satyendra - QC a dis- have commented fairly and are of an adjudicator who apparently should be ignored. Things howev- Committee's (APRC) recommen- tinguished lawyer in the article very critical of the umpires as also can't distinguish between logic er can go out of hand as public dations and their bid to revive an titled "The thirteenth amendment the Australian Captain and other and mob mentality. anger based on hard facts [TV out-dated and outmoded concept to the Sri Lanka constitution – players. That will not solve our prob- replays and various newspaper such as the 13th amendment to devolution or comic opera" com- After all, unsporting behaviour lems; however, we should feel reports] make a mockery of fair the Sri Lankan Constitution and pares the proposed provincial present it as a viable solution to of Australian has become a part delighted instead that Indian play and provocative statements councils to "glorified local author- end the ethnic conflict in Sri ities" clearly setting out the rea- and parcel of their larger game "boys" have been at their best by those involved will make deci- Lanka. They must do it before the sons why it falls short of Tamil plan. If they possibly cannot win behaviour. They have been made sion making difficult and it would Sri Lankan Government tries to do aspirations. http://www.tamil- matches by playing cricket, they to suffer defeats but they have be unfortunate if this were to spill so by canvassing support for it net.com/img/publish/2008/01/sat force their opponents into submis- won hearts with their gentleman- into the political arena. through its diplomatic channels. yendraCoopera.pdf sion by harassing them. Team ly conduct. Their behaviour Every patriotic Indian expects The proposal to bring back By not genuinely addressing India has been let down by a reminds us of a thinker's observa- BCCI to stand firm. It is an issue provincial councils by giving life to the Tamil National Question the biased match referee. Initially, Mr tion: Some one has said "It is true where our sportsmen have been the 13th amendment that had APRC has only made a permanent Mike Procter said that umpires did that nice guys finish last. Nice branded "racist". That Harbhajan already been relegated and con- political settlement and peace in not hear anything objectionable guys are winners before the game Singh can play in the series till the signed to the dustbin of history is Sri Lanka a grim prospect. from off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. even starts." Alternatively they ICC reviews his case is hogwash. to show a callous disregard for, Subsequently, Mr Procter appears can also say: "We are living proof The ICC and BCCI have bought to have been swayed by the per- that nice guys always finish last. time by suspending the ban on suasive abilities of Australian cap- More recently we have seen Singh. Now, the tour will go on as From Hudson Solomons tain Ricky Ponting and the ‘evi- the false charges and the alleged planned and after all the interest- I would like to thank you and the Team for publishing History of dence' that the Australian team terrorist charges levelled against ed parties have made their Tamil Rulers of the Kandyan Kingdom on page 12 in the January 2008 presented to him. Dr. Haneef an Indian doctor work- money, the BCCI and ICC will issue with Beautiful pictures and also the History of Veerapandiya ing in Australia, in the recent past come to a truce. None should be Kattabomman on page 31 with Facts. You have published the Rulers of Mr Procter did not think it pru- and clearly it seems a racist mind allowed to play with our national Eelam History just in two pages but it is priceless. If I recall the Sri dent to give Harbhajan Singh a set exists in certain quarters but pride. Lanka Opposition Leader Ranil Wickermesinghes's great ancestors were fair hearing and accept Sachin we should also reflect positively connected to the last King Sri Wickrama Raja Singhe (1798- 1815). Tendulkar's defence of the off- on the legal system in Australia Please keep up the good work and I wish you all the best in success.

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International Relations in New tough times lie ahead for informa- an increasing demand for areas in cially Toronto and Vancouver, For further information con- Delhi. He says India is now more tion technology companies. One which RBC has competitive have been profound. They form tact: closely linked with global markets of India's largest software strengths – infrastructure and an important, indeed critical, link Sobhagya PR than it was in the 1990s. "If you exporters, TCS, says it will slash project finance, energy, metals between India and Canada," con- Sangeeta Irani, add up exports, imports of goods its staff bonuses because profits and mining, structured products, tinued Mr. Nixon. Tel: + 91 9820060014, and services, merchandise, trade, have been lower than expected currency and bond trading, and About RBC Email: sobhagyapr@rediff today they constitute more than due to a weakening dollar. wealth management services." Royal Bank of Canada (RY on mail.com 50 per cent of India's GDP. It was And there are concerns that Akhauri Sinha, country head, TSX and NYSE) and its sub- RBC less than 20 per cent in 1990. foreign investment into the coun- RBC India, will lead RBC's overall sidiaries operate under the mas- Beja Rodeck, 416 974 5506, There has been a sea change. We try could decline if there is a slow- operations in India, while ter brand name of RBC. We are Email: [email protected] are much more now related to the down. Dipendarra J. Singh will lead Canada's largest bank as meas- RBC Capital Markets & RBC external world than we were ear- Volatile stock markets are RBC's wealth management busi- ured by assets and market capi- Wealth Management lier. Just as a rising tide lifts all the already reflecting the nervous- ness with a focus on high net talization and one of North Beverley Weber, boats, a waning tide takes the ness. Mumbai's main SENSEX worth individuals, and Vikas America's leading diversified Tel: + 44 20 7029 7685, boats along with it to a lower stock index has sunk about 16 Jambotkar will focus on providing financial services companies. We Email:beverley.weber@ level," he said. percent in the past month. RBC services to Indian financial provide personal and commercial rbccm.com Worries are growing in export [VOA] institutions, as well as capital banking, wealth management Kamal and Disney to pr oduce India's most expensive f eatur e f il m? THE NEW FI LM WHI CH WI LL BE JOI NTLY PRODUCED BY WALT DI SNEY PRODUCTI ONS AND BHARAT BALA I S SLATED TO COST APPROXI MATELY RS 120 CRORE. THE FI LM I S SAI D TO BE DI RECTED BY KAMAL HAASAN, WHO WI LL ALSO PLAY THE LEAD ROLE I N I T. ANUPAMA SUBRAMANI AN I to expand its operations across CHENNAI the country. And this is why In what seems to be another Marma Yogi was chosen. feather in the cap of one of The film, which is said to be India's finest actors, Kamal directed by Kamal Haasan will be Haasan will now join forces with his fourth directorial venture. It is none other than Walt Disney a period drama, set in the seventh Productions, who are slated to century, which will also feature produce his forthcoming film him in the lead role. Hema Malini, Marma Yogi (Mysterious Saint). who worked with Kamal in Hey According to the buzz, this Ram and Asin who is cast oppo- big-budget spectacle will be co- site him in Dasavadharam have made in the country, has an produced by Bharath Bala, who been roped in to play key roles. astronomical budget of approxi- was responsible for Vande There is yet another heroine in mately Rs 120 crore. The movie Mataram, the first patriotic music the film. Co-incidentally, Marma seems all set to compete against video by A. R. Rahman which Yogi is the title of one of MGR's Rajnikanth's recently announced made waves several years ago. legendary blockbusters, which is film, Robot in the race to become The new collaboration will see known to be the first Tamil film to India's most expensive film to Kamal Haasan and A. R. Rahman receive an ‘A' certificate at the date. coming together after a long gap. time of its release in 1951. This is Kamal will shortly go to the US According to sources, Walt the second time that Kamal has to discuss the production of this Disney Productions, which recent- adopted the title of an MGR film film, which is slated to be shot in ly tied up with Yash Raj Films for (after Sathi Leelavathi of 1936). Thailand. Kamal plans to start a full-length animated feature The new film, which is touted to shooting for this film in February. called Roadside Romeo, wanted be the most expensive film ever MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 7

Convert development process $2,500 car turning heads even in into mass movement: Modi relatively prosperous Canada: poll It may not be available in Development process of the Canada for years, if ever, but TATA Nano country should be converted into Canadians have already fallen in a mass movement, Gujarat Chief love with the idea of the Tata Minister Narendra Modi said in Nano, the world's cheapest car. Chennai recently. With a top speed of 105 kilo- Addressing the 38th anniver- metres an hour, a 33-horsepower sary of the Tamil periodical engine and the looks of a snub- Thuglak, he drew a parallel to nosed beagle, the Tata Nano from how Mahatma Gandhi converted India is hardly a vehicle that could people's urge for Independence be described as a "babe magnet." into a mass movement. Chief Minister Narendra Modi But the expected $2,500 price In future, "unless and until and Thuglak editor Cho S. Ramaswamy at the magazine's tag is drawing plenty of attention you have an inclusive growth and anniversary celebrations in - including from young women - a development, you cannot change Chennai. poll of Canadians suggests. By the face of the State". comparison, inexpensive sub- He wanted the ongoing devel- He emphasised that people compacts in Canada can cost opment process in Gujarat to con- should be involved in the develop- upwards of $12,000. tinue so that the State could ment process as that would only The Canadian Press also been called an environmental But the idea of the Nano is a become the catalyst for the coun- ensure an all out growth. Harris/Decima survey of 1,004 disaster because it is expected to sweet dream for many in the try to achieve the goal of making On secularism, Mr. Modi want- adults conducted in late January cause an explosion in car use in developed world, leading at least the 21st century India's century. ed to know whether opposition to suggests the Nano would be a hit India, and after it is available for one other manufacturer to say it, The reason for the success in terrorism would be regarded as in Canada if Tata Motors, which export, other poor, developing too, plans to jump into the micro- Gujarat, he said, was that his communalism. "If I have to pay expects to start production this countries. cost car market. regime believed in the principal of the price, I am ready." fall, decides to export the car. Chief United Nations climate French automaker Renault "a minimum Government maxi- He said for him development Tata has said the Nano would scientist Rajendra Pachauri, who and its Japanese partner Nissan mum Governance". gave the strongest foundation to be manufactured strictly for the shared last year's Nobel Peace have announced plans to produce He called upon those in power secularism and the poorest of the India market for the next two Prize, said last month that "I am a compact that would sell for less not to aim for winning the next poor, irrespective of religion, years. having nightmares" thinking than $3,000 US. election but aim for winning the should be the focus of the devel- More than one in three about the Nano. [Canadian Press] hearts of the people. opment process. respondents (36 per cent) said that someone in their household Tamil Nadu fishermen was either certain or likely to buy one if they could, although 41 per cent said that was unlikely. protest sea mines As well, 21 per cent said they By TN Gopalan The legislators had also believe the five-seater will be a BBC Tamil Service, Chennai referred to reports that the Sri big winner around the world over The government of the south- Lanka Navy had mined the waters the next 10 years, and 54 per ern Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the Kacha Theevu region in an cent said they believed it would pledged to press the federal gov- attempt to curb the movement of be at least a moderate success. ernment to take up the issue of Tamil Tiger rebels. The poll has a 95 per cent accura- fishing in the environs of Kacha Legislators say the lives of the cy probability within a sampling Theevu. Tamil Nadu fishermen were in error of plus or minus 3.1 per- Senior Tamil Nadu minister danger now as they traditionally centage points. Arcot Veerasamy made the ventured to that region in pursuit "I think this tells us that as remarks after opposition legisla- of the lucrative prawns, but the much as we're seeing growth in tors expressed their displeasure minister chose not to comment on the luxury car segment, there's over the continued attacks on the mining reports. still burgeoning demand in the Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly However he said efforts were lower end segment, particularly by the Lankan Navy. afoot to arrange the release of 21 among younger Canadians and The legislators expressed sup- Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by those who are not as well off," port to fishermen's demand that the Lankan Navy a few days ago said Bob Murphy, senior vice- their traditional rights to fish in while crossing over to the Lankan president with the polling firm. the Kacha Theevu region be side of the ocean. The most likely to say they recognised by Sri Lanka. Fishermen of Rameswaram on were open to purchasing the Minister Veerasamy said the the southeastern coast have been Nano were young Canadians in government would appeal to the keeping away from the sea for the 18-34 age group who report- Centre to intervene and put an three days now protesting attacks ed household incomes under end to harassment of the Tamil on them and the reports of min- $60,000 a year. Nadu fishermen. ing. There was almost no difference in appeal between men and women, but politically, supporters of the Green party (51 per cent) were far more favourably dis- posed to the car than Conservative supporters, at 33 per cent. That may have to do with the fact that the car, which gets more than 20 kilometres per litre of gas and is regarded as less polluting than other automobiles, is viewed as relatively environmentally friendly, as opposed to other automobiles. TN fishermen say mining in Kacha Theevu endangers their lives The irony is that the Nano has 8 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

UN High Commissioner in firing line Concerns Rise For Safety Of Journalists in Sri Lanka as Sri Lanka mounts criticism The International Federation abdomen. On January 26, the Protests in front of the UN com- cer is taken before international law of Journalists (IFJ) warns that the chairman of Associated Louise Arbour pound in Colombo usually call for for taking decisions on behalf of the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka is Newspapers of Ceylon had more assertive action by the world motherland," PLF leader in serious jeopardy as several "removed" Kasim from his position body, but recently it was different: Somawansha Amarasinghe said on serious attacks and anti-media as associate editor of the state- The People's Liberation Front (PLF), 16 January, "they would have to statements by government offi- controlled Tamil daily Thinakaran. the second largest opposition party, take them over our dead bodies." cials demonstrate a lack of In an interview published on held a demonstration calling on UN The NPM warned such state- respect for the value of media January 27, Defence Secretary Human Rights High Commissioner ments could endanger the lives of freedom in the country. Gotabhaya Rajapaksha openly Louise Arbour to mind her own UN staff and requested UN officials The IFJ joins the Free Media called for media censorship, the business, and her language. to be more careful. "We also call Movement (FMM), the Sri Lankan judicial enforcement of criminal The PLF's criticism of Arbour upon all responsible officials of the stems from comments she made in UN in Sri Lanka, considering the recent speeches that human rights safety of the employees of the UN violators in Sri Lanka, even those in and its assets, to refrain from mak- senior government posts, could be ing such utter[ly] foolish statements charged in international criminal that would enrage the people in this Arbour, who visited Sri Lanka in courts. country," it said. October 2007, over the latter's pro- "The high commissioner warned Government reaction posal to set up a field presence of that violations of these rules by any The government reaction to the high commissioner's office in Sri party could entail individual criminal Arbour's statement has been more Lanka to monitor and report on responsibility under international measured. Disaster Management abuse. criminal law, including by those in and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Civic groups speak out positions of command," the UN said Samarasinghe said the decision to Civic groups in Colombo see the in a statement on 15 January. pull out of the ceasefire was taken latest attack on the UN official as an Arbour's statement reflects her after lengthy deliberation and the extension of recent efforts by politi- concern over the possibility of government would not condone or cal groups and sections of the increased civilian casualties with the support rights violations by its media to discredit international A Newsstand in Sri Lanka end of the ceasefire between the Sri forces. agencies, including the UN. Working Journalists' Association defamation and the prosecution of Lankan government and the Tamil "As in the past, even at the cost A group of 13 national organisa- (SLWJA), the Federation of Media two leading media institutions for Tigers on 16 January. of delay in the implementation and tions including the Centre for Policy Employees Trade Union (FMETU), "critical reportage". The state- The PLF and other groups, successful completion of military Alternatives, the Law and Society the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum ment, published in Sunday including the pro-government operations, the government will Trust and the Free Media Movement (SLMMF) and the Sri Lanka Tamil Lankadeepa, is another alarming National Patriotic Movement (NPM), take all necessary and meaningful have banded together to defend Journalists' Alliance (SLTJA) in reflection of the Sri Lankan said they took Arbour's comments measures to avoid civilian casualties Arbour and others who have come condemning all attacks on jour- Government's growing and overt as a veiled threat to discourage mil- and hardships to civilian popula- under criticism for advocating inter- nalists in the country. disregard for media freedom and itary operations by government tions," Saramasinghe said in a national human rights monitoring. The IFJ is concerned by a the right of journalists to conduct forces to dislodge Tamil Tigers from statement on 16 January, adding, They said attacks like the recent series of recent incidents, includ- their work freely. areas under the latter's control in "the government is compelled to one on Arbour could hamper assis- ing a knife attack on Lal Rajapaksha, who is the broth- the north. indicate to the UN high commission- tance to the most needy in Sri Hemantha Mawalage on January er of Sri Lanka's President, was "Arbour directly threatens the er for human rights that it considers Lanka and endanger the lives of 25. The producer in the news divi- reported as saying, "I told the political and military leaders who her statement on the end of the humanitarian workers even more. sion of the state-controlled Sri President that we need to exercise are involved in taking measures for CFA [ceasefire agreement] contain- "Where it concerns the war- Lanka Rupavahini Corporation press censorship from the begin- national security," the National ing warnings on ‘individual criminal affected civilian population in the Patriotic Movement (NPM) said in a responsibility' as being untimely, north and east, it is the humanitar- (SLRC) was reportedly attacked ning. I have been telling him that statement on 18 January. "What inappropriate and unacceptable." ian organisations that have often by two unidentified men on his we need to bring in laws that stip- she says in diplomatic language is Sri Lanka's Permanent Mission been the main source of institution- way home in Athurigiriya, a sub- ulate harsh punishments for such that if anyone takes steps to liber- to the UN in Geneva called Arbour's al solace to the people," they said in urb of Colombo. reporting." ate the Wanni and Killinochchi areas comments gratuitous and biased. a statement on 17 January. The FMM, an affiliate of the The IFJ said local, national [under Tiger control] they would be "The high commissioner has once "Over the last two years IFJ, reported Mawalage had and regional authorities must initi- branded as war criminals and again proven one point - how humanitarian agencies have faced received continuous death threats ate immediate and impartial brought before international law. unqualified the Office of the High multiple incidents of violence, since speaking on behalf of SLRC investigations into the attacks This is clearly a threat." Commissioner for Human Rights including killings and disappear- employees regarding an aggres- against journalists and the media The PLF also came out strongly (OHCHR) is in monitoring and ances of humanitarian staff, attacks sive intrusion into SLRC's offices community, and ensure that cul- against Arbour's statement and said reporting human rights in Sri Lanka against offices and vehicles, and by Labour Minister Mervyn Silva prits are brought to justice. it was "international terrorism" to as an independent actor," it said on threats and intimidation, which has on December 27, 2007. "Continuing attacks and attempt to influence the actions of a 17 January. made working in Sri Lanka all the Mawalage's vehicle was intention- harassment are intended to send democratically elected government. The government has had a more challenging." ally hit by another car on January a message to the media commu- "If any politician or military offi- long-running disagreement with [irinnews.org] 23. The FMM said the incidents nity and to spread fear," IFJ Asia- were believed to be linked to the Pacific Director Jacqueline Park Minister and Mawalage's public said. "Media freedom requires role in the SLRC protest. respect for the right of differing On January 28, Suhaib M. and critical opinions to be voiced, Kasim, another journalist working particularly in times of conflict. for state-controlled media, was Freedom of expression is the cor- stabbed at his home in Colombo. nerstone of any civil democracy, The FMM reported that five but attacks on journalists are intruders entered Kasim's home, eroding Sri Lanka's democratic dragged him outside, and stabbed stability." him, seriously injuring his [ifj press release]

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see etc. Living a health lifestyle is the best way to prevent the impact of Heart Healthy heart disease. Making physical activity part of your daily routine By Mithura Anandarajah, PT for 30 to 60 minutes can lower your blood pressure and choles- As New Year Resolutions are of managing this disease is by terol levels. Find an activity that starting to wane, February comes controlling the risk factors. They you enjoy, be it walking, biking or right around the corner. Certainly include high blood pressure, high even rock climbing. Moreover, one thinks of red hearts, valentine cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, when you feel energized and chocolates and roses. On a seri- stress, excessive alcohol con- active, you are more likely to ous and less sentimental note sumption, physical inactivity and watch your eating habits or avoid however, it is a great time to pon- being overweight. It is important smoking. Healthy eating will der healthy heart awareness. to assess your blood involve eating foods and snacks February has been designated as pressure/cholesterol levels regu- with lower salt intake and higher the Heart Health Month and it is a larly. nutritional value. Meet with a perfect time to educate oneself High blood cholesterol will dietician or a Naturopath to fur- and each other on the primary lead to a buildup of plaque in the ther educate yourself on the nec- organ that really makes us tick. artery walls, which will make it essary principles. A muscular pump that beats harder for blood to flow through- To get more information about more than 100,000 time a day, out the body. This buildup of being heart healthy, discuss with the heart along with a whole net- plaque is called atherosclerosis. your physician your risk factors work of blood vessels, supply If blood supply is slow or stopped and prevention methods. Talk to blood and nutrients throughout in the heart muscle, what occurs your physiotherapist/kinesiologist the body. In addition, this system is a heart attack. Depending on about how you can improve your is responsible for removing the amount of damage, this activity level, safely and effective- wastes that are accumulated. affects the hearts ability to effec- ly. A Naturapath or dietician in With the narrowing of these ves- tively pump blood throughout the your community could further sels or the dysfunction of the body. facilitate healthy eating. heart, what results is cardiovascu- If blood flow is interrupted in Ultimately, educate yourself and lar disease. Heart disease the brain, what results is the those you care about this Heart accounts for the most deaths in death of the brain cells in that Healthy Month. Canada and so it is an issue that area, commonly known as a For more information please has an impact on every person. stroke. Depending on the extent check the website www.heartand Most importantly, it can be man- of the damage, this can affect a stroke.ca. aged appropriately. The best way person's ability to walk, talk, eat,

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er of ready-to eat-meals transported by the agency on behalf of 12 UN and Controversy over truck- other agencies (including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, UN Development Programme, the load of UNICEF biscuits Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the WFP), was impounded by customs when ends in Sri Lanka concerns were raised in parliament over their possible distribution to the A UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) tured by the Norwegian company Healthcare and Nutrition after two Tamil Tigers. consignment of high-protein biscuits Compact AS) were being transported surveys in 2006 and 2007 found high High rates of malnutrition Neil Buhne, the UN resident and impounded by police a week ago on by UNICEF to Kilinochchi in northern malnutrition rates among children in A survey in 2007 of 1,031 children humanitarian coordinator in Sri Lanka, suspicion that it was going to the Sri Lanka at the request of Deputy the north and the east. from camps for the displaced found said soon after the impounding of rebel Tamil Tigers was released on Provincial Director of Health Services Breakdown in communications? that 24 percent had moderate acute those goods that such accusations Feb 1st. in Kilinochchi T. Sathyamoorthi. However, security officials in malnutrition, while 4 percent had could harm UN operations in Sri Lanka The detention of the consign- "All relevant clearance was Colombo told IRIN they were unaware severe acute undernutrition, accord- and that the meals were meant for ment, destined for malnourished chil- obtained before they [the biscuits] of any such programme and of the ing to UNICEF data. emergency use by staff as per UN dren in northern Sri Lanka, came at a were moved from Colombo," particular truck transporting the bis- The Ministry of Nation Building requirements. time of heightened security and Sathyamoortthi said. "I can't say why cuits. "No one had told the police, requested UNICEF to provide the nec- "The container with the Meals scrutiny in the north as fighting the driver forgot the papers, but the there were no papers," military essary therapeutic supplements for Ready to Eat is still formally sealed between government forces and Tamil biscuits were for an ongoing pro- spokesperson Brig Udaya the programme which initially covered [and impounded by the government]" Tigers intensified. gramme," Sathyamoorthi said. Nanayakkara told IRIN. "The biscuits the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, according to Gordon Weiss, chief of The container with its driver and Sathyamorrthi said authorisation definitely can be used for combat pur- Mullaitivu, in the north and Batticaloa communications at UNICEF in Sri his assistant were stopped at had been obtained from all the rele- poses." in the east. Lanka. Madavachchiya town, 150km from the vant authorities to transport the bis- The police initially said the bis- A review conducted by the Health This is the second successive capital, Colombo on 26 January. The cuits, and that the health authorities cuits were being transported on Ministry in August 2007 found that week the UN found itself briefly in the truck driver had no papers to clarify had been distributing the biscuits in behalf of the World Food Programme severe nutrition levels had dropped to crosshairs of its vociferous critics. The the ownership status or destination of the Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu dis- (WFP), but this has been emphatically 0.8 percent from 6 percent in incident came only days after Sri the goods. tricts, both of which are under the denied by WFP, which said the con- Batticaloa District, and to 2 percent Lanka's second largest opposition "Police sources from control of the Tamil Tigers, since June signment did not belong to it. from 4 percent in Jaffna District, in party, the People's Liberation Front, Madavachchiya said initial investiga- 2007. "We are very much shocked and part due to the nutritional pro- held a demonstration in front of the tions have revealed that high protein The beneficiaries were to be appalled by reports in the media, gramme. The programme will be UN office in Colombo against recent biscuits of this kind are used by com- breast-feeding mothers and malnour- which allege that the truckload of extended to two other districts, critical comments made by UN Human batants as rations," the Government ished children - part of the Nutrition high-protein biscuits taken into cus- Anuradhapura and Ampara, later this Rights High Commissioner Louise Information Department stated in a Rehabilitation Programme for Children tody by the police belonged to the year, according to the Health Ministry. Arbour about the human rights situa- release on 28 January. with Severe Acute Malnutrition in the WFP," WFP Sri Lanka country director Not first time UNICEF scrutinised tion in Sri Lanka. IRIN had established that the North and East, according to UNICEF. Mohamed Saleheen, told the media. This is not the first time in recent [irinnews] 39,000 packets of high protein bis- The programme was launched in "The WFP has nothing to do with this months that UNICEF has faced such cuits (known as BP100 and manufac- March 2007 by the Ministry of consignment." scrutiny. In November 2007 a contain-

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Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on mercialist and imported Western kitsch. February 14. It is the traditional day on which In Turkey, Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer lovers express their love for each other; sending Günü which translates into "Sweethearts' Day". Valentine's cards, or gifting candy. It is very According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. Valentine's D ay the month of Av - Tu B'Av (usually late August) The holiday is named after two of the numerous is the festival of love. In ancient times girls Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The would wear white dresses and dance in the vine- day became associated with romantic love in the Raymond Rajabalan yards, where the boys would be waiting for them circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, . In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day when the tradition of courtly love flourished. to pronounce love, propose marriage and give The day is most closely associated with the gifts like cards or flowers. mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include I n the Americas the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the The exchange of chocolates and flowers is winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwrit- traditional on Valentine's Day. ten notes have largely given way to mass-pro- In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados ( "Day of duced greeting cards. the enamored", or "Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day") is celebrated on June 12, when couples History exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower Numerous early Christian martyrs were bouquets. This day was chosen probably named Valentine. Until 1969, the Catholic because it is the day before the Saint Anthony's Church formally recognized eleven Valentine's day, known there as the marriage saint, when Days. The Valentines honoured on February 14 many single women perform popular rituals, are: called simpatias, in order to find a good husband · Valentine of Rome: a priest in Rome who or a boyfriend. suffered martyrdom about AD 269. In Colombia, the Día del amor y la amistad ( · Valentine of Terni : He became bishop of "Love and Friendship Day") is celebrated on the Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is third Friday and Saturday in September, because said to have been killed during the persecution of commercial issues. In this country the Amigo of Emperor Aurelian). secreto ("Secret friend") tradition is quite popular, which consists of randomly assigning to each · The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a participant a recipient who is to be given an third saint named Valentine who was mentioned anonymous gift (similar to the Christmas tradi- in early martyrologies under date of 14 February. Early Medieval legend about St.Valentine, the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended tion of Secret Santa). He was martyred in Africa with a number of still providing no connections whatsoever with and healed,It was a note that read "From your companions, but nothing more is known about sentimental love, appropriate lore has been Valentine." I n Asia him. embroidered in modern times to portray In another apparently modern embellish- Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested ment, while Valentine was imprisoned, people Valentine's Day has emerged in Japan and Korea The evolving legend law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, would leave him little notes, folded up and hid- as a day on which women, and less commonly According to legend, St Valentine was perse- allegedly ordering that young men remain sin- den in cracks in the rocks around his cell. He men, give candy, chocolate or flowers. It has cuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman gle. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his would find them and offer prayers for them. become an obligation for many women to give Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was army, believing that married men did not make chocolates to all male co-workers. In Japan this impressed by Valentine and had a discussion for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, Valentine's Day and its equivalents in is known as giri-choko , from the words giri with him, attempting to get him to convert to secretly performed marriage ceremonies for other cultures ("obligation") and choko, ("chocolate"). This Roman paganism in order to save his life. young men. When Claudius found out about this, I n the West contrasts with honmei-choko ; chocolate given Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In to a loved one. Friends, especially girls, may to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was an embellishment to The Golden Legend, on the Valentine's Day also has regional traditions exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko ; executed. Before his execution, he is reported to evening before Valentine was to be executed, he in the UK. In Norfolk a character called 'Jack' from tomo meaning "friend". have performed a miracle by healing the blind wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses By a further marketing effort, a reciprocal daughter of his jailer. a young girl variously identified as his beloved as leaving sweets and presents for children. day called White Day has emerged. On March Although he was leaving treats, many children 14, men are expected to return the favour to were scared of this mystical person. those who gave them chocolates on Valentine's In Wales many people celebrate Dydd Day. Originally, the return gift was supposed to Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day) on 25 be white chocolate or marshmallows; hence January instead of or as well as St Valentine's "White Day". However, lingerie and jewelry have Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the become common gifts. patron saint of Welsh lovers. In South Korea, there is also Pepero Day, In France, a traditionally Catholic country, celebrated on November 11, when young cou- Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint ples give each other romantic gifts. There is an Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same additional day for single people, Black Day, cele- way as other western countries. brated on April 14. In Denmark & Norway Valentine's Day (14 In Chinese culture, there is a counterpart to Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrat- Valentine's Day, called "The Night of Sevens" ; ed to a large extent, but a lot people take time according to legend the Cowherd and the to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to Weaver Maid meet in Heaven on the 7th day of send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to the 7th month of the lunar calendar. A slightly their loved one. In Sweden it is called Alla hjär- different version of this day is celebrated in tans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in Japan as Tanabata, on July 7th of the solar cal- the 1960s by the flower industry's commercial endar. interests, and due to influence of American cul- I n the I slamic world ture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebra- In Persian culture (Iran) Sepandarmazgan is tion is recognized and sales of cosmetics and a day for love, which is on 29 Bahman in the flowers for this holiday are only bested by those jalali solar calendar. The corresponding date in for Mother's Day. the Gregorian calendar is 17 February. In Finland, Valentine's Day is called Sepandarmazgan were held in the Great Persian Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's Empire in the 20th century BC hundreds of years day". As the name says, this day is more about before its acknowledgement by western world. remembering your friends than your loved ones. This day is currently celebrated in Iran In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St despite some restrictions made by government, Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on and young Persian boys and girls may be seen February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. on this day going out and buying gifts and cele- Valentine's Day has been celebrated as the day brating. when the first works in the vineyards and on the Contact:[email protected] fields commence. The day of love is traditionally 12 March, the Saint Gregory's day. In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore. In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine's Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. This has drawn backlash from many groups, rep- utable persons and institutions but also nationalist organizations like Noua Dreapt , who condemn Valentine's Day for being superficial, com- 12 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL The Backwaters of Kerala he backwaters are a network of waterways Tstretching across almost 2,000km of Kerala's lowlands. According to popular legends the warrier sage Parashurama reclaimed the land of Kerala from sea with the power of his Characteristic battle-axe. A land of canals and lagoons, lakes and rivers. The Backwaters have become part of the lives of its people and a kaleidoscope for the visitors to see the rural and real life in the heart of Kerala. Rice barges converted to luxury houseboats are a unique feature of these backwaters. As you cruise along you will see all aspects of Kerala's rural life; people washing their clothes, men fishing, children playing as well as goods being moved along the waterways. The backwaters also offer opportunities for bird watching as water birds, particularly kingfishers, are often seen in the area. These boats were originally used for transporting rice and other goods and are traditionally made of wood, bamboo and coir. They move slowly along the waterways covering approximately 20km per day. The boat is always exclusive to you. The only other people on board will be your crew, normally 3 persons. Boats have a twin bedroom with separate bathroom with WC, washbasin and shower. As the public areas of the boats have open sides it is only the bedroom which can be air-conditioned. On board local Kerala dishes will be served. Local wine and beer are available on your house- boat. Spirits can be requested. Alapuzha is often the starting- point of the boat cruise through these backwaters as one reaches the land of Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of its paddy fields.

There are bird sanctuaries to see along the shores and the village life has the attraction of sim- plicity and old-age world. There are bungalows that have now been converted into heritage hotels. Kochi or Cochin has traditional snake boat races with 130- feet long Chundan boats as its stars that add further value to its backwaters. The most prominent Compiled & Courtesy: among these races are Nehru S. Sri Krishnan Trophy Boat Race and Aranmula Boat Race... MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 13

ndeniably one of the eveningwear that would come to most important fashion dominate Oscar night. Indeed, Udesigners of the twenti- Armani's close relationship with eth century, Giorgio Armani took Hollywood has always given him his time to enter the fashion Designer Profile positive publicity, from dressing world. Born some fifty miles south Richard Gere in American Giglo of Italy's fashion capital Milan, he (1980) to Diane Keaton in Annie attended medical school at Milan Hall (1977). University for two years, tried his Founder: Giorgio Armani hand at photography, completed Born: 1934, Piacenza, Italy However this is not to dimin- national service in the army in 1957, and then worked at a department store La Rinascente as a window dresser. In 1961 Armani entered the fashion world proper, joining textile manufacturer and designer Nino Cerruti as a designer, where he stayed for 9 years. Then in 1970, with the assistance and encouragement of close friend Sergio Galeotti, he went freelance and designed for manufacturers such as Boulevard, Sicons, Montedoro and Gibo. He set up his own menswear label in 1974, destined to become a world leader in menswear design. The following year Armani's menswear was ingeniously adapt- ed to create a Womenswear line, ish his enduring influence, nor his launched in partnership with lored and yet loose-fitting – and talent as a famous workaholic and Galeotti. It was an immediate hit: widely regarded as the most influ- clever businessman (despite the timeless, relaxed, unstructured, ential look since Dior's New Look newly elevated to executive lev- shades. The master of redefined conviction for corruption in May with exaggerated proportions and (1947) and Quant's mini skirt. els. By the late 1980's this wide good taste – Armani is the polar 1996. along with designers such yet understated, a perfect selec- Armani's signature style was shouldered look was followed by opposite of Gianni Versace's as Gianfranco Ferre). tion of fabrics (wool, leather, 1980's power-dressing, snapped a more slimmed-down version, glamour and glitz – The designer suede and alpaca), precisely tai- up by women finding themselves still in Armani's favoured muted followed his daywear designs with continued in next page 14 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Continued from previous page

One of the first global household names more practical than a Marc Jacobs bag and all without once trying to touch you inap- to come out of the fashion world, Armani hell of a lot more laughs than a personal propriately. And although he looks great in perfected the art of lifestyle branding, pro- shopper, take a gay man shopping and, your arm, you know he actually is only viding a modern, elegant by glamorous face it, you get it all, who else is free on there for one purpose – to make you look style for living through thirteen diffusion Saturday afternoon to deliver emotional good. What more could you ask from a lines that have brought Armani style to an counsel, style advice and free porterage, shopping companion? even broader market, from golf-wear, elec- followed by dinner and a show tune? And continued in next page trical (phones), jeans and fragrances to the lower-priced Emporio Armani. Searching for your new spring wardrobe? Don't bother taking a charge card. Forget the discount vouchers and the inspirational pictures you've cut out of fashion mags. When you're out shopping, there's only one must-have you need. Your gay best friend. More flexible than Visa, MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 15

continued from previous page populist, it revolutionizes our thinking and Consoling cocktails aside, it's in the plunders the past and it's as seductive and retail arena that a gay man comes into his fickle as sunshine. From the catwalks of own. He'll guard your handbag, keep your Haute Couture to the chain stores in malls, place in the fitting-room queue while you we are all involved, whether we choose to search for a medium, and then wait patient- be or not. In the Western world it is impos- ly in the lingerie department while you nip sible to purchase even the most basic items to the loo. And will he ever complain? Pah. of clothing without adding to the fashion Unlike a straight man. He never disappears honey pot. The plainest of cardigans will to a bar to watch the basketball while have been modulated according to this sea- you're trying something on. And when you son's colours and cut. As fashion expands emerge an opinion, who else is going to its source bank further and further (looking give you an honest appraisal? Your to other cultures for inspiration, incorporat-

boyfriend? Like he has a view on sequins ing sports clothes and utility wear into its before noon. Your mum? If only she could market) even the most hermetic of con- get past seeing you as a five-year-old. And sumers cannot avoid its influence. A bit don't even think about asking a girlfriend, heavy-handed? Perhaps – but it is all in the or worse a shop assistant how you look. name of fashion. Not unless you can trust that worrying Whilst the range of looks from which we pause as she considers her answer. If you can make our choice broadened during the look worse than her, she'll want to keep twentieth century, and high style no longer things that way. If you look amazing, means one particular style, fashion has per- chances are that she'll simply screw up her haps become less radical. Imagine the early nose and steer you over to the rack of 70's eighteenth century dresses of the French print crop trousers. Tap into the thought court, or the ruffs, slit fabrics and stockings process of a gay man, and you know you're of sixteenth century male fashions, and we guaranteed a, straight answer. Why? He seen that high fashion has become less has no reason to lie. What does he care if exclusive, more eclectic and more wear- hipsters make your bum look like the size of able, but also less extreme. The present is Quebec? In fact, he'll take great pleasure in a less revolutionary period than we like to telling you, in the nicest possible way. think. Styling skills aside, never forget that However at the elite end of fashion, in when a gay man goes shopping, he's a the arenas of high concept and Haute valuable envoy from the enemy camp. Couture Design, the outrageous persists, Despite that rogue gene that means he is from Gaultier's 1991 conical breasts to not like the other boys, the remaining tril- Galliano's 2000, down-and-out inspired lion are identical. So, being in touch with his deconstruction of the art of tailoring. masculine side means he can impart valu- Both frivolous and essential, fashion able information on the workings of the inspires and gives flesh to every personal male psyche. And here's a secret: Like a fantasy. In those parts of the world fortu- gay man, straight guys prefer sexy to slut- nate enough to have money to spend more ty; so put those mail-order hot pants back than essentials, fashion filters further on the rack. through the population than any other art A gay man also offers a different take-a form. Creatively the world's top designers left-field view that's less about turning you shape the zeitgeist, and economically, as an into a drag queen and more about making international industry supporting thou- you think outside your style box. Gay men sands, it is a business world of considerable instinctively want to push things that little power. bit further; take those necessary risks that by Parthepan Kugadason (PK) most women shy away from. But the best thing about a gay best friend is when the look is spot on; he'll be the first to tell you. If there's one thing every gay man knows it's that, for women, there's no greater aphrodisiac than those four magic words: ‘ You look fabulous, darling!'

Cast off those winter blues… Whether it's the New Chic or Street Glamour, retro Boho or Sport Luxe, fashion can now incorporate any personality, lifestyle, fantasy or fetish. It's elitist and 16 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Thirumalai Nayakar The Most Famous Nayak Regime ruled from 1623-1659 AD Founded in 1336, the empire pendence and started their rule. in ruins and almost destroyed by Rangavilasa. scale evoking the grandeur of a of Vijayanagar (named for its cap- The Nayak of Madurai, Thanjavur the Muslim invaders. The plan for In these two parts, there are vanished era. The courtyard ital Vijayanagar, "City of Victory," Nayak, Ginjee (Senji) Nayak, , the current temple structure was royal residence, theatre, shrine, measures 3,900 sq.m and is sur- in present-day Karnataka) Nayakas of Chitradurga and laid by Viswanath Naik and was apartments, armoury, palanquin rounded by massive circular pil- expanded rapidly toward Madurai Kingdom of Mysore were the most completed by Tirumalai Nayakar. place, royal bandstand, quarters, lars. To its west lies the Throne in the south and Goa in the west prominent of them in Madurai. Thirumalai Nayakar Palace pond and garden. King Thirumalai Chamber, a vast room with a and exerted intermittent control Thirumalai Nayak was the This Palace was built in 1636 Nayak celebrated festivals like, raised, octagonal dome. This over the east coast and the most famous Nayak ruler. He by King Thirumalai Nayak with the Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi room leads to the Dance Hall. extreme southwest. Vijayanagar patronised art and architecture help of an Italian Architect. The festival and the Float festival. He Then the palace was utilized to rulers closely followed Chola creating new structures and building we see today was the conducted daily dance and music house some officials of the judici- precedents, especially in collect- expanding the existing landmarks main Palace where the King lived. performances in the palace. This ary and district administration. ing agricultural and trade rev- in and around Madurai. His land- It contains beautiful domes and palace was destroyed by his After independence, this palace enues, in giving encouragement mark buildings are the Meenakshi arches. One of the domes stands grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and was declared as a national monu- to commercial guilds, and in hon- Temple and its Gopurams and without the support of girder -an the valuables were transferred to ment and is now under the care oring temples with lavish endow- Thirumalai Nayak Palace in architectural feat of everlasting other places. During 19th century, of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological ments..Vijayangara empire had Madurai. wonder. They must have been an Lord Napier, governor of Madras Department. established Military and adminis- Meenakshi Amman Temple extravagance of stucco in its hey- between 1866 and 1872 made trative governors called Nayakas The Meenakshi day. The original Palace Complex several renovation works. Today, Compiled & Photo Courtesy: to rule in the various territories of Sundareswarar temple (twin tem- was four times bigger than the only the spacious rectangular S. Sri Krishnan the empire. After the demise of ples) is one of the biggest tem- present structure. This palace courtyard called the Swarga the Vijayanagara empire, the local ples in India. The original temple consisted mainly of two parts, Vilasam and a few adjoining governors declared their inde- built by Kulasekara Pandyan was namely Swargavilasa and buildings survive, their awesome MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 17

Karygiannis concludes successful trip to India ICICI Bank to grow over The Hon. Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for $1 bn in Sri Lanka Scarborough-Agincourt, has con- ICICI Bank has targeted a balance sion work, we are working with the cluded a six-day visit to India, sheet of over one billion dollars within Central Bank to introduce a during which he explored ways to the next 4-5 years as it plans to Commodity Exchange Centre for com- deepen relations between Canada become the top foreign bank in Sri modities," he said. and India. Lanka. "We started our bank in Sri The bank recently launched a spe- Lanka with 25 million dollars and cial offer scheme of sanctioning a loan "I was very pleased with my today we are the third biggest in the in two days for its customers in Sri trip to India. I had an opportunity Island country with 280 million dol- Lanka. Loans would be available to to visit and interact with many lars," ICICI Sri Lanka country chief both salaried as well as self-employed colleagues – the MLAs, Ministers Prem Kumar Thampi said recently. customers. and MPs of the Lock Sabha and The bank is working with the The bank is also offering early set- Securities and Exchange Commission tlement of loans with a 100% interest the Raj Sabha. I also had the to develop the securitisation market. rebate and minimal foreclosure opportunity to meet with many of Pension Plan. While in the Punjab, jects of "Indians in Canada" and "This year, other than branch expan- charges. [PTI] the people of India." said Mr. Mr. Karygiannis also met with reli- "Society and Politics in Canada. Karygiannis. "It has been very gious leaders at the Golden "The multicultural makeup of successful visit and is in keeping Temple in Amritsar. Canada has been enriched by with my commitment to further In Haryana, Mr. Karygiannis, those who have emigrated from strengthen our relationship with spoke to students at Jan Nayak India." Mr. Karygiannis comment- India," Ch. Devi Lal Vidya Peeth ed. "They are taking their place in Mr. Karygiannis' visit to India University about the close ties Canadian society as doctors, included the Punjab, Haryana, between Canada and India. In a lawyers, accountants and, yes, and New Delhi. general discussion with the stu- even politicians. The Indian In the Punjab, Mr. Karygiannis dents and the University's Diaspora in Canada is doing their visited a number of cities, towns Director General and eminent sci- homeland proud." and villages where he met with a entist Kuldeep Dhindsa, Mr. In New Delhi, Mr. Karygiannis number of politicians, both cur- Karygiannis discussed a number met with members of the National rent and past, including Chief of issues, including global warm- Congress Party at their headquar- Minister Sardar Parkash Singh ing and the need to everyone to ters. Badal. Mr. Karygiannis' discussion do their part to ensure the sur- For more on Mr. Karygiannis 's with the Chief Minister was wide- vival of our planet. trip, including photos, please visit: ranging, including a discussion on Mr. Karygiannis was invited by http://karygiannismp.com/spi the establishment of a pension VICHAR NYAS and its Chairman, p/article.php3?id_article= 671 plan in India similar to the Canada D.P. Tripathi, to speak on the sub-

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Fear in Sri Lanka - one woman's view Humanitarian and economic crisis Mannar in north-western Sri So he did that and then he ran for Sri Lanka as violence surges Lanka has seen some of the worst away. He went and hid on top of of the fighting between govern- somebody else's house. The Security has been tightened in may impose economic sanctions, ment troops and Tamil Tiger police searched for him and final- major Sri Lankan urban areas with Muttukrishna Sarvananthan, a rebels in recent months. ly they shot and killed him. the government anticipating more Colombo-based economist said. Meanwhile life for the resi- Bus blast attacks. Since mid-December the "Duty free access of garment dents of this coastal district has [On Tuesday, 11] young chil- UN and other international agen- exports from Sri Lanka to the EU become almost intolerable. dren were killed by a claymore cies limited their work in some is up for renewal this year. It is A woman who lives in Mannar mine which exploded near the areas under Tiger control, after likely it would not be renewed and who prefers to remain anony- bus they were on. These clay- Tiger warnings that their safety because of the poor human rights mous told the BBC News website more mines are everywhere. The could not be guaranteed. record of Sri Lanka in recent about the brutality surrounding army says the Tigers put them International donors have also years," he told IRIN. her. there, the Tigers say the army put expressed fear the violence will Sarvananthan also fears the "Mannar is a terrible place them there. We can't really tell. lead to further deterioration of the economy would not be able to now. This is what happened to This kind of thing always hap- humanitarian and human rights withstand an extended conflict. me just the other night. pens and we are so scared. situation in the country. "The year 2008 is going to be I was visiting a church for a We are under government "This decision [to pull out of extremely challenging for the St. Sebastians Cathedral in the Cease Fire Agreement] and security, economy and polity of night service. On our way back Mannar, Sri Lanka-File Pic control and I think that is good for we visited the grocery shop when HumanityAshore.org now. I would love the government the current military campaign fur- the country," he said. "High there was a sudden bomb blast to give us peace. I pray that the ther deteriorate the country's defence and public expenditure in president finds a way to grant us already difficult situation, includ- general cannot be sustained for Tamil people the peace we need. ing the humanitarian and human long." Otherwise we cannot live. rights situation," the European The immediate prospects are For almost 25 years the Tamils Union said in a statement on 7 so dire that some professionals have been suffering people. We January. "Without the CFA, the are already looking at leaving the suffer because both sides cannot prospects of negotiating a lasting, country. "What else to do? The find a way to peace. There is dan- peaceful solution to the conflict in only good option is to go some- ger from government raids and Sri Lanka are narrowed further." where else," assistant bank man- from Tiger attacks. If the situation slides further, ager Sujeewi Jayasuriya told IRIN. Dawn bombings countries, including EU members, [irinnews] People come around in white vans and kidnap people. I am Ambassador Blake in Batticaloa: afraid to keep my brothers here. People come and ask for money, "Compete with the strength of they ask for amounts like 60,000 rupees ($565) - if we had that words than the threat of a bullet" kind of money to give would we US ambassador Robert O. be staying here? Blake has expressed doubts if the Bicycle stand at St. Sebastians Cathedral in Mannar, Sri Lanka We don't know who these upcoming local elections in Sri me: people are. We don't know if they Lanka's eastern Tamil-speaking and after that loud gunfire. It was "Aunty, it is safe now! What are Tigers or if they are the gov- district of Batticaloa would be free so close and we were so terrified. are you doing on the road at such ernment-related. They could be and fair. My sister, myself and another a time in the night?" anybody. "The US does not believe that lady ran to find cover and hide. What could I say? We had to And everyday there is fight- free and fair elections can be held There was gunfire everywhere. go to church. We are Christians ing. At 3am they start the bomb- if some (political) parties are We just stayed down. and we had to make our prayers. ing and the firing - I hear it from armed," Blake said in Batticaloa at After half-an-hour of silence We think the Tigers put this where I live. a function organised by USAID, on we called out to the policemen As dawn comes I should be bomb there to get the police. Jan 23rd. (TMVP), is headed by breakaway who were nearby. I shouted out: listening to the birds and not to Some Tigers gave the bomb to a The function was to open the LTTE members Karuna and "Son, son, can we go? Is it bombs." young boy, the son of a local shop Marvell Sarvodya Vocational Pillayan. safe? Can we come?" [bbc.co.uk] owner, they told him to throw it Training Center, in Batticaloa. Elections to nine local bodies A policeman shouted back to near the police checkpoint. US Ambassador opened his in Batticaloa district are to be held remarks with a quote from former in March, and nominations are Sri Lanka Government borrows again - President of USA, John F. being filed now. Kennedy. "our progress as a The pro-LTTE Tamil National this time $50 million through NSB nation can be no swifter than our Alliance (TNA), which has been The National Savings Bank's the country's biggest state-owned months back, the state bank pro- progress in education." "banned" in Batticaloa by the has borrowed 50 million dollars savings bank, confirmed recently vided a Rs 450-million (worth) Ambassador Blake said that TMVP, had filed a case in the from ICICI Bank, India's larges that the deal had been done at foreign dollar loan to the President Kennedy's words apply Supreme Court seeking to put off private-owned bank, to lend to 5.5 percent interest and was Treasury, taken from its own for- not only to the U.S. but also to Sri the elections in view of the intimi- the government which econo- meant to fund state development eign currency account at the Lanka and every other country in dation. mists say may be a new Treasury projects. Central Bank, making it a near today's competitive, globalized But the court refused to oblige strategy to pass on the foreign- The government put forward total of $100 million given to the world. saying it was not good to cancel currency fluctuation risk to a mid- the same argument when the government." How much more is He further said that if "para- elections. dle-party. HSBC-led bond was being negoti- in the pipeline is anybody's military" groups carrying arms ille- The Sri Lanka Muslim "This could be a new strategy ated. It was unclear whether the guess," the economist added. gally were allowed to intimidate Congress (SLMC), which is con- to use the NSB to borrow from interest rate was what NSB was These come on top of the others, it would hamper private testing in five councils, has also the foreign market and in turn paying ICICI or getting from the massive $500 million bond given investment that is so much need- been complaining about harass- lend to the government in rupee government. "This is a cosy rela- to the government recently in a ed to develop war-affected ment and violence by the TMVP. terms," a senior economist said, tionship for the government -- deal brokered by three banks Batticaloa. The Eelam People's adding that unlike the HSBC-led high short-term borrowings with- including HSBC. This issue was "United States believes that Democratic Party (EPDP), led by $500 million bond, the "govern- out foreign currency fluctuation intended to fund infrastructure paramilitaries including the TMVP cabinet minister Douglas ment doesn't then need to carry risks which would raise the cost of development but later the Central must not be allowed to carry Devananda, has asked the gov- the burden of the foreign curren- these loans," the economist said. Bank said it was being used to arms, but should instead compete ernment to disarm the TMVP. cy-fluctuation risk", an issue that This is the second occasion in pay off debt and other borrow- with the strength of their words The EPDP call came after a bid has drawn public concern among recent months that the NSB is ings, with analysts saying the rather than the threat of a bullet", to form a Tamil alliance failed due other issues of foreign borrow- providing a foreign loan (in rupee money 'evaporated' in 48 hours he said. to the TMVP's decision to go it Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal ings. A senior official of the NSB, terms) to the government. A few after it arrived! [SundayTimes.lk] alone in the elections. MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 19 60 Years After Gandhi's Death, India Ponders His Legacy

By Raymond Thibodeaux the rural poor appears to be widening. I n Ahmedabad, I ndia Isha Vora is a 20-year-old college stu- India's Mohandas Gandhi is regarded as dent having lunch with friends at one of one of the most important figures of the Ahmedabad's trendy new cafes. Have 20th century and the father of modern "I would probably say that he would be India. But 60 years after his death, many very discouraged by seeing India's position Indians are divided over whether he would today," Vora said. "He wanted equality have approved of the new India. among the people, and no disintegration Afternoon traffic roars through Gujarat between the rich and the poor. But right state's financial capital. Business is boom- now, everywhere, we see that the rich are you ing here, as it is in much of India. getting more rich (richer) day by day and Ahmedabad's skyline is dotted with luxury no one looks after the poor people, like hotels and upscale shopping malls. how are they staying (living) and what are Mohandas Gandhi's small, square, they eating. No one is concerned about white house sits on the bank of the them today." Sabarmati River, shaded by neem trees. For many, modern shopping malls are a got One of the home's caretakers says an symbol of India's status as an emerging upscale shopper's paradise is probably not economic superpower. Others say they are what Gandhi had in mind for his home- a symptom of a nation losing its way. town. Eighty-one year old Vijay Bhai says University Professor N.S.R. Krishnayya medical Gandhi promoted "simple living and high says Gandhi's teachings and economic problems? No Problem. We will give you life insurance.* Non-Medical Insurance

thinking". development can peacefully coexist. "Gandhiji was a qualified lawyer trained "Shopping malls coming and not in England, but when he saw the poverty in respecting Gandhiji - they do not go this country he gave up his luxurious life. together," Krishnayya said. "We respect That's why he only wore a loincloth and Gandhiji equally and we do enjoy whatever had a very simple life," Bhai said. "Have a shopping malls are coming about. He's not look in the house, that's how he used to a person that can be replaced by simple, live here. He was promoting village indus- materialistic kinds of things." try and farming. That was his message, Mansi Shah, a 23-year-old banker, *Some Conditions Apply you know - less stress. But here, because agrees. of all the high living, it puts a lot of stress "We are what we are because of him on people." today. One of the factors is that we are liv- Gandhi was shot and killed by a Hindu ing in a free India right now. People over extremist on January 30, 1948. He was 78 here and in the whole of India would be year old. thankful to him and what you are seeing His campaign of peaceful resistance is right here is because of him, probably," credited with freeing India from British rule Shah said. the year before. His principles of non-vio- Gandhi's message of tolerance and lence also inspired Martin Luther King Jr. in compassion helped shaped human rights the civil rights movement in the United and independence movements around the Ken Kirupa, AICB States and Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid world. Yet even the residents of his home Life Insurance Broker struggle in South Africa. state, Gujarat, struggle to follow his exam- Direct: 416.294.9322 Sixty years later, though, some Indians ple. Gujarat has suffered some of the worst wonder whether the country is veering sectarian violence between India's Hindu Liland Insurance Inc, away from Gandhi's most-cherished princi- majority and Muslim minority. Yet progress 759 Warden Avenue, ples, including communal harmony and has been made - since the early 1990's, the Toronto, ON. M1L 4B5. economic justice. state poverty rate has fallen to about 14 Office: 416.759.5453 Although millions of people have been percent of the population, from about 24 lifted out of poverty in the past two percent. www.family protection.ca decades as India implemented economic [VOA] E&O E reforms, the gap between the wealthy and 20 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Specialists reflect commitment to quality and diversity New physicians meet needs of growing Rouge Valley communities The latest group of physicians to join Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) exem- plifies the hospital's commitment to quality while reflecting the community's rich diversity. RVHS' commitment to quality healthcare and the opportunity to work in an excellent community hospital are among the reasons noted by the new physicians for joining RVHS. "Our priority is to deliver the highest quality patient care. We value the diversity of our organization and community, and also completed his training in warmly welcome our new physicians," says Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Rik Ganderton, President and Chief Following a locum at Rouge Valley Executive Officer. Centenary in August, Dr. Nazareno, Who is fluent in Filipino, says he was excited at the PAEDIATRICIAN JOINS TEAM prospect of returning as a staff member. Paediatrician Dr. Sultana Alkon- "Being at Rouge Valley Centenary is Mintsopoulos is no stranger to Toronto. just like home for me, but this is also a When the mother of three earned her great community hospital. I'm excited to undergraduate and medical degrees from be a part of the Gastroenterology team the Tashkent Paediatric Medical Institute in here," says Dr. Nazareno. He has also Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 1991, she moved received special training in Manometry, the here and joined her large family, originally measurement of contractions in the esoph- from Macedonia. Since then, she has agus and the rectum, and has a special worked at State University of New York interest in the treatment of Inflammatory (SUNY) Health Science Center, where she Bowel Disease. completed her paediatric training, and Other physicians who have joined most recently, the Alfred A.I. duPont Rouge Valley Centenary (RVC) and Rouge Hospital for Children in Delaware. Dr. Valley Ajax and Pickering (RVAP) hospital Alkon-Mintsopoulos found herself back in campuses during the last year or so Toronto when her husband was offered a include: position as a paediatric cardiology fellow at * Dr. Karim Aref, RVAP Paediatrics the Hospital for Sick Children. * Dr. Dina el-Sahrigy, RVAP She says the developing RVHS Birthing Pathology and Newborn Centre and the group of * Dr. Ali el Firjani, RVAP enthusiastic paediatricians are some of the Internist/Nephrologist reasons why she decided to join Rouge * Dr. Jason Smith, RVC Valley. "The opportunity to work in a busy Orthopaedics place that provides services to a diverse, * Dr. Hedieh Hooshangi, RVC growing population are important to Anaesthesia me," says Dr. Alkon-Mintsopoulos. * Dr. Olivia Tsai, RVC Anaesthesia * Dr. Hubert Wong, RVC Paediatric INTERNIST JOINS TEAM Nephrologist For Internist Dr. Zareen Syed, it has * Dr. Ram Vijayaraghavan, RVC been a long journey to come to RVHS. The Cardiologist native of Pakistan came to Canada as a child and grew up in Mississauga. She later ROUGE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM - THE returned to Pakistan and earned her BEST AT WHAT WE DO Medical degree at Dow Medical College in RVHS is an innovative leader in quality Pakistan. After completing her residency at family centred care, with programs includ- Michigan State University, Dr. Syed earned ing 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac care, a Geriatric Fellowship at Saint Louis mental health and paediatrics. Rouge University Hospital. The last leg of her Valley consists of several health sites, journey took her to Burin Peninsula Health including two community hospitals: Rouge Care Centre in Burin, Newfoundland. Valley Centenary, in east Toronto; Rouge Dr. Syed will be based at Rouge Valley Valley Ajax and Pickering, in the west Centenary, and will be providing medical Durham Region. Together a team of doc- services to geriatric and internal medicine tors including 224 general practitioners patients. "I wanted an opportunity to work and 325 specialists, more than 1,000 nurs- in an ethnically diverse community, such as es and many other professionals, care for a Scarborough. I'm looking forward to help- broad spectrum of health conditions. In ing to promote internal medicine consultation and partnership with commu- and geriatric care at RVHS," says Dr. nity members, other hospitals, healthcare Syed. organizations, the Central East Local Health Integration Network and the GASTROENTEROLOGIST JOINS TEAM Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, For Gastroenterologist Dr. Jose Rouge Valley continues to improve its pro- Nazareno, joining the Rouge Valley grams catering to the needs of the growing Centenary site, and opening his practice in communities of east Toronto, Ajax, Scarborough, is a homecoming. The Pickering and Whitby. Scarborough native grew up not too far www.rougevalley.ca from the hospital, and after years of study- For more information, please contact: ing and working across the country, he David Brazeau says he's happy to be back. He received his Director B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, and Public Affairs and Community Relations earned his M.D. at the University of Rouge Valley Health System Calgary. Most recently, Dr. Nazareno 416-284-8131 ext. 4010 worked as an Adjunct Professor at the [email protected] University of Western Ontario, where he www.rougevalley.ca MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 21 22 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

In the summer of 2007 I was up, and you would be conscious driving along 401, the main High even of your past life. way in Toronto, and when I took One can easily see that Law of the exit ramp to Markham road I Karma and reincarnation are two saw a lad holding placard read- My Karma sides of the same coin. Karma ing; ‘My Karma'. He was a typical cannot function without reincar- Canadian youth in his late teens. nation and of course Karma is the and others unhappy? Why is he It is a fair question to ask if Seeing this I wondered whether Kumar Punithanvel cause of reincarnation. he understood what the words so partial? These questions can- there is tangible evidence in mod- There is another important ‘my karma'' means. In the west not be answered by the concept (Zohar 1 186b)' ern life of such reincarnation. In question that arises. If we per- some of the Sanskrit words like of creator God. There must have On the other hand in the Bible the book ‘I have lived before: The form good karma than we will Guru, Yoga etc, used in Hindu been causes before the birth, to there are many references to true story of Reincarnation of have to be born again and again, religion had infiltrated into the make a man miserable or happy. reincarnation. Jesus asked his dis- Shanthi Devi' It is recorded a may be to have a good life, har- daily colloquial English language. It is said due to the actions of the ciples: ‘Who do men say that I, detailed study was done and vesting the consequence of good Some tend to believe it is cool to past birth which of course in the Son of man, am?' (Matthew proved beyond reasonable doubt actions (karma). When will this use these words. But frequently Sanskrit is Karma. To put it in bib- 16:13) If not for the fact that her birth is a case of reincarna- birth and death end? these words are misused in a lical language if they had sown reincarnation was generally tion. In it Shanti Devi, a young girl To find the solution to this wrong connotation from its origi- goodness in the previous birth accepted within the Jewish cul- growing up in Delhi in the 1930s, problem of being born again and nal meaning. then they will harvest good in this ture, Lord Jesus would hardly spoke very little till she was four again I quote from Gita the solu- In the west the word Karma birth and so on. Here we have to have asked the question. Another years old. When she did start tion. In that Lord Krishna says: has had a bad press: it has been understand reincarnation. famous remark (John 15:27) speaking, she alarmed everyone ‘No one, not even for an instant, assumed that it refers to deter- The concept of reincarnation which ascribed to Jesus, is as fol- in her family saying, ‘This is not can exist without acting: all ministic and fatalistic view of life, is not exclusive to Hindu and lows: ‘And you also shall bear wit- my home! I have a husband and beings are compelled, however or to some immutable destiny Buddhist religions. Among the ness, because you have been with son in Mathura! I must return to unwilling, by the three strands of that we can do nothing to alter. them'. She persisted on her claim. nature called Gunas'. (Gita 3.5). The Sanskrit word karma means One of her teachers at school sent Then as a solution to the predica- ‘deed' or action' and more broad- a letter to the address Shanthi ment of doing good action and be ly names the universal principle of Devi gave as her ‘real home' in born again and again The Lord cause and effect, action and reac- Mathura, inquiring if a woman Krishna advices: ‘Though the tion which governs all life. had died there not too many unwise cling to their actions, The Newton's third law of years ago. To everyone's aston- watching for results, the wise are motion says: 'For every action ishment, he soon received a reply free of attachments, and act for there is an equal and opposite from Shanthi Devi's former hus- the well-being of the whole world' reaction'. Similar to this law we band, admitting that his young (Gita 3. 25). The Lord further have the law of Karma, which wife Lungi Devi died little after says: ‘Surrendering all thoughts says: ‘For every action there is an having child birth. of outcome, unperturbed, self- obligatory consequence'. Though A thoroughly researched reliant, he does nothing at all, this may sound simple, it has pro- investigation of the case of rein- even when fully engaged in found impact in every being. Like carnation took place. Even actions'. (Gita 4.20). So the secret all laws this too was there from Mahatma Gandhi together with of ending the cycle of birth and the very beginning, though it too many prominent men got involved death is surrendering all thought took a long time for the humanity in the study and was established of outcome, and free of attach- to figure it out and realize the she couldn't possibly got any ment act for the well-being of the truth. It is like the law of gravity information from other sources. whole world. and other laws, which were there Any one interested may read this In the light of the above dis- even before mankind discovered book. close let us examine what the it. This law of karma is well Frequently raised objection is youth at the intersection meant expressed in simple language in why then we do not remember by the placard ‘My Karma". It was Bible. Galatians 6:7 says: ‘Do not about our past. The reason for because of his good Karma in his be deceived, God is not mocked; not remembering of the past was last birth, that he was born in the for whatever a man sows, that he ancient Greeks: Socrates, me from the beginning'. The explained well by Swami best country in the world; will also reap'. Referring to this Pythagoras and Plato may be beginning must have alluded to Vivekananda on his address to Canada! It was his bad Karma law of Karma Mahatma Gandhi in numbered among the eminent the first words in the Bible, "In the parliament of religions in that made him not to make use of his auto biography says ones who made reincarnation an the beginning…" It was a ques- Chicago on 19th September 1893. his education which was provided ‘Whatever a man sows, that shall integral part of their teachings. At tion of a rather long period of He explained: ‘There is another for him free, and thus harvesting he reap'. The law of Karma is the end of his life, Socrates said, time. Jesus mentions several suggestion. Taking all these for what he sow and ending up pan- inexorable and impossible of eva- "I am confident that there truly is times that John the Baptist was granted (reincarnation), how is it handling. If he did do good Karma sion. There thus hardly any need such a thing as living again and the prophet Elijah in previous life that I do not remember anything (actions) in this birth in the next for God to interfere. He laid down that the living spring from the (Matthew 11:2-15, Matthew of my past life? This can be easi- birth the result may be different! the law and, as it were, retired. dead". Pythagoras claimed he 17:10-13, and Mark 9:9-13). ly explained. I am now speaking He will be born in good country As mentioned earlier the law, could remember his past lives, When St. Paul says, "Be not English. It is not my mother like Canada and make use the ‘For every action there is an oblig- and Plato presented detailed be deceived; God is not mocked: tongue; in fact, no words of opportunity and study to become atory consequence' may sound accounts of reincarnation in his for whatsoever a man sows, that mother tongue are now present in a useful citizen. However if he very simple, but without this major works. He stated the pre- shall also reap" it is the law of my consciousness; but let me try perform his actions selflessly many anomalies of the world can- existence of the soul in a celestial Karma (Galatians 6:7). St. Paul's to bring them up, and they rush without attachment to the results not be reasonably explained. world and its fall into a human successors have not, so far as is in. That shows that consciousness then he would be free and will not Hindu's believed that souls were body due to sin. In order to be lib- known, ever challenged or ques- is only the surface of the mental take another birth! erated from its bondage and ocean, and within its depths is not created as creation means a tioned the Law of consequences To reach Kumar: email to return to a state of pure being, stored up all our experiences. Try combination, which results in cer- or the Law of Karma as it is called [email protected] tain dissolution. Hence if souls are the soul needs to be purified by the Hindus. and struggle, they would come created then they must die. through reincarnation. Further more it is common knowl- The Jews and Christians too edge that some are born happy, did believe in reincarnation. To enjoy perfect health with beauti- quote from Jewish religion ‘The ful body, mental vigour, and all Zohar' widely considered the most wants supplied. Others are born important work of Kabbalah, miserable; some without even Jewish mysticism; ‘As long as a limbs; others again idiots, and person is unsuccessful in his pur- drag on with the life. If they are pose in this world, the Holy One, all created, why does a just and blessed be He, uproots him and merciful God created some happy replants him over an over again. MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 23 24 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

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That amount will The 2007 federal budget intro- changes affecting Individuals in be increased to $600 on July 1, duced a new registered disability 2007 which will make you happy. 2008, reduced by 8 per cent of savings plan (RDSP), which is Consumer Price Index adjust- adjusted family net income in designed to assist parents and ment increased the taxable excess of $20,000. Most child- others save for the long-term income thresholds in all four fed- related social assistance pay- financial security of a child with a eral tax brackets by 2.2% in 2007 ments, as well as the OCCS, are disability. Anyone can contribute and Ontario provincial tax brack- scheduled to be consolidated with to an RDSP, for which contribu- ets were increased by 2.1 per the OCB beginning in 2008. tions are limited to a lifetime max- cent. The federal tax rate for the Working Income Tax Benefit. imum of $200,000 with no annual first bracket in 2007 was 15 per- The 2007 federal budget intro- limit. Contributions will be permit- cent. duced a refundable Working ted until the end of the year in Canada employment credit Income Tax Benefit (WITB) that which the beneficiary reaches 59. which was introduced in the 2006 provides up to $500 for individual Payments from an RDSP will be federal budget doubled in value taxpayers 19 or over without required to commence by the end from $500 to $1,000 in 2007. dependants, whose earned of the year in which the benefici- Increase in Threshold Limits income exceeds $3,000, reduced ary turns 49. for Spousal/Equivalent to Spouse by 15 per cent of net family from $400 (20 per cent of a The Age Amount Has Increased Tax Credit. The federal budget income in excess of $9,500. The $2,000 contribution). The annual Effective January 1, 2007, the age These are the major changes increased the earnings threshold WITB is $1,000 for families, contribution limit of $4,000 was limit at which registered retire- that will be in effect for 2007 tax. at which the income of the tax- including couples or single par- eliminated. ment savings plans (RRSP) and Tax planning should be an impor- payer's spouse, common-law ents 19 or over, with earned Pension Income Splitting registered pension plans (RPP) tant part of your efforts to get the spouse, or dependent relative will income in excess of $3,000, Beginning in 2007, senior-citizen must be terminated has been most out of your financial totally eliminate the spousal or reduced by 15 per cent of net taxpayers with a spouse or com- raised to 71 from 69. This means resources. Though you only have equivalent to spouse non-refund- family income in excess of mon-law partner will be allowed taxpayers born in 1936 and 1937 to file your tax return once a year, able tax credit. As a result of fur- $14,500. The WITB is calculated to split pension income with their will be eligible to contribute to an it's the tax planning steps you ther changes announced in the at the rate of 20 per cent of each spouse or partner. The first RRSP in 2007, even though they take throughout the year that will October mini-budget, they may dollar of earned income in excess $2,000 of pension income is eligi- had to terminate their RRSP help you save money at tax time. now earn up to the same level as of $3,000, therefore reaching a ble for the pension credit. under the old rules when they the basic personal credit maximum benefit at $5,500 of amount—$9,600 in 2007—before earned income for individuals and this credit is entirely clawed back. $8,000 of earned income for fam- CIBC’s six principles of Smart Investing Increase in RRSP Annual ilies. Individuals who are not clas- Contribution Limit. The annual sified as dependants; who are eli- CIBC helps clients make the go down. registered retirement savings plan gible for the disability tax credit most of their finances by provid- 5) Monitor your portfolio: (RRSP) contribution ceiling was (DTC); and have at least $1,750 ing professional financial advice You should examine your invest- raised to $19,000 in 2007, from in earned income, will also receive and ensures that you're never ment portfolio with your advisor, $18,000 in 2006. It is scheduled an additional disability supple- alone when it comes to making or on your own, at least once a to rise to at least $20,000 in ment up to a maximum credit of financial decisions. CIBC offers year to ensure that it continues 2008; $21,000 in 2009, and $250. The Six Principles of Smart to meet your needs. Market $22,000 in 2010, after which the This disability supplement is Investing: conditions, life events (mar- annual maximum contribution reduced by 15 per cent of net 1) Know yourself: We all riage, children and retirement) rates will be indexed to reflect family income in excess of have different investing goals and changing goals are cues to increases in average wage $12,833 for single individuals and and different time frames for review your portfolio. growth. New Child Tax Credit. The $21,167 for families. achieving them. Some are 6) Align your investments contribution. A regular invest- federal budget introduced a new It Pays To Get Fit! Starting in short-term, like saving for a with your time horizons: The ment plan allows you to choose annual non-refundable child tax 2007, you may be able to claim vacation or a car, while others type of investments you choose when and how often you make credit, effective January 1, 2007, the fees paid for physical fitness are long-term, like retirement. will depend on whether you're contributions - ensuring you that will pay parents $2,000 for programs for your children under To better understand yourself as saving for long-term or short- make investing a priority. With a each child under 18 at the end of the age of 16. The newly pro- an investor, consider your: risk term goals. For your long-term Regular Investment Plan, that taxation year. Any unused posed children's fitness tax credit tolerance, investment knowl- goals, you may want to consid- money will be automatically portion of this credit, which will provides parents with an annual edge, investment objectives, er long-term, growth-oriented withdrawn from your account be indexed for inflation in future credit of up to $500 per child to gross annual income, approxi- investments. Your short-term and invested in a range of years, is transferable between help cover the cost of their child's mate net worth and investment goals call for investments that investment solutions. spousal or common-law partners. physical fitness programs or time horizons. are more conservative, and 4) Build a diversified portfo- Introduction of Ontario Child sporting activities fees. 2) Get an early start: Taking more accessible. For example, if lio: Spreading your assets Benefit The 2007 provincial budg- Increase in RESP Lifetime advantage of the effects of you're investing to save for a across a wide range of invest- et introduced a new Ontario Child Contribution Limit As a result of "compounding" is one of the down payment on a home, ments is an effective way to Benefit (OCB), effective July 1, the 2007 federal budget, the life- best ways to make your money you'll want quick and easy reduce risk and increase poten- 2007, for each child under 18. time contribution limit to regis- work for you. Compounding is access to your funds. tial returns over the long term. The OCB is designed to begin tered education savings plans money multiplying itself by For professional financial Holding a mixture of different replacing the Ontario Child Care (RESP) was increased to $50,000, earning a return on the return. advice that allows you to enjoy types of investments will help Supplement for Working Families up from $42,000. The maximum 3) Invest regularly: It's gen- today while investing for your cushion your portfolio from (OCCS) benefit as well as certain annual Canada Education Savings erally much easier to come up future talk to a CIBC advisor at downturns, as the value of child-related social assistance Grant (CESG) was also increased with a smaller amount to invest your nearest branch or call us at some investments may go up benefits. 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Even if not, the years of tax Brand new unit, approx. 2,200 sq.ft cial priorities, like buying a new deferral allow you to earn extra Ideal for Show room, Office, Retail or light industrial use home or saving for a child educa- income using government money. Sale Price: $359,000 tion. Lease Price: $2,500 per month But tax deferred growth isn Whatever your age or person- The good news is that there e-mail: [email protected] the only benefit to investing in an are tools that can help; the most al situation, it's never too early to RRSP. Contributions to your plan important of all is a Registered contribute: In fact, the earlier you also reduce your current taxable House for Rent Retirement Saving Plan (RRSP). start making contributions, the income for the year. For example, McCowan/ Highglen An RRSP is a personal savings better off you l be towards someone in Ontario earning Three bedrooms Basement apt with separate entrance plan that allows you to build a achieving your financial goals for Rent: $1,000 $50,000 a year will get just over retirement. retirement income for your future Call or e-mail: $300 back for a $1,000 RRSP con- Make your contributions while giving you immediate tax 647-338-5645 tribution. That money in your before the yearly deadline: To benefits today. [email protected] pocket now. In order to take full advantage claim a deduction on your taxes Investing in an RRSP is a of an RRSP you will want to begin for the current year, you can smart, tax-efficient way of saving Staff Wanted making contributions as soon as make contributions anytime dur- for retirement, but it important to Pizzaville possible, no matter what your age ing the year, or up to 60 days into remember that an RRSP is not an Pizza Making & counter help or how close you are to retire- the following year. Flexible hours/Full time or Part time investment in and of itself. It sim- Know your RRSP contribution ment. That because the money No experience required, but willing to learn as Training will be given ply a special type of savings plan, limits: There is a limit on how you put in the plan begins to Midland & Eglinton so you l need to select the specif- much you can contribute each grow on a tax-deferred basis Call: 416-266-7767 ic investments to hold within it. immediately. year. Your allowable RRSP contri- e-mail: [email protected] Here you have many options. The concept is simple, says bution is the lower of 18 per cent Within your RRSP, you might Shekher Puri, Branch Manager at of your earned income from the hold savings deposits, mutual RBC Royal Bank ou put money previous year, or the maximum Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant funds, stocks, bonds or any num- into an RRSP and this money, annual contribution limit for the is now hiring for Waiters and Cashiers. ber of other investments, adds which is invested, grows tax-shel- current year (which, for 2007, is English speaking preferred. Puri. he type of investments you tered until it is withdrawn. The $19,000), less a pension adjust- Brampton choose will depend on your retire- RRSP must be closed and paid out ment if you are a member of a 905 450 7575 ment goals and your investment as a retirement income by the pension plan. Your limit is provid- Scarborough profile. This is where a financial end of the year in which you ed by the Canada Revenue 416 265 2695 advisor can help. They will also reach age 71. You will then begin Agency when you file your help you build a plan according to paying taxes on the funds income tax returns. your unique goals and circum- Chances are you may be in a To learn more about RRSPs, Job Opportunity in Scarborough stances as a newcomer to lower tax bracket when you or to speak with an investment RPNs and Office Administrators needed for a Canada. rehabilitation clinic in Scarborough. retire, so you may not be as heav- professional, please visit any RBC In order to take full advantage FT and PT available with salary and benefits. ily taxed as you would be when Royal Bank branch or visit of your RRSP, there are a few Fax resumes to 416.292.0677. you originally made the contribu- http://www.rbc.com/firstrrsp things you need to keep in mind:

Job Opportunity in Scarborough sidering selling their home to Canada Custom Muffler shop in Scarborough, finance their retirement. RRSP looking for young men between age20-25yrs, Nearly 20% of people who energetic with some knowledge of car repair. By: Sritharan Thurairajah mean that government will soon have reached retirement age are work involved, installation of exhaust system & Some things deserve a little do away with RRSP carry for- considering to continue to work mig welding , oil change etc. more thinking before acting. This wards, but its not inconceivable due to lack of income. willing to train applies to your personal finances that a cap could be placed on the RETIREMENT IS AN INEVI- Please apply in person only. as well. RRSP (Registered retire- amount of room accumulating if TABLE STEP IN THE GAME OF ment savings plan) Season is the government ever feels over- LIFE.WHO WOULDN‘T WANT TO at 1211 Kennedy Road upon us, and before you decide exposed to potential RRSP deduc- COME OUT A WINNER! pass on the opportunity to con- tions in the hands of Canadians. tribute to your plan this year Time is also a critical factor because you simply don't have when saving for retirement. the cash, consider borrowing to The longer your money contribute instead. grows, the more you will have It is a questionable judgment later. So it is good sense to use up call to delay saving for retirement. your RRSP contribution room Canadians have been accu- sooner than later. mulating RRSP contribution room since 1991.It is not uncommon A CLEAR REALI TY today to meet someone who has Government plans provide well over $50,000 of unused approximately 37% of retirement RRSP room .This unused contri- income. bution room can be carried for- Only 30% of people took ward indefinitely. It becomes advantage of their right to con- increasingly difficult to use up tribute to an RRSP in 2004. that room as you fail to make 28% of the people between RRSP contributions. the ages of 42 and 60 have less And don't forget, tax laws can than $100,000 in savings. change anytime. This does not 33% of home owners are con- MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 29 Why we need Bl ack Histor y Month

February' s designation reminds Canada of its multiracial origins, work remaining to be done

By Barrington Walker Frederick Douglass and Abraham It's for this reason that Black Black Americans and black Lincoln—fell during this month. History Month is important in Canadians often bitterly joke that Canada—to remind ourselves of even though we have a month to Black History Month is, essen- the multicultural and multiracial celebrate our history, "they" only tially, an American import into origins of our country. Despite the gave us the shortest month of the Canada—albeit one that was slow Canadian state's concerted efforts year. In fact, the choice of to receive official recognition by over most of its history to fashion February for the celebration of our federal government (not until itself as a white settler colony, this black history in the United States 1995). The histories of blacks in project, or fantasy, was never is intimately connected to its Canada and the United States are fully realized. founder, the pioneering black his- quite different, but they are com- torian Carter G. Woodson. parable in important ways that Blackness in Canada isn't only Woodson, the son of former make the recognition of this a problem that was dropped on slaves, was one of the most month relevant in the Canadian the country's doorstep with the important figures in the emer- context. (mainly unwanted) arrival of gence of black history as a Blacks in the United States Caribbean immigration in the late respected scholarly endeavor. and Canada share a history of 20th century, but bound up in the [Barrington Walker is an assistant history professor and diversity Woodson was deeply troubled by racially based enslavement and country's origins as a colonial out- advisor to the vice-principal (academic).] the lack of black history in U.S. legally supported anti-black dis- post of two empires—France and textbooks. He was also concerned crimination in the post-emancipa- Britain. As slaves, Loyalists, that when the stories of blacks tion period. It's also true, howev- refugees and fugitives, blacks movement of his time. By high- (ironically, done primarily on a were conveyed, it was done so in er, that in the United States the played a pivotal role in shaping lighting black American's contri- case-by-case basis). a manner that reaffirmed the study of black peoples is much Canada's early history. One can- bution to their nation's history, Black Canadians, however, still demeaning and infantilizing anti- more evolved than here in not fully grasp Canada's evolution Woodson surely hoped this would exist under a state of what black stereotypes of the dominant Canada. The histories of black from colony to nation without compel Americans to recognize Ryerson University sociologist culture. White Americans refused peoples, for reasons of geogra- having some knowledge of the their full humanity. These funda- Grace Edward Galabuzi has to see blacks and their histories phy, demography and an exclu- contributions that black people mental concerns still exist for labelled "Economic Apartheid," as central to the country's histori- sionary "whites only" early 20th- made to it or the challenges they black Canadians around the issue characterized by anti-black dis- cal narratives. century Canadian immigration faced fighting to carve out a place of their full inclusion into crimination in housing, employ- In response to these concerns policy, are arguably less central for themselves here, stubbornly Canadian society. ment and much lower-than-aver- in 1926, Woodson decided that here than south of the border. refusing the dominant culture's Black Canadians have yet to age family incomes. I hope the one month should be devoted to Nonetheless, there's a dis- insistence that blackness and be fully recognized as fully human day comes when a designated celebrating African-descended turbing silence that permeates Canadianess were mutually exclu- by the dominant culture. True, month is no longer necessary and people's contributions in the the histories of black peoples in sive. black Canadians are no longer looked upon as a quaint historical United States. He chose February Canada that's problematic given Woodson created Black slaves. We have equal protection curiosity. I fear we have a long because the birthdays of two piv- the first arrival of black peoples in History Month as a way to use under the laws and a whole way to go before that day arrives. otal figures in the history of black what is now Canada dates back to history in instrumentalist terms, Human Rights apparatus to [The Journal, Queens University, America—black abolitionist the 17th century. as part of the broader civil rights address racism's systemic causes Kingston, Ontario]

Mandela stepped down as ANC African National Congress president in 1997, and in June 1999 his successor, Thabo Mbeki, On 2nd February 1990 the South Africa. The ANC Youth became the second black presi- South African President F.W De League, founded in 1944, attract- dent of South Africa. The party Clark lifted the 30 year ban on ed such figures as Walter Sisulu, celebrated its 90th anniversary in African National Congress and Oliver Tambo, and Mandela, who 2002 and continued its domina- released all its leaders from galvanized the movement and tion of South African politics. prison. South African political challenged the moderate leader- party and black nationalist organ- ship. Under the presidency of Signs of dissent began to ization. Founded in 1912 as the Albert Luthuli, the ANC after 1952 appear within the ANC leading up South African Native National began sponsoring nonviolent to the party's 2007 national con- Congress, it had as its main goal protests, strikes, boycotts, and ference, where the next president the maintenance of voting rights marches against the apartheid Nelson Mandela in 1960 of the ANC—and, most likely, the for Coloureds (persons of mixed policies that had been introduced next president of the country— for guerrilla warfare. In 1961 an virtual civil war during the 1980s. race) and black Africans in Cape by the National Party government was to be selected. Although ANC military organization, The administration of F.W. de Province. It was renamed the that came to power in 1948. Party Mbeki was barred by South Umkhonto we Sizwe ("Spear of Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC in African National Congress in membership grew rapidly. A cam- Africa's constitution from serving the Nation"), with Mandela as its 1990, and its leaders were 1923. From the 1940s it spear- paign against the pass laws a third term as president of the head, was formed to carry out released from prison or allowed to headed the fight to eliminate (blacks were required to carry country, securing a third term as acts of sabotage as part of its return to South Africa and con- apartheid, the official South passes indicating their employ- party president would have guar- campaign against apartheid. duct peaceful political activities. African policy of racial separation ment status) and other govern- anteed him considerable influence Mandela and other ANC leaders Nelson Mandela, the most impor- and discrimination. The ANC was ment policies culminated in the in choosing the country's next were sentenced to life imprison- tant of the ANC's leaders, suc- banned from 1960 to 1990 by the Defiance Campaign of 1952. In president in 2009. His bid for ment in 1964 (the Rivonia Trial). ceeded Oliver Tambo as president white South African government; the process ANC leaders became leadership of the party was chal- Although the ANC's campaign of in 1991. Mandela led the ANC in during these three decades it a target of police harassment: in lenged by Jacob Zuma, the for- guerrilla warfare was basically negotiations (1992–93) with the operated underground and out- 1956 many of its leaders were mer deputy president whom he ineffective because of stringent government over transition to a side South African territory. The arrested and charged with trea- had dismissed in 2005 amid South African internal security government elected by universal ban was lifted in 1990, and son (known as the Treason Trial, charges of corruption; the next measures, surviving ANC cadres suffrage. In April 1994 the party Nelson Mandela, the president of 1956–59). year Zuma also stood trial for an kept the organization alive in swept to power in the country's the ANC, was elected in 1994 to In 1960 the Pan-African unrelated charge of rape. He was Tanzania and Zambia under first such election, winning more head South Africa's first multieth- Congress (PAC), which had bro- acquitted of rape in May 2006, Tambo's leadership. The ANC than 60 percent of the vote for nic government. ken away from the ANC in 1959, and the corruption charges were began to revive inside South seats in the new National In the late 1920s the ANC's organized massive demonstra- dropped later that year. Despite Africa toward the end of the Assembly. Mandela, who headed leaders split over the issue of tions against the pass laws during repeated allegations of wrongdo- 1970s, following the Soweto a government of national unity, cooperation with the Communist which police killed 69 unarmed ing—which his supporters claimed uprising in 1976, when the police was inaugurated as South Africa's Party (founded in 1921), and the demonstrators at Sharpeville were politically motivated—Zuma and army killed more than 600 first black president on May 10, ensuing victory of the conserva- (south of Johannesburg). At this remained a popular figure within people, many of them children. 1994. After the withdrawal of the tives left the party small and dis- point the National Party outlawed the ANC and, in what was one of About 1980 the banned black, National Party from the govern- organized through the 1930s. In both the ANC and the PAC. the most contentious leadership green, and gold tricolour flag of ment in 1996, the ANC entered the 1940s, however, the ANC Denied legal avenues for political battles in the party's history, was the ANC began to be seen inside into an alliance with its previous revived under younger leaders change, the ANC first turned to selected over Mbeki in December South Africa. rival, the Inkatha Freedom Party, who pressed for a more militant sabotage and then began to 2007 to be party president. stance against segregation in organize outside of South Africa South Africa descended into led by Mangosuthu Buthelezi. 30 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

"Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan-The Greatest Ceylonese of our times" - D.S.Senanayake, First Prime Minister of Sri Lanka This article is being pub- He taught us that responsibil- lished in connection with Sir Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam Memorial Oration ity should be recognised as a pre- Ponnamabalam Arunach- On the Occasion of His 155th Birth Annivesary By carious and extremely frail and alam's Birth Anniversary. I t is Kanaganayagam Kanag-Isvaran, President's Counsel, 9th January 2008 perishable good, depending on a timely when Sri Lanka is cele- whole range of economic, social, and patriot, in the true sense of brating it's 60th I ndepen- political and cultural factors; and these words. He lived in a time of dence Day, for the Govern- that the break down of a single great social change and spear- ment and people of Sri Lanka one of them is capable of trigger- headed the growth of elite politi- to remember that Sri Lankan ing off destructive chain reactions cal consciousness, elite politics Tamils like Sir Ponnambalam leading to large scale disintegra- and constitutional evolution. He Arunachalam vehemently tion and corruption of the sense more than any other man of his fought for Sri Lankan I nde- of responsibility. He showed us time helped to lay the foundations pendence from colonial rule. that responsibility presupposes of the freedoms which we later The writer of this article Mr. the motivation, and the ability came to enjoy and take for grant- K. Kanag-I swaran, is a well and the possibility to choose ed. Those freedoms stand under- respected President's Cou- between alternatives. That it pre- mined and threatened today. nsel Lawyer in Colombo and supposes predictability and Born on the 14th of also the son of well-known accountability. In a pluralistic September 1853, he was a leader former politician and Senator society such as ours I would add respected and trusted by all com- S.R. Kanaganayagam. another, sensitivity. One should be munities, and an inspiration to all My introduction to Sir Mr. K. Kanag-I swaran Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam sensitive to every group's socio- who cherish high ideals. The first Ponnambalam Arunachalam came economic, cultural and ethnic Ceylonese to enter the then Civil President of the Ceylon National Volume I, published in 1910. about when I was barely eight concerns. But if the truth be told Service through the open door of Congress, espousing the case for Appendix IV to this book gives years or so old. I remember that there is a yawning gulf of suspi- competition, he held several posi- Representative Government for extracts from one of his best day very well, for reason that, it cion, hatred and fear. tions of high responsibility, includ- Ceylon, when ideas of self-deter- known judgments, the Adippola was the occasion on which a large Any twinge of conscience on ing judicial posts in various parts mination were the common cur- Sannas case, from Chilaw, which portrait of Sir Ponnambalam account of this, we would seem to of the island. His achievements rency of political thought, he was related to the grant -Sannas – Arunachalam was hung in my soothe with offerings in the name are too numerous to mention overjoyed on that occasion to (strip of copper plate) of the tank father's Chambers, at our house of religion. It is a self evident the here, but special note should be proclaim - of Adippola at Chilaw to a ‘Suriya in Jaffna. This was the third. Of truth that you cannot hold any made of the fact that he has been "we have done once and for Chetti of Telugu Country' by King the other two which were already man in the gutter without staying rightly called the father of the all with our petty differences and Buwaneka Bahu of Kotte, in 1247 there, one was of my father's there yourself. The only real help Ceylon University movement Saka Era, equal to 1325 of the mother and the other of Mahatma you can give is to get off his back. which he spearheaded at the very dissensions………………whatever Christian era. It is a masterly Gandhi. A whole generation of our youth dawn of the 20th century in one's creed, race or caste may study of the social history of the I asked my father, whose pic- has been deprived of opportuni- January 1906, and which eventu- be……………" people of the area. ture it was, and he replied, that it ties of education and normal life ally led to the establishment of and ended his speech by I was fortunate later to have was Sir Ponnambalam during the formative years of their the Ceylon University. In the polit- quoting from the ‘Karaniya Metta been able to acquire a copy of Arunachalam, a great Tamil life. They will surely pass into ical field, he convened what was Sutta', this rare book for my library. Patriot and the brother of Sir adult population with irremediably probably the first Political "Let all living beings be joyous Searching for his other writings, I Ponnambalam Ramanathan. Sir stunted powers and narrowed Conference which had met in and safe, was equally fortunate, some six Pon. Ramanathan was a house- outlooks. Will this not affect the Ceylon for at least a hundred May it be theirs to dwell in months ago, to be able to acquire hold name for us, as my father whole quality of the national life? years, at the Victoria Masonic happiness" his "Sketches of Ceylon History" was closely associated with the Deprived of all power and respon- Hall, on 15th December 1917. It But sadly, Ladies and written in 1906, and "Speeches Ramanathan Trust and we used sibility their capacities will be was convened to debate and con- Gentlemen, that was not to be. and Writings of Sir Ponnambalam to visit Ramanathan College for dwarfed and stunted. Forced to sider constitutional reforms, and Today we might even ponder Arunachalam" – Volume I, pub- Girls, at Maruthanamadam, where live in an atmosphere of inferiori- he was elected to Chair the whether it will ever be? lished in 1936. my mother was educated, during ty, could they ever rise to the full Ceylon Reform League and the A misunderstanding, to use an Reading about him it seems to the life time of Lady Ramanathan height to which their manhood is Ceylon National Association. euphemism, soon developed me, that to him, life was a duty. and Hon. S.Natesan who was capable of rising? Hypnotized into In his Presidential Address, between the Sinhalese and Tamil He loved fair play and justice. He married to their daughter thinking that they are weak and that day, he spoke thus, members of the Congress over held in contempt the vulgarity of Sivagamasunthari. inferior, no greater disaster can "The time is therefore auspi- the question of representation the demagogue. In a world gone Later I was to become overtake a people. Two nations cious………………..to win for our- which caused an estrangement mad on race and religion and acquainted, with Sir warring in the bosom of a single selves as large a measure of con- between him and the Congress. which has made politics the jug- Arunachalam Mahadeva, who state – not of principles, but of stitutional reform as possible. We He surrendered his office of glery of race antagonism and reli- used to visit our home regularly, race. The lesson to be learnt from demand the liberty to take our Presidency of the Ceylon National gious hatred, it behoves us to which was then the office of the the lives of great patriots like Sir share in the burden of this Congress in October 1920. In remember and emulate Sir United National Party in Jaffna, Ponnambalam Arunachalam, is responsibility, to manage our own order to organize and possibly Ponnambalam Arunachalam's when Sir Mahadeva was contest- that we still can regain our self- lives, make our own mistakes, guide Tamil public opinion he quality of mind, his sacrifice and ing the Jaffna seat against Mr. G. confidence, nothing can daunt us gain strength by knowledge and founded the Ceylon Tamil League his unselfishness, in order to pre- G. Ponnambalam of the All Ceylon and nothing is beyond us. I truly experience, and acquire that self in 1923, but did not live long serve the liberties that he won for Tamil Congress. Later in my early believe that had Sir Ponnambalam confidence and self respect which enough to guide our fortunes. On us, and the understanding that he teens sometimes when my father Arunachalam been alive today are indispensable to national a pilgrimage to the sacred shrines assiduously propagated, - that used to travel to Colombo for the that would be the message he progress and success. We seek to of India, in the midst of his devo- liberty and justice are for all. meetings of the Senate, I used to would want conveyed. be in our own country what other tions he passed away on the 9th Without exception. But the way tag along and on occasions we Ladies and Gentlemen, I self-respecting people are in of January 1924. for that, it seems, is not yet have visited Sir A. Mahadeva at would conclude with the burden theirs, self-governing, strong, Since then a strange destiny smooth. There are now many Ponklar. of Sir Ponnambalam respected at home and abroad, has hung over Sri Lanka and she more wrongs than ever suffered I am therefore greatly hon- Arunachalam's "A Message to the and we ask for the grant at once has ever since been wandering in by our peoples in this Island. How oured to have been invited by the Country" delivered in 1918, which of a definite measure of progres- the desert. We have come a full easy to divide for ever. New forces Chairman and Trustees of the Sir is that we must spiritualise public sive advance towards that goal". circle. Death in the midst of devo- are at work among us. We should Ponnambalam Arunachalam Trust life by reverting to the ideals of These words have special mean- tion. My interest in Sir therefore, as a body politic, seek to deliver this year's memorial our forefathers and establishing ing for us today, Ponnambalam Arunachalam was to achieve what Sir Ponnambalam oration. Sir Ponnambalam an aristocracy of intellect, charac- Two years later, on the 11th of rekindled when I started my legal Arunachalam tirelessly worked for Arunachalam whose 155th birth ter and self-sacrificing service. December 1919, in his career in Sri Lanka in 1966. Soon all his life to impress upon future anniversary we commemorate I thank you. Presidential Address at the Public I came across his treatise – "A generations - that political power today was a great public servant Hall, Colombo as the first Digest of the Laws of Ceylon" is a serious responsibility. MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 31

Words of Peace Two Little Soldiers For some people, life is like a tains and rivers. different? constant struggle. There seems to "Do you know who this sec- "What you want from success be an unending battle to resolve ond little soldier inside of you is? is fulfillment. If you want to conflicts within and find peace Your heart. It is that voice that become rich, you seek to be rich and satisfaction. Maharaji looks at has stayed with you when every- because you think that will fulfill this age-old problem from a new thing else was ready to abandon you. If you seek to have higher perspective. He says that peace you. When everybody said, 'You education, it is because you think isn't the result of resolving con- are a failure,' it was there, saying that will fulfill you. flicts, but is a feeling that anyone 'March on. Go on.' When every- "So why fight when the goals can learn to tap into. body said, 'You are a success,' it are the same?" "On one hand, you have your was still there, saying "March on. The difference, he says, is responsibilities, your desires, your Move on. Go on.' that the first soldier says, "Go wants," he says. "On the other "Maybe your quest is to outside, and you will find fulfill- you have 17 plaques commemo- you can dance with it. You can hand, you have this whole world become successful, but the quest ment," and the second soldier rating accomplishments on your adore it. You can embrace it. This telling you what to do. The whole of this little soldier within you is to says, "Go inside, and you will find wall, tomorrow there will be is what is possible for each one of world is telling you what you become fulfilled." fulfillment." somebody who will have 18. us." should wear, what you should eat, Maharaji has been talking to The dilemma for many people, "On the other hand, look and Do whatever is necessary to where you should be." audiences about fulfillment since Maharaji says, comes from the examine for a minute the nature find peace in your life and be con- In our valiant efforts to meet he was a child, and began travel- perception that it's necessary to of peace. Peace is when this heart tent. Look for peace, find peace, the demands of the world, he ing internationally when he was choose the advice of one soldier is not in duality anymore—when and enjoy peace. If you can't, I says, we become like "good little thirteen. Since then, he has spo- or the other. the struggle of the two soldiers can help. It's as simple as that. soldiers. The world says, 'This is ken to more than 10 million peo- "People say you can't have has been resolved. Then you and what you should be doing. This is ple around the world, offering both," he says. "I say that's not the feeling of fulfillment within To receive a free DVD by mail how you should be.' And we say, inspiration in the search for per- true, but understand that fulfill- walk hand-in-hand, not as ene- to know more about the self- 'Yes.'" sonal satisfaction and peace. His ment on the outside is very tem- mies." paced process Maharaji offers, Inside every human being, presentations are now available in porary by its nature. If you paint Maharaji offers encourage- Call: 416 657 2124 Maharaji says, there's another a variety of media in more than a beautiful painting today, I can ment and assistance in finding the Toll Free:1 877 707 3223 soldier—"a soldier who can never 97 countries. assure you somebody will paint a fulfillment he talks about. e-mail: die. That soldier has marched "Are these two soldiers really better one tomorrow. If you're the "I can put you in touch with [email protected] through good and through bad, that different?" Maharaji asks. wealthiest person in the world that peace within you," he says. To Learn More visit through right and wrong, through "Are their goals really that differ- today, tomorrow there will be "You too can experience serenity www.tprf.org snow and desert, through moun- ent? Are their wishes really that somebody wealthier than you. If in your life—and not just feel it, www.wordsofpeace.ca Until the Guns are Silent - A Visit to Jaffna, Sri Lanka I set out to Jaffna recently their living space with their 49 cell Building says that he cannot inter- hoping to report on the situation mates who have contracted chick- fere in the internal affairs of my there. I got back yesterday but en-pox? Or the little children who country? How am I able to tell am still unable to put down any- are in lock up with their mothers, women and children that they thing on paper as I don't know unable to play in the sunshine? Or should report instances of abuse where to start. Do I start with the the young girl whose parents despite their traditional belief that little boy I met who saved his were abducted and who was outsiders cannot interfere in the baby brother's life by scooping his assaulted by the abductors the affairs of the family when the very intestines back into his torn belly night before she appeared for the person who gives aid to my coun- A Sri Lankan Army soldier blocked civilian traffic to clear a road for troop and holding him till he was given Ordinary Level examination with a try tells me he cannot leverage on movements past the Nachchi Amman Temple in Jaffna, a key flashpoint in the medical attention? Or do I start bruised and battered body? his standing as a donor to see recently-escalating conflict between the government and Tamil rebels.[Jul '07]-[Pic by J Adam Huggins Courtesy of NYTimes.com] with the little girl who saw a man Maybe I should start with my that those who receive this aid do on his knees begging for his life meeting of the young soldier of not abuse their authority? Where I long for the peace that blood red limit us. My world is before having his brains blown the Sri Lankan army who had do I start? How do I manage to fit death brings. The thought of it overwhelming. out on the road in the middle of bought two mangoes and was in all these cases? Will I miss any- helps me think about peaceful Until the guns are silent. the morning? Or again should I eagerly waiting for his shift to one out? Should I have taken things. Like the way we used to I love the "slow" that death start with the cousin of the Priest change so he could go back to proper notes? But how do I whip laugh and play. My world is not brings. My life is harried, rushed who was abducted, tortured and camp and write a letter to his out my notepad and pen when peaceful. and moving too fast through killed for daring to stand up to family to inform them he would they sit by me and cry while they Until the guns are silent. check points and queues outside authority pleading for medical not be able to visit them this new relive their horror? I can't write. I I loath the memories the guns the grocery store, behind the help for his parishioners? Or bet- year? Or the plight of the other can only hold their hands and cry bring to mind. I cannot see the barbed wire and the bars ter still the wife and five children who was beaten and imprisoned with them... joy of Christmas in the things Until the guns are silent. of the brave young man who for disobedience when he refused Until the Guns are silent falling from the sky. I cannot hear I take nothing for granted. I shared the same plight as the to accept that his leave was not (Inspired by the children I met in the songs for my crying drowns it have no hope of losing myself in priest? Or maybe I should begin approved? Or the sorrow of the Jaffna. Follows after the poem out. I cannot see the beauty in having too many choices only with the girl whose brother went women who send their men to 'Until it Snows') the piling up of dead. My world want another day of life in peace. missing earlier this year and who war and who are unable to even I love the quiet. I love the needs joy and laughter. It lacks so I only want not to be afraid. I only tried in vain to get a letter across give them a decent burial because pure, white finish of funeral much. want to be able to smile. I want to to the UN High Commissioner for their bodies have been burnt on shrouds. My world is troubled and Until the guns are silent. know my father and mother. But I Human Rights? Can I begin with the battlefield to downplay the noisy. My world is dusty, dirty and I see the contrast blood can't the plight of people in the people casualties? Or better still should I very dull since the guns began to brings. We are bathed in it, bom- Until the guns are silent. held in the prisons? The hundreds start with my own dismay when fire. It leaves me longing for the barded from all sides with flash- Please help silence the guns cramped into a tiny space with no the Representative of the silence of death. ing, brilliant, sparkling lights. so that these children can look proper sanitation facilities sharing Government of Japan on Peace Until the guns are silent. Black, white, brown, gray and forward to a normal life. 32 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL Canadian Home Appraisals Inc. Introduction of " PRIZE FIGHTER " Pop -Rock Band from Kitchener-Waterloo celebration on Dec 30, 2007

Pop-Rock quintet, PRIZE FIGHTER, from Kitchener-Waterloo, the band is fronted by Zubin Thakkar, (Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Lyrics, Compositions) a 24 year old, South Asian Systems Design Engineer from University of Waterloo. Another member of the Guests at the event band, George Carothers (Vocals and Guitar) is also of South Asian descent. The band has been together since 2003 and are gaining a quite a bit of mainstream and industry exposure. They have played alongside many of Canada's hottest musical acts including Jully Black, Hedley, Kalan Porter, The Trews and more. Recently, they've had one of their songs, 'Hold on Tight', in heavy rotation on a major radio station which services the Tri-Cities, Hamilton, London and parts of the GTA; 91.5 The Beat FM radio (Chorus Entertainment). In addition they've also been featured on 102.1 The Edge's New Music Night at The Horseshoe Tavern - to a packed house. All impressive feats for a band that is 100% independently managed and financed. In a musical genre where South Asians have had little success in the past, I feel that it is very important to support Prize Fighter by showcasing them to our community.

HI GHLI GHTS: -Hit Single "Hold on Tight" charted in the top 3 on Chorus Radio's 91.5 The Beat -Independent CD sales of 2000+ units -Albums available at HMV, iTunes, amazon.com, futureshop.ca, puretracks.com

UPCOMI NG SHOWS I N THE GTA: -February 23rd @ The Hardrock Cafe -Toronto -March 15th @ Chicopee Ski Resort - Kitchener -March 27th @ The Rivoli -Toronto Guests at the event -March 29th @ The Opera House -Toronto -April 4th @ The Underground - Hamilton -April 5th @ The Lost Lounge - Mississauga Report by: Nidhi Thakkar

S K Bales enjoying the magic show performed at the event

Owners of CHAI S K Bales and Bill Doolittle with Senthi Chelliah, Karu Kandiah, Yoga Arulnamby, Thayabaran Arumugam, Roger and guests MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 33

Blessing of the Cow during Pongal celebrations

Thai Pongal is celebrated on encourage social cohesiveness Ramya and Rajivi drew "Kolams" the first day of the month Thai of and unite people by bringing (Rangoli) marks in front with rice the Tamil calendar. The day nor- them together in a common func- flour paste. The idea is that ants mally falls between 12th and 15th tion. and insects would feed on it and of the month of January. Thus, The Tamil Cultural association bless the house. Candles were lit Thai is the first month of the Tamil of Waterloo Region in keeping in middle of the Kolam. Dharini Almanac, and Pongal is a dish of with Tamil tradition organised a Sivakumar lit the traditional oil sweet rice. This festival is cele- Mattu Pongal ( Blessing of the lamp brated by one and all as it is non- Cow ) at Meadow Lee Farms, With Natheswarem Music, relevance to any particular reli- Roseville in Cambridge on the pongal (sweet rice) boiled gious faith. The whole Tamil pop- Saturday, January 19th. The during the auspiouse time and ulation of the world celebrate it third day of Pongal is dedicated to members made offerings to God. without any differences. cattle and is called Mattu Pongal. The cow was blessing pooja was Therefore it is widely known as People offer prayers to the bulls, conducted by Ganga Athithan and "Tamil Thai Pongal" or the cows and other farm animals. Indra Logendran. Selvan. Vasu "Festival of the Tamils". Cows give nourishing milk while Nadarajah fed the cow with pon- The Tamil festival of Thai bulls and oxen help plough the gal and bannana. On completing Pongal is a thanks giving ceremo- fields. the cermony, the members go Mrs. Rajivi Nadarajah, the secretary of TCAWR decorates the cow ny in which the farmers celebrate The cow was washed by the together for a feast at Roseville the event to thank the spirits of farmer Paul Perrin and the secre- Mennonite Church. It was organ- nature spirit, the Sun and the tary, Rajivi Nadarajah decorated it ised by the Tamil Cultural farm animals for their assistance with Multi-colored beads, tinkling Association of Waterloo Region. in providing a successful harvest. bells, sheaves of corn and flower It represents the Tamil communi- The rest of the people celebrate garlands are tied around their ty of Waterloo Region and City of the festival to pay their thanks to necks. Indra Logendran, Ramya Guelph. CTV Southwestern TV the farmers for the production of Dennis and kugan decorated the station offered news coverage food. Overall, it is a festival to barn with flowers and Palm leaf. and support to the community.

Dennis and Ramya Loyola, the newly married couple offering sugar

Farmer with the Decorated cow

Mr. Bala Thambypillai, the Treasurer offering the first rice

Children taking the cow around the pot of pongal during the pooja Tamil community members celebrations 34 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

TAMI L CULTURAL Tamils fight pull of Toronto ASSOCI ATI ON OF Harvest celebration part of effort WATERLOO REGI ON to get local community growing Dear Members and Friends their actual capacity; the district is GREG MERCER Kunasekaran, an electrical engi- Lanka, even if they're wary of life Re: "Project Hope" – Fund facing a potential food shortage, RECORD STAFF neer. "We want them to have the there -- like the government raising for the Nursery School and and many families have been sep- The middle of a cold Canadian feeling that they are Tamils, and checkpoints they must pass IDP facility in Sri Lanka. arated in flight. These camps find January might seem like an odd there are other Tamils here. We through on rare visits with their Tamil Cultural Association of it hard to cope with the demands time to celebrate the harvest, at are creating an environment. . . . parents, Mailvaganam said. Waterloo Region (TCAWR) is a not of shelter, food and sanitation, first glance. But two oceans away, But it is hard, it is not easy." Sri Lanka is of course still for profit community organization created by the huge influx of dis- on the island of Sri Lanka, millions Waterloo Region's Tamils, dealing with a civil war that has representing the Tamil community placed people. of Tamils are doing just that, about 80 families strong, have lasted more than two decades in the Waterloo Region and City of Most refugees are living in reaping the rewards of their rice- long struggled to grow their com- and killed 70,000 people. "It feels Guelph since 1989. open areas, where rows of tents growing season. If you'd walked munity in the shadow of Toronto's like their parents' home," As part of the mandate, the stretch into the distance. Men and into a borrowed Lutheran church larger cultural draw. Many fami- Mailvaganam said. "They do not association's global relief fund women, who do not know each in Waterloo yesterday afternoon, lies head there each weekend to want to live there. They want to helps local community as well as other, are forced to live in the you would have found dozens of be with relatives, and because of live here." But the parents here helps elevate poverty among the same hut, with least privacy for Tamil immigrants doing the same Toronto's temples, cultural cen- want their kids to know there's -- giving thanks with songs, tres and grocery stores that they more to their cultural homeland citizens of India and Sri Lanka . women. It is hard to imagine the poems, music and sweet rice pud- know so well, said Sivendiran than what they see on the news, Locally, we have taken part in psychological impact of living in a ding. Mailvaganam. "That is a prob- or watch in movies. So Soup Kitchen for the Homeless at tent, scorching during the day and Thai Pongal, the Tamil equiva- lem," he said. "When we get Mailvaganam and others see tra- St. John's Church , Kitchener and shivering in the night. Some lent of Canadian Thanksgiving, together here, it is always the ditional ceremonies like Thai Operation Christmas Child pro- camps have few common toilets drew them here, but so did some- same 10 families that come." Pongal as a way to start growing grams. The Global relief fund has but some times it is open air toi- thing else. The local community also the feeling that Tamil culture is contributed generously during the lets in the bushes that they have For those gathered, the cele- recently lost its weekend Tamil alive in Waterloo Region. With, of past few years. to use. bration also doubled as a commu- language class in Guelph because course, a few subtle differences Sri Lanka Shipped cloths In the wake of a humanitari- nity revival of sorts. Here, while not enough students were show- from the homeland. In Sri Lanka, to a children's Orphanage in an crisis with thousands of dis- inside the church, the children ing up to meet the program's they cook the sweet rice and milk Nunavil, Jaffna . placed people on the move, the dressed in bright gowns and were quota. So lacking a common, local mixture for Thai Pongal in their India Donated Ind. Rs. Tamil Community of Waterloo told to speak only in their parents' forum to celebrate Tamil culture, front yards, over wood fires. 25,000 to a Fire victim in Trichy, Region seeks your help to raise tongue -- a feat in itself for a gen- some families created their own. "In Canada, doing that in front South India . donations. We are looking for- eration surrounded everywhere This fledgling group tries to teach of your house in January, that is TCAWR also helped the ward for cash donation from the by English. the children of immigrants about not possible," said Kunasekaran, Canadian Red Cross to raise $ community. Any amount is wel- "We need to have these sort the language, customs and cul- chuckling. 120,000 during Tsunami disaster. come. All proceeds will be provid- of ceremonies so we can explain ture of a place many of the kids [email protected] This year, "Project hope", is ed with an official receipt. Our to our children what this is, why have only visited as tourists. The raising funds for the construction goal is to reach a sum of $2000 we are doing this," said Kuna children are curious about Sri and maintaince of the Nursery and proceeds will be handed over school in Batticaloa , Sri Lanka to Sri Ramakrishna Mission, operated by Sri Ramakrishna Kallady, Uppodai, Batticaloa. Mission, a leading NGO in Sri We are also planning a mas- Lanka . The Mission operates 3 sive garage sale in early spring in children's Orphanages, 3 Nursery the Beachwood Forest Area, schools, Family Health care centre Kitchener to raise awareness of and a refugee shelter (IDP) for our project and to raise funds. internally displaced people. The We encourage community mem- children are mostly displaced dur- bers to spread the message and ing civil disturbance and Tsunami. to help us in raising funds. The nursery school lags Please send your cheque in behind in necessary amenities and favour of Tamil Cultural equipments. Every time, the Association of Waterloo Region, nursery hall is needed for an P.O. Box 25068, Kitchener , event or as refugee camp the Ontario, N2A-4A5. Your compas- school suffers. Valuable equip- sion today will mean a tomorrow ments belonging to the school for these vulnerable victims. cannot to be stored properly. Together we can make a difference and relieve human suffering. IDP facility – It is a tale of Please, contact the associa- shock and grief; crossing swollen tion by e-mail mail@tamilculture- rivers, plodding through jungle waterloo.org for further informa- terrain for days, running through tion. crossfire....; some on foot, others Thank you and soliciting your on tractors, leave their homes and kind cooperation. head towards the refugee camps. Mr. S. S. Kumar But their harrowing, journey does President - TCAWR not stop there. There are still " Love cures people – both the many struggles ahead. Refugee one who gives it and the one who sites are hosting people at twice receives it." MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 35

These are the photos and info about the "Canada Village" being built in Muzhangavil, Mannar. The total project cost Canada Village in Muzhangavil is $ 625,000. So far the raised amount is $400,000 (Since July 2007) by conducting several nivaranam shows

INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY 2008 CELEBRATIONS IN CANADA On the occasion of 59th 2007 and during his visit to India on Gandhi's bust in Ottawa. Mr. Phil Republic Day of India, a flag-hoist- 11-12 January 2008. He mentioned McNeely, Member of the Provincial ing ceremony was organized on that there have also been other Parliament, who delivered a con- 26th January at 1000 hours in the Ministerial exchange of visits gratulatory message from Mr. Chancery premises. H.E. Mr R.L. between the two countries, and Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Narayan, High Commissioner of highlighted the increase in the bilat- Ontario, also promised to follow-up India hoisted the National Flag, eral trade, investment, scientific the matter with the Premier to which was followed by the playing and educational linkages. ensure speedy installation of of Indian National Anthem. The India-Canada Association also Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Ottawa . High Commissioner then read the celebrated the Republic Day 2008 in A cultural programme with partici- President's message to the partici- the afternoon of 26th January 2008 pation, among others, from the chil- pating guests, numbering over 150, with High Commissioner as the dren/teachers of the Mukul Hindi who included NRIs / Indo- Chief Guest. The function, inter School was very much appreciated Canadians and friends of India. alia, was attended by His Worship by the audience. The High Commissioner also Larry O'Brien, Mayor of City of The Government of India has gave an overview of impressive Ottawa, Mr. Phil McNeely, Member conferred Padma Shri Award to growth of the Indian economy and of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and Prof. Joseph J. Hulse for his distin- upswing in the India-Canada rela- a cross-section of the Indian com- guished service in the field of sci- tions during the last year. He men- munity. In his address, the High ence and engineering. The Padma tioned that Prime Minister Mr. Commissioner highlighted the sig- Shri Award is one of the highest Stephen Harper for the first time nificance of the Republic Day and civilian honors in India . The met the Indian Prime Minister Dr. appreciated the role of approxi- Awards are awarded annually on Manmohan Singh in November mately one million strong Indian the eve of India 's Republic Day on 2007 in Kampala on the side lines of community in Canada in enhancing 26th January. There will be an Commonwealth Heads of Indo-Canadian relations. Investiture Ceremony at a future Government meeting; Mr. Maxime Congratulating the Indo-Canadian date, where a medal and citation Bernier, Minister for Foreign Affairs community on the occasion, His will be presented by the President also met his counterpart Mr. Pranab Worship Larry O'Brien assured that of India. The date and time of the Mukherjee, Minister for External the City of Ottawa would identify a Ceremony will be announced in due Affairs twice - first in New York on suitable prime location for the pro- course. the sidelines of UNGA meetings in posed installation of Mahatma 36 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Valentine's Day, February 14th - Humanity's day to love, inspire and cherish life. A day to reinforce that everyone "wants the mind of the " Mind of the flower is the deed, that flower is the deed, that honey in the heart is our creed" Happy Valentine's Day. And here are a variety flowers, from many parts of Sri Lanka, speak- honey in the heart is our creed" ing the language of love wherever they are, every day. by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

A variety of shoe flower [Hibiscus rosa-sinensis] in Habarana. This Flower arrangement of red particular shoe flower hangs down from the tree Anthuriums at the main entrance Dark Pink single petal shoe flower in Kanagambigaikulam in of the Queens hotel in Kandy Kilinochchi

Flower offerings at on a full moon day at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Flower pond with Neelambari at Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Purple Lilly in a pond in Anuradhapura Devasthanam in Colombo 13 Waikkal- North Western Province

Lotus flowers for worshipping at Sri Venkadeswara Red Rose, in Ramboda I n Jaffna -Ponnuchi, Flower used in offerings to god, garland making Maha Vishnu temple in Nedimala-Dehiwala

Multi petal red shoe flower in Stanley road,Jaffna Pink shoe flower and bud in Uswetakiyawa Pomegranate flower in Puttlam

This flower is called Sivalingam or Nagalingam in Tamil. I ts believed that the flower looks like a Sivalingam in the middle while some believe it looks like a Shoe flower in Bambalapitty Nagalingam Cobra White lily in Vakarai MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 37

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BRASI LI AN CUSI NE Brazilian cooking history and cultural background explains the main styles and aliments found in today's Brazilian cuisine. One of the first aliments that were consumed in this country is the corn or the corn porridge, which was developed by the Native Indians, who also brought the cassava meals, sweet potatoes dishes and fish cooking styles. In older times, Onion, tomato, cilantro, and The Brazilian chefs mainly use all meat dishes were smoked and dendì oil. Seafood and shellfish is fish and other seafood, rice and dried before eating. When also very popular with the north- beans, and several specific condi- Portuguese colonized Brazil in the eastern coastal regions of Brazil. ments to prepare typical dishes. 16th century, coffee, pastries and The Central and Central- The national dish however, is the dried fruit began to be a part of Western regions have a diet that's feijoada, a mixture of black the Brazilian diet. Nowadays, the mainly based on fish from the beans, Pork, and manioc meal. Brazilian diet includes some ele- important rivers and Beef and Among the most used ingredients mentary aliments, which are con- Pork from the vast ranches, along for a traditional Brazilian dish, the stantly found in the authentic with the bounty harvested from cooks use beans, which are prob- Brazilian recipes: beans, coconut, the agricultural crops of manioc, ably the most representative ali- dendi oil, codfish, rice, lemon, corn, rice, and Soybean. ments. Other elements include shrimp and manioc. Beans, local- The south and southeastern dried shrimp, dried, salted cod- ly called feijao, are found in a region, is Brazil's industrial heart fish, coconut flakes or coconut wide spectrum of colors and and is home to some of the most milk, dendÍ oil , rice, toasted forms: black, brown, pink beans, exotic food recipes in the coun- manioc meal and lemon. The chick peas and black-eyed peas. served as sautéed. Lemon is pletely new cooking styles. try's cuisine. Feijoada Completa is coastal chefs are specialized in Coconut is used in numerous found in Brazil as green, very Because of the size of the country one of these dishes and is the seafood and fish dishes: shrimp soups, poultries, fish meals and small and tart and the manioc is and the diversity in climate, ter- very popular in the region's two and okra entree, shrimp stew, desserts. Dendi oil is a tropical usually sautéed in butter and rain and resources, several big cities, Rio and Sao Paulo. The Bahian style, seafood frittata, extract of palm and colors the served toasted. cuisines developed in different Feijoada Completa is a dish con- shrimp stroganoff. Beef is used foods in an orange color. The cod- The Brazilian cuisine is equal- regions of Brazil. taining simmered beans and especially for the roast loin of fish and the shrimp are usually ly exotic and diverse as their cul- Caruru do Par is a dish that is meat, although it can also contain Pork accompanied by toasted consumed dried in appetizers, ture. Despite being influenced by popular among the Brazilians rice, corn or ripened cheeses. manioc. All these meals require main courses and even puddings. the South American and from the North, although it's Another tasty delicacy from these high knowledge, skills and cre- The Brazilian style rice is flavored European cuisines alike, the starting to spread in other parts regions is the cowboy, a sun dried ativity, but also preciseness, qual- with garlic and black olives or Brazilian diet has managed to of the country. This dish is a com- meat grilled on wood fire or pre- ities owned by the Brazilian cooks tomatoes and most of the times develop unique dishes and combination of dried shrimp, okra, pared as a barbecue. and famous chefs. Feijoada Br asil ian Fish Stew

2 onion, sliced 3 garlic clove, sliced 4 hot chili peppers, seeded and sliced 2 bay leaf 3 tsp olive oil 4 cups water 2 pound fish steaks or chunks with skin and bones 3 pound shrimps, shelled and deveined 1/2 cup Balanced almonds or peanuts, roasted and ground 1/2 pound dried shrimps, shelled, 2 lb. black beans boil, repeating the procedure at least toasted and ground 2 lb. smoked ham hocks three times to tenderize cured meats and 7 cups thin coconut milk 2 lb. Mexican chorizo, remove excess fat. In a large frying pan salt 1 lb. Chunk of lean Canadian bacon sauté‚ onion and garlic using either veg- Rice flour 1 lb. Smoked pork or beef ribs etable or olive oil (smoked bacon strips 1 cup coconut cream or evaporated 8 strips of smoked bacon optional) for two or three minutes. Toss milk 1 lb. lean pork in cubed pork and beef. Sauté‚ an addi- 4 tablespoons cornstarch 1 lb. lean beef tional two-three minutes. 3 large onion Mash 15 to 20 tablespoons of beans Sauté onion, garlic, peppers and bay 8 garlic cloves and add to large pot. The resulting paste leaf in 1 tablespoons oil. 4 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil will thicken sauce. Add two tablespoons Add the water, fish, and shrimps. 3 tablespoon vinegar of olive oil, three garlic cloves all Simmer for 15 minutes or until done. Salt to taste chopped-up or mashed, along with a Serve hot with a slice of cold pudding Remove skin and bones, break up fish Black pepperhot sauce (optional) tablespoon of white vinegar and a tea- made by thickening the coconut cream and shrimps, and strain broth. Simmer spoon of red-hot pepper. Stir, heat over with corn starch, adding more salt to ground nuts and dried shrimps in coconut Soak black beans overnight in large medium fire for two-three minutes, and taste, and putting aside to cool. Served milk for 15 minutes. Strain. Add the fish container. Next morning, cook beans for then transfer to contents of frying pan. over rice. broth and salt to taste. Bring to boil, and 4-5 hours at low heat. Place ham hocks, Let simmer for l0-l5 minutes. Add con- add manioc to make a fairly thick mush. by Chef Nate chorizo, ribs and Canadian bacon in deep tents of frying pan(s) to the beans and let Cook for 30minutes, stirring frequently. [email protected] pan with plenty of water and bring to a boil at medium heat for 1-2 hours. Served Add fish, shrimps and 2 tablespoons oil. boil. Change water and bring to a new over rice. MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 39

OBITUARY

Trico Nirantha De Silva passes away

"Now racks a noble heart. Good-night sweet Prince. And flights of Angels will sing thee to thy rest"….

It is unbelievable! He talks and jokes with his friends the previous afternoon and night about his recent trip to Sri Lanka. The morning after, he goes for a short sleep and never wakes again.

Nirantha De Silva passed away suddenly this week amidst a shock to all including his family. The chub- by faced portly figure who had a sweet smile to everyone who came his way is no more. Nirantha was one of those few persons who could be seen at almost every community event. He was always a giver and not a taker. He never had a negative reply whenever anyone or an organization approached him for assistance. Help was in his daily vocabulary.

Nirantha had a lucrative employment career back home in Sri Lanka working for the prestigious Automobile Dealers-Car Mart. His colleague and friend Paalitha Wijesekera once told me that Nirantha was always a friend in need and a friend indeed to all his co-workers and colleagues. His outspoken mentality and warm friendship always earned him a wide circle of friends. He left Sri Lanka for the Middle East to take up employment as General Manager of a leading Trading and Property Development Company in UAE. Having been in the Middle East for a period of time, he migrated to Canada. In Canada, he established a Freight Forwarding Company –Trico International Inc. which was soon to become a leading freight for- warder serving the Sri Lankan community. It was a boon to the thousands of Sri Lankans who wanted to send gift parcels to their loved ones back home.

Apart from his Business, Nirantha was involved in community events and activities. At the time of his death, he was holding the post of Vice-President of the Canada Sri Lanka Business Council looking after Finance and Operations. He was also responsible for the successful Awards function of the Council held in 2006.

Nirantha was also an active member of the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce.

Nirantha leaves behind his ever-loving wife Dawn and two beloved sons Hillary and Harsha. He was fifty- nine years of age when he was laid to rest. - Siva Sivapragasam

Condolence from Monsoon Journal 40 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Remembering the legacy of Ms. Nahammal Kasipillai

The 3rd Annual Nahammal Kodal". Kasipillai Memorial Oration was It translates to "it will be the by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai delivered on January 16th 2008 at rarest of rare good fortunes if wrote for my Grade 8 Tamil class memorial lecture on her 92nd Sivananda Nilayam, Saiva Mang- though can secure to thyself the on the 15th July 2001 titled ‘Naan Birthday anniversary today. aiyar Kazhagam, Wellawatte. kinship of a worthy person". Virumbiya Periyaar'. I don't wish I'd like to thank Justice Deshabandu Nahammal Accordingly from a tender age to bore you with the entire con- Wigneswaran for chairing today's Kasipillai, as Principal dedicated I was always conscious of the rare tents of the essay, but just an proceedings. Your thought pro- over thirty years in building up privilege that was bestowed upon excerpt demonstrating my admi- voking words on the role of one of the finest institutions of me in the form of Periyamma's ration and appreciation of her women through South Asian his- learning in Sri Lanka today. She close guidance, love and friend- personality at that age. tory, and the transition from a passed away on 8th of December ship. Her life long commitment to At 13 years of age, these community based identity to an 2005. the empowerment of women was words were a tribute to her individual rights based identity, is The educator is remembered apparent to me both in her con- virtues of discipline, ethics, and a topic that dominates much of for many of her contributions to versations and the countless per- uncompromising stance on perse- the contemporary global dis- learning that span over genera- course on human rights regime. tions of students, parents and I'd like to thank Ms. teachers and leaving behind a Sivanandini Duraiswamy for her [Ms. Nahammal Kasipillai Served legacy that is praised of embody- keynote speech. Your keynote as Principal of Saiva Mangaiyar ing "a purity of purpose, a perse- address on the multiple roles Kazhagam 1937 to 1969, verance of effort, and a passion played by Hindu women from National leader Transcendental for service". ancient times to date, their poten- meditation-1975 to 1995 and she The event was chaired by tial and capacity which had been was honoured with Deshabandu Retired Supreme Court Judge given a pride of place in award from President of Sri C.V.Wigeswaran and the Memorial Hinduism, conferring a dignity, Lanka, in 1993] oration was delivered by Ms. respect and freedom for women, Sivanandini Duraiswamy. the reasons that have led to the make this event a memorable and deterioration of their status and successful one. Aaranie Karthikeyan, recalled the need for women to become And last, but not least we the lifelong teacher and matri- agents of change-aid us to chal- appreciate the presence of all arch's sound guidance to all those lenge the status quo, empower those who have participated in to sought it, in her vote of thanks ourselves and to chalk out new today's memorial lecture, despite at the Memorial Oration. course based on Hindu values. their heavy daily schedules, par- Full Text of Vote of thanks, You have very succinctly stated ticularly during times of great delivered by Aaranie Karthikeyan: how these obstacles could be uncertainty and concern due to Chairperson Justice C.V. overcome by the adoption and the prevailing security situation in Wigneswaran, Keynote speaker practice of Hindu values, UN dec- the country. Mrs Sivanandini Duraiswamy, The larations on women and principles I'd like to conclude with a few Principal, Staff and students of of good governance by individu- words from Swami Vivekandana Siva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam, als, society, state and the interna- on servant leadership, which I President of The Past Pupils tional community. These words believe articulate, the essence of Association Ms Sarojini Kanen- are a personification of the values Ms Kassipillai's legacy. dran, committee members, mem- and principles Ms Kasipillai stood "One must be a servant of bers of the Alumni and past stu- [Portrait of Ms. Nahammal Kasipillai, at Sivananda Nilayam, on Jan 16, 2008] for. You can be assured that your servants and must accommodate dents, Uncle Thilakan, family words were reaffirming to most of a thousand minds. There must members, relatives, friends and sons who would visit her at her verance, hard work and honest us here today, of our inherent not be a shade of jealousy or self- well wishers of late Vivekananda road residence for intention. I am indeed very fortu- capabilities and capacities to com- ishness, then you are a leader". Miss.Nahammal Kasipilliai. personal advice, and reassurance. nate to have enjoyed the privilege bat the challenges of our day-to- Miss. Kassipillai embodied all Good evening, A sound listener in her role as and benefit of being a member of day lives. these and more in her life's work- It is an honour and privilege counsellor, she provided non- Ms Kasipillai's intergenerational Thank you Mrs Sarojini a purity of purpose, a persever- as a grand niece of Late Ms judgmental and sound guidance family. It has enabled me to Kanendran for your welcoming ance of effort, and a passion for Kasipillai whom we fondly called to all those to sought it. As a appreciate and hopefully embody words and nostalgic memories of service. She was a shining exam- Kasi granny/ or Periyamma to mentor to many, she was quick to the maturity, wisdom and experi- Ms Kasipillai's time as your ple for every one of us striving to propose the vote of thanks today. identify the talents and capacities ence demonstrated by Miss. teacher and principal. find real value in life. May her Before I set I about the task of of all those who came before her, Kasipillai with regard to the I'd also like to express our sin- blessings be with us. expressing our sincere thanks to always encouraging of efforts essence of life. cere gratitude to Saiva Mangaiyar [Ms. Nahammal Kasipillai those organising this evening's demonstrating discipline, perse- At this juncture I believe it Kazhagam, the Principal and her Served as Principal of Saiva memorial lecture, I ask that you verance and hard work. appropriate to express our sincere staff, Mrs.Sivanandini Mangaiyar Kazhagam 1937 to indulge me in recounting a few She would often quote to me thanks on behalf of the Kasipillai Duraiswamy, and the Past Pupils 1969, National leader cherished memories I have of her. Poet Bharathiyar's words on the family to the following persons, Association lead by Sarojini Transcendental meditation-1975 I would like to quote a partic- role of women in society. who have enabled us to com- Kanendran and her team who to 1995 and she was honoured ular verse from the Thirukurral My awe and respect for her memorate Miss. Nahammal were instrumental in undertaking with Deshabandu award from Chapter 45 "Periyaarai Thunai life's work took form in an essay I Kasipillai, by organising this the necessary arrangements to President of Sri Lanka, in 1993]

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Mrs. Rajaluxmy Sabanayagam: Prof. R.S. Thanabalasundaram, Pioneering Teacher of English Language at Chavakachcheri Hindu College A teacher and doctor of A Tribute marking the first anniversary of the passing away of Mrs. Rajaluxmy Sabanayagam, Teacher of English Language at Chavakachcheri Hindu College commitment and compassion (CHC), a reputed school in Northern Sri Lanka: "To me Mrs. Rajaluxmy By S. Ratnapragasam enshrined in Sanskrit texts. She By V.S.Pillai, B.Sc. (Eng.), M.A.Sc., MI CE, P.Eng. Sabanayagam was my neighbor in Colombo 6, Sri Lanka was most charming and a good my village Sangaththanai, my first she lived in her paternal home at bets- always upside down. In I wish to pay a tribute to the musician. Her compassionate, English Teacher at Chavaka- Sangaththanai, another village response to the teacher's beat- memory of Prof. R.S. hospitable and loving ways chcheri Hindu College and above about 3 km from Kalvayal. She ings, what I did was to empty my Thanabalasundaram who passed endeared her to everyone and all my last link to my ancestral vil- lived next to Chavakachcheri piggy bank at home. On my way away on November 15, 2007 at 85 won the respect of all who knew lage Kalvayal where she was mar- Hindu College (CHC) and was to the school, I drop a penny into years of age. He was born into a her. ried to a cousin of my mother. associated with CHC for more the till of the Vairava Temple next Hindu religious family in Kokuvil, She pre-deceased her hus- There were many stories about than half a century, first as a stu- to the school and pray for the Jaffna on July 16, 1922. His band in January 1978 leaving the village and its people which I dent and then as a teacher. She teacher to fall sick and not show father, R. Selliah, was an behind three children, Suchetha, have missed after venturing out was a teacher for nearly 40 years, up in the class. Invariably, it Apothecary from Kantharmadam Surangala and Sudharman. She about half a century ago. Like an teaching students from all over- worked!. I could have been a and his mother, Ponnarium hailed brought them up with great love exiled prisoner, I used to listen to Sarasalai, Madduvil, Nunavil, drop-out in Grade-2!. from Kokuvil. and devotion to make them the those stories since she arrived in Mirusivil, Kodikamam, Meesalai So finally in Grade-3, it was Thanabalasundaram had his perfect children they are. Vancouver in 1994. To me she and Chavakachcheri- thousands 1950, a young teacher called Ms early education at Kokuvil Hindu When in 1958 Principal S.H. was an encyclopedia of my ances- of them, students from two gen- Rajaluxmy arrived. She carried no English school, the predecessor of Perinbanayagam approached Dr. tral village- those stories going erations. cane or ruler and was not scary. Kokuvil Hindu College. His excel- Thanabalasundaram for a dona- back 50 to 100 years. Now those I believe I was the first badge She started teaching English lent performance in his studies tion to the Kokuvil Hindu College stories are no more. Today in this of students she taught- her first alphabets, she wrote them with earned the praise of his teachers. Building Fund he volunteered with final hour or in this final farewell, year of teaching… The year was clear formation on the blackboard Offering English, Mathematics and a substantial cash payment. The explaining it in a gentle voice. I Natural Science as subjects he college in turn, honoured Prof. R. was fascinated by the new alpha- passed the special Government S. Thanabalasundaram and his bets, a new language and I mem- University Scholarship examina- wife Pamathy as chief guests at orized every bit of it. From then tion and proceeded to an English the school's annual prize giving on, I took off like a rocket- no university. Often he was cited as a held in 1965. As a token of his more backbenches and no more role model in school by the teach- gratitude to his school he had visits to the Virava Temple. ers. He had a brother and six sis- deposited Rs. 50,000 with the Ten years later-1960- I was in ters, three of whom are doctors University of Jaffna then to enable the First Year Engineering at the themselves. Perhaps medicine them to provide a scholarship University of Ceylon; another 10 was in their genes. annually to a student entering the years later-1970-I was at the Following the tradition of his university from Kokuvil Hindu University of Waterloo, Ontario. parents, he was an ardent devo- College. Not so tall but fair and Ten years later-1980- I was at BC tee of Veeramakali Amman reign- handsome Dr. Hydro in Vancouver, an enviable ing in Nallur, Jaffna. Like his father Thanabalasundaram had a genial position-it was a smooth long tra- before him, the sixth day festival and charismatic personality. For jectory. When I look back, it was held annually at this temple had well over 10 years from 1985, he a lucky winning streak and it was regularly been conducted in his served as professor of medicine at partly prompted by a gentle name, though he lived in the North Colombo Medical teacher in Grade-3. Let me thank Colombo. When his mother College. you for that in this farewell. I passed away in Kokuvil during the His brilliant clinical acumen mentioned this story of my Grade- IPKF occupation of Jaffna, he and the fine method of imparting 1 debacle in an article in the CHC made a big donation to the his knowledge of medicine earned centenary magazine published by Maanchavanapathy Temple in the respect and love of his stu- the London Group in 2004. Kokuvil. He was thus keen on dents in Sri Lanka and others scat- By dedicating to teaching at maintaining his roots in Jaffna. tered worldwide. the same school for almost a half Dr. Thanabalasundaram had Dr. Thanabalasundaram had a century, she became half the an excellent record in both univer- been in active practice for well story of CHC. In the front portico sity and the post-graduate studies over 60 years till the end. My wife wall of CHC, there was a simple and qualified as an M.D. MRCP and I had been his patients for motto with a single word-GOOD- (Lond). He returned to Sri Lanka well over 30 years and we are in big letters standing out- Be in the 1940s and served as con- grateful to him for helping us Mrs. Rajaluxmy Sabanayagam (Aug 24, 1929 - Feb 20, 2007) Good, See Good and Do Good. All sultant physician in the General maintain our health this long. His her life she lived by that simple Hospitals in Jaffna and Colombo. meritorious service to the nation let me share a story or two with 1950, I managed to get to the motto-Being Good, Seeing Good In June 1956 he married Pamathy, was recognised by the president her. back benches of Grade-3 after and Doing Good, earning good daughter of Sivagnanasundaram, of Sri Lanka with the award of the Many people may not know struggling in Grade-1 and Grade- virtues and good karma. In return a retired district judge from Puloly, national honour of Deshabandu in Kalvayal is a unique village and 2 where the teachers carried a 3- she was blessed with a great fam- Point Pedro. 1998. His memory will persist for has a long history going back to ft cane and they were very scary ily of two girls and six boys, many Pamathy was herself a brilliant generations to come and abide in about 800 years. People in to a young mind. I was writing grand children, many nephews scholar. With a First Class Honours the hearts of grateful patients - a Kalvayal are strong orthodox the Tamil alphabets upside down and nieces. Most of them are here in Sanskrit and a Masters Degree, people with whom he was patient Saivites, conservatives and vege- and I was beaten often. So in today in this final farewell. she taught at Ladies' College, and kind and not conceited or tarians. There were too many Grade-1, I used to cut the class Together, with all her friends Colombo and was also a visiting proud nor selfish nor irritable. temples and too many rituals. It is and hide in the Boarding Dining present here, let us pay the final lecturer in Sanskrit at Aquinas, May his soul attain the Siva a place everyone is related to hall (behind Veluppillai's kitchen). tributes and pray for her soul rest Colombo. She appreciated the cul- Patham he richly deserves. everybody else. But often there But I always showed up for the in peace in heaven. Vanakkam" ture, civilisation and philosophy are quarrels mostly on temple free lunch-rice and sambar- which Excerpted from an Eulogy ren- issues. Also there can be minor was mandated by the govern- dered by Mr. V.S. Pillai on Feb For Advertisements in issues, as well when a mango tree ment in those days. 27th, 2007 leans over the other man's fence. In Grade-2, there was a lady V.Sithamparapillai Monsoon Journal Parties quarrel and parties would teacher who had a sharp ruler B.Sc. (Eng.), M.A.Sc., MICE, P.Eng. not talk for years. and she often beat us on the fin- 772 W.66th Avenue, call 416.358.3235 Although Mrs. Sabanayagam ger knuckles. None of those made Vancouver, BC, V6P2R5, was married to a Kalvayal man, me understand the Tamil alpha- Phone: (604) 324-3609 www.monsoonjournal.com 42 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Wayne Gretzky

Born Jan. 26, 1961, Brantford, Ont., Can. Wayne Douglas Gretzky, Canadian ice-hockey player who was considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). Gretzky began skating at age two and a half and was first taught hockey by his father. By age 6 he was playing as an all- star in novice hockey with boys 10 and 11 years old. He progressed through organized age-group hockey, and in 1977 at the Junior World Cup competition, he was the youngest player and the leading scorer. Gretzky turned professional for the 1978–79 season, playing for the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association (WHA). His contract set NHL regular-season scoring points (the total number of goals soon was sold to the Edmonton records for goals (92), assists and assists), and late in the Oilers, who joined the NHL at the (120), and total points (212). (He 1993–94 season he broke Howe's beginning of the 1979–80 season. broke the latter two records in the record for career goals (801). In As centre and team captain, 1985–86 season with 163 assists 1996 Gretzky was traded by the Gretzky led the Oilers to four and 215 total points.) Gretzky Los Angeles Kings to the St. Louis Stanley Cup victories (in the won the Art Ross Memorial Blues. Later that year he signed 1983–84, 1984–85, 1986–87, and Trophy (leading NHL scorer) for with the New York Rangers. With 1987–88 seasons). Following the seven consecutive years, from the his 1,851st assist, scored in a 1987–88 season, he was traded 1980–81 to the 1986–87 season, 1997 game against the Anaheim to the Los Angeles Kings. and won it again in 1989–90, Mighty Ducks, Gretzky broke yet 1990–91, and 1993–94. He was another record, scoring more Gretzky's finesse and speed the first player to win the Hart assists than any player had revolutionized the sport, which Memorial Trophy, given to the scored points in an NHL career. had been known for its physical most valuable player each sea- Gretzky retired from profes- play. In his first season with the son, for eight consecutive years sional play after the 1998–99 sea- Oilers, he scored 51 goals and 86 (from the 1979–80 through the son and was inducted into the assists (137 total points). In the 1986–87 season), and he Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999. His 1980–81 season he became the received it again in 1988–89. career totals include 2,857 points first player in NHL history to aver- Early in the 1989–90 season and 894 goals. The NHL retired age more than two points a Gretzky broke Gordie Howe's NHL his jersey number (99) after his game. In the 1981–82 season he all-time scoring record of 1,850 final game. Monsoon Kids Corner

Color Me Competition-1

Dead Line fo r entries: Feb 25, 2008

Entries have to be made on original paper, photo copies not accepted.

The Winner will be selected and posted in the March issue.

Please mail to: Monsoon Journal 3107 Sheppard Ave East Toronto, ON M1T 3J7 MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 43 44 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Guru did not matter. The faith in increased. "I am myself"; "You A society which values its womenfolk the girl mattered. The story are yourself"; "This is mine"; explains the inner power of faith. "That is yours"-these feelings of The extraneous Guru was not the personal self grew and flour- important. The inner working of ished exceedingly. This underlying must necessarily reach great heights the mind or heart of the girl was tendency moved some of the what mattered. So too the hus- keenest minds in the West to for- "A society which values its contented meditative life service to her husband relegated band did not matter. The faith of mulate this sense of "I" ness, of womenfolk must necessarily (Sanyasa). In this process male to the Ashram premises. the wife did matter. "My" ness into an ideal. The ideal reach great heights in social well- and female had different roles to How was this possible? Just as Whatever the shortcomings of the single, independent man, being and cohesiveness. And our play to complement each other's much as today many of us are their respective husbands may man in isolation as a self reliant, Hindu tradition has always life. The wife was to be protected able to get the grace of our Gurus have had, the inner faith, their self independent being the single stressed the importance of and cherished. She ran the home. like Sathya Sai Baba and others, man standing by himself with a women and their wellbeing", The husband and children rallied when we sincerely pray to them, right to exercise all his powers for Justice C.V. Wigeswaran, at the round her in the home while the whenever we are in the ancient his own advantage". (unquote) 3rd Annual Nahammal Kasipillai wife and children looked upon the way of life, the husband was posi- Jean Jacques Rousseau in his Memorial Oration held recently at man of the house as the pater tioned in the role of a Guru and social contract gave form to this the Sivananda Nilayam, Saiva familias of the family. The respect the wife's love and faith in her ideal of man as an independent Mangaiyar Kazhagam, Wellaw- expected to be given to the man husband worked wonders on being clothed in his rights. "Man atte. of the house by the lady of the them. is born free. None has any title to As Chair of the Memorial house bordered on obedience. I have often wondered what his obedience. None may com- Oration Event, the Retired Judge Often there was considerable age grace is. I have seen Muslim mand him without his own con- spoke of the contemporary situa- difference between husband and friends, Christian friends and sent". These were the ideas that tions, imbibed in context of Tamil, wife, and this attitude of mind in Hindus often relating many a Rousseau put forward to build up Hindu, Western heritage and a society which respected its eld- miraculous incident in their lives his theory of social contract, philosophies and spirituality. ers and valued the ideal of duty which they attribute to Grace of whereby the free man gave up Excerpts of remarks by was easy for the younger wife Allah or Lord Jesus Christ or some of his natural rights in Retired Supreme Court Justice who respected and yielded to the Hindu Gods or Gurus respectively. exchange for protection from the C.V. Wigeswaran, at the The 3rd husband's wishes wand wants. Even the late Balangoda Ananda society in respect of the rest of his Annual Nahammal Kasipillai Inretreat or Vaanaprastha life Maithri Thera, a Buddhist referred rights. Memorial Oration, on January in the woods, the woman had to once to the Grace of Sai Baba. Is So the concepts of individuali- 16th 2008: cater to the needs and comforts Grace extraneous or an internal "Arthanareswarar"-half male and half ty of man and woman, equal Guru Brahma Gurur Vishnu of the husband, while he spent process catalyzed by something female traditional figure, at Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple [Pic: rights between the sexes, eman- Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha most time in study and contem- extraneous which culminates in humanityashore.org] cipation of women and so on Guru Saashat Parabrahma plation. While the husband fol- miraculous incidents? When so came to the forefront. No doubt Tasmai Shree Guruve Namaha lowed the contemplative path or many from different religions surrendering spirit, the ideal of the mixing of Islamic and Western the path of Gnaana or wisdom, speak of their respective Gods or duty they pursued, made the cultures with the ancient Hindu Dear Brothers and Sisters, the wife followed the path of Gurus, there appears to be some- chaste women of yore powerful culture brought in its wake social Our roles are changed today. Karma Yoga. Neither of the reli- thing internal that takes place human beings not to be trifled perspectives foreign to the indige- Mrs. Duraiswamy who chaired the gious paths was greater than the within all of us-the working of with. nous way of life. Woman being a first memorial meeting two years other. Infact by following the path faith and the consequent render- Times changed. The inner complementary unit in an equal ago has kindly consented to deliv- of Karma Yoga some of the ing of miracles. content of the human beings was partnership picturised by the idea er this year's memorial oration. women had reached a percep- It is the faith in us whether we lost sight of. The larger perspec- of Artha Naareeswarar was rele- The oration itself has taken on a tional dimension of a very high be Hindus, Christians or Muslims tives of community harmony and gated to a position of a slave and professional hue during the last order. You are aware of the story which really promotes and sus- family wellbeing were taken for an object of lust. Naturally the lib- two years, in that when I deliv- of Vasuki, the wife of tains miracles. Ramakrishna granted. The ideal of duty was eration movements of women the ered the first Kasipillai memorial Thiruvalluvar. Paramahamsa used to relate a forgotten. Outer social standings world over became a reaction to oration, we were too close to Sage Konganar had a very story. There was this Guru on this of these units of family and socie- the state of being that had crept Miss. Kasipillai's demise that more vicious temper eventhough a cel- side of the river. He was a little ty became more relevant. Thus into society. of her life and achievements were ebrated Siddhar. While he was in egotistic and assessed himself the complementarity of sexes Women actually enjoyed a predominant in our minds at that meditation, a stork which flew quite high. A young girl from the made way to equality of sexes. privileged position in society in time. Last year Miss.Mathivathani above him had dropped its faecal other side of the river used to The protests and agitations by India in early times. She was pro- Ponnambalam spoke on her expe- excretions his body. The moment cross the river and bring milk to women in the Western communi- tected, cherished and respected riences in the Gem industry as he looked at the stork with anger the Guru. One day the river was ties cam about from a definite because she gave birth to the well as her experiences during in his eyes, the stork got burnt to in spate. The girl was delayed. social necessity among the next generation. If I am not mis- her school days when Miss. ashes. The Guru was furious. He scolded Western nations, where women understood let me say that one of Kasipillai was Principal and this Such a powerful Siddhar after her when she finally arrived say- were not considered as comple- the proud boasts few years ago in year the oration is centered this incident went to the house of ing "If you had faith in me, the mentary units in a familial get Jaffna Peninsula, when the pres- around the theme "The Woman Thiruvalluvar for alms. Vasuki was river would have allowed you to together, but a chattels to be used ent occupation Army from the and the Changing World-the drawing water for here husband's pass unhurt. Your lack of faith has and discarded or tolerated. South had not recaptured the Hindu Response". use I his worship and prayers. been the cause for your delay". There was a basic difference area, was that a young woman The role of the Hindu woman She would not discontinue her The girl was taken aback. She between the Western and Indian can wear her expensive jewellery in society was a theme close to dutiful service towards her hus- decided to have full faith in the view of life. While human beings and walk along any street of the heart of Miss. Kasipillai. She band merely for the sake of the Guru. The next time a heavy rain were viewed as functional units of Jaffna even after sunset without was concerned about the Hindu sage. She was little late in usher- brought rush of waters to the a society by earlier ancient culture in any manner being harassed or values of the past and the social ing the sage into their house. river. She simply thought of and the world over during the past abused. And this was true. norms of the present ear and Konganar was furious and looked prayed to the Guru and walked five centuries or so, the Western Obviously the Tamil youngsters strived hard to evolve a happy at her if to burn her. The lady was across the river with faith. The mind evolved differently mostly had understood the values and blending of both standards. calm and dignified. She merely river allowed her access. by dealing with concrete objects. perspectives of our ancients. A She was aware of the differ- asked him "Oh Sage Konganar! The Guru was surprised to see Reasoning and questioning were society which values its women- ence in perspectives. The Hindu Did you think I am a stork?"- the girl. "How did you come in the hallmarks of the so called sci- folk must necessarily reach great way of life being steeped in reli- "Kokkendru Ninaiththaayo this inclement weather?" he entific mind. Annie Besant, the heights in social wellbeing and gious thoughts and behaviour Konganavaa?" goes in Tamil asked. "I prayed to you; I had Great Lady of exquisite spiritual cohesiveness. And our Hindu tra- looked not at man or woman indi- words used. The Siddhar was sur- faith in you; I simply walked values and an outstanding orator dition has always stressed the vidually. Man an woman had their prised that what happened in pri- across the river, and here I am", among the Theosophists, once importance of women and their roles to play in a wider spectrum vate at his Ashram was known to she said. The Guru was pleased. said, I quote "Ahamkara, the "I" wellbeing. of family, society, and mankind in this lady doing service to her hus- He went to the river and thanked making principle produces the I thank the Kasipillai family for general. The purpose of life was band. He understood her great- the river for allowing the milkmaid mind and this mind in its lower giving me this opportunity again to have a happy childhood ness, he hailed her as a free access and stepped into the separative form sees difference to be involved in a function which (Brahmachariya), HAPPY MAR- "Pathivirathai" or chaste wife and water for a similar access across. everywhere. As this developed, remembers Miss. Nahammal RIED LIFE (Grahasta), happy went his way. Such was the power The river simply knocked him the man's sense of separateness Kasipillai, a unique Hindu woman retreat in life (Vaanaprastha), and of Vasuki who merely did sincere down and dragged him away. The of his own personal "I am I" of yesteryears. MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 45 46 FEBRUARY 2008 MONSOON JOURNAL

Fundraising "Let the FUN begin" Show for Sunday February 10th 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Scarborough You are warmly invited to watch a new DVD screening of Maharaji.

Grace Hospital This program will also focus on "O utreach" and how we can make 2008 In Memory of The best year ever. Late Minister of Hindu Cultural Affairs and Colombo District Parliamentarian ABI NAYAM 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm Thiagarajah Maheswaran Mix & Mingle with co ffee, tea & snacks by wwhoho vvoicedoiced ttoo rrescueescue aandnd ssafeguardafeguard T a amilsmils iinn SSriri LLankank a 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm Nrithya Natya Propagation update and a recent video of TTimeime: Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 10:30 am Maharaji speaking about propagation Venue:Venue: Canada Kandaswamy Kovil Mandram in Tenarife, Canary Islands 733 Birchmount Road, Scarborough (Birchmount & Eglinton) 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm Let us rally to condemn the assassinations of Tamil Parliamentarians Disciples of Smt Premiere screening of a recent one after the other in Sri Lanka and to bring them to the notice of the event with Maharaji international community Shakunthala Mohan TTamilamil C Canadiansanadians North York Civic Centre, on Mezzanine Level Auditorium Saturday, March 7, 2008 at 7.00 5120 Yonge Street, North York, ON Life Bliss Meditation p.m. Who 's invited? Armenian Youth Centre Everyone who is going through the Keys Work Shop pro cess o r who has been taught Hallcrown Place, Toronto Maharaji's (Victoria Park & Consumers Road) techniques for feeling peace within. Nithyananda Meditation Academy, More info: Directio ns by Public Transit 416 271 5690 or 416 277 9448) Shakunthala Mohan: Subway to No rth York Centre Statio n Located north of Sheppard Avenue just www.lifebliss.org so uth o f Park Ho me and Empress 416-459-6390 Avenues. www.divinecommunity.com

221.Dennison Street, Bambalapitiya Hindu College Markham.On. L3R 1B5 ( Woodbine & Steeles) Annual General Meeting

Hindu College Colombo, Alumni Association of North America will have their Annual General Meeting on Sunday, February 24th 2008 at Holiday Inn Express - Toronto East (Markham & Hwy 401) commencing at 02.30 p.m.

Address: 50 Estate Drive, Scarborough, Ontario M1H 2Z1.

For more information, please contact 416-722-3523, 416-991-9160, 905-471-9031 or visit at www.hinducollegecolombo.com All Bambalapitiya Hindu past students are invited to attend the AGM.

February 2008: Exhibits at the Toronto Public Library during the Black History Month

A G limpse o f Black Life in Victorian Toro nto, 1850-1860 Chro nicles the co ntributio ns o f the Black co mmunity to the development of Toronto. Focussing on the King Street area, it looks at the decade 1850-1860, an important time in the history o f Toro nto and its Black residents.

The Black Press in Canada West

Explo res so me o f the early publicatio ns o f O ntario — their publishers, writers, and the signif- icant contributions they made to the Black community and society as a whole. MONSOON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2008 47 Kollywood Film Review

by Anand. J Gangster politics flare up when acting are glowing, as ever. enced Thiyagu, Manobala, Alwa done intelligently, like what Sekhar kills Periyavar's sons and Raghuvaran appears on screen Vasu in these roles) and lives with Goundamani - Senthil done in Bheema some of his key men. The after a hiatus! He pulls off his role his loving mom (Sumitra). One Lucky Man (appears as Yaman- Commissioner of Police (Ashish with his usual coolness, to the day celestial beauties- Urvasi, Chitraguptan) or Rajini-VKR-Vinu- For the makers, artists and Vidyarthi) is the leader of degree of likeability. Ashish Rambha and Thilothama, visit Cho combo in Adhisaya Piravi. technicians who have worked for 'Operation Bheemaa' aimed at Vidyarthi's performance is impres- earth, Rambha loses her way (!!) Bheemaa, and for eager fans of stopping the two gangster groups sive. Trisha is glossy and lovely. and become a statue just because But the problem with this film Chiyan Vikram, all of whom have terrorizing the city. The The highlight of her role is well- of the curse of Indiran (Vadivelu- is that it hardly raises any laugh been eagerly awaiting its grand Commissioner has a 'shoot at delineated when, with her charm- 2). On a fine day Azhagappan and the script is so weak. Sadly release - the long wait is over. sight' order against all members ing romance and a strong poise, garlands the statue due to a com- you have no words of praise for Now, as the movie joins the of these groups. she tames the beast, the tough pulsion of his mother to remove Vadivel who can't rise above the Pongal blast, it's celebration time thug Sekhar. for all of them! Does Bheemaa Sekhar's life takes a sudden Antony's editing, Rajeevan's meet fans' expectations? turn when he meets Shalini art and Harris Jayaraj's music - all Vehemently, YES! (Trisha). After a string of chance shine through cameraman R.D. Chinna (Prakashraj) and meetings, Shalini and Sekhar Rajasekar's lens. Though this is Periyavar (Raghuvaran) are local begin to like each other. Shalini RD's first film with Vikram and gangsters who operate separate wants to marry Sekhar at once. Lingusamy, the understanding rowdy groups with a power war But Sekhar sees his profession and planning is evident in each between them. Chinna was and family as major minus points. shot. RD has aptly used the action Periyavar's loyal follower before Soon, a decisive moment arrives. script to display his creative tal- he was expelled from the group While escorting Chinna to a ents too. S. Ramakrishnan's dia- by the then-mighty Periyavar. meeting, Sekhar, smitten by logues have a realistic touch. Kanal Kannan's stunts deserve special mention. 'Mudhal Mazhai' and 'Ragasiya Kanavugal' in Harris's music top the charts. 'Rangu Rangamma' is a dance number with glamorous Shirin on a ship, exclusively deco- his bigamy Dhosham in the horo- flawed script. He hams it up, is rated for the sequence. scope. Immediately the statue of loud, overacts and over-the-top Bheemaa is smartly written Rambha regains live and later style of delivering dialogues espe- and stylishly crafted by takes him to Indiralokam (heav- cially in the scenes in hell as Lingusamy. It is the outcome of en). Azhagappan is shocked and Yama. In fact this character recre- one-and-half years of sweat and distressed to find the conditions ates the hell to viewers in the slog; the result cannot be any- prevailing in Yamalokam (hell), hall! thing but positive. just placed near Indiralogam and Bheema – ‘Cool' ma. does his best to redeem it from After watching the film, it the villain Yaman (Vadivelu-3)! feels like you've been trapped in there for what seems like a life- Indiralogathil Na Oh, God.... Even an illiterate time. None of the songs are shot Chinna does not forget Periyavar's Shalini, gets distracted. Feeling Azhagappan knows who the Lord Yama is and spectacularly, the sets looks artifi- insults and Periyavar now feels guilty, Sekhar confesses his mis- what his duty is (He is the God cial (one could see the satin challenged by Chinna's growth take and gives up his job, but not It is really a shocking and bor- who always does justice to bal- cloths and waste pieces in the that interferes with his hegemony. for long. His devotion to Chinna ing experience to every fan of ance the world as they say in floor which used for the sets in Sekhar (Vikram) relocates to drives him back to Chinna's camp. Vadivelu who loves the actor for Hindu Puranaas). But Thambi many frames!) and Shriya's much the city from Rameshwaram. With Sekhar waits for the right moment his non-stop comedy. After Ramaiya, the poor director tries to hyped item number is totally unfit the single-minded plan to join to quit the life of crime to enable watched the film it seems like establish the God who is respon- in the script (She is coming as a Chinna, he bravely kills two men him to unite with Shalini. Before every one laugh on us! The much sible for birth and death as a cruel black magician Kodangi Pidary who are on Chinna's hit-list. that, he has to vanquish Periyavar publicized and expected film is villain! In INA, Yama drinks illicit Aatha to cure Vadivelu through Curious, Chinna enquires from his and his men, has to intelligently not only fails to make you laugh, arrack brought by Azhagappan, her unimpressive item number!). close aide (Thalaivasal Vijay) elude the wrath of his own group, and also becomes a big test for beaten by his men Chitraguptan On the whole, the amateurish, about the bold and baffling killer. and also has to survive the police your patience for nearly 3 long and others, Indiran the God takes inconvincible and dry narration of Soon Chinna and Sekhar meet encounter. hours. For the first time the actor care of Heaven and is always try- the story makes everyone to feel each other. Sekhar's flashback Does Sekhar fulfill his desire fails to recreate the mass even in ing to strip beautiful girls… Oh, no the hell in the earth! reveals the reason for his actions. to lead a quiet life with his dear a single scene! doubt, the film is really a mad cre- Indiralogathil – Ore Bore. In the flashback, Sekhar Shalini? Does this film have a ation. reveals that Chinna, then a bud- 'happy ending'? What happens in The story is nothing but the Comments to: ding rowdy in Rameshwaram, had the final climax? Find out when entry of a common man Mad can be entertaining if it is [email protected] attacked a goonda who was you watch remarkable Bheemaa Azhagappan (Vadivelu) to the insulting Sekhar's father (a police on the silver screen! celestial world of Yama and constable). While leaving the Bheemaa is a gangster film, Indhiran (also plays by Vadivelu) crime scene, Chinna had handed dealing with underworld life, but with the help of Rambha (Yamini) over the weapon to young Sekhar. it has a new grittiness and edge who marries Azhagappan acci- Since that day, Sekhar idolized to it. It is difficult to imagine any dentally. If the director and actor brave Chinna and wanted to fol- artist other than Vikram in such a tried some different treatment to low his footsteps. Chinna immedi- powerful role. Vikram breathes the same one line, it will become ately appoints Sekhar as his chief life and credibility to the character a different comedy fair of the subordinate. With Sekhar by his Sekhar and portrays its contem- year. But poor script and boring side, Chinna attains great porary overtones convincingly. We dialogues forced the viewers to strength, and rights Periyavar's get to see Vikram with a tough curse both the director and actor wrongs. Sekhar also unites look - close-cropped hair, dense at the end. Some of the fans Chinna with his childhood sweet- beard and small ear studs. His leave the theater even before the heart Padma (Lakshmi physique and body language interval. Gopalswamy). communicate the character he With blind devotion, Sekhar portrays - vibrant, tough and Azhagappan (Vadivelu-1) runs carries out his allotted agenda of unpredictable. his own drama troupe with his set terrorizing, beating and killing. Prakashraj's involvement and of friends (wasting the experi- AceAce PlacePlace One Stop Party Rental Stop here when you want to PARTY!!!

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