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3 Easy Ways to send money Online At Location Interac Transfer Customer Service : 416 431 2020 Location: 1200 Markham Rd, Suite 122, Scarborough delmaexchangecanada.com Monsoon Journal A parfait media publication VOL 4 ISSUE 08 January 2010 New Year Greetings and Inspiration Sri Lanka Monsoon from Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Tamil Vote and the ideology and Tamil literature Presidential Elections… by K.Thirukumaran humanism has cast its influence on Arise and awake to serve all many literary compositions includ- " Tamils should use this opportunity to show their people and to bring goodness to all ing in the works of Mahakavi 6 is what all humanity could resonate, Subramania Bharathi. democratic voting strength and obtain maximum at this time of beginning of a new Drawing by a child who wants 2010 Winter Olympics year - 2010. to be Bharathiyar. The drawing is benefits for the community from the main candidates" Sri Ramakrishna said, cultivat- hanging high in an office in - Tamil I ntelligentsia in Sri Lanka ing higher life is denouncing dis- Kalmunai, Sri Lanka - crimination and recognition of Pic by: Dushiyanthini TNA Decides to Support Sarath Fonseka divinity in everyone and in every- Kanagasabapathipillai By Siva Sivapragasam President Mahinda Rajapakse thing, compassion for the down- Just as Bhagwan Sri Rama- In a keenly expected close con- * Vote for the Joint Opposition trodden and spirituality is final solu- krishna called upon the youth of the test between the two main candi- candidate Sarath Fonseka tion to worldly miseries and univer- country to arise and awake, 18 dates, the Tamil Vote will undoubted- * Vote for the Tamil candidate sal love. Bharathiyar also wrote to Ilaya Need for emergence... According to The Vedanta Bharatham (Young India). ly play a crucial role in the forthcom- Sivajilingam Kesari, A monthly issue published Song by Mahakavi Subra-mania ing Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka. A former Sri Lankan High Court by The Ramakrishna Order, several Bharathi, “Oli Padaitha Kanninai” With barely two to three weeks Judge and a well-respected Tamil and parallels can be drawn between (Thou with sparkling eyes), called to go, majority of Tamils in Sri Lanka Religious scholar Justice Ramakrishna Vivekan-anda ideolo- upon the youth of the country to are still un-decided on their role in Wigneswaran in his interview to a gy and twentieth century Tamil lit- arise and awake to rejuvenate the the forthcoming Presidential leading Tamil Newspaper in Sri Lanka erature. land. Elections. on the forthcoming Presidential 5 Swami Ramakrishna's deep See Poem Translation in Page 20 They are faced with the following Elections has stated that the Tamils Who will Win ... major options should exercise their democratic right * Boycott the Elections of voting . * Vote for the incumbent Contd. in Pg 4 Sri Lanka government continues 36 with re detaining IDPs Canada Challenges... Despite recent presidential displaced people (IDPs) had been polls motivated announcements relocated to a camp in Killinochchi by Sri Lanka Government of instead of resettling in their releasing IDPs, several reports homes, says one of the refugees continue say there are re-deten- who spoke to the BBC. tions and further release of hun- He told the BBC Sinhala dreds of thousands still in intern- Service, that they were taken 49 ment camps are being indefinite- from Vavunia to Killinochchi to be Heal yourself... ly postponed. put in another camp. A report on the BBC Sinala "We were brought here from Monsoon Health 8-9 Service, Sandeshaya - one such the Arunachalam camp in Mo nso o n Arts 31 report mentioned of relocation of Vavunia. They told us that we Monsoon Cinema 34 IDPs to another camp, on Jan 5, would be permanently resettled Waterlo o News 44-47 2010. in our own homes," he told the The Report as follows: BBC. Boo k Release 50 Over two hundred internally Contd. in Pg 4

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Kingston / Lawrence Branch - Official Opening Of New Location

By Siva Sivapragasam

Residents in the neighbourhood area of Kings- ton and Lawrence in Scarborough recently Products and Services witnessed the official opening of the new conve- offered by the Branch niently located premises of RBC Royal Bank’s • Personal & Business Accounts Kingston/Lawrence Branch. • Loans & Line of Credit The day’s function began with the cake cutting • Residential Mortgages ceremony by Royal Bank’s Regional Vice- President Lisa Gallacher and Stella Medina, • Commercial Mortgages Branch Manager both of whom were personally • Small Business Loans present welcoming customers , well-wishers and residents of the area. Addressing the guests Cutting the Cake- Left - Ms. Stella Medina (Branch Manager) • RRSP/RESP Investments and Ms. Lisa Gallacher (Regional Vice President). The cake was present at the function, Lisa Gallacher welcomed donated by an RBC Client Mr.H. Beitinger. • Special Student Programs them and outlined Royal Bank’s role with the • Safety Deposit Boxes community. She emphasized RBC’s activities in inter-acting with the community and the Bank’s • Mobile Mortgage Specialists commitment towards community events and • Investment & Retirement Planner specially the financial donations the Bank has been making towards charitable organizations.

As a gesture of goodwill and commitment towards community interests and to mark the Professional Studies - official opening of the new location, the Kings- Royal Credit Line ton & Lawrence Branch donated a sum of $ 2,500 to the “Outreach House of Ghesig” for Students Native Child and Family organization. The cheque presentation was made by Lisa RBC, Royal Bank at Kingston Road & Lawrence Gallacher(Regional Vice-President-RBC) and RBC clients Mr. & Mrs. De Souza and their son with Olympian Ohenewa Acufo Branch is equipped to provide credit facilities for students Stella Medina (Branch Manager).The donation engaged in following Professional studies such as Medicine, was accepted by Christine Etherington from the Dentistry, Law, Graduate Engineering, Nursing etc. Students “Outreach House of Ghesig”. The sum donated must be enrolled in one of the specified programs to qualify will go towards the Christmas celebrations of the for the line of credit under certain guide lines. Loan amount Organization. varies depending on the type of program. Fun activities for the children present at the event For further details and information, applicants can contact: included animal petting and face-painting. A Nira Sathananthan POW Dance was also performed by the children Account Manager from the Native Indian community. Among those Royal Bank-Kingston & Lawrence Branch present at the function were Branch clients, 4374, Kingston Rd Scarborough members from the business community around the area and other well wishers. Tel: 416 284 1492

Bringing Banking closer to your home or work, An RBC Client with the Olympian Ohenewa Acufo the Branch is conveniently located near the inter- Banking Hours section of Kingston & Lawrence. The Branch team is adequately trained and well-equipped to Mon, Tues & Wed: 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. service the multi-ethnic community around the Thursday & Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. area and the staff is conversant in different languages to serve the customers. The Branch is Saturday: 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. open from 9.30 a.m to 4.30 p.m on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30 a.m to 6.00 p.m 4374, Kingston Road on Thursday and Friday, 9.30 a.m to 3.00 p.m Scarborough, ON. M1E 2M8 on Saturday. The Branch offers both Retail and Business Banking services to it’s customers and 416 284 1550 also has the additional facility of providing safety 1.800.769.2511 lockers to it’s clients. A child with face Painting

Cheryl Sealy- Manager, Client Care and Branch Manager Stella Medina with the kids from Native Indian community Regional Vice-President Lisa Gallacher and Branch Manager Stella Medina Royak Bank-Kingston & Lawrence Branch Staff who performed a POW Dance presenting a cheque for $ 2,500 to Christine Etheringhton from the “Outreach House of Ghesig”, Native Child and Family towards their Christmas Celebrations. 4 JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal

Monsoon Journal Printing the Winds of Change From the Publisher’s Desk ... around us All lands home, all men kin. Jan 27: Honouring International Holocaust Remembrance

"In worshipping God we have Day and remembering the plight of Tamils been always worshipping our January 27th, 2010- This is day is As there are fewer survivors to tell aration of children from their parents And also of LTTE leader 's octoge- own hidden Self" observed as The International their stories today, it is of primary and in detentions under incommunica- narian father dying in military custody - Swami Vivekananda Holocaust Remembrance Day world- importance that these universal les- do conditions. all highlight the conditions of what wide. sons be shared with all fellow human An electioneering frenzy has let many other Tamils face today at the According to the United States beings. Only this will ensure that their off several token releases and politi- hands of the Government of Sri Lanka, Managing Editor & Publisher Holocaust Memorial Museum, in 2005 legacy will continue to promote cally motivated announcements to win apart from the electioneering conces- Logan Velumailum the United Nations General Assembly respect for diversity and human rights decisive Tamil votes by Sri Lankan sionary gimmicks. designated January 27 as an annual for generations to come. presidential candidates, but the suf- Prof. Elie Wiesel, Holocaust international day of commemoration Monsoon Journal joins the world fering of innocent Tamil civilians con- Survivor and Human Rights Activist Editorial & Marketing Consultant to honour the victims of the Nazi era. humanitarian community in remem- tinues and several questions are being remarked in June 2009 on the plight Siva Sivapragasam The 2010 observance of the bering and paying tribute to the vic- raised about the conduct of the war by of Tamils in a statement. He said: International Day of Commemoration tims of holocaust at the hands of Nazi Sri Lankan Government. "Wherever minorities are being in memory of the victims of the Germany and in honouring survivors UN special rapporteur Prof. Philip persecuted we must raise our voices Promotion Co-ordinator Holocaust will focus on a central and to support the recognition of this Alston has said three independent to protest. According to reliable Senthi Senthivel theme that emphasizes the legacy day internationally. experts had confirmed a video show- sources, the Tamil people are being that survivors will pass on to succeed- In 2010 this day marks special sig- ing extra judicial killing by Sri Lankan disenfranchised and victimized by the ing generations. nificance to Tamils, seeing the escalat- soldiers was authentic, renewing calls Sri Lanka authorities. This injustice Layout Design The United Nations states the fol- ed military onslaught by the mono for a war crime inquiry. must stop. The Tamil people must be Santosh Kumar K.A lowing about this year's theme: ethnic Sinhala Sri Lankan armed Sri Lankan opposition presidential allowed to live in peace and flourish in "Holocaust Remembrance: the forces claiming the lives of thousands candidate and ex-Army general Sarath their homeland." Legacy of Survival" highlights the of Tamil civilians under the guise of a Fonseka confirmed that surrendering This year's International Graphics Consultant moral messages expressed by those "humanitarian operation". LTTE Political leaders were killed along Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a Gnane B. Gnanendran who have suffered from Nazi persecu- The aftermath is seeing the con- with their families in violation of inter- time to remember Prof. Elie Wiesel's tion and denial of basic human rights. tinuation of Tamils in internment, sep- national humanitarian laws. words about Tamils' plight.

Contributing Columnists Anand. J Rudrakumaran calls upon Abizar Badani youth to fully participate in Arun Senathirajah Happy Thai Pongal Ayktah Grover democratic activity Prof. Ghai, Saran A media briefing was held by global arena time to time, and Best wishes from Harish . G The Canadian Committee for the mobilizing and carrying out appro- Provisional Transnational priate political actions rapidly is K.T. Kumaran Government of Tamil Eelam important; he added therein exist Monsoon Journal for a Krishni. L (PTGTE) on 23rd of December the opportunities for the forma- Kumar Punithavel 2009 in Toronto. tion of Independent Tamil Eelam. Mithura Anandarajah V. Rudrakumaran, Internati- Dr. Ram Sivalingam, A harvest of happiness Nate. V onal Coordinator of PTGTE speak- Chairperson of the Canadian ing via video conferencing called Working Committee of PTGTE Parthipan Kugadason (PK) upon the younger generation of announced elections for the 135 Raymond Rajabalan and prosperity the Tamil community to fully par- member Assembly of TGTE will be Rudy Ruthran ticipate in democratic work held in April 2010. He said 25 Shiyam. L towards meeting long term goals. members will be elected to repre- Sri Krishnan. S He pointed out that the geo- sent Canada. Tamil Vote and Presidential Elections Subramaniam Kanthaswamy politics brings changes in the Contd from Pg 1. Circulation Co-ordinator Sri Lanka government continues with They should not boycott the North, Loans are being given for S.S. Mathavan elections as they did last time. reconstruction, the railroad is re detaining IDPs being re-laid, security in the North Killy Sivarajah According to him, fielding a Tamil Contd from Pg 1. candidate will not serve any useful is relaxed with lesser check- purpose. points, to name a few. Meanwhile, Disclaimer: Tamil inmates from Vavunia "My house is only 800 metres The Tamils are facing a dilem- the Tamil National Alliance which Opinions and I nterpretations say that they are frustrated about away from this camp. We are kept appearing in the newspaper are the situation. in the school while there is an ma in making a decision between has about 22 seats in the those of the writers and need "We had been here in this army camp where my house was. the two major candidates who led Parliament, has decided to extend not be necessarily of camp for over a month now. We This is a new camp established the war against the LTTE which it's support to Sarath Fonseka. Monsoon Journal were promised that we would be since the end of the war". took a heavy civilian toll and cre- The decision was arrived after going home within days. Latest The refugees are not allowed ated a flood of refugees. As a several deliberations and it is said To place community and we heard is that it will happen in out by the authorities, he says. Tamil cynically remarked ,"One that some members of the TNA non profit organization news a month". "After days of protest, they ordered the shooting. The other are opposed to this. submit by email to: pulled the gun". However, Tamils Will the Tamils be prepared to [email protected] The refugee who spoke to the took us in a bus for a hair cut. The Tel: 416-358-3235 BBC from Killinochchi, said there barber was only one hundred also feel that the Government is forget the wounds of war and are fifty two families in this camp metres down the road. We were now making amends to woo the value peace so as to get on with Tamils in the North by embarking their normal life and reconstruct ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No contents situated at Killinochchi Central taken back to the camp immedi- in Monsoon Journal may be printed School. ately after the haircut". on a post-war reconciliation pro- the ravaged land? without the written consent of the "Once we arrived, we were The IDPs in Kilinochchi are gramme. Thousands of IDPs have This will be the million-dollar Publisher. given dry rations, now we get waiting to go back to their homes been released, The main highway question before every North-East The views and opinions expressed in cooked food like any other camp. says the refugee who spoke to has been opened for traffic and voter before he decides to cast his the articles in Monsoon Journal are The perimeter of the school is BBC Sandeshaya. movement of goods, no passes ballot! those of the authors and do not nec- guarded by the Army,"he said. are required for travel from the essarily reflect those of the Publisher. While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy Monsoon Journal is not responsible for any errors or Waiters Wanted omissions in the contents. Advertisers are responsible for the contents in Karaikudi Chettinad Restaurant is lo o king the Advertisements and all liabilities for their claimers. fo r 2 waiters, full-time o r part-time,

Monsoon Journal Day/ Evening. Circulation Walk-in between 6-7 on weekdays Toronto(GTA), Scarborough, and 3-4 pm on weekends. Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, Vaughan, Waterloo. “Source for Multi Ethnic Exposure” 416-701-0003 Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Newsline 5 WHO WILL WIN THE LANKAN JAN 26 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION?

Has President Mahinda Tamil National Alliance identified Rajapakse as the former is open- Rajapakse miscalculated again? with senior Parliamentarian R. ly linked to crime lords, drug-traf- This is the question in the lips of Sampanthan. The government fickers, kidnappers and the like. many watchers of the Lankan left no stone unturned to win Most people in Kelaniya, even enigma - both local and overseas. them over in the past few weeks government supporters, are There he was, on top of the world laying out several carrots that shocked the high and the mighty post-May 19 last year, having could have been conceded in the in the government encourage this divided the powerful UNP into normal course. But in the recent delinquent politician to run amok. several factions and the JVP into culture of Lankan politics conces- It may be remembered it was pieces. He used the war-victory to sions are given only on a quid pro Mervyn Silva's thugs who invaded rout the UNP in the Provincial quo basis and that applies to even and disrupted the events at the Elections in the UVA and there- security retinue of political lead- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihare the after in the Southern Province. He ers. The TNA announced yester- day General Fonseka declared his silenced the Monk-lead JHU and day they are more inclined to sup- decision to leave the army and the Sinhala supremacist wings- port the General. Among other enter national politics. both fundamentalist, xenofobic - reasons cited the failure to Yet another unfortunate fea- with little sympathy or accomoda- quickly enticing Sarath Fonseka to Arumugam Thondaman of the release farm land the houses in ture of recent Lankan politics is tion to the local minorities. Both join the anti-Rajapakse forces in CWC and Chandraskeran of the the HSZ in Jaffna, the treatment the culture of vote-rigging and these entities were able to have the next Presidential Election. UPF were already members of the of the IDPs and the charade of booth-grabbing that used to be a matters their own way, inspite of Samaraweera was one of the first Rajapakse Cabinet and pre- the utterly time-wasting APRC - shortcoming that features in their small Parliamentary pres- to be edged out by the Rajapakse dictably announced their loyalty just a few where President North Indian politics. ence, both against previous ruling family trio - Defence to President Rajapkse the Rajapakse did little in the many The government is likely to President CBK and Rajapakse. Secretary Gothabaya and Senior moment the nominations were years he has been head of the resort to this in the Central Today, it is no exaggeration to Presidential Advisor Basil - announced. CWC's strongman government although he had the Province in particular and no less state President Rajapakse is because they feared he was an and National Organiser R. powers to cause relief. elsewhere. Former strong S.B. struggling for survival. His blun- obstacle to their own consolida- Yogarajan and Deputy Minister This, in no way, means the Dissanayake from the Nuwara der after blunder in the past few tion of power to the Rajapakse Satchithanandan broke away and Rajapakse administration will give Eliya District has openly claimed days is indicative of the total dis- family. Samaraweera resigned as pledged their support to the in. They are illegally using many he is "vote-producing machine" array of the coalition he leads and Minister of Foreign Affairs and General - a major blow. Further facilities of the State to support and has recently joined the gov- the government's survival. What formed his own party with his bad-luck has hit Rajapakse when their campaign machinery that ernment - although he was part indeed caused the difference? side-kick Siripathy Suriaratchy - UPF chief Chandrasekeran (52) includes State vehicles, the of the UNP leadership until then - Mao Tse Tung warned of "contra- who was to die mysteriously in an died a few days ago of a heart media, and government workers to the dislike of many UNPers. dictions within" to avoid political auto-accident a few months later. attack leaving his party the UPF in inter alia. State actors and their So all in all, it is going to be a disaster of popular regimes. The In a political atmosphere pregant turmoil. Former CWC senior cohors are losing little quarter in do-or-die battle and the final and difference clearly was General with intimidation and coercion, Sathasivam with his able assistant resorting to thuggery under the intense round is just about to Sarath Fonseka, his emotional Samaraweera left the Island for a Digambaram are moving to pick very nose of the police - as was begin. Sadly, in either event of twin in the victory-with-no-quar- while determined to return and up the votes of the increasing witnessed several times recently victory Sri Lanka shows signs of ters-spared against the LTTE. make his claims. The able British- educated youth in the Plantation at Kiribathgoda in Kelaniya where yet another blood-bath in the They were inseparable in terms of educated political-fixer has done disillusioned with the leadership the much despised Mervyn Silva South now that the army itself is approach to the "ultimate victory" just that in the matter of a few of both Thondaman and functions as the virtual divided along political sympa- and anything the General asked months. Rajapakse succeeded in Chandraskeran. Government Agent. Mervyn Silva, thies. he simply got - without let. We fracturing the JVP by enticing fire- Political watchers in Colombo now Minister, is one reason for are now told this included several brand Wimal Weerawansa and did not fail to notice the lighting the decline of the once popular Luxman-Arvind armed officers from the Sri Lanka former Presidential Candidate of crackers on 31st December Army to guard the family of his Chandana Gunatilake (both JVP night was much louder and pro- son-in-law in far away Oklahoma, MPs from the Kalutara District) to longed this time and put this to a foreign soil - something his ranks with assurances of growing support that the people unheard of in Sri Lankan gover- Cabinet Posts. Gunatilake was in the city - and by extension nance previously. Luxury Benz made Minister of Tourism to the much of the country - are thirst- cars for Fonseka's wife (writing dismay of the valuable tourism ing for a change. about which is said to have industry. He was nothing more The Cost of Living factor is yet caused Lasantha Wickramatunga than a street agitator while this another that is working against his life) houses and many other industry requires highly educated the government and is being luxuries all for the mere asking. men with proven management carefully targeted by the Clearly, the bitterness began talents. Samaraweera, on the General's supporters in the media when the General asked for an other hand, managed to get the and public meetings. The price of additional 100,000 men to his larger section of the party with daily essentials is a sorry story army - after the 6,000+ LTTE their senior leader Somawansa and will trouble the administra- (Army figures) were done away Amarasinghe (a politburo col- tion. Prices last year and today with by May 19. Quarters close to league of JVP founder Rohana are on the average like Rice per Temple Trees say the events in Wijeweera), Tilvin Silva and other kilo (Rs.95 today/Rs.50 last year) Honduras when the President of seniors to the anti-Rajapakse Sugar (Rs.75/Rs.45) Dried Chillies that country was ousted, fears of forces - that makes a tremendous (Rs.200/Rs.85) Red Lentils a Coup from an oversized army difference in the current political (Paruppu) (Rs.165/Rs.65) Sugar and the General's own loud claim landscape. (Rs.75/Rs.50) Eggs (Rs.15/Rs.8) in public that "he alone won the Samaraweera also went into Keerai (Rs.40/Rs.10) Mutton war" He repeated this - when in talks with Ranil Wickramasinghe (Rs.900/Rs.450) Regular Veget- public in the presence of the and the UNP in a common pro- ables (Rs.65/Rs.30) Ordinary media when he was felicitated by gramme to oust the Rajapkse Bread (Rs.55/Rs.30) Ripe Plantain his alma mater Dharmasoka regime. Samaraweera and (Rs.95/Rs.45) Big Onions College, Ambalangoda. This is Wickramasinghe persuaded Rauf (Rs.150/Rs.55) The Minister in believed to be a major reason Hakeem, the Muslim MP battling charge has not been much of a contributing to his falling from Mrs Ferial Ashraff for the leader- performer from the beginning but grace. ship of the now numerically is retained their against even the The cunning and crafty former strong Eastern Province Muslim protest of government members CBK strong-man Mangala voter bank.. This left two impor- because he is said to be linked to Samaraweera, widely believed to tant sections - the indigenous the President by some distant be the architect of Rajapakse's Tamils and the Plantation Tamils - family connection. Presidential "victory" in 2005, whose votes will be vital to the There was much speculation showed his organisational skill by making of the next President. on the stand of the moderate 6 Canada Newsline JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal 2010 Winter Olympics

Raymond Rajabalan

The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics will be held on February 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the resort town of Whistler near- by. The 2010 Winter Olympics will be the third Olympics hosted by Canada, and the first by the province of British Columbia. Previously, Canada was home to the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. These will also be the first games to be held in a National Hockey League mar- Lillehammer, Norway. addition of ice hockey. At the IOC The Bavarian towns of vised. The Cortina Games were ket since the league allowed its The Winter Games have Congress held the following year, Garmisch and Partenkirchen players to participate, starting at undergone significant changes it was decided that the organizers joined to organize the 1936 edi- the 1998 Winter Olympics in since their inception. The rise of of the 1924 Summer Olympics, tion of the Winter Games, held Nagano, Japan. television as a global medium for France, would also host a sepa- from February 6-16. 1936 marked Following Olympic tradition, communication has greatly rate "International Winter Sports the last year that the summer and then Vancouver mayor Sam enhanced the profile of the Week", under the patronage of Winter Olympics were held in the Sullivan received the Olympic flag Games. the IOC. This "week" of events in same country. during the closing ceremony of Many countries have played Chamonix proved to be a great the 2006 Winter Olympics in home to the Winter Olympics. success. More than 200 athletes World War II Torino, Italy. The flag was raised France has been host to the from 16 nations competed in 16 The Second World War inter- on February 28, 2006, in a special Games three times. The United events. In 1925 the IOC decided rupted the celebration of the ceremony, and will be on display States has hosted the Games four to create a separate Olympic Winter Olympics. Garmisch- at Vancouver City Hall until the times, more than any other coun- Winter Games, and the 1924 Partenkirchen, the hosts of the Olympic opening ceremony. The try. Several countries including Games in Chamonix were retroac- previous Olympics, stepped in to event will be officially opened by Italy, Japan, Austria and Norway tively designated as the first host the Winter Games again, but Governor General Michaëlle Jean. have hosted the Games twice. Winter Olympics both summer and Winter The next host city will be St. Moritz, Switzerland was Olympics were cancelled in their Winter Olympic Games Vancouver, Canada in 2010. This appointed by the IOC to host the entirety in November 1939 follow- used as an experiment on the fea- The Winter Olympic Games will be the second time the second Olympic Winter Games in ing Germany's invasion of Poland. sibility of televising sporting are a winter multi-sport event Games will be held in Canada. 1928. Fluctuating weather condi- The 1944 Winter Olympics, events on such a large scale. held every four years. They fea- The Games will then be hosted by tions made these Olympics mem- scheduled to take place in Cortina These Games marked the debut ture winter sports held on snow Sochi, Russia in 2014. This will be orable. The opening ceremonies d'Ampezzo, Italy, were cancelled of the Soviet Union at the Winter or ice, such as Alpine skiing, the first time that Russia has were held in a blizzard. In con- in the summer of 1941, due to the Olympics. cross-country skiing, figure skat- hosted a Winter Olympic Games. trast, warm weather conditions continuing World War. The IOC awarded the 1960 ing, bobsledding and ice hockey. plagued the Olympics for the Olympics to Squaw Valley, United Cross-country skiing, figure skat- History remainder of the Games the 1948 to 1960 States. . The opening and closing ing, ice hockey, Nordic combined, The first international multi- weather was not the only note- The IOC selected the Swiss ceremonies were produced by ski jumping, and speed skating sport event specifically for winter worthy aspect of the 1928 town of St. Moritz to host the first Walt Disney. These Games were have been competed at every sports were the Nordic Games, Games; Sonja Henie of Norway post-war Games in 1948. St. the first to have a dedicated ath- Winter Olympics since 1924. held in 1901 in Sweden. The created a sensation when she Moritz was untouched by World lete's village, and the first to use Other athletic events have been Nordic Games were organized by won the figure skating competi- War II because of Switzerland's a computer to tabulate results. added as the Games have pro- General Viktor Gustaf Balck. They tion at the age of 15. She became neutrality. gressed. Some of these events, were held again in 1903, again in the youngest Olympic champion The city of Oslo, Norway, was 1964 to 1980 such as luge, short track speed 1905, and then every four years in history, a distinction she would selected to host the 1952 Winter The Tyrolean city of Innsbruck skating, and freestyle skiing have there after until 1926. hold for 74 years. Olympics. The Olympic Flame was was the host in 1964. Despite earned a permanent spot on the Three years later, Italian count The next Winter Olympics was lit in the fireplace of the home of being a traditional winter sports Olympic programme. Eugenio Brunetta d'Usseaux pro- the first to be hosted outside of skiing pioneer Sondre Nordheim. resort, warm weather caused a Fewer countries participate in posed that the IOC stage a week Europe. Fewer athletes participat- The torch relay was conducted by lack of snow during the Games the Winter Olympics than the with winter sports as part of the ed than in 1928, as the journey to 94 participants and held entirely and the Austrian army was called Summer Olympics. The first 1912 Summer Olympics in Lake Placid, United Sates was a on skis. Bandy, a popular sport in in to bring snow and ice to the Winter Olympics were held in Stockholm. The organizers long and expensive one for most the Nordic countries, was held as sport venues. Soviet speed skat- Chamonix, France. Figure skating opposed this idea; their reasoning competitors, and there was little a demonstration sport though ing star Lidia Skoblikova made and ice hockey had been events was two-fold: they desired to pro- money for sports in the midst of only Norway, Sweden, and history by sweeping all four speed at the Summer Olympics prior to tect the integrity of the Nordic the Great Depression. These Finland fielded teams skating events. Her career total of 1924. The Games were held every Games; and they were concerned Games were also marred by warm After not being able to host six gold medals set a record for four years from 1924 until 1940 about a lack of facilities that could weather. Virtually no snow fell for the Games in 1944 due to the the most medals by a Winter when they were interrupted by accommodate winter sports. The two months preceding the War, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Olympics athlete. Luge was first World War II. The winter and idea was resurrected for the 1916 Games. It was not until mid- was selected to organize the 1956 contested in these Olympics, Summer Games resumed in 1948 Games, which were to be held in January that there was enough Winter Olympics. At the opening although the sport received bad and were celebrated on the same Berlin. A winter sports week with snow to hold all the events. Sonja ceremonies the final torch bearer, publicity when a competitor was year until 1992. At that time the speed skating, figure skating, ice Henie defended her Olympic title. Guido Caroli, entered the Olympic killed in a pre-Olympic training Winter Games split from the hockey and Nordic skiing was Eddie Eagan, who had been an Stadium on ice skates. As he skat- run. Summer Games. The summer and planned, but the 1916 Olympics Olympic champion in boxing in ed around the stadium rink his Held in the French town of Winter Olympics are currently cel- were cancelled after the outbreak 1920, won the gold in the men's skate caught on a cable and he Grenoble, the 1968 Winter ebrated on alternating even of World War I. bobsled event to become the first, fell, nearly extinguishing the Olympics was the first Olympic years. The first Winter Olympic The first Olympics after the and so far only, Olympian to have flame. He was able to recover and Games to be broadcast in colour. Games to be held on this new war, the 1920 Games in Antwerp won gold medals in both the sum- lit the cauldron. These were the Frenchman Jean-Claude Killy schedule was in 1994 in featured figure skating with the mer and Winter Olympics first Winter Games to be tele- became only the second person Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Canada Newsline 7 to sweep all the men's alpine ski- ing events. The effects of televi- sion began to show at the Grenoble Games. The 1972 Winter Games, held in Sapporo, Japan, were the first to be hosted outside North America or Europe. The issue of professionalism became very con- judge would look favourably on tentious during these Games. the French entrants in the ice Canada did not send teams to the dancing competition. The IOC 1972 or 1976 ice hockey tourna- decided to award both pairs the ments in protest of their inability gold medal in a second medal cer- to use players from professional emony held later in the Games. leagues. The Italian city of Turin host- Originally, the 1976 Winter ed the 2006 Winter Olympics. It Games had been awarded to was the second time that Italy Denver, United States, but in 1972 held the Winter Olympic Games. the voters of Colorado expressed South Korean athletes dominated unwillingness to host the Games the short-track speed skating through a state referendum. events at these Games. Sun-Yu Innsbruck, which still had main- Jin won three gold medals while tained the infrastructure from the her teammate Hyun-Soo Ahn won 1964 Games, was chosen in 1973 three gold medals and a to replace Denver. Two Olympic bronze.In the women's Cross- flames were lit because it was the Country team pursuit Canadian second time the Austrian town Sara Renner broke one of her had hosted the Games. In 1988 the Canadian city of since before World War II. At 16 athlete with eight gold medals poles. When he saw her dilemma, The Olympic Winter Games Calgary, hosted the first Winter years old, Finnish ski jumper Toni and twelve medals overall. Norwegian coach Bjørnar returned to Lake Placid, which Olympics to span 16 days new Nieminen made history by Håkensmoen decided to lend her had hosted the 1932 Games. The events were added in ski jumping becoming the youngest male 2002 to present a pole. In so doing she was able threat of a boycott of the 1980 and speed skating, while future Winter Olympic champion. The 19th Olympic Winter to help her team win a silver Summer Olympics clouded these Olympic sports curling, short track In 1986, the IOC voted to sep- Games were held in Salt Lake medal in the event. Norway fin- Olympics, due to the fact that speed skating and freestyle skiing arate the summer and Winter City, United States. German ished fourth Duff Gibson of much of the debate regarding this made their appearance as Games and place them in alter- Georg Hackl won a silver in the Canada became the oldest athlete eventuality took place during the demonstration sports. For the first nating even-numbered years singles luge, becoming the first to win a Winter Olympic gold Winter Games. American Speed time, the speed skating events starting in 1994. The Lillehammer athlete in Olympic history to medal in an individual event. He skater Eric Heiden set either an were held indoors, on the Olympic Games were the first Winter medal in the same individual ev- won the skeleton event at 39 Olympic or world record winning Oval. East German Christa Olympics to be held without the ent in five consecutive Olympics. years of age each of the five events he com- Rothenburger won the women's Summer Games in the same year. Canada achieved an unprece- Future After the division of dented double by winning both In 2003 the IOC awarded the Czechoslovakia in 1993, the the men's and women's Ice 2010 Winter Olympics to Czech Republic and Slovakia Hockey gold medals. Canada Vancouver, thus allowing Canada made their Olympic debut in became embroiled with Russia in to host its second Winter Lillehammer, Norway. a controversy that involved the Olympics. With a population of The 1998 Winter Olympics judging of the pairs figure skating more than 2.5 million people, was the first Games to host more competition. The Russian pair of Vancouver will be the largest met- than 2,000 athletes. The Games Yelena Berezhnaya and Anton ropolitan area to ever host a were held in the Japanese city of Sikharulidze competed against Winter Olympic Games.Vancouver Nagano. The men's ice hockey the Canadian pair of Jamie Salé is a low-altitude, seaport city with tournament was open to all pro- and David Pelletier for the gold a relatively mild oceanic climate. fessionals for the first time. medal. The Canadians appeared Most of the venues will be located Canada and the United States, to have skated well enough to win in the Vancouver metropolitan with their many NHL players, the competition, yet the Russians area, with the exception of the were favoured for the gold. were awarded the gold. The judg- alpine, Nordic, and sliding events, However, neither nation won any ing broke along Cold War lines which will be held in Whistler medals, as the Czech Republic with the exception of the French The decision for the location prevailed. Women's ice hockey judge, Marie-Reine Le Gougne, of the 2014 Winter Olympics was made its debut at these Games, who awarded the gold to the made on 4 July 2007. Sochi, peted in. Hanni Wenzel won both with the United States winning Russians. An investigation Russia, was elected as the host the Slalom and Giant Slalom. Her 1000 metre speed skating event. the gold medal. Bjørn Dæhlie of revealed that she had been pres- city over the other two finalists: country, Liechtenstein, became Seven months later, she would Norway won three gold medals in sured to give the gold to the Salzburg, Austria and Pyeon- the smallest nation to produce an earn a silver in track cycling at the Nordic skiing. He became the Russian pair regardless of how gchang. Olympic gold medalist. In the Summer Games in Seoul. She most decorated Winter Olympic they skated; in return the Russian "Miracle on Ice", the American became the first and only athlete hockey team beat the favoured to win medals in both a summer + Soviets and went on to win the and Winter Olympics in the same The Law Office of gold medal year. The 1992 Games were the last 1984 to 1998 to be held in the same year as the T. Jegatheesan Summer Games. They were host- Sarajevo, Yugoslavia was cho- Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, ON. sen to host the 1984 Winter ed in the French Savoie region. Olympic Games the Games were Political changes of the time were well-organized and displayed no reflected in the Olympic teams Real Estate, Refinance & Mortgages indication of the war that would appearing in France. This was the soon engulf the country. first Games to be held after the Business Law Yugoslavia also won its first fall of Communism and the dis- Olympic medal when alpine skier mantling of the Berlin Wall. Family Law The Republic of China had Germany competed as a single boycotted the 1980 Olympics due nation for the first time since the Power of Attorney & to a conflict with China over the 1964 Games, and former use of the name "Republic of Yugoslavian republics Croatia and Any other Legal Services China". They returned to the 1984 Slovenia made their debut. Most Games after an agreement was of former Soviet republics still 2620 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 201 reached that the athletes would competed as a single team known Scarborough, ON. M1K 2S3 compete under the new name as the Unified Team, but the Baltic States made independent Tel: 416.266.6154, Fax: 416.266.4677 "Chinese Taipei", and use a spe- + cial flag and national anthem. appearances for the first time 8 Monsoon Health JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal COMMUNICATING YOUR SYMPTOMS OF PAIN OR ILLNESS TO OTHERS

complaining, attention-seeking, to try. * Adapted with permission or negativism. This type of person " Don't just tell people about from Multi-Health Systems & Dr. may push away otherwise sup- your difficulties; let them know J. Douglas Salmon, Jr. from portive individuals and eventually clearly and simply what they can Rehabilitation Education and as a result may have to cope with do to help. You might try saying Coping Pamphlet Series the burden of stress alone. for example "it really helps when Communication Styles Coping with such stress without you encourage me to go out," or People respond to and com- the support of others may fuel "it helps when you make me municate their symptoms in a anxiety and may lead to depres- laugh," or "would you mind help- wide variety of ways. Some indi- sion. ing me with the groceries". viduals, for example, may not Striking a Balance allow themselves to react to or The goal when developing a " Exchange chores or do a communicate their symptoms strategy for communicating favor for a friend in exchange for related to pain and illness, while symptoms to others should be to your help. For example, if you are others do so frequently. When strike a balance between these not working and he or she is individuals choose to ignore their two approaches, by controlling employed, it may be helpful to do symptoms and keep them the amount of discussion that something for him or her during you problem-solve or give you show, play cards, go to a movie, unknown to others, they may focuses on your symptoms and at the day that is difficult to accom- tips on what helped them in simi- or play games. experience undue hardship, espe- the same time inviting others' plish after work. Such an lar situations. If there are certain " Request the support of oth- cially if they're already in distress, assistance to ease the burden of exchange will likely make the activities (chores, hobbies, sports, ers to encourage you and to give as a result of trying to cope with stress. Such a strategy can con- other person more willing (and etc.) that you feel you can no you a push when you are having their symptoms in addition to tribute to a quicker recovery. less resentful) to do something longer do, speak to others about a difficult day. Often, once you other responsibilities. This can Communication Tips for you. these things to help you think of get going on an enjoyable activi- seriously strain their coping " Constant complaining turns " When something bothers other ways to engage in the activ- ty, you will feel much better, even resources, and make them vul- others off. It is best to communi- you, avoid criticizing others, but ity (with or without their help), or if you initially wanted to be left nerable to increased symptoms or cate only those things which are let them know how their actions engage in other enjoyable activi- alone or did not feel like being other effects of stress. As well, of greatest concern to you. It is affect you or make you feel. You ties that can replace the old ones. active. Having someone to give they may not allow themselves to also essential that you help others might say, for example, "when " Seek people who are sup- you a gentle push when you are be assisted by others, although to understand what you are expe- you play the music loudly or portive and who are willing to down can be tremendously help- such assistance may often reduce riencing. Avoid describing the shout, it makes me nervous, and help you. Spend less time with ful. their burden and help foster a symptoms themselves; instead, it makes my pain worse." You those people who seem less sup- Ultimately, research has clear- more rapid recovery. explain how your symptoms make might also explain that, because portive, who are critical of you, or ly shown that having a supportive In situations where symptoms you feel and relate your situation you are not feeling well, you are who tend to be down a lot them- and positive social network can are communicated often, the to a similar event in their life in more easily hurt by criticism or selves. With less sup-portive peo- promote a faster recovery and a "constant communicator" may order to generate discussion more likely to become angry ple, you may wish to engage in longer, healthier life. Always look isolate him or herself from others regarding how the other person when somebody opposes your activities that require less conver- for ways to use and improve your because of what may be per- coped at the time. Sometimes he view. sation and take the focus off your social support in times of both ceived by others as continuous or she may give you some ideas " Encourage others to help difficulties. For example, go to a good and poor health. Stay safe while shovelling this season

When you consider that a than throw it. That way you avoid shovelful of snow weighs 5 to 7 lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow, pounds, you realize how much and sudden twisting or turning weight you have to lift to clear movements. your sidewalk or driveway - on o Bend your knees: As with average, several hundred pounds! any heavy object, you need to use Shovelling snow can be a pain your knees, and leg and arm mus- ski and snowboard bindings are Know when to rest. Rest when specialists, who provide drug- in more ways than one. These cles to do the pushing and lifting, adjusted for your height and you feel tired. Stop your activity free, hands-on treatment that tar- tips will help keep your back in while keeping your back straight. weight. Always check the weather immediately if you experience gets the source of pain. Studies top shape: o Take a break: If you feel conditions and watch the trails for sudden or prolonged pain in any show that chiropractic treatment o Don't let the snow pile up: If tired or short of breath, stop and icy patches and other potential joint or muscle. Cool down by is increasingly recognized as one the weather report calls for sever- take a rest. Shake out your arms hazards. stretching, and change into dry, of the safest and most effective al days of snow, frequent shovel- and legs. Stop shovelling immedi- Dress for the weather. warm clothes. health care solutions. Chiropractic ling will allow you to move small- ately if you feel chest pain or back Layered clothing works better to Stay hydrated. Don't be fooled care can be used successfully to er amounts of snow at once. It's pain. If you have back pain that is keep your muscles warm and your by the temperature! Your active treat injuries resulting from auto- far less strenuous in the long run. severe or that persists for more skin dry so you don't get chilled. body needs plenty of fluids even mobile accidents. o Pick the right shovel: Use a than a day after shovelling, see a You may want to invest in clothing though it's cold outside. Be sure Visit the Ontario Chiropractic lightweight pusher-type shovel. If chiropractor. If you have chest designed specifically for winter to drink lots of water or juice Association Web site at www.chi- you are using a metal shovel, pain that is severe, see a doctor outdoor activity (available at your before, during and after winter ropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327- spray it with Teflon first, so snow immediately. local outdoor or sporting goods sports. Follow these tips, and 2273 for more information. Dr. won't stick to it. This winter, have fun and stay store), or layer garments made of you're well on your way to having George I. Traitses 416 499 5656, o Push, don't throw: Always fit natural fibres (like cotton, wool a safe and healthy winter. www.infinite-health.com. push the snow to the side rather On the slopes, make sure that and silk). Doctors of chiropractic are Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Health 9

perature falls below about 10°C, the surface blood vessels dilate (get wider) rather than constrict, Cooling Down If the temperature falls further periods of blood vessel dilation By Mithura Anandarajah, PT alternate with periods of constric- tion, This is because your body is Registered Physiotherapist trying not to lose heat from the the body. The scientific name for As the high of the holidays So what are the different extremities, instead of reserving it extremities, but at the same time this is horripilation. In man it has pass us by, we enter the lows of responses to cold? Perhaps the for the core organs. wants to supply the skin with no effect as we don't have January. It isn't just the winter one that we all relate to is the As the core temperature blood for oxygen and nutrients. enough hair to make a difference. blues that we struggle with. We action of shivering. Shivering is drops, there is a notable increase This phenomenon explains the For animals with a dense coat of also have to cope with the lows of an involuntary muscle contraction in metabolism. Metabolism is the red cheeks and nose characteris- fur however, it improves the insu- temperature - blustery cold that occurs throughout our body, processing of food into fuel, tic of frosty weather. Eventually lation considerably. winds, freezing frost and the designed as a protective mecha- which then supplies the muscles. however, the body stops the dila- Avoiding the cold, while desir- impending snow. We run from nism to generate heat. If you As the core temperature drops, tion of the blood vessels to the able is not really practical. We do home to car, scurry under the bus don't work the muscles, the body the metabolic process slows skin. The skin temperature can still have to work, commute, shop shelter or avoid the elements as will do it for you. While shivering down. To compensate for this, then drop to the surrounding and shovel. However under- much as possible. Our teeth can produce upto five times the the body's metabolic rate increas- temperatures and frost nip or standing how temperatures affect chatter, and throughout our body, body heat, it does have draw- es slightly in order to supply the frost bite may occur. This process us may help us prepare better. we start to shiver. The hairs backs. The act of shivering demand of muscle and organ is the body's way to sacrifice the We certainly should be dressed stand upright and the skin feels requires fuel in the form of high function. extremities in order to protect the appropriately for the winter, cold, clammy and bloodless. All energy food. Also it does Another reaction you may core. armed with hats, gloves and this is our body attempting to pre- increase blood flow to the notice is that when the skin tem- Goose pimples are an obvious heavy coats. It is important to serve heat. sign that a person is feeling cold. eat energy rich foods, which can Humans are generally tropical They are caused by the tiny erec- fuel us when needed. Be aware creatures and aren't made to tol- tor pili muscles attached to the and then adapt. erate the cold. We do so by our base of the hair follicles covering behavioural adaptations such as wearing warm clothing or building shelters. There are two important factors allowing us to cope with extreme cold temperatures. One is being able to generate heat by burning food. The other is to pre- vent or minimize the loss of heat. In the human body, the hypothal- amus is a tiny gland in the brain that acts as a thermostat. Even the smallest drop in temperature will trigger a series of responses which are designed to protect the body.

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Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year

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HOMELIFE GTA Realty Inc. Brokerage 1711 McCowan Road, Suite 206 Toronto Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Events 15 Annual Awards Celebration of Homelife GTA Realty

The Annual Awards Celebration Gala by Home Life GTA Realty, one of the leading Real Estate Brokerage was held on Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 at Jasmin Banquet Hall. Brokerage owners Raja Mahendran and Eddy Woo organized the event well and it was attended by many prominent Lawyers, Corporate Bankers, Builders and Mortgage Brokers. Some of the prize winners receiving awards are shown here. Photos by: Gnane-Digital Touch

(L-R) Raja Mahendran, No 2 Producer 2009 Mr Gnanendran & Judy Gnanendran (L-R) Raja Mahendran, Top Producer 2009 Siva Sivagnanam receiving Award receiving Award from Sam Fung, Senior Marketing Manager-Tridel and Edyy Woo from Sam Fung, Senior Marketing Manager-Tridel and Edyy Woo

(L-R) Eddy Woo, Gold Winner Nel Ketha receiving Award from Gary Anandasangaree (L-R) Eddy Woo, Gold Winner Tammy Surendran receiving Award from Gary and Raja Mahendran Anandasangaree and Raja Mahendran.

(L-R) Eddy Woo, Gold Winner Justin Williams receiving Award from Gary (L-R) Eddy Woo, Gold Winner Kumar Sinnathamby receiving Award from Gary Anandasangaree and Raja Mahendran Anandasangaree and Raja Mahendran

(L-R) Raja Mahendran, No 3 Producer 2009 Neil Modi receiving Award from Sam Fung, Senior Marketing Manager-Tridel and Edyy Woo HomeLife GTA Group 16 JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Events 17 SENIOR THAMILS HONOURED

Scarborough Senior Thamils' Association honoured eight Seniors of the Association over 75 years of age during the nity Development Worker at the Annual Christmas Day celebra- Family Service Toronto in tions held on 21st December,2009 recognition of their commitment at the Recreation Hall of the and valuable contribution to the Neilson Seniors' Apartment at Association. 1315 Neilson Road, Scarborough. Legal Advisor of the Associa- The President of the Asso-cia- tion Manuel Jesudasan, Barrister tion S. Navaratnam presided. The and Solicitor and the President Chief Guest, Rev. Issac Selva-rat- of the Malvern Seniors' Club nam delivered the Christmas mes- Thambo Venayagaratnam also sage. The Guest of Honour, addressed the meeting. The Toronto City Councillor Dr. grand children of the members Raymond Cho presented plaques participated in the Christmas to M. Thevarajah the Past Day Celebration and entertained President of the Association the Seniors.' and Naga Ramalingam Commu-

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Sritharan Thurairajah Member of Million Dollar Round Table 416.918.9771 759 Warden Ave.Toronto, ON M1L 4B5, Bus: 416-759-5453 x: 407 18 Canada Newsline JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal Need for Emergence of a New Global Currency standard, but globalization demands a new global currency that provides representation for the growing importance of a vari- Arun Senathirajah ety of major economies, Mr. ACIB, MBA (Banking Mgmt) Strauss-Kahn said during his recent visit to China. After the threat of Western Dominant Currencies financial crisis (not really a global It is asserted gold was the financial crisis as portrayed by world's first global currency. Western Bankers), now the Collapse of the international gold momentum has arisen to focus standard just after the World War for the need for a new global cur- I had significant implications for rency. A global currency should global trade. Since the Bretton serve as the world's reserve cur- Woods Agreement of 1944, rency in which major economies exchange rates around the world can have place confidence in it. were pegged against the United This is what now lacks in slipping States dollar, which could be US dollar, although about 64% of exchanged for a fixed amount of the reserves by nations are held gold. This reinforced the domi- countries adopting the euro as China has caught in a dangerous contribution to fighting the crisis in US dollar. About 27% of the nance of the US dollar as a global their national currency. The euro trap. In the last four months but also helped stabilize global reserves are held in Euro. Other currency. Since the collapse of the inherited the status of a major alone from February 2009, China financial markets," he said. important function of the global fixed exchange rate regime and reserve currency from the has signed currency swap agree- China's reserves are so large that currency is that the currency in the gold standard and the institu- German Mark (DM), and since ments worth more than $95 bil- diversifying out of the dollar and which vast majority of interna- tion of floating exchange rates then its contribution to official lion (650 billion yuan) with an into the euro, or any other curren- tional transactions would take following the Smithsonian reserves has risen as banks seek array of nations - including: cy, isn't feasible because those place. Since US dollar is weak in Agreement in 1971, most curren- to diversify their reserves and Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, other markets aren't big enough value compared to Euro and Yuan cies around the world have no trade in the Eurozone continues Indonesia, Malaysia, Belarus and or deep enough to accommodate the impetus is being gathered for longer been pegged against the to expand. Currently undervalued Hong Kong - that are only too its cash. And even a hint that the replacement of US dollar as a United States dollar. Even then Chinese Yuan (also called glad to move away from the China was poised to dump dollars world's new reserve currency. EU USA remained as the economic Renminbi-RMB) has caught the increasingly shaky U.S. dollar. would send the greenback spiral- countries in the last few months superpower, most international attention of the economists, China as a nation, not having a ing further downward, deepening have generated reserve surpluses transactions continued in US dol- bankers and the trade partners. universally accepted currency is a losses on the country's offshore by increased exports. European lar, and it has remained the de Emergence of Chinese huge issue. The yuan's de facto holdings. Therefore, the reality is financial market policy makers facto world currency. During the Yuan as a Stronger Currency peg to the dollar is unsustainable that China needs to have the U.S. have now shifted their attention 1980s, the Japanese yen became China has its most invest- in the long run, but Chinese aca- boost the value of the dollar - to their strong Euro and the increasingly used as an interna- ments, including US bonds issued demics have doubt on what would even as the United States needs undervalued Chinese Yuan. Head tional currency, but diminished by US treasury for US budget replace it. USA argues that an to have China do all it can to of the IMF International Monetary with the Japanese recession in deficits in US dollar. It is estimat- undervalued yuan is exacerbating maintain the dollar's value. Fund) Dominique Strauss-Kahn the 1990s. More recently, the ed China has $1.6 trillion as for- economic imbalances that were a European Central Bank President has stated 'The imperative of euro has increasingly competed eign exchange reserve. Every root cause of the global financial Jean-Claude Trichet says a steady greater global currency stability with the United States dollar in time the dollar slides down the crisis. But He Yafei, China's vice rise of China's yuan currency means the world can no longer international finance. Since 1999, Chinese value of the investment is foreign minister, defended China's would help rebalance the world rely, as it has done since the end the dollar's dominance has begun stashed away. China is not happy policy of keeping the yuan on a economy. Mr. Strauss-Kahn reiter- of the gold standard, on a curren- to be eroded by the euro, which with living with the dollar, but it tight rein. "In the process of tack- ated China needs a stronger yuan cy issued by a single country.' The represents a larger size economy, can't live without it. Since it uses ling the financial crisis, keeping as part of a package of policies to U.S. dollar remains the currency and has the prospect of more US dollar as the reserve currency, the RMB stable not only was a help rebalance its economy by

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The Cash Back offer does not apply to subscriptions for Series III Units or Series IV Units purchased under the initial sales charge option. Paid in part by Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 19 promoting domestic demand. rencies used in international trade tem. Zhou Xiaochuan has sug- piece for the CFR journal Foreign for monetary policy. Under the China has kept the yuan pegged and finance. The SDR is currently gested creating a "super-sover- Affairs entitled "A Monetary existing SDR composition, the around 6.83 per dollar since July being used as an internal IMF eign reserve currency" to replace System for the Future," Dr. central banking functions would 2008, following a 21 per cent rise exchange unit. Today, the SDR the dollar over the long run. This Cooper has baldly proclaimed a be divided between four central over the previous three years, to has only limited use as a reserve would sharply enhance the global radical alternative scheme for the banks. These central banks are in help its exporters weather the asset, and its main function is to role of special drawing rights next century might have a com- turn controlled by a handful of global economic crisis. The World serve as the unit of account of the (SDRs), the international asset mon currency for all of the indus- private banking interests. A glob- Bank President Robert Zoellick IMF and some other international created by the International trial democracies, with a common al currency based on the existing welcomes China's effort to make organizations. Rather, it is a Monetary Fund (IMF) in the late monetary policy and a joint Bank SDR arrangement would not fun- it currency more international and potential claim on the freely 1960s. These are the first big pro- of Issue to determine that mone- damentally change the global warns against abrupt unilateral usable currencies of IMF mem- posals for international monetary tary policy. Cooper went on to monetary order. The SDR would moves that could worsen the bers. Its current composition of reform from China or indeed any acknowledge that a single curren- be a proxy currency. Under the fragile global financial situation. basket (value of 1 SDR) set for emerging-market economy and cy is possible only if there is in present composition of the SDR, When yuan is left to decide its the period 2006 to 2010 is USD deserve to be taken seriously for effect a single monetary policy, what we would be dealing with is value to be decided by the mar- 44%, EUR 34%, JPY 11% and that reason alone. The idea of a and a single authority issuing the an alliance between US, British, ket, its true value would be GBP 11% . supranational reserve currency is currency and directing the mone- European and Japanese banking reflected on it. By then it is good Enhancement of SDR as also, it appears, supported by tary policy. Independent states institutions, ultimately with the to bring yuan in the basket of the New Global Currency Russia and other emerging mar- need to turn over the determina- US dollar and the Euro predomi- newly thinking SDR emerged International Monetary Fund kets. And a United Nations advi- tion of monetary policy to a nating. Assertion of Fred global currency. By that yuan (IMF) managing director sory committee has argued for a supranational body the IMF. Bergsten, director of the Peterson would take a place as a trusted Dominique Strasuss-Khann has new global reserve currency, pos- Global monetary control, as pro- Institute for International currency for reserve purpose as said recently 'The days of one sibly one based on the SDR. posed by Cooper, Bergsten, Zhou Economics is that the world econ- well. country's currency as the global Several other Asian countries, Xiaochuan, would lead rapidly and omy (means western economy) is World Currency Unit bench mark are numbered. The Brazil, and Russia have expressed ineluctably to global political con- in trouble unless there is some (WCU) dollar remains the currency stan- support for Mr. Zhou's ideas. trol - a world government central steering mechanism is The World Currency Unit dard, but globalization demands a Group of 20 countries and Keeping Dominance for taken place. By bringing global (WCU) was proposed by Lok Sang currency that provides represen- the Call for New Global Dollar and Euro control over international financial Ho of Lingnan University, Hong In Eastern Europe, the former system by western bankers under Kong in 2000 as a new global cur- Soviet Union, the Balkans extend- the IMF umbrella they still have rency. The WCU is an indexed unit ing into Central Asia, the dollar the motive to uphold the value of of account (unit of account) that and the Euro are competing with US dollar and Euro. stands for a unit of real global one another. Ultimately, control Global Geopolitics and purchasing power. Since each unit over national currency systems is I nternational Monetary by design represents a stable unit the basis upon which countries System of purchasing power, the stipulat- are colonized. While the U.S. dol- Some extremists of the view ed interest rate on WCU-denomi- lar prevails throughout the that the dollar which is the foun- nated bonds represents a real Western Hemisphere, the Euro dation of white power and interest rate. In principle, the and the U.S. dollar are clashing in American hegemony shall fall and common denomination of bonds the former Soviet Union, Central the so-called great nation of by issuers from different parts of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the America will join her in the fall. the world using the WCU, as well Middle East. With the election of Global Geopolitics bears a rela- as the greater transparency of pro-US governments in both tionship to the international mon- real interest rates, will produce France and Germany, a political etary system. Control over money more efficient capital markets, as consensus seems to have creation is an instrument of eco- savers and borrowers around the emerged with regard to the nomic conquest. The invasion and world converge in their under- Middle East war. In turn, this con- occupation of Iraq was to exclude standing of what each basis point sensus regarding the US-NATO rival Russian and Chinese inter- of interest means and are protect- tation for the growing importance Currency military agenda favors greater ests from the Middle-East and ed against two key sources of of a variety of major economies.' With a view to restoring finan- cooperation and integration Central Asian oil fields. The uncertainty, namely inflation and He is of the opinion a new global cial stability, World leaders have between the US and the EU in reform of the international mone- exchange loss risks. The WCU currency might evolve out of the called upon the Group of 20 coun- global financial and monetary tary system is a project of the proposal has not gained much special drawing right, the Fund's tries (G-20) to instigate a new affairs. Would this potential dominant financial elites, which is attention of the western policy in-house unit of account. "That global currency based on the "alliance" between powerful over- discussed behind closed doors. It makers who play dominant role in probably has to be a basket," Mr. IMF's SDRs. In the global curren- lapping American, British, is unlikely that Russia and China, global economic order. Strauss-Kahn said of the eventual cy consensus BRIC countries European and Japanese banking which in large part remain subor- SDRs (Special Drawing replacement for the dollar. "In a (Brazil, Russia, India and China) interests lead to the integration of dinate to Western banking inter- Rights) globalized world there is no are expected to participate and in the Euro and the dollar into a sin- ests, will perform a significant role A Special Drawing Right (SDR) domestic solution," he told a the revamping of the internation- gle global currency? This integra- in central banking functions at a is the monetary unit of the forum. Mr. Strauss-Kahn al monetary system. Russia and tion would lead to reinforcing the global level. Moreover, this initia- reserve assets of the expressed concern that political China have put forth "proposals" hegemonic control of a small tive occurs at a time of East West International Monetary Fund willingness to overhaul the inter- which have been highlighted as number of global banking and confrontation, amidst veiled US- (IMF). The unit was created in national monetary system will fal- possible alternatives to the dollar. financial institutions over the NATO threats directed against 1969 in support of the Bretton ter if, in a year's time, the visible China has proposed the formation process of money creation. This, Russia as well China. The estab- Woods system of fixed exchange signs of the economic crisis have of a new global currency based on in turn, would overshadow the lishment of a new global currency rates to alleviate the shortage of faded. Former IMF Chief, Michel a reform of SDR system. Li functions of national central and central banking system is an U.S. dollar and gold reserves in Camdessus, said time was of the Rouge, Chairman of the Export- banks, encroach on the sover- instrument of global economic the expansion of international essence to embark on reform of Import Bank of China has men- eignty of the Nation State and domination which is intimately trade. The SDR unit is defined as the global monetary system. tioned "It is a feasible plan to eventually lead to a new phase of related to the broader US-NATO a weighted sum of contributions Camdessus gave broad backing to reform the present SDR and make the global debt crisis. If SDRs military agenda. While the SDR of four major currencies, reevalu- a recent proposal by Chinese cen- it into a real settlement currency, emerge as a global currency, it basket composition could be ated and adjusted every five tral bank governor Zhou a universally accepted 'currency would no longer be an accounting modified or revised, it is unlikely years, and computed daily in Xiaochuan that an expanded SDR basket' that would replace the unit but a unit of currency in a that the Yuan and the Ruble terms of equivalent United States could eventually replace the dollar dollar at the heart of the mone- basket. Actual central banking would be allowed to perform a dollars. Special Drawing Rights as the global reserve currency. As tary system." On the other hand, functions, however, would not role as major reserve currencies. are not a currency, but they rep- a corollary of a strengthened role Russian President Dmitry necessarily be transferred to the What is more likely to occur is the resent potential claims on the cur- for the SDR, governance changes Medvedev has explicitly ques- IMF, but, they would remain in formation of a global proxy cur- rencies of the IMF members. were needed at the Fund to shift tioned the composition of the SDR the hands of four constituent cen- rency predicated largely on the SDRs obtain their reserve asset power to big emerging econo- basket and has called upon the tral banks - The US Federal Euro and the US dollar. In power from the commitments of mies, Mr. Camdessus said. Zhou IMF "to expand the currency bas- Reserve, the European Central response to the Dollar-Euro hege- the IMF member states to hold Xiaochuan, the governor of the ket of SDRs to include the Bank based in Frankfurt, the Bank mony, Russia, China and the and honor them for payment of People's Bank of China - China's Chinese yuan, commodity curren- of England and the Bank of member states of the Shanghai balances. When Special Drawing central bank, recently suggested cies and gold in order that it Japan. The IMF is a bureaucracy Cooperation Organization (SCO) Rights were created in one SDR that replacing the dollar with the matures into a reserve currency." which serves the interests of may decide to develop bilateral was defined as the value of International Monetary Fund's Leading to Single Global major private financial institu- trading arrangements in Rubles or 0.888671 grams of gold. After the (IMF) special drawing rights Monetary Policy tions. While the IMF would for- Yuan. Although Indian economy is breakdown of the fixed exchange (SDR) as the dominant reserve Richard N. Cooper Maurits C. mally be responsible for oversee- also growing as well it still keeps rate system, SDRs were defined currency would bring greater sta- Boas, professor of international ing a global currency, the IMF silent as sleeping tiger. in terms of a basket of major cur- bility to the global financial sys- economics at Harvard, in a 1984 would not actually be responsible 20 Canada Newsline JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal 2010: AN INTERNATIO NAL Canada and Ontario Partner to YEAR FO R CANADA Build New Arts and Cultural Centre Investment will create local Ontario's Muskoka region. jobs, stimulate the economy and Immediately afterward, Canada contribute to the revitalization of will host the G-20 Summit, which Regent Park OTTAWA - Prime Minister will take place in Toronto. The A new 68,000 square foot arts Stephen Harper today highlighted leaders of the world's most indus- and cultural centre will be built in Canada's upcoming leadership of trialized countries gather annually Toronto's Regent Park, as a result major international events in at the G-8 summits to discuss a of a joint Canada-Ontario invest- 2010, including the Olympic and broad range of issues, such as fis- ment announced today by the Paralympic Games as well as the cal and monetary policy coordina- Honourable John Baird, Canada's G-8 and G-20 Summits. Canada tion and international develop- Transport and Infrastructure will also host the North American ment. Industrialized and leading Minister, and the Honourable Leaders' Summit. emerging countries also meet Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture "The world will turn its gaze regularly at G-20 meetings, which for Ontario, on behalf of the on Canada in 2010. In February have become an important inter- Honourable Gerry Phillips, Minister and March, we will be hosting the national forum to advance eco- of Energy and Infrastructure for Olympic and Paralympic Games, nomic cooperation. on the world stage, while Ontario. The project will create and in June, the G-8 and G-20 "The G-8 and G-20 summits in enabling it to promote Canadian jobs in the short term and benefit summits," said Prime Minister 2010 are opportunities for Canada values such as human rights, Hon. John Baird the community of Regent Park for Harper. "We plan to use these to contribute to discussions aimed democracy and the rule of law. years to come. can be substantially completed by two summits to continue playing at reaching a consensus on com- We will also meet with our North "Under the leadership of Prime March 2011. The contribution a leadership role on issues of mon global issues," said Prime American partners and our dis- Minister Stephen Harper, our from the Government of Ontario importance to Canadians." Minister Harper. "They also pro- cussions will focus on the econo- Government has announced hun- will be from the two-year, $32.5 Canada will chair the G-8 vide unique opportunities for my, energy and climate change, dreds of infrastructure projects billion infrastructure commitment Summit, which will be held in Canada to exercise its leadership and security." throughout Toronto that will stim- laid out in the 2009 provincial ulate the economy and create budget, Confronting the India Goes Green, Ontario Gets Green Jobs jobs," said Minister Baird. "Regent Challenge: Building Our Economic Park's new arts and cultural centre Future. New Partnerships Worth $650 Million W ill Create Green Tech Jobs In Ontario will be an important part of this The construction of a new arts Ontario's trade mission be coming to Toronto -- the first signed here in India will mean community once complete, and is and cultural centre is part of a wrapped up its eight-day visit to time this ceremony has taken good jobs for our families back among many remarkable projects multi-phased revitalization of the India in Hyderabad early place in North America. The festi- home in Ontario. But they'll also in Toronto we are proud to be Regent Park neighbourhood, and December 2009, delivering new val will bring 40,000 visitors to the help India meet its goals of build- investing in." will help to improve cultural infra- deals that will create jobs in city, millions in revenue and reach ing a greener, more sustainable "The McGuinty Government structure while creating local jobs Ontario and a greener environ- a worldwide television audience economy. And that benefits not understands the tremendous in Toronto. The new centre will ment for all. of 350 million people. only Indians, but Ontarians and impact of arts and cultural initia- include office space; a multi-pur- All together, the 27 businesses While in Hyderabad, Premier people all around the world." tives on communities and neigh- pose arts space to accommodate and institutions on the mission McGuinty participated in a plena- - Dalton McGuinty bourhoods," said Minister Carroll. a wide variety of performances, signed agreements totalling $650 ry session and signing ceremony. Premier of Ontario "We are therefore investing in the festivals, celebrations and events; million -- with additional Later in the day he joined a QUI CK FACTS Regent Park Arts and Cultural as well as space for not-for-profit Memoranda of Understanding roundtable discussion at the Hyderabad is the fifth largest Centre which will impact the arts and cultural organizations to that will see Ontario and India Indian School of Business for a metropolis of India. neighbourhood and Toronto in a lease studio or rehearsal space. firms continue to develop discussion on global trade. The Financial Times recently wonderfully positive way." Construction will begin in early stronger ties into the future. He ended the day with a tree- ranked the Indian School of The Governments of Canada 2010, with completion expected One major highlight of the planting ceremony at the Business one of the world's top 15 and Ontario will each invest up to by March 2011. trade mission was the Confederation of Indian Industry's business schools. $12 million towards the project. To date, the Governments of International Indian Film Sohrabji Godrej Green Business More than 2,600 environmen- The contribution from the Canada and Ontario have Academy's announcement that Centre. tal technology companies are Government of Canada will be announced close to $11 billion in their 2011 awards ceremony will "The agreements we've based in Ontario. under the new $4-billion Infra- joint funding for more than 2,600 structure Stimulus Fund, which infrastructure projects across the provides funding to construction- province to stimulate the economy Rocco Rossi to run for Toronto Mayor ready infrastructure projects that and create jobs.

Rocco Rossi, the former and Princeton. He held senior New Year Greetings... Page 1 Poem Translation National Director of the Liberal positions in the private sector Thou with sparkling eyes come, come, come Strong hearted thou come, come, come Party and former CEO of the which included Boston Thou with sweet words come, come, come Heart & Stroke Foundation wants Consulting, the Toronto Star and And with firm shoulders come, come, come. to be Toronto's next Mayor. Labatt's. Thou with serene mind come, come, come Rossi was the first high profile Rossi is considered a very Seeing smallness thou rage come, come, come candidate to file his nomination capable individual, a good Thou with compassion for poverty come, come, come And with mounting pace come, come, come papers recently for the Mayoral fundraiser to attract both big bills Young Bharatha come, come, come Elections to he held this year. and small donations and a very Unmatched vigor thou hold come, come, come Rossi, born to Italian immigrants, experienced and effective admin- Thou waiting to rise in rayless land graduated from, McGill University istrator. And like the rising sun come, come, come Razed heartland to spruce afore Restore splendor thou come, come, come ECONOMICS Thou as having seen all illustriousness University Students !!!! And come illustrate with your eyes come, come, come Pressurized with yo ur wo rklo ads "For Tutorial Assistance"? Translation Services To Co mplete the fo llo wing pro fessio nal exams at first attempt: English to Tamil & Tamil to English Translation CSC - Canadian Securities Course Articles on any topic could be translated and typed at reasonable cost DFC - Derivatives Fundamental Co urse IFIC - Investment Institute o f Canada Prompt Efficient service | Satisfaction Guaranteed O peratio ns Co urse Just Call: 416 525 8213 For Details: Call Raj: 416-412-1864 Arun Senathirajah, ACIB, MBA Banking Mgmt [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Events 21 Sri Lankan Accountants Association of Canada

7th Annual Dinner Dance of Sri Lankan Accountants Association was held on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at Claireport Banquet & Convention Centre in grand scale attended by its members, their family, friends and guests. Some of the photos are given here.

Coalition for Tamil Elections Canada holds poll on Vaddukkoaddai Resolution

99.82 percent of 48,583 island of Sri Lanka. voters mandated independent Coalition for Tamil Elections and sovereign Tamil Eelam in Canada on its website states, the poll conducted in 31 centres the question is once again across Canada by Coalition for being put to the Tamils in Tamil Elections Canada, on Canada, "to find out the current Saturday, Dec 19, 2009. validity of the political funda- The poll was based on "The mentals set by the Vaddukkoaddai Resolution" Vaddukkoaddai Resolution of which was declared by all Tamil 1976 that called for the creation political parties in 1976 after of Tamil Eelam". having had several meetings OFFICIAL POLL RESULTS: with Tamil organizations and it Total Voter turnout: 48, 583 was endorsed by an over- 48,481 Voted YES, 85 Voted whelming majority of Tamils in NO the 1977 General Election in the 99.82% YES And 0.18% NO 22 Monsoon Feature JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal Can India sustain Number 1 position? is hard work. But they would have can anyone doubt its efficacy? Both induces a fear factor. No other bats- to work harder to stay there his centuries were crucial to the man has reduced world-class because others would try to knock team's cause - the 110 in bowlers to helplessness as consis- them off the pedestal. They would Ahmedabad took India to a position tently in all forms of the game Rejoice. After 77 years of trying, have to be lot more consistent but of relative safety; his 100 in Mumbai recently as the Delhi opener. Only India is finally No 1 in the ICC Test it's not beyond them. They have got ensured that Murali wouldn't be the finest can achieve a strike rate cricket rankings. A 2-0 victory over the skills and talent and it's applica- able to take a second shot at us. of 100 plus in ODIs after playing Sri Lanka in a three Test series tion which is not always 100 per Why complain about methods when over 200 games - 102.09 in 211 makes you feel real good. Here's a cent." Ajit Wadekar counsels: "We it gives you the right results? games. His overall ODI average of review of the series: have to sustain this position as long The best thing about Dhoni is 33.98 may be modest by his own We have a lot to celebrate after as possible. We have been doing his level-headedness. At the post- standards, but in the last 20 our cricket squad's decisive victory well in international cricket but in match interview, he told Ravi innings, he has nearly averaged 50. over Sri Lanka in the three-Test recent times, we have been much Shastri that maintaining the No 1 That's despite being a relative fail- series at home. The triumph has more consistent, which has truly position would be the real chal- ure in the just-concluded series made India the world's No 1 outfit reflected on our top position today." lenge. That's a leader with a vision. against Australia. in the Test rankings. This singular E.A.S. Prasanna says the same I would reiterate, make him the Our bowling rose to the occa- Kanyalal Raina accomplishment is the outcome of a thing: "There is going to be added captain till the 2011 World Cup. sion. Pragyan Ojha bowled brilliant- collective endeavour. In terms of a with Rahul Dravid had come per- pressure on the team now. We need Dravid's contribution in the ly. His wickets were well earned. He grand individual effort in a team ilously close to breaking one of the to do lot of homework now on to series was second to none. His 177 wins battles in the air. That makes event Virender Sehwag has added oldest records of the game the sustain that position with the saved us in the first Test. him an all-wicket bowler. He should to our joy by coming close to highest partnership in Tests, inci- knowledge that other countries are Otherwise, we might have had a be an asset to the side for years. achieving a record third triple 100s. dentally scored by an Indian pair in also developing faster." All of them totally different end to the contest. Sreesanth won us the game in Before we return to his gallant deed the 1950s. But a few runs away are grateful to the team for having He had another ton in the second Kanpur. That's really cool. But let us let us savour the team conquest from the record Sehwag threw it realised their dream. That is why Test and scored 70 plus again in the see whether he can keep his disci- first. This is the first time that India away. Later he confessed that he they are concerned about the third. We saw a new Dravid this pline and intensity intact. Zaheer has achieved the first position in the was unaware of the record. And future. It is in this context that one time - he was ready to be more was disappointing for much of the Tests. It has thus wound up 2009 in what's more he hadn't heard of takes heart from Dhoni's assertion. aggressive, more adventurous. series. But then he was making a the Test area on a remarkable note. either Vinoo Mankad or Pankaj Roy, The Indian captain believes: "To be One would have liked to know what comeback. He surely made amends Now the challenge before it is to the legendary duo who held the the number one team we have to really brought about the change in on the last day with 4 wickets in stay on top in 2010 and afterwards. record. keep on doing well." his attitude. So why not him? Why hand. Hopefully, he will bowl with This is something easier said than It's this uncluttered approach The difference that just one does he have to be in the shadows more penetration and venom in the done. First, there are other nations that typifies Sehwag. In interviews man can make is evident from the every time? future. Harbhajan bowled better too in the field itching to occupy the he has repeatedly said one thing if example of Virender Sehwag. He is Two factors clearly went in our than he has been in recent times. slot. If South Africa beat England 2- the ball is there to be hit he will do one reason that the India-Sri Lanka favour in this series. Our catching, He got India crucial breakthroughs. 0 in their upcoming series, for so. And if records tumble along the series will be talked about for long. as Dhoni too pointed out, was pret- So good for him. instance, it will regain the top spot way, so be it. It can't get any sim- He nearly became the first batsman ty good. Unlike the Lankans who Unfortunately, the special tri- again. As it turns out India on the pler, can it? It's worth recalling a in the world to score three triple were surprisingly butterfingered, umph comes at a time when Test other hand does not have a hectic story about the days when Sehwag centuries --- his double triple 100s we snapped up nearly everything. cricket doesn't figure high in the pri- Test schedule ahead --- just two was playing county cricket, recount- (against Pakistan at Multan and The umpiring decisions, espe- ority of anybody in India: neither tests against Bangladesh in the next ed by none other than Shane against South Africa at Chennai) cially in the third Test, also went BCCI nor the cricketers, neither six months. Given the paucity of the Warne. It so happened that Sehwag have already brought him on a par much in our favour. I would say, it sponsors nor the fans. Apart from Test schedule it may find it difficult was facing one of the many with Australian legend Don made a difference to the outcome. Kanpur, the turn-out of spectators to keep the present glory in tact. Pakistani practitioners of reverse Bradman and West Indian great Dilshan got two rank bad decisions was pretty disappointing. That is something beyond the swing. He went up to his batting Brian Lara. Another triple century in Mumbai. If something like that India's top position in the Test team's hands. There is no doubt mate and said he had a plan to would have put him ahead of them. had happened to one of our top rankings will hopefully increase what we have presently is the coun- counter the swing. The next ball He missed the target in the third batters, we would have had a spectator interest in the largest for- try's best ever cricketing side so far was whacked out of sight. The ball Test by just seven runs. national debate. Besides, Dravid mat of the game. With some luck, it with a solid batting line-up up to No was duly replaced and the reverse Nevertheless his has been "an epic and Tendulkar and others also got will also spur BCCI to show more 7. It has a formidable bench swing successfully nullified. knock." His 284 runs in a single day decisions to their advantage. That sense in the scheduling of the strength because of which Gautam Earlier, during the disastrous ranks only behind Walter surely helped our cause. matches. In Ahmedabad, the Test Gambhir can be allowed to take off 2002-03 series against New Hammond's 295 and Bradman's Of course, there was the began on Monday and ended on from one match and Harbhajan Zealand, he was the only Indian 309. His 200 - reached in a mere Sehwag factor. He can make batting Friday. In Kanpur, it began on Singh can be taken off an entire batsmen to get two match-winning 168 balls - is the second quickest in look as easy as drinking tea. He Tuesday, and as luck would have it, series. Little giant Sachin Tendulkar, ODI hundreds on violently seaming Tests. And, 443 is the most runs deserved the man of the series again ended on Friday. That means who has been part of successive tracks. Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly scored by India in a day in Tests award. Without his pacy knocks, there was no Test cricket on week- Indian teams for more than two and Sachin collectively scored 215 and its major share has come from the outcomes would have been dif- end in either of the cities. In the decades now, has rightly put it: "I runs at an average of 10.75. None Sehwag. He has hit Murali ferent. At least in Mumbai, the 1970s and 80s, that was unthink- would not hesitate to say that this is of them scored a single knock Muralitharan, doubtless one of the Lankans could have escaped with a able. I know the BCCI has more the best team I have ever played above 25. Tendulkar managed only greatest spinners, so mercilessly draw. He is a game changer. Barring dates to manage now. But surely with." At the same time we must two runs in three innings at an that one of the Sri Lankan cricketers one, each innings had a strike rate with a bit of intent, weekend dates realise our inherent problem. We average of less than 1. Sehwag has admitted that he has never of 70 plus, amazing by Test stan- might have been accommodated. may win the No 1 slot in all forms of scored 299 runs at 42.71 out of the seen something like this before. It is dards. The 319 against South Africa Clearly for BCCI, Tests are no prior- the game but invariably we are not team's 916, almost 1/3rd of the being said for a long time that in Chennai last year had come off ity. able to stick to it. team's tally. Murali lives on his reputation rather just 304 balls - the fastest triple You could almost hear a nation- A thin Test schedule apart it is than his actual performance these hundred ever scored. In terms of wide sigh of disappointment when our form which is perpetually open That's what makes Sehwag so days. This observation is not at all strike rate, not even Sir Donald Virender Sehwag spooned a catch to question because of its inconsis- special, and any predictions about meant to demean him. Any such Bradman had done better. When back to the bowler within sniffing tency. The best of our match-win- him so utterly futile. After his last thought is far from our mind. All of Sehwag is at the crease, anything distance of a triple hundred. The ners miserably collapse at times. innings, most cricket pundits are us tend to lose energy and skills seems possible. Like making Murali regret was possibly most acute for The impression about the team is finally beginning to take out the ifs with advancing years and Murali look like a club bowler. Like almost hacks in newspapers and television that it is very difficult to be tamed in and buts that inevitably crept in can't be an exception to this natural scoring 300 runs days in less than a channels who had been dreaming its den. What is left unsaid is that it when one discussed Sehwag. He's phenomenon. We are, therefore, single day's play. Like smashing the up banner size headlines and spe- is vulnerable on the outside turf. Sri being compared with the all-time not much appreciative of Sehwag's first three balls he faces on tour for cial shows from the night before. Lanka's deputy coach Stuart Law is batting greats. It's time too that we remark that offence is the best pol- sixes as he did in New Zealand ear- They were literally willing Sehwag not the only one to admit this: "It's do away with such epithets as the icy against Murali --- in his heyday lier this year. When he hits the to take a crack at cricket immortali- difficult to play them in their own Nawab of Najafgarh, which is so the latter has been a scourge of fastest ever ODI century by an ty by crossing the 400-run barrier. backyard, as you get found it." often used to describe Sehwag. Yes, batsmen. Nevertheless we must Indian, it is almost expected. But the man himself had other Before him Australian captain Ricky he might have grown up in the out- give Sehwag the credit he deserves Sehwag is the only current batsman plans, as he always seems to. Just Ponting has echoed similar senti- skirts of Delhi, but do we geograph- immensely for his own enterprise. in international cricket with two Test seven runs short of what would ments: "They definitely play a lot ically limit a Sachin or Lara? Let us He has also let out a secret of his triple tons. Both were scored at have been a record-breaking triple better at home than they do when accept that Sehwag is up there with resounding success: "I always tell breathtaking speed against even better than the Don himself they travel." It is another thing that the very best. myself to bat the full day, and if respectable attacks: Pakistan and Sehwag holed out. Not for him the he proved himself wrong in the Let us hope India retains this there is a ball to be hit, just hit it." South Africa. He is a more prolific boring accumulation of records and seven One-day Internationals number 1 position through its own Such confidence will enable India "big" innings player than anybody in statistics. He had said that he want- against India in India not very long hard work and by learning and prove that its current achievement world cricket. Twelve of his last 13 ed to score a double century in this ago this year. understanding the lessons from is not just a flash in the pan. hundreds have been 150 plus: 284 game. Deed done, he headed back It is, therefore, in the interest of Australian who held this number 1 Like Sehwag, MS Dhoni often not out, 131, 201 not out, 319, 151, to the pavilion. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his col- position for a pretty long time. doesn't get much credit for what he 180, 254, 201, 173, 164, 155, 309, leagues to keep in mind all that the Kanayalal Raina does for the team and the country. 195. Should we have been surprised? veterans of the game have to say. Brampton based marketing and I agree that the Indian captain's Sehwag too is a dominator, a Not one bit. Have we forgotten that Sunil Gavaskar has made a perti- engineering consultant batting style is pretty ungainly. But game changer. In bowlers, he this was the same man who along nent point: "Getting to number one Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Feature 23 Significance to reaching age 65

I was lying in bed early one begun planting the clues and that I I believe the right answer is, morning, thinking how it was just a would have to wait. The hardest "NO!" It makes no difference that couple of hours before I turned 65. thing for me to do is to wait. we have reached 65. No we do not I had reached a point in life where I tried to figure out what could think old age, we do not act old age reeling off the names of his movies. nothing mattered much. What has keep me busy for the next 15 min- and we do not feel old age. "No," There is another equally telling inci- growing up done to me? Phew! utes. I picked up a nail cutter and may be the "right" answer; but not, dent. One day when he was sitting Slowly, I drifted into my childhood. began to cut my nails. I walked out at least in my case, precisely the in his office another hero of the pre- Back then, I was careless and free, of the room with a confident smile correct answer. We may object vious decades walked up to him and the sky was my canvas. I troubled and very pathetically done nails. strenuously, that 65 is no portal to literally begged him of a brief role. my mother endlessly, was my I ran to the kitchen again, turn- old age in today's world. The age Both these stars shall remain name- father's darling right from the ing things around, picking up some- may have held some importance in less here. Suffice it to say that in moment I arrived in this world. My thing. After effective guidance and the past, but not today. The their haydays the two were crowd parents smothered me with love, some brainstorming, I found my moniker of old age was coined at a stoppers. sang sweet lullabies, and gently next clue. My wife, who found all time when people faced a relatively In the first instance, what we cajoled me out of the cradle and this passé, watched with a 'What limited lifespan and 65 was indeed come across is the inability of an old into the walkie-talkie world. Days you are up to?' expression. a very old in relation to that expect- man with the decline in his fame. In turned into months and months into I was so engrossed in finding ed life span. the other happening the man is not years. I was transported back in my clues that I didn't realise when Before leaving the point of sig- just bothered about what he has time when my young sisters and I the clock struck 8:am, I didn't hear nificance of age 65, it may be well been in the past. For him the battle would sneak towards the pandals the mobile and telephone ringing, to understand our choice of words is that of survival. How does one (platform) where Ramlila would be as my daughters from India were individual's experience of turning and meanings here - our attitudes explain this phenomenon? Does it enacted in full swing, where those calling me to say Happy Birthday, 65. Some things do change on that towards the age may turn on what not remind us of the American poet mythological legends held sway, nor did I hear my wife singing, birth date. Historically there is some we think we are talking about. Emily Dickinson: "Fame is a bee; it leaving an impact on the psyche in "Tum Jiyo Hazaaro Saal..." public policy significance to age 65; I like to start my search for def- has a song; it has a sting; ah, it has that subdued way. I was in my world, where I was you qualify for being called senior inition by going to the source: "The a wing too?" One thinker has put it To this day, I remember the var- a pirate looking for my treasure. I citizen, start getting pension- social Oxford English Dictionary." The def- succinctly: "Fame is a vapour, popu- ied details of many a legendary tale finally did find the treasure; I felt I security payments, and senior dis- inition given in that master piece of larity an accident, and riches take not because of what lay fitted in had earned my childhood back. counts on public transportation and compilation in this:- wings. Only one thing endures and those textbooks but what I saw and My wife very implicitly made me at selected malls and you get to sit Old Age: The later part of life; that is character." Just think over it. heard on those roughly erected realise that I was 65 only on paper. in the senior citizen seats in the the period of life after youth and Ancient wisdom is still relevant that platforms and pandals. There were "3 idiots" is a perfect example, subway, trains or bus. You qualify middle age; the state of having one should not lose oneself while not many distractions either as where you see 44 year Aamir acting for OHIP Health coverage, Income existed for a relatively long time, seeking fame. those were simple times. The idiot as a 22 year young on his very first tax concessions, little things yes, usually with reference to deteriora- So what difference does a day box had yet to emerge, the Internet day at the Imperial Engineering but you notice. Something tells you, tion. or a year make? What happened to and computer games were unheard College to escape getting ragged. things are different now. At this Other definitions: me on that day when I turned 65 of, and malls were yet to come up An Edison-in-the-making, he age, you cannot afford to be rude Old Age: The latter part of and for the days following was a with their gaudy, distracting fare. believes in striving for excellence, and cranky. (human) life, old age begins with dawning realization that somehow, As I grew up, it seemed I had which, in fact, is the core message Coming back to the issue of age deterioration of physical abilities I had slipped into old age and shall been growing rather swiftly. I had of the film. But I am all grown up 65 being seen as synonymous with such as sight, hearing, walking continue in this way till death my education, nice job, started a and as long as I wore my glasses I old age, my personal issue with the (stick required) etc., or by definition knocks me down. career as a businessman, consult- am viewing the world differently. age 65 designator is not that it is at a certain age ( e.g., 65 in present Is this a correct way to describe ant, travelled to various countries, The sky could still be my canvas as false (for indeed I am undeniably time) and ends in death. life? Many believe in this way of liv- almost all the countries and many a long as I dared to hold a brush even 65) but with a correlation of this For the sake of argument- let us ing life mechanically from birth to time during the Christmas holidays I when I 'looked' old. The rational birth date with the onset of a social accept the definition of old age as death. The fact is that life is much had been away from my home part of me argued that this birthday phenomenon labelled "Old Age." time following the passing of one's more than a sheer mechanical liv- country and celebrated my birthday was no different from any other More precisely I am concerned 65th birthday. What kind of issues ing. Life provides plenty of adven- in a different place amongst clients day. The condition of the world the about the connotations that attach we may deal with, if we suspend ture and opportunities to those who and or friends. day before I reached this milestone themselves to the category old age. our incredibility at the thought of live every moment of it mindfully. Now finally in Canada it seems was qualitatively the same as the Even a cursory review of contempo- being of old age and think about So what exactly is life? We have a my kismat and destiny has been day after my 65th birthday. And yet, rary writings expresses what one our future life? At 65, what are the few options to describe life as per- switching hands. I must have done is there any significance to reaching felt to the characteristic of old age. questions we may now think of for ceived by our men of wisdom. Life something very good in my past life the age 65? Some 30 percent of ages 65 and our remaining life? Generally speak- could also be compared to a train as I am now at Shri Ram Mandir. It Maybe with age and daily life older experience some loss of blad- ing one way of looking at life is that journey where all are traveling is normally believed that good chores we become too used to play- der control. Over age 65, sleep man enters the world from one door towards our destination. We meet thoughts lead to good habits, which ing the different 'roles' we are tends to be more fragmented and and leaves it from another. Man new people who enter our compart- lead to good actions and these expected to. I've always wondered achieving dream sleep or deep enters the world when he is born, ment and then there are those who actions, when directed well, lead to at the almost robotic way of life that sleep is more difficult. Stroke has he grows up, gets educated, leave our compartment at different good intentions, which make you I have functioned all these years. I been the 2nd most leading cause of obtains a job for his living, gets stations never to meet again. This who you are and that leads to one's forgot the imaginary world I once death in people above 65. A study married, brings up children, gets old happens in worldly life where we destiny. Here I am trying my best in lived in. Now, 65 is just another made by pioneering sexologist and leaves the world by another meet some for the first time and everything that I do but I do not number! Alfered Kinsey showed that about door at the end of his life span. loose some of our dear ones for worry about the results. A saying I It was now time to go to Shri twenty five percent of males are Another way is life is a battle ever. Our relationship in life is not firmly believe in is: Kyon dare zinda- Ram Mandir. It was Sunday and impotent by age 65, fifty percent at because no one will give room to permanent as people come and go gi mein kya hoga, kuch na hoga to Pandit Roopnauth Sharma the spiri- 75, and seventy five percent at 80. you; we have to create it for our- from our life. Some time the train tajurba to hoga (What is the point tual leader, as usual was at his best, By age 65 estimated 35 percent of selves. Human life is not pro- passes through green fields and in being apprehensive of what will whose sermons are listened to by us produce no stomach acid at all. grammed. We have a free will to be sometime later through barren happen? If nothing, you will be rich- hundreds of devotees, with great Not to say there are not some what we want to be. When we look ground, sometime through a tun- er by experience). Our experiences interest here. I then realised that good things about what we might inwardly we find that we are fight- nel. This compares with the pleas- are also based on our past-life Gurinder Singh our youngest tabla expect when we reach 65. ing the inner battle continuously. ant and unpleasant situations which karma. We try to correct our wrongs teacher was also celebrating his About two thirds of migraine Fighting the outer battle of life we meet in life. There are some in and approach life positively. Karma birthday he completed his quarter sufferers stop having attacks alto- means tackling our day to day prob- the train who are traveling in a and kismat are closely interlinked century (25 years), Tara Maharaj, gether by age 65. Patients over 65 lems, I am relating this to us, our higher class while the majority is thus. (secretary of Shri Ram Mandir's who still have migraines report family, our profession and our soci- traveling in the lower class. Those Thinking about all this, I walked committee and Director of Canada drastically decreased severity, dura- ety. Since, we live in two worlds the who are traveling in higher class are into the bathroom and accidentally Hindu Heritage Kala Niketan School tion and frequency in their attacks. outer and inner; simultaneously a those who are spiritually evolved. set my eyes on something pasted of Performing Arts) who completed Self employment increases with battle has to be fought, firstly to The number is very small as on the mirror. I knew it was my her half century (50th year) and age, with the most dramatic jump evolve oneself and secondly to compared to the worldly people wife's little happy-birthday-surprise. myself who turned 65 now walked occurring at age 65. become a useful member of society who are in the majority and are I realised, that she had organised a into the seniors league. So while I may be making a big deal while contributing towards its effi- traveling in the lower class in the treasure hunt for me. I felt so many announcing our birthday, he sang about an issue no one cares about. ciency. The hardest battle you have train. While doing so we should lis- things at the same time - excite- his favourite "Happy Birthday" song So what possible difference could it to fight is the battle to be just you. ten to the advice of Lord Krishna. ment, surprise - I was delighted and to the delight and joy of over 400 make in our day-to-day lives if we A poignant tale as told by a He gave to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita also touched. I read the clue, it was strong devotees, who had assem- are thought of in some socially Mumbai-based film actor who hap- that we should live life in spirit of easy and I ran to find the next clue. bled to hear his pravachan, and derived normative measure to be a pened to be one of my relatives. Yajna or Sacrifice doing our best to I started scanning each and everyone participated too, in the manifestation of old age? Does our According to him he was shocked look after the welfare of others. We every corner of the kitchen; I knew birthday song in a chorus. age dictate what we feel, or do, or when one day outside a studio he should develop sun like affection, the next clue was nearby. With all Reaching 65 is indeed signifi- think? And is "Old Age" quantita- saw a leading star of yesteryears river like generosity and earth like the noise I was making, my wife cant, but much of the significance is tively different from "middle age" or frantically introducing him to hospitality. came out from another room, symbolic or inferential, established any other marked period of our passers-by. "Do you know me? I am Kanayalal Raina alarmed, and told me she had just more by societal norms than by an lives? ...," he would say and then go on 24 Monsoon Feature JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal

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Detstroyed Satkottai Thurgai Amman Temple. Media was kept busy Watching the damaged properties

The villagers of Satkottai gathered to witness as the boats are being witnessing the devastation wrought on her country by These children lost their homes in the tsunami removed from the sea shore. December’s Indian Ocean tsunami

By K. Thirukumaran I heard a noise and everybody started to run. I he aftermath of the Dec 26th also ran and climbed on a tree. I saw my little T2004 tsunami and the continu- “ ing devastating impact on all af- sister under that tree. And later she was washed fected communities in Sri Lanka’s away. I witnessed it. But I never saw her body. I was North, South and Eastern prov- told that, she died on the way to the hospital inces have been brought via picto- rial journals on HumanityAshore. Today’s pictorial, “Nobody’s ” org since January 2005. No other people” caught in the “buffer zone” Pix: Dushiyanthini journal has covered all areas of Sri discusses the plight of people in Kanagasabapathipillai Lanka in this extensive manner. Sainthamaruthu, in the Eastern [email protected] HumanityAshore featured places courtesy: humanityAshore.org such as Pathirajagama in the South, Province on the fifth anniversary of the tsunami. Satkottaiin the North, and Alles Garden in the East among several But a run down the memory lane then and the humanitarian chal- others in the photo essays by Dushi- today helps us remember the tragic lenges that come in the aftermath aftermath, tasks that were ahead of humanitarian sufferings. yanthini Kanagasabapathipillai. “Queen of the Sea” was bound from Colombo to Matara on 26th of December 2004. It was roared by the Tsunami in Peraliya. Approximately 1,500 people were killed.

In the following article Jour- 30 children are alive. And they nalist Dushiyanthini Kanagas- are relocated to a different place bapathipillai writes about her inland now. Most of the children experiences of beginning to here are affected by the Tsunami. cover the tsunami by recalling Either they have lost their beloved the immediate aftermath: brothers and sisters or struggled to “I feel guilty, that I could not save survive. They can’t eat, sleep or Arabi. I lost control and let her die. I play. The cherished memories of am responsible for her death. I can- the loved ones keep bothering these not forget her, because I loved her children. They are unable to forget so much” says 13 years old Niran- the past. The lost loved ones stayed, jala Balakrishnan and she burst into ate, slept and played together. They tears in Mullaitivu, North East of get up in the night and shout. Sri Lanka , under the control of the Mullaitivu was one of the worst Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. affected areas by Tsunami. “Tender Sprout” was located “I was putting cover for the new in the coastal area of Mullaitivu, exercise books ,and getting ready for North East of Sri Lanka. This home the new school term, which was sup- posed to begin in early January 2005. Mass grave on the sea shore for the people, who were killed by the Tsunami in Manatkadu-Jaffna District, North of Sri Lanka. for the war orphans had 175 chil- dren when Tsunami hit, now only See Page 30... Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Events 29 AB Legal Services Annual Party held during December 2009 Photos by Kugan Studio

Childeren at stage singing Guests at event-Chiropractor and his wife

Guna Ehamparam, Kauvsegan Ehamparam, Bas Balkissoon, MPP, Scarborough Rouge Guests at function River & Jeyadevan

Guna Ehamparam, Kauvsegan with some guests for group photo “Lighting the Lamp” Ceremony

Ms. Shagana Ehamparam performing at AB Legal Services Event Yuvanthan, Guna Ehamparam, Chiropractor, Kulam and Jeyadevan 30 JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal In Thiraaimadu, Batticaloa: Self-confidence and courage amidst multiple tragedies by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai lost my house in Tsunami in 2004 in ticaloa Teaching Hospital. Her average “But I have decided to live,because of “IKallady. I built the house not with monthly income is Rs.18,800/= my daughter.Now she is grown up, she is my sweat, but with my blood ” recalls Triple sister became widows in 1990. 21 years-old&I have to find a good job Rajeswary Sithravadivel. Rajeswary Sithravadivel and her two el- and life partner for her”. “I took a big loan & built the house,I der sister’s husbands went missing from “I have searched for my husband,but could not bear it was completely de- Batticaloa in 1990. found him nowhere.I began to cultivate stroyed” says Rajeswary Sithravadivel “It was a tragedy.All three of us with self-confidence and led my life all alone with tears filled eyes. children had to face the same situation. from 18th June 1990″. She got some help from the Govern- We consoled each other” says Rajeswary “I raised my daughter alone with so ment & an NGO and managed to build a Sithravadivel many difficukties,and educated her. She lives a life without father’s love”. At 44 Raj eswary Sithravadivel is still struggling to “I have double tragedy in my family, and I wish nobody in the world should face the survive with her daughter.She got her husband’s same situation. It’s heartbreaking!”. death certificate after 10 years. She makes candles & incense sticks at home & sells in order to earn an extra income to support her family and earns small house in Thiraaimadu, where Tsu- At 44 Rajeswary Sithravadivel is still monthly Rs.8,000/=-Rs.10,000/=. nami resettlement houses are built. struggling to survive with her daughter. She encourages single women to have She got displaced twice in her life-In She got her husband’s death certificate self-confidence, and work hard. She- ad 1983 from Colombo to Batticaloa after after 10 years. vices fellow women to not give up under Residents with houses in the 65 meter “buffer Black July riots & in 1990 from Batti- “It was an arranged marriage.My hus- any circumstances. zone” established after the tsunami, caloa to Colombo. band was from Velanai in Jaffna.We led Pix: Dushiyanthini still languish in squalid camps in She went back to Batticaloa in 1996. a happy married life.When my husband humanityAshore.org – Dec 26, 2009 Saainthamaruthu, Eastern Sri Lanka She works as a minor staff at the Bat- went missing,I was lost”.

Tsunami monument on the shore of Kaaraitheevu Tsunami warning tower is established in the coastal line all over Sri Lanka The Wave of Killer.... (Pg28 cont...) to be with her, and my uncle who came to Sri Lanka. She wasn’t happy either. And later The President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Banda- Manchester from Toronto. I made a cup of my mobile was jammed. I was unable to get ranaike Kumaratunga, flew on the same flight. I heard a noise and everybody started to coffee. through to anybody from my mobile or others I called home, and my sources from wherever run. I also ran and climbed on a tree. I saw And switched on the television, and couldn’t get through to me on my mobile. and whenever possible to update myself. my little sister under that tree. And later she watched BBC World. Then I found out that But I managed to send text messages to And watched the television in the flight. was washed away. I witnessed it. But I never Tsunami has hit Sri Lanka. my colleagues. And I have already started to When I left London the death toll has already saw her body. I was told that, she died on the I immediately called my parents in Colom- make arrangements to my colleagues, who gone up to thousand. And it kept on increas- way to the hospital” says 9 years old Susi bo to see whether they were keeping well But were rushing to Sri Lanka for news cover- ing. I arrived at the Katunayake International Sinnathurai, who burst into tears. the telephone lines to Sri Lanka were not east age. Further I informed everybody that I am airport on 27th of December 2004 morning. There are more children, who do not know to get through. returning to Sri Lanka. My uncle and his I went to the office straight to pick up some what has happened to their loved ones. These I informed my uncle and aunt that I have to children came to the Heathrow airport to bid equipments. I pulled out some hot weather little children are already affected by the two return to Sri Lanka as soon as possible. Then goodbye. friendly clothes from my bag, as I had all decades of ethnic conflict. winter clothes to wear in London. And went I was in London in December2004 un- When I left London the death toll has already gone up to to the Ratmalana Domestic airport to catch a dergoing training, when Tsunami roared Sri thousand. And it kept on increasing. military flight. The scheduled flight was can- Lanka. celled due to the bad weather. I had a very late night on 25th of December I have decided to cancel my trip to Manches- Managed to speak to the Sri Lankan Air 2004, at my uncle’s house in London, as we But my aunt couldn’t come to the airport, ter, and return to Sri Lanka. force officers and got the permission to fly to as she was not feeling well. had a Christmas party. I could not fall asleep I called my cousin and uncle to say that, Koggala Air Force Base in the South of Sri at all, as I was thinking of traveling to Man- I can still remember very well, that she ad- “I am not coming to Manchester as I have Lanka. I flew with the military officers, who chester to see my uncle and aunt who have planned”. vised me “Dushi I know that, you have taken were dropped off at Peraliya, where the train come from Toronto to see their daughter. They were not happy to hear that from me, risks in the past. But make sure that you take accident took place. I saw the devastation from I got up at 4am and had a shower. I packed but there was no other choice. Then I called care of yourself, while being on the field and the aerial view first, while flying to Koggala. my bag, and got ready to catch the coach to my good friend and former colleague Frances keep us informed how you are keeping”. I And I started to click, by using my little Manchester, where my cousin lives., whom I Harrison and explained what has happened in boarded the Emirates flight. Canon, which produced See Page 32... have not seen for many years. I was planning Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Arts 31 Relieve Stressby Art The connection between strike, but more like something write name and then go back over This sets your mind up for disap- Creating Art and reducing your which manifests itself inside those the lines over and over again pointment and more stress stress levels is very systematical who learn to foster it and create thickening them and making them because it will not find any satis- Might Not Win an Award. But you and scientific. It is simple as the right conditions for it to pros- different with each pass. Your faction when it keeps expecting watched it grow from nothing into expressing what's really going on per. hand is making something hap- one thing and getting another. Art something and you were the cre- inside you through colors and Creativity in children encour- pen and your eyes are satisfied relieves stress when it is allowed ator, there is satisfaction that sat- brush strokes or something ages free expression, problem with what it sees, thereby send- to be anything that comes out of isfaction equals a reduction in abstract or spiritual. solving skills and open thinking. ing a message back to your brain the artist's hands. stress. There were always people like Creativity needs to be nurtured to and hand to keep working Human mind has the amazing Color is a living energy and the pope. They serve a certain thrive. Kids love the creative free- because it is relaxing, stress free ability to block out extra external property of light. Light is function, of course. They subsi- dom of open-ended art projects. activity. Even those who have stimuli and focus on one thing. absorbed and reflected we end up dize us. But, they don't create When they engage in self-direct- absolutely no artistic ability can You can practice a stress relieving with different colors. Human body anything and they must never be ed art activities it encourages color or paint with no specific goal art activities at any time or place- has energy fields (charkas) and allowed to stop the artist from them to explore and express in mind and still get the benefit just make sure you have a piece organs are comprised of vibrating creating. Creativity can solve themselves without rules. Parents that art relieves stress. of paper and pen. atoms. Humans have own unique almost any problem. The creative can encourage free expression in If you plan to relieve stress by Start with a blank sheet of energy system and organs have paper and a writing instrument. different vibrational patterns.

Statue Pinton Holy Family Dr. Fonseka and his wife with Logan Velumailum at Solo Art Show held during Oct 2009

Love (23X35) Acrylic On Canvas $ 500

Make large swirling or zigzag Colour as a Therapy is a truly movement all over the page for holistic, non-invasive and power- about 5-10 seconds. Stress reduc- ful therapy which dates back tion by creativity must be done thousands of years; evidence of without any expectations of what this can be found in ancient India, should be on the paper. China and Egypt. Colour as a Now you have something to therapy can be used for any prob- color in- use anything and start lem whether, physical, mental, coloring. Try anything- solid, emotional or spiritual for specific striped, polka dots, wavy lines, problems. The primary colors Professor Emeritus JUAN PASCUAL The Developmental Processes Lab at York University scribbling, try putting the paper describing art in psychoanalysis way reflected in the rainbow carry on a textured surface and color their own unique healing proper- act, the defeat of habit by origi- kids by providing them with mate- art don't expect a Masterpiece. over that. If you have some ties. The sun alone is a wonderful nality, overcomes everything and rials that can be used in various When seeking to reduce stress handy- try different colors. healer. Imagine what life would Creative minds have always been ways including: paint brushes, with creative activity, those who This can be done anywhere- be like without sunshine. Lack of known to survive any kind of bad modeling clay, paper, markers, do not have God given artistic tal- watching TV, in the dining room, sunlight contributes to depression training. scissors, pencils, paint, collage ent might fell stressed at the subway, cafe, alone, or in a loud for some people. It may not be able to be materials and old magazines. thought of trying to make art for room. Our eyes are the most Every child is an artist. The taught directly, but what you can The biology of Art relieves fear that it will "come out bad". dominant sense- so if it is a loud problem is how to remain an artist get better at is frequently aligning stress by creating endorphins on room- the activity the eye is once we grow up. ~ Pablo Picasso the circumstances of life which your body through the hand eye If given the opportunity of at focused on will be the most Dr. Fonseka - Clinician foster the greatest chances for movement and satisfaction it least few minutes, anyone can important to the brain at the time. [email protected] true creative expression. gives. Grab a pen or pencil and grab some paper and create any- The art you create is not for Creativity is not like a lightning randomly draw a line or even thing even if it is just a scribble. the general public However it

Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Events 33 Octogenarian father passes away in Sri Lanka military custody

Thiruvengadam Veluppillai Parvathiamma Veluppillai, Prabhakaran, Madhivathany and son Charles Anthony-Reuters pic Thiruvengadam Veluppillai breathed his Army custody Panagoda. last on Wednesday January 6th night. The The Veluppillais along with Mrs. Erambu, 86 year old father of the LTTE leader the mother of their daughter-in-law Veluppillai Prabhakaran's birthday was on Mathivathani had been detained at January 10th. Panagoda since July last year. The octogenarian hailing from the north- Several commemorative events paying ern coastal town of Valvettithurai and his homage to Thiruvengadam Veluppillai are wife Parvathiamma were held in Sri Lankan being held in Toronto and around the globe. Neethan Shan announces his candidacy for City Councillor in Ward 42 Neethan Shan, a long time community activist and a public school trustee, regis- tered his candidacy for the position of Councillor for the City of Toronto in Ward 42 at City Hall recently. In announcing his candidacy, Neethan stated, "I am running for this position so that I can bring the necessary profile and resources to Ward 42 and address a huge need to meaningfully connect the residents of the ward to the City Council". Neethan Shan has been working in Scarborough for the past ten years in many fields including education, children and youth work, employment, immigration and poverty reduction. Coalition for Tamil Elections Canada holds poll on Vaddukkoaddai Resolution

99.82 percent of 48,583 voters mandated Coalition for Tamil Elections Canada on its independent and sovereign Tamil Eelam in the website states, the question is once again being poll conducted in 31 centres across Canada by put to the Tamils in Canada, "to find out the cur- Coalition for Tamil Elections Canada, on Saturday, rent validity of the political fundamentals set by Dec 19, 2009. the Vaddukkoaddai Resolution of 1976 that called The poll was based on "The Vaddukkoaddai for the creation of Tamil Eelam". Resolution" which was declared by all Tamil polit- OFFICIAL POLL RESULTS: ical parties in 1976 after having had several meet- Total Voter turnout: 48, 583 ings with Tamil organizations and it was endorsed 48,481 Voted YES, 85 Voted NO by an overwhelming majority of Tamils in the 99.82% YES And 0.18% NO 1977 General Election in the island of Sri Lanka. HELP WAN TED Looking for Cook & Cashier Individuals who have experience in making South Indian o r Sri Lankan Foo d. No o dles, Kotthu Rotti, Pittu Mix, Milk Ho pper, Sho rt Eats, Bakery Items, and Indian Sweets etc. Full Time/ Part Time Salary Negotiable Please Co ntact: THAI RESTURANT (Catering & Take Out) MIDLAND AND EGLINTON. Near Kennedy Subway For mo re Info : 416-266-0542/ 416-300-5487 34 JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal India mourns southern film star Vishnuvardhan Battle begins from Pongal Porkalam

The film indus- Vishnuvardhan acted in 199 films in try in southern a career spanning 37 years, portraying a Indian state of wide range of characters including that Karnataka is in of an angry young man, a rebel and a re- mourning follow- former. ing the death of Born in September 1950 as Sampath one of its super Kumar in Mysore, he renamed himself as stars, Vishnu- Vishnuvardhan after beginning his film vardhan on Dec career. 30th, 2009. Vishnuvardhan Vishnuvardhan, whose 200th movie A report by By Omer Farooq of BBC- “Apatha Rakhshaka” is now ready for re- News.com announcing the passing away lease, was especially liked for his simplic- of this “Kannada” Super star said: ity and humble manners. Cinema halls, schools and studios were He was seen as the biggest star of Kan- closed and a holiday was declared by the nada movies after fellow thespian Rajku- state government. mar. Vishnuvardhan, 59, died of a heart at- Vishnuvardhan was especially re- tack in the early hours of Wednesday Dec nowned for his versatility and was an ac- 30th in the city of Mysore where he was complished singer. under treatment for leg pain. He won seven state awards, five Film- he world is a battle ground where only the just right for this role. He has performed with He is survived by his wife, also a popu- fare awards and was given a honorary Tfittest survive, so it is said. Porkalam is about ease and poise.‘The film is a dark story of love lar actress. doctorate by Bangalore University in rec- a man who fights against odds to stamp his su- and revenge’. Thousands of the actor’s shell-shocked ognition of his achievements. premacy, says debutant filmmaker Bandi Saroj Yuvan Shankar Raja has scored the music. fans lined up at a Bangalore college where Kumar. ‘He was very excited and agreed to do it as his body was kept in state. Produced by Bharani Minerals, Porkalam soon as he heard the script,’ says Saroj Kumar. At one point vehicles in the city were features Polladhavan-fame Kishore Kumar The film has been shot partly in Thailand and in attacked as frenzied fans jostled to catch playing the lead role along with comedian Karaikudi, Rameswaram and Madurai.‘Though a last glimpse of their hero. Police baton- Sathiyan. Tinnu Anand, Smitha, Lal, Biju Me- we completed the shooting in just 78 days, the charged fans who were trying to close non, Ponvannan, Santhana Bharathy and Sam- post-production work took a long time. We were shops and businesses in the city. path form part of the cast. careful that each shot should be different and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddy- The movie is complete and would hit the convey a meaning’, he adds. urappa was the first to reach actor’s home screens this Pongal. The director who also Dwelling further, he says, ‘I want my film to pay tributes. He announced a state fu- handles the story and script claims that there to be technically-rich. I would have tried this neral for him. are certain elements in the film which have not theme in the Telugu industry. But everyone en- Describing Vishnuvardhan as “a born been tried before in Tamil cinema. couraged me to do it in Tamil for the audience actor”, the chief minister said “Karnataka Fans of actor Vishnuvardhan mourn his death at Talking about Kishore, Saroj Kumar says, ‘I here are more informed and encouarge and has become poor in his death”. Chikmagalur in Karnataka-Photo PTI saw him in Polladhavan and felt that he was patronise such attempts’. [newstodaynet.com] At her classical best performance, I gave priority to Chennai,’ says Deepika Potrazu, whose arangettram takes place on Saturday at Music Academy, Chennai. Despite being in United States, Deepika has trained on daily basis in the traditional guruku- lam style for many years with teachers coming from India to US. ‘Every day she was trained at least for three hours and her deep veneration towards the art form Kuchipudi is what made her a talented dancer,’ says Dr Sreedhar Potrazu, her father and the prime sponsor of the Music Academy Dance Festival since its inception. hen Deepika Potrazu, a budding ‘It is not just about dance, but also about a WKuchipudi dancer, also a third genera- way of life,’ he adds. Deepika, a rising star in tion Indian-American settled in USA, decided Kuchipudi, had the opportunity to establish a to make her rangapravesham, she didn’t give it strong foundation in the fundamentals of dance a second thought. under the guidance of guru Vempati Chinna Sa- Instead of finding a venue at famous Sidwell tyam and Guru Vempati Ravishankar. Friends School in Washington, where she is a She also had the distinct opportunity of par- 11th grade student and US President Obama’s ticipating recent productions and programmes Fresh feel PUGAIPADAM children attend, Depika opted Chennai’s Music of Kuchipudi Art Academy in India and USA. Academy as the venue. Deepika’s mother Jyotsna Potrazu, is also an ampus love stories in Tamil cin- acquainted with Guru and his team and ‘I managed to be a dancer by giving priority accomplished Kuchipudi dancer. to various things. When it comes to my debut Cema are cliched as a rule. Romance befriends them. As days go by, Nandha [newstodaynet.com] blossoming among students has to be falls for Shiny’s pleasant ways. She too either frivolous or full of mushy senti- reciprocates. ments. Pugaipadam, the latest flick in The time comes when they have to Angadi Theru for January the genre, has broken some of these part ways. At the valedictory function, ground rules. Nandha and Shiny announce their de- ilmmaker Vasantha Ba- The movie speaks of friendship cision to get married. Everyone in the Flan, who made waves among college students with a fresh ap- gang is amused by the news. But the with Veyil is all set to release proach and gripping style. twist in the tale is Bala’s sudden deci- his long pending Angadi - sion to end his life. Why he does this Debutant filmmaker Rajeshsivalin Theru by January 2010. The gam, a former associate of Selvaragha- and what happens to his friends then film has newcomer Mahesh in van has helmed the film with a cast full forms the climax. the lead, pairing with Anjali of new faces. The newcomers have played their part of Kattradhu Thamizh fame. Pugaipadam is an interesting tale well, Sivam, Nandha and Harish are im- This Ayngaran Internation- interspersed with the requisite twists pressive while Priya Anandh is good at al Production venture is the and turns. With experienced hands like times. Shanmugasundaram plays a Ma- story of a salesgirl and sales- Gangai Amaran scoring the music and layalee professor. Neelima, Venkat and boy of a popular saree store B Lenin handling the editing, the film professor Gnanasamandham are also in in Chennai. The director had turns out to be a quality the cast. Young Vijay Armstrong’s lens even erected a realistic set Guru (Sivam), Nandha (Nandha), brings us fresh views of the beauty of that resembles T Nagar Ran- Bala (Harish), Krishna (Amjadh), KK Kodaikanal . (Yamini) and Gowri (Mrinalini) are all Pugaipadam is entertaining as it is ganathan Street with the help of art director GK. Magesh and Anjali (Angadi Theru) students of an engineering college. rich in emotion. Rajeshlingam belongs - Sources close to the production house con- They are close buddies and hang to the Selvaraghavan school of cinema, The film’s audio is interest ingly done by both G V Prakash and Vijay Antony firm that the film will be released on 25 January. out together most of the time. Enters having been mentored by the latter and was launched at a grand event recently. G V On the other hand, director Vasantha Balan is Shiny (Priya Anandh), the daughter of and it shows in the finesse of his work. Prakash is working with the director for the sec- discussing his next venture with his associates. George (Shanmugasundaram), a head Three cheers to him. ond time after a successful debut in Veyil. Writer of department of the college. Shiny gets [newstodaynet.com] Jayamohan has written the dialogues for the film. [newstodaynet.com] Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Feature 35 WORDS OF PEACE Flowers are significant, worship or no worship. If you look at it bio- logically, flowers are just reproduc- tion. You may be thinking these How to Be Complete flowers are wonderful ornaments for your gods, but as far as the flower is concerned, it is just trying As human beings, we can only you will do what others tell you to to attract the bee and reproduce experience life to the fullest when do. flowering of consciousness, itself. If you look at it just biologi- we are truly whole, says Maharaji, Life is not about what some- because fruit is always intending in cally as the scientists are looking at who has spent a lifetime bringing body else says to us, but what terms of, something must happen; it, flower is just another attempt to a message of peace to the world. wells up from the bottom of our you must get something out of it. reproduce. So that's one way to "We cannot be complete with- hearts. The day you accept this, That aspect is very dominant in the look at it. out knowing, without understand- fruit. There is a deep pleasure- you will wish, thirst, yearn for Another way is: a flower is the seeking in the fruit. But a flower, ing, without feeling the value, the happiness, for peace, for joy-not height of expression. For some- somebody who just enjoys life, he essence of ourselves," Maharaji anger and fear. body, flower may be God's own enjoys flowers. It is just a simple says. "Without that, nothing Q: If peace is fundamental to face. For the scientist it is just a expression of life and a glorious makes any sense. We function like being complete, why don't we stupid attempt for reproduction, expression of life. No real purpose, robots, doing whatever others tell automatically feel it all the time? but for a mystic, it is divine bloom- no usefulness. us to do. A: It's difficult because so ing in its highest way. Why flowers Flower is not useful for any- "What's the most important many people don't court or invite part of a boat? There is a plug at clarity in their lives. If we had the bottom of some boats, and it clarity, we would see that what A Flower is has to be screwed in. If it isn't, our hearts want is fulfillment. We forget it. would know that it's a fulfilled "A long time ago, I used to human being who will make the have a small boat that we stored best father or mother, the best the height of on land on hooks. One day it rained, and the boat filled up with water. Somebody thought, 'Let Expression me drain the boat.' They undid the plug and put it somewhere. Some dog must have got hold of it. "The next day, we put the boat in the water, and off we went. All of a sudden I said, 'Where's all this water coming from?' Then I realized we had to keep that boat moving. As soon as it came to a stop, water would start bubbling in. "How expensive do you think that plug is? It's very cheap, but its importance is amazing. If you lost the engine, the anchor, or the rudder, you'd be adrift, but okay. real joy that is inside of each and If you lost your engine and that every human being." friend, the best spouse, the best plug, you'd have no chance." Maharaji often answers ques- daughter or son. We try to be all Sadhguru Vasudev is a realized master, yogi and mystic, who has founded Similarly, Maharaji says, these things, but someone who is I sha Foundation, an international public service organization that strives for tions from those interested in his ultimate human well-being. For world-wide program information, human beings can't function well message. not complete is not going to suc- visit www.ishafoundation.org without understanding and feeling Q: Maharaji, I'd like to experi- ceed. Toronto local contact 416 300 3010 or email [email protected] their own the value. ence more joy in my life, but I It's up to you. All I can do is are used for worship? Why not thing. It has no use if you look at Maharaji's travels, from the inspire. I want you to understand stones, pebbles, leaves or some- have a lot of fear and anger in it that way, but it's the most beau- world's great cities to remote vil- your own passion for peace, your thing else? See if a person is me. How can I get beyond that? tiful dimension of the life process lages, have brought him before own journey, your own life-and its always thinking of multiplying A: What makes people afraid? of a plant. It's the peak of its life. millions of people over the years. importance. The things we think things, his interest would be in Fear and anger are traits of igno- So, when you offer something to No matter what the composition are secondary are not. They're seeds. If somebody is always rance-telltale signs of ignorance, that which you consider as divine, of these audiences, his message thinking of shelter and security, his of not understanding. Why do primary. That's all it is. It's basi- you want to offer that which is the interest will be in the trunk and remains simple and direct. people do some of the things they cally about how we think, how we peak. You'd like to pull out your branches of the tree. If somebody "I want to tell you to have do? Because they're afraid of the approach this life. heart and offer it. You don't want is thinking of pleasure, his interest peace and joy in your life," he consequences if they don't. That's To learn more about Maharaji, to put your toe there, isn't it? will be only in fruit. Such people, says. "My words are not just what the world has slapped into visit: Whatever is the peak in you, what- when they keep the mango sapling words. When I say a person people's heads--consequences, www.wopg.org ever is the highest dimension in today; they sit and think, 'When should feel peace, I can make consequences, consequences. www.tprf.org you; that you want to give. So, in a the mango comes, how sweet it'll that happen. There's something Without knowing, without under- Call for a free DVD plant the highest dimension of its be? They're not interested in the that can put you in touch with the 1 877 707 3221 life is flowering. So that's what you standing the essence of yourself, root of the plant, the plant, the offer, not the root, not the stem, leaves or anything else. They're not the branches, but the flower. just waiting when the fruit will So in your life, the greatest come. They will never enjoy the thing that you can do to yourself is process of the plant growing; every Inspiration Driving Institute not to become like a trunk, not to leaf coming out is not a joy for become like a root, not to become them. It is joy only when the fruit like a seed, but to become like a comes. flower because flower is most use- Flower is the most fragile less but most accessible. If you're aspect of life, most momentary. In passing this way, even if you're not morning you see a flower in one Inspiration Driving Institute willing, it enters your nostrils. You way; by evening it's not the same. have no choice about it. Even if 3430 Finch Ave East # 103 If you want to see this in particular, you're insensitive, still you feel you have to get up early in the something happening. All the Scarborough. morning and see it. If you get up other aspects don't have that. The at ten o'clock in the morning, it whole effort of any spiritual won't be the same. It's so fragile. Cell: 416-939-4913 process, any religious process is to So, who is interested in a flower? become like a flower. So, flower Always spiritual process is referred Bus: 416-847-9773 has become symbolic, flower has to as a flowering. We don't say become synonymous with offering. fruiting of consciousness. We say 36 Monsoon Events JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal CANADA- CHALLENGE'S THE CHALLENGERS This is the first time in recent public wants. These days the invasion and shelling and bombing the leaders we have in politics and years that I have been woken up human rights violations regarding the civilians indiscriminately was a let us, as citizens play our role at 5.00 am daily (except on the the detainees of Afghanistan hand- human rights violation and he is beyond political boundaries with the week-ends) by my bedside alarm ed by the Canadian soldiers to the another human rights violator and best interests of the nation at heart clock to report for my new assign- Afghanistan government for trial has to be put on trial. and this will certainly benefit all of ment as the live news commentator has been very much elaborated on, There are some extremists who us irrespective of which camp we on the early morning show with extensively narrated and sensitively claim Canada is a colonial nation belong to. The expression of our Tamil One television in Toronto, opinioned and received prominent having the reserve of the First concern in the advanced technolog- Canada. The TV station is located positioning in the media and has Nations as its colony and some of ical world has a very high influence only 10 minutes away from my made headline news. the natives proclaim that the Winter in making decisions and this can home in Scarborough and while The current human rights viola- Olympics is going to take place on help us leave aside our political dif- driving in the morning , just before tions of the detainees who were their stolen land. No country or ferences and work towards our the early rush hour not engaged in submitted by the Canadian forces in government is immune to some common interests on national the majority of Canadians are not cell phone conversation (on blue Afghanistan to the Afghanistan kind of human rights violations but issues. Comparatively our opera- up to the degree of dissatisfaction tooth of course!); my idle mind authorities got the top most atten- the degree and the gravity varies. tional methods in politics is well with the Harper government, rather wondered about the current chal- tion of the Canadian media and Harper's government has been try- above average developed nations they find that Mr. Harper has been lenges faced by my beloved nation some, have gone to the level of ing to maintain a balance between and there are times major political very astute in handling national and Canada. portraying a magnified version of national and international perform- parties have sacrificed their party international issues very steadily . The first thought that came into events. Many members of the ance. The engagement as peace interest for the sake of national When he dissolved the former my mind was if it was appropriate media have reviewed critically, keepers, aid workers, reconstruc- well being. But the international minority government by himself due for me to spend my time and researched extensively and blame tion workers, and many other con- challenges that have come up these to the inability in implementing the resources commenting on the the government for not taking nec- structive capacities Canadians in days are critical and they require a complex and controversial election responsibilities of the elected offi- essary timely actions to protect the uniform have discharged these new approach and deeper thinking. promises made such as the senate cials in the three levels of govern- victims. I guess Canadians had duties around the globe and in These days the world is not divided reform, the degree of reduction of ment and just let them carry out some serious concerns about this some these countries, human right into two ideological camps as we corporate taxes and boosting the their designated assignments and though some have very little idea violations existed and this wing of had during the cold war era with economy and so on. keep myself engaged with some about what has been going on in the United Nations were forced to Marxism and Capitalism. The world He still said at that time that other valuable concerns? While Afghanistan in relation to Canadian mind their business. under globalization shares a sizable either the Liberals or Conserv-atives mentally battling these issues, the involvement in these human rights The accusation that the media position on many things and agree has to have a majority government, program on my car radio carried a violations. and the opposition parties have put to disagree on some fundamental not a minority government. news item regarding the book used Of course Canada has its own forward have some sense of the issues, without making permanent Unfortunately, consecutively the for the Canadian citizenship exami- reputation in terms of respecting wider range of confinement that demarcations and boxing them- third minority government was nation. It was originally entitled "A universal human rights charters and would have been practiced. At this selves into their camp and looking elected by the voters. In a democ- Look at Canada" and has been has given top most priority in main- juncture, the arguments that have at the others in the next camp as racy it is expected that the will and replaced by a modified version enti- taining them within its power and been raised are: That the Canadian enemies. the wish of the citizens are those of tled "Discover Canada". It was advocating for them around the government was aware of the Canada has certain internation- the government, though this is not focused on the rights and the world at times even forgoing eco- human rights violations and they al issues that are very important always mandatory but under the responsibilities of a Canadian citi- nomic benefits. Our forefathers covered up the actions of the and have to be handled in a timely usual conditions it is beneficial to zen. It was then that my mind contributed significantly in develop- Afghanistan government from the way. As a mentioned in one of my both parties. The opposition parties began to explore this issue and I ing the human right charters and eyes of the world. The Canadian articles that was published in were very furious at the beginning came up with the idea that at mini- executing them. Canada has a very government had some knowledge February 2009 before the first offi- and were determined to overthrow mum, one main responsibility is to high reputation around the globe about this but did not have any cial foreign visit by president Harper's government and formed a cast our vote in the parliamentary for having such an elevated position proof to ratify any action that would Obama that " President Obama is coalition, on the simple common election. I have always advocated on respecting human rights and have been made because they did nothing more than a typical ground of overthrowing the govern- for this on community television condemns human rights violations. not know the depth of the matter. American president and with his ment, not the best interests of the and radio programs just before any For example, Canada addressed Another opinion is that the adamant protectionism policy it nation. On the road each party election, not because I got myself and expressed its grave concerns Canadian government may have left would harm more than benefit began to think of the next election engaged in politics or ran for office on human rights in South Africa this matter for the concerned bod- Canada" . These days it became and did not want to lose the impor- but because the right to vote is an when the apartheid government in ies to take the necessary measures. true when Mr. Harper made a state tance of their identity and slowly important privilege. South Africa practiced racial segre- Still another view is that the govern- visit to the USA and held bilateral backed out and the main opposition Democracy works effectively gation. Our right honorable Prime ment was notified but hesitated to discussions on various issues. When party that could be the only other and accurately when the masses Minister Steven Harper once apolo- take any appropriate actions and it came to having some considera- alternative in becoming the ruling get involved by directly electing gized on behalf of the Canadian showed a blind eye to it. And the list tion of Canada on the protectionist party slowly deviated from the rest their members of parliament and nation to the Chinese community goes on. policy held by the U.S, Obama did of the opposition parties and unilat- the councilors for the municipal for the crippling head taxes placed I do understand the concerns not pay much attention to these erally extended conditional support councils and not to wait for the next on the Chinese immigrants long over the Canadian reputation concerns. On another occasion, to Harper's government. This was election and leave all political mat- ago. But when it came to the invita- around the globe and the motives when briefed about his foreign poli- the end of the coalition drama and ters to be dealt with by the elected tion to participate in the 2008 behind them. However, I am very cy on Afghanistan, he contacted the curtain was brought down. officials without having constant Summer Olympics in China, he much disappointed in how politi- some foreign leaders, including non In the second round, the actors input on ongoing socio-political and declined to visit. Although he cate- cized and magnified the issue has NATO members such as India, crossed over and played alternative economic matters. We should not gorically did not mention his reason become. The main challenge that China and Indonesia, he ignored roles. In the second drama and limit ourselves only to participating for not participating, it is crystal Canada has been facing at this time our Prime Minster as Mr. George when the budget of 2008/09 was in the election and wash our hands clear that human rights violations in is of coping in the middle of a glob- Bush Senior did to Chrétien . He did presented in the House of of the rest. Instead, we have to China would have been if not the al recession. Although comparative- the same thing recently when he Commons, the Liberals were assert more effort in guiding and only reason at least one of the rea- ly Canada joined late and the signs had a meeting in Copenhagen with adamant in bringing down the gov- advising the politicians and we have sons. When he attended the British are clear that we will get out of this some of the world leaders regarding ernment and brought forward a the responsibility in keeping the Commonwealth Nations Summit in slump earlier than the other devel- climate change, he ignored Harper. non-confidence motion, the NDP checks and balances in our hands. Pakistan, he boldly condemned the oped nations; still the adverse Harper did not bother or pay much did not extend its traditional sup- This prompted me to believe that it human right violations then and effects have hit the masses from attention to this and being down to port and the government survived is not only our right but rather our there itself. top to bottom and all sides with job earth, said we will work together and the reaction of the people was responsibility to actively participate Whatever is said and done, the losses, budget deficits, increases to with the USA on climate protection very negative towards the Liberals in all possible political events. involvement of Canadian soldiers the government debt, increased measures. and the popularity of Mr. Ignatief The fast and drastically chang- though, not a part of a coalition expenditures of social services, To sum up, I believe that it is drastically dropped. Members of the ing global situation highly demands fighting team, has been a grave and keeping sovereignty intact, obstruc- best for all concerned Canadian cit- party silently reconsidered the instant and carefully drawn deci- dangerous undertaking. The tion of the implementation of global izens and our political leaders that leadership because the replacing of sions and timely actions, like the Canadian soldiers have been carry- warming measures, maintaining we give due consideration to our Stephan Dion by Ignatief achieved players in the World Cup match in ing out their assignments under cordial relations with America with- own national issues. This is not to the result of the Liberals going the last few minutes of the game. It much strain. The Canadian govern- out compromising national integrity, say that international issues are to back to square one. It has come to is quite a test when both sides have ment is very concerned about its preparation for the G-8 and G-20 be ignored. But it is imperative that the stage where bringing down this an equal score and at the end, the assignments and its future planning summits and the 2010 Winter we get this great nation Canada government would do more harm heat settles down. Whereas in the and is concentrating on carrying out Olympics. back on track. We know that our than good and the only way to find game of politics, it is a constant the mission and aiming to have bet- In my opinion, this issue has reputation is solid and we need not some method to discredit this gov- back and forth movement without ter results in Afghanistan. It is well been over emphasized with the worry. Now is the time to focus on ernment is the issue of the human any break though at times it does known that human rights violations intention of degrading the Harper ourselves. This is not selfish, but it rights violations of the detainees by slow down and can regain its speed in Afghanistan are very rampant. government and trying to prevent is in our national Self Interest. the Afghanistan government. This at any time. The war against terrorists in Iraq the downgrading of public opinion Samy Appadurai is a has become a convenient path for In many cases, the priorities and Afghanistan has multi dimen- because the only other alternative, renowned broadcast journalist, the opposition to send their bulldoz- placed by the media may be paral- sions. It has been addressed by bringing down the minority govern- author, educator and public ers charging but the road blocks are lel to the masses and at times, some critics that the war against ment, would make the situation speaker who makes his home so strong, they will not get in. Let's would not even be close to what the Iraq by George W Bush was an move from bad to worse, because in Toronto be realistic and accept the caliber of Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Feature 37 New Life for 170 Children RELEASE OF DIFFERENTLY ABLE CHILDREN FROM VAVUNIYA IDP CAMPS OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE BY GODS OWN CHILDREN FOUNDATION On 30 December 2009, the first More than 30 staff and volunteers batch of Differently Able Children was of GOCF were involved in fine comb- released to Gods Own Children ing the IDP camps for the past month, Foundation, a secular, non govern- and GOCF were able to identify many mental, social service organisation disabled children. Due to budgetary working with differently able and dis- constraints GOCF are only taking out advantaged children in the Jaffna 500 children. Many staff and volun- Peninsula. teers broke down and cried, when It was a long wait, but very well they had to discriminately select the worth it.170 Children were released 500 from many. Most of the staff from Zones 0 and 2 of the worked under difficult conditions and Chettikulam, Vavuniya IDP Camps.The were down with Malaria as well. Children were officially taken over by -On 30 December, the 170 chil- Dr.B. Anandkumar and Mrs Anne Mary dren left Chettikulam at 4pm, and Jecintha Anton.The Children from arrived in Omanthai at 5.30pm.with Zones 3 and 4 could not be taken over Special Military Clearance to travel on on that day due to time constraints the A9 road during the night. The con- and logistical problems. voy stopped at Mankulam for a break, It was a day of joy for the staff and proceeded non stop with Military and volunteers of Gods Own Children Escort to Puloly via Kodikamam. The Foundation and Relief International convoy arrived in Ubhayakathir- (An American based NGO who assist- gamam, Puloly at 8.30pm.An Official ed GOCF), who had been working Welcome ceremony including per- hard for the past 6 months for the forming of the leading school bands release of the Differently Able were cancelled due to the convoy Children from the IDP Camps. arriving four hours late. The Official The well experienced Chairman of Welcome ceremony will be held when Gods Own Children Foundation the balance children arrive next week. ensured that GOCFobtained support The Children will be housed in a from all quarters to complete this large cluster of adjacent houses, gigantic task. With approval from the which were modified to resemble a Government of Sri Lanka, the Military Children's Village - officially named as Command, the Tamil Diaspora, Local Puloly Children's Village, where the Community and the Children them- main section is now named Naga selves, GOCF was able to walk on the Letchumi Children's Facility, an ances- middle path and achieve this gigantic tor of the main donor. task.

sess. Renounce only what you do not have. You do not have to move into a forest as a monk or sanyasi to find happiness. You can Possess Nothing, find it in the middle of your world- ly comforts. All you have to do is to renounce your fantasies. That is the gateway to Bliss! Nithyananda, www.nithyanan da.org, http://www.youtube.com enjoy Everything /lifeblissfoundation "I'm not here to add more Do you respect a beggar? Do Ramana Maharishi says: Till movements to your life. I'm here you disrespect a rich man? you get something you want, it to add life to your movements" In today's world, people are looks as big as a mountain. Once Free Nithya healing and evaluated only on the basis of you get it, the same thing Meditation their possessions and status. A becomes the size of a mustard Brampton Centre person's worth in society is decid- seed! 335 Deerhurst Drive Unit # 9 ed on the basis of how much he Greed drives us. Greed and Brampton, Ont, L6T 5K3 or she owns. Apart from his envy are the root cause of all our Contact: Ma Ananda Jeevita physical wealth, his power and sorrow. Gautama Buddha said (Mahiliny) influence become important. that all suffering is caused by Phone: 416-559-6561 Success in life is related to owner- human desire. Buddha was not Email: ship of assets and extent of influ- referring to genuine need based [email protected] ence. desires when he said this; he was Every Sun: In reality, nothing can be referring to the unending stream 10:00 am-12:00 pm more damaging to a person's real of wants that we develop based success in the world than posses- on comparison. Mississauga Centre sions and status. The desire to Joy is the natural state of a 3815 Arbourview Terrace possess rises from comparison human being. Joy happens when Mississauga, Ont, L5M 7A9 and jealousy. If your neighbor there is no comparison. Joy hap- Contact: Nisha buys a new refrigerator your pens when there is no attachment Phone: 416-854-8027 house gets warmer. From early to an acquisition. It gives rise to Email: childhood we are conditioned to sorrow when the desire for pos- [email protected] desire what others have. sessions imprisons us within the Every Friday: 6-8 pm When we are not able to pos- boundaries of time and space. sess something, we are unhappy When we recall a happy time, we Markham Centre and consider it a failure. We keep trying to possess that time (Main Centre) become happy when we do again. A desire rooted in the 221 Denison Street acquire what we want. This hap- past becomes the driver of our Markham, Ont, L3R 1B5 piness, however, lasts for a brief present state of mind. Contact: Raj period. It lasts till we find one Stop wanting to acquire more Phone: 1-800-853-8249 more thing to covet. Happiness and more. Enjoy what you have. I Email: dhyanapeetam.toron seems to be in the acquisition, in keep saying this: Enjoy what you [email protected] the chase rather than through have; there is no need to Every Sun, enjoyment of what we have. renounce what you already pos- 10:00 am-12:00 pm 38 JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 39 NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

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A time for new venture

It is that time of the year we the Tamils celebrate the dawn of the Month of Thai (January/February) in the Tamil calendar. The common dictum goes; “Thai Piranthal Vazi Pirakkum” meaning with the start of Thai month there will be a way to resolve our present problems.

As we light the traditional Kuthu vizakku with the Nirai kudam arrangement welcoming the pleasanter days with bountiful harvest all brought in piled in the house, we face the world with renewed hope. Many a wedding bells chime and happy faces everywhere.

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him from there and came joyfully to him. The Mater addressed Girish, all of a sudden before any- body had spoken a word, and KALPATARU DAY said, '' Girish, I find, you say to one and all everywhere so many where they raised high billows of things about 'this' (that I am an bliss. They forgot time and space, incarnation of god) what have forgot the disease of the master, you seen and understood (about "It was the first day of forgot their previous determina- me) to make you do so?'' Girish January 1886. As the master felt tion not to touch him till he remained completely unmoved, rather well that day, he expressed recovered, and were aware only and kneeling down on the ground a desire for some time. It was a that, an extraordinary divine near the mater's feet, said in a holy day and householder devo- Being, out of sympathy for them choked voice with his hands fold- tees came one by one and in in their plight, feeling excruciating ed and face turned upwards, groups, shortly after midday pain at their misery and overflow- ''What more can I say of him, .Thus when the master came ing with compassion for them, whose greatness vyasa and valmi- downstairs at three in the after- had come down from heaven and ki could not find words to noon, more than thirty people called them affectionately to Him express?'' The Master was were engaged in conversation in for giving protection, like a Kalpataru Day celebration and note book distribution to students charmed at this fervent utterance at Thalanguda village the garden under the trees, or mother sheltering her children of the devoted Girish and blessed inside the house. As soon as they against all ills by covering them all the devotees assembled there saw him, all got up out of rever- lovingly with the upper part of her through their representative, ence and bowed to him. He come sari. They became eager to bow Girish: ''What more shall I say to down to the garden path through down to him and take the dust of you? May you all be blessed with the western door of the hall on his feet; and filling the quarters the spiritual awakening'' Beside the ground floor and was slowly with cries of ''victory to himself with love and compassion proceeding southward to the gate Ramakrishna'' began saluting him for the devotees, hardly had he when all followed him at a little one after another. As they were said those few words when he distance. When he come to the thus bowing down to him. the sea entered into Bhavasamadhi. middle of the path leading to the of the master's compassion tran- Those words of profound bless- gate, he saw Girish, Ram, Atul scended all bounds and brought ing, untouched by the slightest and a few other, sitting under the about a wonderful phenomenon. tinge of the ego-sense, directly trees to the west of the path From: SRI RAMAKRI SHNA entered the devotees' hearts, .They also saw him and saluted THE GREAT MASTER. From the streets of Portugal GO Transit launches six more eastbound routes between UW to the good life in Canada and Mississauga's Square One By Greg Mercer, Record staff OSPRI NGE - If you're a stray dog living on the streets of Portugal, you can almost certainly count on a hard, short life scav- enging for scraps. But Lucky was more than just a little, err, lucky. Fifteen years ago, the little By Melinda Dalton, made departure and arrival times black terrier crossbreed was des- Record staff of existing trips starting Saturday. tined to be just another mangy, WATERLOO REGION - The changes were made to better flea-ridden mutt without a home GO Transit is rolling out more reflect actual travel time, Alam in San Miguel when she scam- options for travellers looking to said. pered up to a Canadian family on head to Mississauga for the week- GO Transit consistently ana- vacation. She had been following end. lyzes ridership and route data and two police officers across the Starting on Saturday, GO is makes schedule adjustments street, in a country where strays expanding its Kitchener-Waterloo about four times a year, he said. rank somewhere above mosqui- route to include six more east- GO buses currently pick up toes on the nuisance scale. bound trips between the and drop off riders at four stops in But something about the hun- University of Waterloo and Square the region: gry dog with the pleading eyes One mall in Mississauga on Friday * University of Waterloo, at tugged at Deb Davies's heart, and Deborah Davies snuggles with her dog, Lucky, at her home near afternoons as well as three new the Davis Centre bus station on she fed the animal some bacon. Ospringe, Monday. Davies found Lucky as a stray in Portugal in 1994. trips from the mall back to the the east ring road. She took Lucky inside, where she ly adjusted to her cold, new coun- hearing. Arthritis has attacked her university on Sundays. * Wilfrid Laurier University, at got a bath, and was treated for try. little legs, though she gets some "Students are our customers the iXpress stops at University ticks. Lucky has been living the help for that with traditional and so we try and service wherever Avenue and Hazel Street "She was so skinny when we good life ever since. She was fat- homeopathic medicines, acupunc- the demand is," said GO Transit * Kitchener at Charles Street fed her," Davies said. "She just tened up on Pedigree Pal dog ture, Reiki, and a special magnet- spokesperson, Robin Alam. transit terminal kind of stuck around after that." chow and travelled with her new ic bed designed to ease her pain. The commuter service started * Cambridge at the Wal-Mart Her two sons, Brandon and owners to horse shows across the Because her back end is a lit- offering bus trips from the region power centre, Hespeler and Todd, fell for the mongrel. They province. Today, she lives out on tle weak, Davies has laid out blan- to Mississauga and the Milton GO Pinebush roads, at the iXpress played with her every day and a horse farm east of Guelph, and kets on the floor to keep her com- train station in October. stops. soon decided they couldn't leave she's outlasted the other pets she fortable. She figures Lucky is in November ridership numbers GO also operates express her behind when their vacation joined here. her final year of life. show that about 325 people a buses that travel direct from ended. They named her Lucky, which Still, Davies is sure that's week on average are using the University of Waterloo to The family bought a crate and seems to be fitting description for much longer than the dog buses, the majority heading to the Mississauga. an extra airline ticket and flew her her charmed life. would've had if it had stayed Mississauga terminal. A one-way ticket to Union away from the Azores, a cluster of "She kind of won the game," homeless back in San Miguel. December ridership numbers Station via Milton cost $14.35. A islands about 1,500 kilometres off said Davies. "She's been a healthy "We've been lucky to have haven't been released. ticket to Mississauga costs $11.85. the coast of Portugal. After a dog ever since." her, because she's been such a "It is meeting our expecta- For a schedule, see GO month in quarantine, a govern- But after what they figure is wonderful dog," she said. "We're tions," Alam said. "We're happy Transit's website at www.gotran- ment vet released her to her new about 17 years, Lucky is showing amazed that she made it this far." people are taking advantage of it." sit.com. home in Breslau. She learned to signs of her age. Her liver is fail- [email protected] In addition to the expanded live inside a house, and she slow- ing, as is her eyesight and her trip schedule, changes will also be Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Waterloo News 45 Waterloo area best for W ho was that man real estate: Report Toronto ranks 8th on list in the white tuque? The Kitchener-Waterloo- Chuck Howitt, Record staff practised a few shots only to real- Cambridge area is the best place KITCHENER - In her mad ize she had messed up the device had just criticized. in Ontario to buy a house or quest to get a photo of her kids again. "Then I realized what a fool invest in a business property with with the Olympic Torch as it At this point, another stranger I'd made of myself," she said hopes of making money, accord- passed through Kitchener on came to the rescue. He volun- Tuesday in an interview. "He ing to a report released Friday. Sunday evening, Linda Janssen teered to take the shot using his never let on who he was." The report was issued by the was not going to be denied. camera and email Janssen the The comment about the Real Estate Investment Network, She had already missed two results. BlackBerry didn't appear to faze a consulting organization that opportunities earlier in the day, It was smiles all around as him at all, she said. "He was smil- provides investors with property first in Tavistock as the family was Linda and the kids gripped the ing. He was very kind." information. It assessed the returning from London, then potential for real estate properties moments earlier in downtown to appreciate in value in commu- diverse, vibrant city, it didn't place Kitchener as the torch relay nities across Ontario. further up on the list because of passed by while she and the kids' The reputation of the its high prices, according to the father, Jeff, frantically looked for a Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge report. place to park. area's reputation as a technology Scarborough, a district in the Handing her his BlackBerry, hub is responsible in large part for east end of the city, presented the Jeff told Linda to jump out with its desirability, said Don Campbell, best opportunities for buyers, the the kids and grab a photo while head of the Real Estate report said. he searched for a parking spot. Investment Network . "There are some neighbour- Amid the crowds on King "You're seeing [BlackBerry hoods - i.e., Scarborough and the Street near Queen Street, Linda maker] RIM and seeing the high- Junction - that would be higher spotted a group of onlookers sur- tech industries still continue to up on the Top 10 list, where some rounding a torch bearer. With chil- grow and hire," he said. "And at of the other regions where it's dren, Emma, 6, Ryan, 9, and the same time, they're revitalizing newer ... [and] Rosedale, etc., Sarah, 11, in tow, Linda rush up the downtown of the old cities of where they're not great invest- to get the prized picture. Cambridge and Kitchener and ments. " As the seconds ticked by, now they're talking about [light The 10 top towns for real Linda frantically tried to work the rapid transit]," he said. estate investment are considered suddenly confusing smartphone. Ranked No. 2 is Hamilton - a to be: "Does anybody know how to town traditionally defined as an 1. "Technology Triangle": use this stupid BlackBerry?" she industrial hub, not so much a Kitchener, Waterloo, blurted out finally, holding up the RI M co-CEO Jim Balsillie holding Olympic torch, flanked by (clock- haven for homebuyers. Cambridge wireless device. wise from top) Linda Janssen and children Emma, 6, Ryan, 9, and Sarah, 11. "You're seeing an increasing 2. Hamilton Nervous chuckles echoed from number of people moving into the 3. "Simcoe Shores": the crowd as the torch bearer torch along with the beaming region, and now that the GO Train Barrie, Orillia stepped forward. "Let me help torch bearer. Clad in a white Despite the gaffe, Janssen [commuter transit system] is 4. Brampton you with that," he said kindly, as tuque and snow suit, he was said the whole experience was going to be adding extra trains, ... 5. Durham Region: Whitby, Linda sheepishly admitted, "I'm starting to look familiar but Linda worth it. "The children were quite it's an affordable place for people Pickering, Ajax not very technically inclined." wasn't sure. thrilled they got their picture with who are going to work in Toronto 6. Ottawa Punching a few keys, he hand- As the torch moved off, it sud- the torch," she says. "It's almost to live," Campbell said. 7. Brantford ed the device back to Linda, ready denly dawned on her who it was: as good as going to the Scarborough tops in Toronto 8. Toronto for the money shot. Jim Balsillie, co-chief executive Olympics." Toronto, meanwhile, placed 9. Vaughan While others posed for photos officer of Research In Motion, [email protected] eighth on the list. While it is a 10. Whitchurch-Stouffville with the Olympic Torch, Linda maker of the very BlackBerry she

admit they have faced some diffi- Waterloo women have left on Christmas day culty in supporting human rights for Palestinians, including claims that they are anti-Semitic, or sup- for a pilgrimage of peace in the Middle East porting terrorists. "I think that's just an excuse, Laura Ashfield and Hannah The march also has a long list spend 24 hours in Gaza, though it a distraction people use to silence Carter will be travelling to Gaza to of high-profile endorsers, includ- was difficult to get in. She waited what people like me and Hannah join a thousand international par- ing Naomi Klein, Howard Zinn, with eight other Canadians at the have to say; to discredit what we ticipants for the Gaza Freedom Noam Chomsky, filmmaker Oliver Erez terminal, but even with the have to say," Ashfield said. March. Stone and Canadian artist Charles proper permits, they waited ten Carter is a photographer who Ashfield said one of the pur- Pachter. hours before half their group was has also travelled to Jerusalem poses of the march is to com- On its website, the group bills allowed across. and the West Bank, has Israeli memorate the anniversary of the itself as a non-partisan coalition "The whole experience was friends, and said a charge of anti- bombardment that began on Dec. that does not take any stand for completely overwhelming. They Semitism could not be farther 27, 2008 and lasted 23 days, or against any political party or can't get medicine in, they can't from the truth. killing about 1,400 people and solution to the overall conflict get food in, they can't get cement "I had someone say to me damaging or completely destroy- between Israelis and Palestinians. in to rebuild. About 80 per cent of once, 'Well, as a Christian, it's ing thousands of homes and busi- "It's an extremely complicated the people who live in Gaza are your job to defend Israel.' And I nesses. and politically- fuelled situation," refugees that depend on humani- said, 'No, as a Christian it's my job "The other is to bring atten- Ashfield said. "A lot of people see tarian aid that can't get in," she to live the life that Jesus would, tion to the siege and the closed it as being way too complicated, said. by loving people.'" borders and the horrible humani- and it can never be solved "And that was before the Carter is the founder of the tarian situation," she said. "And because it's thousands of years bombing. I'm going to be seeing a in a march to Erez, calling on the movement "From Palestine with the last one is to show solidarity old, and blah, blah, blah . . . but completely different Gaza strip Israeli government to open the Love", created to educate with the people there and let that's a really defeatist attitude." than what I saw before. It's hard border. Canadians using her stories and them know the world hasn't for- Ashfield is a graduate of the for me to imagine a worse The two women will be stay- photographs. gotten them." global studies program at Wilfrid humanitarian situation than it was ing in Gaza after the Freedom "My interest is in the The march is being staged by Laurier University, Waterloo who already." March to volunteer with an organ- Palestinian people in general, and a coalition of organizations and attended an international youth Carter and Ashfield will be ization working on a hospital quite frankly in human rights," will include notable personalities conference in Jerusalem in 2008 meeting the rest of the marchers rebuild. They'll also be distribut- she said. "Right now it's the such as Pulitzer-Prize winning and then had the opportunity to in Egypt and, barring any compli- ing school supplies that were col- Palestinians who are really hurt- author Alice Walker and 85-year- travel throughout Israel and the cations, crossing into Gaza as a lected by students at Huron ing and really need an interna- old Holocaust survivor Hedy West Bank. group. On Dec. 31, they will join Heights Secondary School. tional voice." Epstein. She also got a chance to an estimated 50,000 Palestinians Both Carter and Ashfield 46 Waterloo News JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal World was spared some really bad things Bush administration. Almost every- even every month. Most of them do body outside the United States, and not even want to overthrow the many people within it, were pro- Islamic system; just to reform it. foundly relieved by that, but it But they keep coming out, most imposed a huge burden of expecta- recently just this week, and they tion on the shoulders of his succes- are not deterred by mass arrests By Gwynne Dyer sor as president, Barack Obama. and systematic rape of detainees, The year 2009 was most It's been a difficult first year for nor by Revolutio-nary Guards notable for the three bad things Obama, who presumably expected shooting to kill in the streets. that didn't happen. First, the finan- to have both his health-care This is the way that the Shah cial melt-down of late 2008 did not reforms and a climate change bill was overthrown: by slow degrees, plunge us all into a 1930s-style through the U.S. Congress by now. over a period of many months. It depression, although there were His problems with Afghanistan, may not end the same way this plenty of pundits predicting that however, are largely of his own time, but it looks like the same pat- less than a year ago. making. tern - and the best thing everybody As Stephen Schwarzman, head Calling Afghanistan the "good else can do is not to meddle. of the private equity company war" (in contrast to Iraq) during the Iranian protesters do not need for- Blackstone Group, said last March: election campaign was a useful tac- eign support, and they certainly do "Between 40 and 45 per cent of the tic to deflect accusations that he not need foreign trade sanctions to world's wealth has been destroyed was too peace-loving, but now he's be applied right now, because that in little more than a year and a stuck with it. He has already makes them look like foreigners' half." But all he was really saying ordered a doubling of US troop puppets. was that a very specific kind of numbers in Afghanistan, and he is In Iraq, Prime Minister Nouri al- still not ready for prime time. plies of food, fuel and minerals for a financial bubble has burst. All the now on a very slippery slope. This Maliki emerged as a genuine The principal political events in future in which it believed that all land and houses are still there, and war is unwinnable, and it could strongman, centralizing power in his Asia were the Indian election in those commodities would be so are most of the factories and destroy him politically. own office, staffed by his own party May, which gave the ruling scarcer, but at least the Chinese jobs. In the meantime, Obama does and clan. In Afghanistan another Congress Party a resounding vote of paid well and didn't subject their There has certainly been a deep small but useful things that do not American nominee, President confidence, and the August election suppliers to hypocritical lectures on recession in the developed coun- require congressional assent, like Hamid Karzai, embarrassed his in Japan, which brought the opposi- human rights. tries, and the current slow recovery cancelling the Bush plan to put a patrons by rigging his re-election tion Democratic party to power A blow-by-blow list of all the may be a false dawn: a "double-dip" missile defence system into eastern last August too blatantly, but they after 52 years of almost uninter- things that went wrong in Africa in recession is still entirely possible. Europe. He even tried to launch a had to accept him in the end. And in rupted rule by the Liberal 2009 is depressing: a military mas- Moreover, the vast amounts of new Middle East peace initiative, Fantasyland-on-the-Gulf, aka Dubai, Democratic Party. But there was sacre in Guinea, a coup in money spent by Western govern- although that was doomed from the they could not make interest pay- almost no connection between Madagascar, blood-drenched anar- ments to save the banks has left start. ments on some $50 billion in loans these two elections in anybody's chy in Somalia, mini-wars between them with a staggering burden of The Middle East, with only a until Abu Dhabi bailed them out. mind: Asia is still little more than a the police and extreme religious debt. But the worst has been avoid- 10th of the world's people, contin- Europe had a quieter year (as it geographical expression. sects in northern Nigeria, and much ed, and in the developing countries ued to generate more than its fair generally does). Chancellor Angela Elsewhere in Asia, the most more in the same vein. But it feels there was scarcely even a reces- share of the news. The Israeli pun- Merkel of Germany swept back into important military events were the less hopeless if you recall that most sion. ishment attacks on the Gaza Strip a second term in September with a Sri Lankan government's decisive of Africa's 52 countries are at peace The second predicted disaster that began on Dec. 27, 2008 contin- "dream coalition" that freed her victory over the Tamil Tiger insur- - and that African economies have that did not come to pass was a ued through most of January, leav- from having to compromise with the gency in May, which brought a 26- been growing at an average of five killer global pandemic like the 1918 ing over 1,300 Palestinians dead. left. France became the largest year civil war to an end, and the per cent a year since 2000, com- strain of influenza. Something of More than half of them, according economy to impose a carbon tax on North Korean nuclear weapons test pared to only one per cent in the that order is probably still lying in to all estimates except the Israeli individuals and businesses using in the same month. The North previous decades since independ- wait for us down the road, but the military's own, were civilians. Israeli coal, gas or oil, with the explicit Korean regime was mainly using the ence. H1N1 flu turned out to be much less fatalities from all causes, including intention of changing people's pat- test as a way to blackmail the major Much the same observation lethal than was initially feared. friendly fire, were 13. terns of energy use. The tax is 17 powers into guaranteeing its future, applies, in a minor key, to Latin Considerable credit should go to The Israeli election in February euros (US$24) per tonne of emis- and those powers are playing along America. What little news makes it those who made a vaccine available delivered Binyamin Netanyahu, the sions now, but it will rise over the as usual. They have no choice. out of the continent tends to be much faster than was thought pos- leader who had buried the Oslo years. Thailand is caught up in a deep- bad: the brutal war between the sible, but basically we just got lucky. accords in the late 1990s, back into Italian Prime Minister Silvio ening struggle between the poor state and the drug cartels in And the third bad thing that did- the prime minister's office, and any Berlusconi had a miserable year, majority and the old royalist anti- Mexico, the alleged threat of war n't happen? The same bad thing remaining hope for an Israeli- being accused (probably correctly) democratic elites, incarnated in the between Venezuela and Colombia, that hasn't happened every year Palestinian peace deal evaporated. of consorting with minors and with recurrent street clashes between the messy sort-of-coup in since 2001. There was no mass loss Netanyahu is politically dependent high-class prostitutes, sued for the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts. Honduras, and so on. But most of of life (by which I mean more than on right-wing Jewish settlers in the divorce by his wife, and struck in In Burma, pro-democracy leader the region is at peace, more or less a thousand people murdered in a occupied territories, and would be the face by a model of Milan cathe- Aung Sang Suu Kyi, though still democratic, and even making single incident) due to terrorist most unlikely to compromise on dral. More seriously, an Italian court under house arrest, has supported progress economically. Which may action in any Western country. their demands even if he were per- struck down the umpteenth law he efforts by the United States to open explain why it exports so little news. Even a relatively large death toll sonally so inclined (which he is not). had pushed through parliament to up channels of communication with Finally, Copenhagen. The vast, like that should not be a reason for So the 25-year dream of a "two- allow him to escape prosecution for the military junta. A military mutiny 192-country conference on climate any government to go berserk and state" solution gradually fades, and corruption. But he would win anoth- was successfully put down in change in December was a total start invading foreign countries. A the prospect of a third intifada er election today. Italian voters are Bangladesh in February. failure in terms of its declared thousand people is a lot to lose, but grows. It didn't happen this year, very tolerant, or something. In Pakistan in December, an objectives. There is no new treaty it really isn't the end of the world. A and it probably won't happen next At one extremity of Europe, amnesty for corruption charges that to replace the Kyoto accord. Even thousand people die of natural and year either. But the Israeli military Northern Ireland was threatened had protected hundreds of politi- modest Kyoto-style national targets accidental causes in the United occupation has entered its fifth with a slide back into chronic vio- cians including Prime Minister Asif for cutting greenhouse gas emis- States (to pick a country not entire- decade, and another generation of lence as radical Catholic groups who Ali Zardari was overruled by the sions were omitted from the vague ly at random) about every three Palestinians is growing up so full of reject the IRA's commitment to Supreme Court, and the country declaration that was cobbled hours. Terrorism is different, of rage that they will confront Israeli power-sharing tried to lure the was plunged into fresh political tur- together by the two biggest emit- course, but a rational and measured power despite the obvious fact that Protestants and the British army moil. The Maldives held a full cabi- ters, the United States and China, response is still required. they cannot win. back into the fight by committing net meeting underwater in scuba on the last day. Neither are there You know very well that it would At the other end of the Middle random acts of terrorism. At the gear to dramatize the threat posed any deadlines for further action. be neither rational nor measured. East, Iran was hardly ever out of continent's other extremity, the to the low-lying island country by "The Chinese hate numbers," as Although an over-reaction is pre- the news in 2009. The old question Georgian government was found rising sea levels. The Nepalese cab- one participant put it - and the cisely what the terrorists are seek- of whether or not it is seeking guilty of starting last year's war with inet, not to be outdone, held a United States was quite happy to let ing to provoke, domestic political nuclear weapons stayed high on the Russia by an investigating commis- meeting on the slopes of Mount China get the blame for killing a realities in the target country still international agenda, but it was sion of the European Union Everest to dramatize the threat deal that Washington couldn't have make it likely that the response overtaken by the new question of The EU as a whole finally rati- posed to the country by melting gla- delivered on either. The problem is would be hugely stupid and violent. whether the present leadership fied the Treaty of Lisbon, which ciers. that nobody really knows where we So we go from year to year waiting could stay in power. President streamlines the operation of the China's emergence as a world go from here, and time is running for the terrorists to succeed again Mahmoud Ahmedine-jad's implausi- organization to cope with a mem- player continued, with attention short. If there is one thing that on the scale of 9/11, knowing that bly high level of voter support in the bership that has now expanded to focused in particular on its expand- 2009 is remembered for, it may be Western countries will go crazy June election ignited protests that 27 countries. It took eight years, ing investments in Africa. The ex- for the historic failure at again if they do. But it didn't hap- have shaken the regime's hold on two Irish referendums (they got the imperial powers saw this as neo- Copenhagen. pen in 2009. power. answer wrong the first time), and imperialism, but the ex-colonies Gwynne Dyer is an inde- What did finally happen at the If it is a revolution, it's a slow- some face-saving concessions to themselves mostly took a different pendent journalist based in beginning of 2009 was the long- motion one. The protesters are not the Czech president to get it view. They understood that China London, England. overdue departure of the George W. out on the streets every day, or through. The EU, it would appear, is was trying to secure long-term sup- Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Waterloo News 47 Sri Abiramy Waterloo Dancers were part of the Kitchener Olympic Torch Relay Celebrations Sri Abiramy Dance Academy munities as the torch makes its and entertainment. its course locally in Camb-ridge was invited by the City of way across the country up to the The torch arrived at 7 p.m., and Waterloo on Sunday Justin Kitchener as one of the entertain- start of the Winter Olympics in with Kitchener Pat Doherty, 81 Harris, a city of Kitchener bylaw sprit of Olympic torch their Light ment group for the Kitchener Vancouver, Feb 12-28. 2010. running the final 300 meters to officer carried it through Dance very well symbolized the Olympic Torch Relay festival on At Kitchener City Hall (200 City Hall. Orangeville on Monday. whole Olympic atmosphere. December 27th 2009. King Street west, Downtown The run resumed on Monday Sri Abiramy Waterloo dancer's City of Kitchener was one of Kitchener) the torch celebration from Kitche-ner to city of Guelph. entertained the crowed with their the 200 official "celebration" com- began at 4 p.m. with activities After the Olympic Torch has run 15 min Fushion dance and in the 48 Monsoon Feature JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal GEMS: Purposes and Influence on Human Life (5) By Prof. Saran Ghai CAPRI CORN (December 22 to January 20) Lucky Gem: Blue Sapphire Lucky Colour: Dark Blue Lucky Number: 8 Natives who are born under the Capricorn sign in between the dates December 22 to January 20, the blue sapphire works for them as the gem for life. Besides other benefits best of all is that it ensures them long life. The blue sapphire stone is actually a com- is a must. pound of aluminum and oxygen. Please note: You can wear There is a quantum of cobalt less expensive or low quality mixed in it which gives it the blue gems but you should not expect colour. In India, the best quality the same results as you can blue sapphire is found in Kashmir. expect from the true and purified Besides India Sapphire is also gems. You can contact me in case found in Burma, Sri Lanka, you are looking for a ring, neck- Australia and some other coun- lace or ear-ring having a particu- tries. In Sanskrit it is known as because in contact of gold the worn on a Saturday after examin- and vice-versa. It can turn a pau- lar gem in it. Neelam, Indraneel, Nilmani and in blue sapphire gets cheated in pur- ing its effects. Blue sapphire ring per to a rich and a rich to a pau- (Continued in the next issue.) Urdu/Persian it is known as pose and in the contact with sil- should be worn in the middle fin- per in no time. It can cure a dead- Palm Reader and Meditation Yakoot and in English as ver, it earns defects as being ger. ly sick man of all his ailments. In Guru Prof. Saran Ghai thoughtful- Sapphire. mixed up with Moon, each trying According to Jataka Paarijaata the same manner it can also turn ly understands your circum- When buying a blue sapphire to gobble the other. Wearing a Saturn has its favourite gem in a healthy person to an instant stances, family and financial con- the buyer should know that the defected Sapphire can prove dan- the blue sapphire. Among the five death through an accident or an ditions and advises energized stone should be transparent, gerous. The blue sapphire should great gems it has its special place incident of the same kind. lucky stones accordingly. clean and without any defect. It is be worn in an alloy (triloha) which to ascend. Saturn plays a big role Therefore, it is advised that For all services contact Prof. advisable to buy a blue sapphire also pleases Saturn. The blue in changing somebody's luck from whenever a native decides to Saran Ghai. Ph: (905) 794-4488, on a Saturday. sapphire should be bound in a one extreme to another within no wear a blue sapphire, should be (416) 816-5559, E-mail: business- The blue sapphire should not piece of blue silk cloth for about a time. It can make anything from very careful. It should be worn in [email protected] Website: be worn in gold or silver. It is week and thereafter should be positive to negative very instantly an auspicious manner and a puja www.muktipathmeditation.com. 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Mailing Address: 49 Maple Valley Street, Brampton ON Canada L6P 2E8 Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Feature 49 HEAL YOURSELF HEAL THE WORLD By Devadas Chelvam is asking the question, then you Our world is seriously sick at will be able to solve all your prob- habit that makes us feel proud, present. Though it can easily feed lems" and ignore our own defects. Lord everyone, millions of people Who am I? Whatever changes Jesus warned his followers about including children are starving or or can change cannot confer true this harmful habit. "Why do you are undernourished. Thousands identity to me. Name, fame, posi- notice the little piece of dust that are dying daily due to malnutri- tions, possessions can change. is in your brother's eye, but you tion, AIDS, cancer and many The body and mind too keep don't notice the big piece of wood other illnesses, for which many changing constantly. Hence they that is in your own eye" (Mt. 7:3) are too poor to obtain medical are all superficial to our true Self, It is quite hard to overcome care. Corruption and violence are and necessarily incapable of giv- our bad habits. However, we must on the increase, especially in ing us contentment and lasting not succumb to discouragement." Africa and Asia. peace. The saint is a sinner who never Mother Earth is being exploit- The enlightened sages like gave up," said St. Teresa. God ed indiscriminately with conse- Ramana Maharshi and Ammachi sees how sincere we are in the quent air pollution, soil degrada- declare that we are essentially struggle against evil. We may not tion, and destruction of many one with the Source of our being. see success in spite of intense species of animals and plants. Truly we are the embodiments of effort, and may feel utterly help- Our leaders condone and excuse infinitude, peace, love and joy. To less. Then His grace will intervene immoral and evil acts to combat think that we are limited by any- to make the path easy and enable opposing evil. Thus evil increases one or anything is a false conclu- us to reach the goal for certain. significantly in society. sion. "The soul is in a sense Self-realization or experienc- The present state of affairs everything" said Aristotle. ing God's presence here and now may leave us despondent, as we Oneness with everyone and is the only way to heal ourselves view the world helplessly, with everything can be experienced in and the world. Everything else is frustration and despair. Instead, the depths of our being. a game we play in self-deception we need to look within our mind What the sages say about our their infinitely loving presence We cannot realize our true and deception of others. It entails and heart to find the roots for the true Self may be easily forgotten, within you. Self or be close to God without more soul-sickness and world- sickness in the world. Man's igno- since it is not a personally realized 4. Thank God or the Masters compassion. When we empathize sickness. Hence sincerely and rance of his true nature and con- truth for us. Fortunately they who are absolutely one with God with those who suffer, and help intensely yearning for God is fun- sequent selfishness is the cause point the way to Self-realization, for all the good and bad you others without expecting any damentally important for our well- of all the evil. to heal ourselves, and free us encounter daily. The bad happens return, our hearts will easily open being. Man is essentially connected from the false ego of fear, selfish- due to the wisdom and love of to God's peaceful and loving When the goal of Self-realiza- to all humanity and the whole of ness, pride, greed, anger, hatred, God in order to purify you. Presence. tion or God-experience is kept creation. To think that he is sepa- conflict and misery. 5. Cultivate caring and com- 6. We need to introspect daily uppermost in our mind, we find rate from others is an illusion and It is quite easy to indulge in passion towards all those who and become aware of our nega- the inner strength to deal with ignorance. In the words of our sick attitude and behavior. suffer, not only human beings, but tive habits like anger, pride, jeal- whatever problems life may throw Einstein," a human being is a part That is what most of us are animals and plants as well. One ousy, greed, regrets, anxiety, fear, at us. Then we begin to feel of the whole that we call the uni- accustomed to. Following the and the same Self, Life or and worry. Blaming ourselves and peace and harmony in our lives. verse, a part limited by time and common rut, we will continue to Consciousness courses through others is a waste of precious time Heal yourself and heal the world space. He experiences himself, his contribute more or less to the all the creatures. God is all perva- and energy. through whole-hearted yearning thoughts and feelings, as some- sickness of the world, unless and sive. There is nothing in which He Indulging in negative judg- for Self-realization or God con- thing separated from the rest, a until we are determined to heal is not. ments about others is an insidious sciousness. kind of optical illusion of his con- ourselves, and thus heal the sciousness. This illusion is a world. Our thoughts and feelings prison for us, restricting us to our affect the world immediately personal desires and to affection either for good or evil. Hence the New Year Baby at for only the few people nearest importance of healing ourselves us. Our task must be to free our- in order to heal the world. selves from this prison by widen- How do we heal ourselves and ing our circle of compassion to realize our true Self? Centenary Hospital embrace all living beings and all 1. Realize that Self-realization of nature" is your first duty. It is the primary Since most are victims of such purpose of life. Self-realization is an illusion, it appears to be nor- unmixed joy, endless ever new mal, in spite of producing much bliss. All the virtues and sponta- misery and havoc in our lives and neous creativity will flow from in the world. The sense of sepa- inner peace and joy. rateness makes us feel fearful and 2. Believe in the luminous life insecure. As a compensation, we and words of Self-realized sages cultivate superiority complexes like Lord Buddha, Sri Krishna, claiming that our race, religion, Christ Jesus, Ramakrishna, language, culture and country are Ramana Maharshi, Yogananda superior. Jealousy, hatred, conflict and Ammachi. Belief has little and wars are the logical conse- value if it remains mere thoughts quences. and words. It must become an Like Lord Buddha in ancient intensely lived inner experience, a time, the modern time saw realized truth that shines through At 12:01 a.m. on January 1, many programs, including tions. Working in consultation Ramana Maharshi, an enlightened our being. We can open our 2010, Rouge Valley Centenary in 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac and partnership with community sage heal the hearts and minds of hearts to such an experience by Scarborough welcomed the first care and mental health. Rouge members, other hospitals, health people who came to see him in reading and contemplating the baby to be born at its Birthing & Valley consists of several health care organizations, the Central hundreds at Annamalai in South life and words of the Masters on a Newborn Centre this decade. sites, including two community East Local Health Integration India. His face glowed with an daily basis. Baby girl Anika Karthik was born hospital campuses: Rouge Valley Network and the Ministry of unearthly light exuding peace and 3. Develop devotion to the weighing 7 lbs. 5.1 oz to mom Centenary in east Toronto; and Health and Long-Term Care, love. sages, especially focusing on one Raghavi Mahalingam Sundar and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering Rouge Valley continues to Most people forgot about their particular Master. Visualize their dad Karthick Vanithurai. in west Durham. Together, a improve its programs and cater problems in his presence. A few living form being within and Rouge Valley Health team of physicians (224 general to the needs of the growing voiced their concerns, requesting around you. Surrender your life System (RVHS) - The best at practitioners and 325 special- communities of east Toronto, clarification or some solution. The by offering all that you do to what we do ists), 1,000 nurses and many Ajax, Pickering and Whitby. sage's invariable reply to the peo- them. It is a wonderful habit to RVHS is an excellent acute other professionals care for a ple with concerns and questions whisper endearing words to care community hospital with broad spectrum of health condi- was: "find out who you are, who them, bringing into awareness 50 Monsoon Feature JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal Book Release "Eelathu Thabothanargal" - "Sidhars of Eelam" : Book Release by Discover Canada By Siva Sivapragasam Writer Murugave Paramanathan Moving into a new country Murugave Paramanthan hails requires courage, enthusiasm and from Vallipuram, a pristine village interest. Over the years several in Eelam, in the vicinity of the thousands from all parts of the famous Krishna Temple, Vallipura world have made Canada their Kovil. He is a Teacher by profes- country of adoption. In their quest sion and spent his spare time in for a better way of life, they have spiritual reading and recital on integrated well to the new culture varied cultural and religious top- in their new country. ics. Coming to Canada about just Having moved into a new about 10 years ago, he has country, these men and women authored and released several Adiyar being presented with the book by Author M. Paramanathan need to know the Rights and books. And many awards and and Prof Balasundaram in centre Responsibilities of citizenship in appreciations have been rendered Canada. This is where the new for his dedicated services. The Guide for citizens published by the Immigration outlines these respo- humble, polite and soft spoken Ministry of Citizenship and Canada nsibilities. The pages in the new Paramanathan is very well liked becomes a valuable guide for it's Guide takes you through a long by all of his friends and families citizens. The immigrant popula- and often invited to preside over journey beginning from applying at temple and cultural events. tion in Canada has contributed to for Citizenship ending with details One of his recent works was the diversity and richness of our of Canada's regions. One of the launched recently. country, which is built on a proud highlights of the Rights of "Ealathu Sitharkall" book history and strong identity. Canadians is the great tradition of release was presided by T. Canada is often referred to as a Liberty, which dates back to the Sivapalu Master and released by land of immigrants because, over signing of Magna Carta in 1215 in Prof. Elayathamby Balasundaram the past 200 years, millions of England. on November 8th, 2009 and Dr. Lambotharan being presented the book by newcomers have helped to build The new guide talks of First reviews and speeches were deliv- Author M Paramanathan, Prof Balasundaram in centre and defend our way of life. nations, multi-culturalism, the ered by many other prominent speech said how he endured sev- This book in Tamil, is a keep- By coming to Canada, the importance of immigration and intellectuals from Canadian Tamil eral challenges in researching sake documentary for generations immigrants have taken an impor- the significance of landmarks and Community, Sivanesan Sinniah, about the Sidhars of Eelam. Mr. to come and treasured. It is also tant step in their life and helped to events that have shaped Canada. Kathir Balasundaram, N. Paramanathan's book on Sidhar - recommend for the libraries to write the continuing story of "Discover Canada" is certainly Subramaniya Iyer, Kumarathas "one who has attained perfection stock as reference book. Canada. Canadians enjoy many an invaluable guide, specially to Kurukkal, Dr. Lambotharan, and bliss", "Sidhars of Eelam" is Anyone interested in these rights but also have responsibili- the new comers who have ven- Adiyar, Pon Ganeshalingam. Mr. very much appreciated and well publications, contact the author ties. The new Guide published by tured to make Canada their new Paramanathan in his concluding received by readers. at: 416-412-7458 the Ministry of Citizenship and country of adoption. Monsoon Journal JANUARY 2010 51

As the year 2009 comes to an end, staff at J11 IT So lutio ns invited all their clients and celebrated the ho liday seaso n to extend their gratitude. "90% o f o ur clients are referral based" says Suresh Kumar, President/ CEO o f J11 IT So lutio ns Inc. "Therefo re we build a fo undatio n o f friendship with o ur clients that lasts fo rever. O ne aspect is by inviting o ur clients to o ur o ffice and celebrating o ur success" J11 IT So lutio ns, fo rmerly kno wn as Co mputek Systems is an IT firm specializing in Do main Name Registration, E-Commerce Solutions, Graphic Designs, Web Ho sting, IT Suppo rt and Marketing. With over 250 customers in Canada and the United States, J11 has been pro viding services since the year 2000. In additio n to tho se services listed above, we provide ongoing maintenance, updates and enhancements to their existing clients' sites so that they are able to have a co mpletely up-to -date web presence. J11 o ffers flexible content management solutions by either managing co ntent fo r their clients o r pro viding a Co ntent Management System that allo ws specific sectio ns o f a site to be updated by individuals o utside o f the o rganizatio n. So me o f J11's clients are, West Parry So und Health Centre Foundation, AIDS Committee of Durham, the International Development and Relief Foundation (DRF), Canadian Pro tectio n Pro vides, Best Limo , and O ntario Vegetarian Foo d Bank. To learn mo re abo utJ11 IT So lutio ns, visit www.j11.ca, e-mail them at info@ j11.ca or call 1-877-721-8910 52 JANUARY 2010 Monsoon Journal

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