Thai Pongal Publication ijg; nghq;fy; ntspaPL
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2020
Voice 2020
ç>© ØÃVºï_ kVµÝmï^!
Driven to be partner in your success!
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
1-866-DYNEVOR
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Voice 2020
It lies within A graudate of the Youth Leadership Program - a CTC initiative Vishali Ratnam is an emerging artist pursuing her degree in Advertising Design at OCAD University.
Team Voice: Kumar Ratnam Dr. Meera Selvakone Radhika Venkateswaran Sinthuja Sritharan Cover Design: Vishali Ratnam Printed at: Printfast.ca The opinions and views expressed in the articles and messages of Voice 2020 are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opninion of the official opsition of Canadian Tamil Congress, its directors or the staff. Event photos are copyrighted to the respectful owners.
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Head Office: 513 - 10 Milner Business Court Scarborough, Ontario M1B 3C6 Tel: 416-240-0078 www.canadiantamilcongress.ca info@canadiantamilcongress.ca
jkpo;j; jha; tho;j;J tho;f epue;juk; tho;f jkpo;nkhop thopa thopaNt thd kse;jidj;Jk; mse;jpLk; td; nkhop thopaNt Vo; fly; itg;gpDe; jd; kzk; tPrp ,ir nfhz;L thopaNt vq;fs; jkpo; nkhop vq;fs; jkpo; nkhop vd;nwd;Wk; thopaNt #o;fyp ePq;fj; jkpo; nkhop Xq;fj; Jyq;Ff itafNk njhy;iy tpidjU njhy;iy afd;W Rlu;f jkpo; ehNl tho;f jkpo; nkhop tho;f jkpo; nkhop tho;f jkpo; nkhopNa thdk; mwpe;jidj;Jk; mwpe;J tsu; nkhop thopaNt.
O U R N AT I O N A L A N T H E M O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
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Voice 2020
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
What’s in 6 Mission & Objectives 8 President’s Message 11 Thai Pongal - Festival of Tamils 13 Message from the Prime Minister 15 Message: Premier of Ontario 17 Message: Mayor of Toronto 19 Message: Mayor of Markham 21 Message: Mayor of Mississauga 23 Message: Mayor of Whitchurch - Stouffville 25 Message: Hon. R. Sampanthan M.P. 27 Board of Directors 31 Advisory Council 35 CTC Rewind 2019 47 UNHRC Resolution 40/1 and the Future 51 5th Annual Tamil Fest 55 ,d;gj; jkpOf;F Vd; ,Uf;if? 59 Women’s Empowerment Walk 63 Leaders aren’t born - CFLI 65 A Tamil Community Centre: It is in sight! 71 After a decade of postwar shortsight 73 Walk, fall, rise and shine 75 Depressed? Some uncommon symptoms 77 Hear and Understand 79 fppob ek; jha;kb 85 From Keezhadi to Canada 91 fyhepjp Nahr; cf;Nsh Nghg; 97 Palliative Care is not giving up on patients 103 Messaging through Doodle art 105 Artist Profiles 113 Sponsors 115 VIP Table Sponsors 117 Table Sponsors 119 Advertiser Index
What’s on • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Lighting of Traditional Lamp Canadian National Anthem Tamil Thai Vazhthu Silent Tribute Tamil Cultural Welcome Dance Students of Nirothini Pararajasingam CTC President’s Address - Sivan Ilangko Canadian Tamil Congress Presentation Greetings - Government of Canada Presentation of Service Excellence Award Dr. Thangamuthu Sathiyamoorthy Greetings - Government of Ontario Palliative Care Initiative Presentation Greetings - City of Toronto Women’s Empowerment Walk Dinner Greetings - University of Toronto Greetings - City of Markham Greetings - Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Cultural Dance Performance Students of Jenani Kumar Presentation of Leaders for Change Award Ms. Kanimozhi Mathi Raffle Draw Vote of Thanks
Master of Ceremonies Umesh Vallipuram
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Voice 2020
Nehf;fKk; Fwpf;Nfhs;fSk;
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dbaj; jkpou; Nguit xU ,yhg Nehf;fw;w> fdbaj; jkpoupd; Fuyha; tpsq;Fk; mikg;ghFk;. nuhwd;Nuhtpw; jiyikg; gzpkidiaf; nfhz;l Nguit ehL KOtJk; cWg;gpdu;fisf; nfhz;l xU Njrpa mikg;ghf tpsq;FtNjhL cWg;gpduhy; njupT nra;ag;gl;l ,af;Fdu; rigiaAk; nfhz;ljhFk;. gf;fr; rhu;gw;Wr; nraw;gLk; fdbaj; jkpou; Nguit fdbaf; FKfr; nraw;ghLfspy; jkpoupd; gq;Nfw;wiy Cf;Ftpj;jy;> jkpoupd; Kf;fpa rpf;fy;fis Kjd;ikg;gLj;jy; kw;Wk; fdba tpOkpaq;fisg; NgZtJld; Ntw;wpdf; FKfq;fSk; murhq;fq;fSk; Vida mikg;GfSk; jkpoh;fspd; FKf> fyhr;rhu kw;Wk; murpay; rpf;fy;fisg; Ngrr; nra;jy; Nghd;wtw;iw Kf;fpa Nehf;fq;fshff; nfhz;ljhFk;
cs;Su;> Nfhl;lk;> khepyk; kw;Wk; ehl;Lf;F Kjd;ik tha;e;j nraw;ghLfspw; fdbaj; jkpouJ gq;Nfw;wiy Cf;Ftpj;jy; fdbaj; jkpou; njhlu;ghd rpf;fy;fis Kd;dpiyg;gLj;jpj; jPh;T fhz;gjw;Fg; gy;NtW kl;lf; fdlh muRfNshL ,ize;J nraw;gly; jhafj;jpYk;> cynfq;Fk; thOk; jkpouJ FKf> gz;ghl;L> murpay; Ntl;iffis Vw;Wg; Nghw;Wjy; kdpj cupik> gy;gz;ghL> rkag; gz;ghl;Lg; gy;tz;ik> ghy; xg;Gik> gd;iknewp> njhz;Lnewp Mfpa fdlhtpd; tpOkpaq;fis Nkk;gLj;jy; jkpo;nkhop kw;Wk; gz;ghL gw;wpa Ma;T> fy;tp> gad;ghL vd;gtw;iw Nkk;gLj;jy; fdlhtpd; gpw ,dg;gz;ghl;Lf; FO kq;fNshL cwT g+ZjYk; tsu;j;jYk; fdlh kw;Wk; gd;dhl;L mikg;GfNshL ,ize;J> cyfshtpa jkpo; kf;fspd; ,d;dy; Nghf;fYk; khe;j Nea cjtp toq;fYk; midj;J NtWghLfisAk;> nghWjpapd; ikiaAk; xopg;gjw;Fg; ghLgLjy;> midj;Jf; FOkq;fSf;Fk; xg;ghd cupik kw;Wk; tha;g;G ehbg; ghLgly;> rpwg;ghf ghy; xg;Gik ehbg; Nghuhly;.
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Mission & Objectives • • • •
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• • •
Uphold Canadian values of human rights, multiculturalism, religious and cultural diversity, gender equality, pluralism and volunteerism Promote the participation of Tamil Canadians in activities of local, regional, provincial and national importance Work with various levels of Governments in Canada to highlight and resolve issues impacting Tamil Canadians Cooperate with Canadian and international organizations in alleviating the suffering and provide humanitarian assistance to Tamils worldwide Champion for equality, equality rights and equal opportunity for all diverse groups, in particular gender equality, by working towards the elimination of all forms of discrimination and intolerance Recognize and support the social, cultural and political aspirations of the Tamils in the island of Sri Lanka and worldwide Advance the research, study and usage of the Tamil language and culture Develop and enhance working relationships with other ethnocultural groups in Canada
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• •
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• • • • 9
Confirmez les valeurs canadiennes des droits de l’homme, multiculturalisme, diversité religieuse et culturelle, égalité entre les sexes, pluralisme et volontarisme Favorisez la participation des canadiens tamoul dans les activités d’importance locale, régionale, provinciale et nationale Travaillez avec de divers niveaux des gouvernements au Canada pour accentuer et résoudre des problèmes effectuant les canadiens tamoul Coopérez avec des organismes canadiens et internationaux à alléger la douleur et fournissez l’assistance humanitaire aux tamoul dans le monde entier Champion pour l’égalité, les droits d’égalité et l’égalité des chances pour tous les groupes divers, en particulier égalité entre les sexes, en travaillant vers l’élimination de toutes les formes de discrimination et d’intolérance Identifiez et soutenez les aspirations sociales, culturelles et politiques des Tamoul sur île du Sri Lanka et dans le monde entier Avancez la recherche, l’étude et l’utilisation de la langue et de la culture tamoul Développez et augmentez les relations de travail avec d’autres groupes ethnoculturels au Canada
Voice 2020
President’s Message On behalf of the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC), I am pleased to wish you all a very Happy Thai Pongal and to welcome you to our 13th Annual Gala Dinner. CTC has been at the forefront of community service and active citizenship in Canada for many years. We are committed to integrating Tamil Canadians into the fabric of Canadian life, and to sharing our culture with the broader Canadian populace. CTC has accomplished a great deal over the last year with activities ranging from the advancement of women empowerment, civic engagement, economic development, human rights advocacy, humanitarian work, and the promotion of language, arts and culture. The Centre for Leadership and Innovation, a brainchild of CTC, continued to advance youth leadership development in our community. We also made excellent progress towards establishing a Chair in Tamil Studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough with over $1 million collected thus far in donations and pledges. As an advocacy organisation for the rights of Tamils, we continue to advocate for accountability and justice for those left behind in Sri Lanka, with various international lawmakers and at the United Nations Human Rights Council. We will also continue to place higher emphasis on fostering economic development in the North and East of Sri Lanka. Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our members, supporters, sponsors, and the community at large. Thank you to the volunteers who give countless hours to complete our projects. As we embark upon the New Year, exciting opportunities and, of course, some challenges await. We are committed to do principled and effective work for the betterment of Tamils not only in Canada but around the world. On behalf of all of us here at CTC, I once again wish you and your family a very happy Thai Pongal and a prosperous 2020. Best wishes, Sivan Ilangko President, Canadian Tamil Congress
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
jiytupd; nra;jp fdba jkpou; Nguitapd; 13 tJ tUlhe;j ,uhg; Nghrd epfo;tpw;F tUif je;jpUf;Fk; midtiuAk; md;Gld; tuNtw;gNjhL> fdbaj; jkpou; Nguitapd; rhu;gpy; ,dpa ijg; nghq;fy; tho;j;Jf;fisj; njupg;gjpy; ngUkfpo;r;rp milfpd;Nwd;. gy tUlq;fshff; fdlhtpy; r%f Nritfs; kw;Wk; FbAupikr; nraw;ghLfspy; fdba jkpou; Nguit Kd;dzpapy; ,Uf;fpwJ. fdbaj; jkpou;fisf; fdba tho;NthL ,izg;gjpYk;> jkpou; fyhr;rhuj;ijg; gfpu;e;Jnfhs;tjd; %yk; fdbag; ngUk; r%fj;Jld; RKfkhdJk; xw;WikahdJkhd ,Ug;igg; NgZtjpYk; fdba jkpou; Nguit mu;g;gzpg;NghL nraw;gl;L tUfpwJ. nrd;w tUlk;> r%fj;jpy; ngz;fs; epiyg;ghLfspd; Kd;ndLg;G> Fbapay; gq;fspg;G> nghUshjhu mgptpUj;jp> kdpj cupikfs; Nkk;ghL> kdpjhgpkhd nraw;ghL> jkpo; nkhop> fiy> fyhr;rhu tsu;r;rp Nghd;w gy tplaq;fspy; fdba jkpou; Nguit Fwpg;gplj;jf;f rhjidfis Nkw;nfhz;Ls;sJ. ,t; tplaq;fspy; njhlu;e;Jk; nraw;gLtjd; %yk;> vkJ ,yf;if NkYk; Kd;ndLj;Jr; nry;y mauhJ ghLgLNthk;. fdbaj; jkpou; Nguitapd; Mjutpy; epWtg;gl;l jiyikj;Jt Kd;ndLg;gpwfhd ikak; (Centre for Leadership and Innovation) vkJ ,isa rKjhaj;jpdupilNa jiyikj;Jtj;ij tsu;j;njLg;gjpy; kpfTk; ngUikg;gLk;gbahd ngWNgWfisg; ngw;Wj;je;jpUf;fpwJ. nrd;w tUlk;> nuhnwhd;Nuh gy;fiyf;fofj;jpd; ];fhgNuh tshfj;jpy; jkpOf;F ,Uf;ifnahd;W epWTtjw;fhd Kaw;rpapy; 1 kpy;ypad; lhyu;fisj; cldb ed;nfhilahfTk;> md;gspg;G toq;f cWjpnkhopfshfTk; ngw;W fdba jkpou; Nguit fhj;jpukhd Kd;Ndw;wj;ijf; fz;lJ. Nghupd; mdu;j;jq;fSf;F Mshfpa vkJ jha;epyj;J cwTfSf;fhd ePjpiaAk;> nghWg;Gf;$wiyAk; ngw;Wj;jUk; Kaw;rpapy;> fdbaj; jkpou; Nguit xU MNyhrid mikg;ngd;w tifapy;> If;fpa ehLfs; kdpj cupikfs; Mizak;> kw;Wk; ru;tNjr rl;lthsu;fs; MfpNahUld; njhlu;e;Jk; jsuhJ gzpahw;wp tUfpd;wJ. mj;Jld; ,yq;ifapd; tlfpof;Fg; gFjpfspd; nghUshjhu tsu;r;rpf;fhd Kaw;rpfis njhlu;e;J Kd;ndLg;Nghk;. vq;fs; mq;fj;jtu;fs;> Mjuthsu;fs;> Gutyu;fs; kw;Wk; jkpo; r%f kf;fspd; Nguhjutpd;wp> Nkw;gb Kaw;rpfs; rhj;jpakhfpapUf;f KbahJ vd;w tifapy; mtu;fSf;Fk;> ,j; jpl;lq;fis eilKiwg;gLj;Jtjpy; mstplw;fupa Neuq;fis <e;j vq;fs; njhz;lu;fSf;Fk;> fdba jkpou; Nguit ngUk; flikg;gl;bUf;fpwJ. Gjpa tUlj;jpy;> Gjpa Kaw;rpfspy; mbnaLj;J itg;gJ vkf;Fg; ngUkfpo;itj; je;jhYk;> vq;fs; ghijapy; gy rthy;fis vjpu;Nehf;f Ntz;btUnkd;gijAk; ehk; czu;e;Js;Nshk;. NkYk;> fdlh kl;Lky;yhJ> cyfk; KOtjpYKs;s jkpou;fspd; Nkd;ikf;fhfTk;> jkpo; nkhopiaAk;> jkpoupd; fiy> fyhr;rhuj;ijAk; Kd;ndLg;gjw;fhfTk; fdba jkpou; Nguit jd; fz;zpakhd mu;g;gzpg;GlDk;> tpidj;jpwDlDk; $ba nraw;ghLfis Kd;ndLf;f cWjp G+z;fpwJ. ed;wp! rptd; ,sq;Nfh jiytu;> fdbaj; jkpou; Nguit.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Thai Pongal
Thanksgiving Festival of Tamils
T
hai Pongal is a harvest festival equivalent to Thanksgiving Day and it is celebrated by Tamils across the world. Considered to be one of the oldest harvest festivals, Pongal is said to have originated in the pre-Christian era in Tamil Nadu. In the Tamil language, pongal literally means “boiling over” or “spill over”. The boiling of milk in a clay pot until it spills over is symbolic of the heart’s desire for abundance and prosperity. Celebrated at harvest time, Thai Pongal is traditionally intended to thank the Sun God and farmstead livestock that help create the material abundance. The Pongal festival falls on the first day of the month of Thai of the Tamil calendar (14th or 15th of January according to the Gregorian calendar) and is enveloped by a sense of newness. Celebrated traditionally at harvest time, it is a festival signifying the wealth of food and prosperity associated with the wish for a bountiful harvest. By thanking the rain, sun and the farm animals that contribute to the production of rice, the most staple food of the Tamils, this festival expresses that harmony and interdependence between all created realities that make this planet a great place to live and grow. Pongal is celebrated by the Indian state of Tamil Nadu as well as Tamils
worldwide, including those in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, England, USA, Singapore and Canada. Transcending any religious differences, Pongal is celebrated by Tamils of all religious persuasions. During this special time, the household is often filled with excitement and preparation.
and cashew nuts. When the meal is ready, it is first served on a banana leaf and the family prays for a few minutes to thank the sun, nature and farmers.
A flat square pitch is made and decorated with kolam drawings and it is exposed to direct sunlight. Coloured rice flour is used to draw the kolam and it defines the sacred area where the pongal is prepared.
The richness of Tamil culture and historical traditions is symbolized in the Tamil New Year and Thai Pongal festival. By celebrating this festival, the Tamil Diaspora helps perpetuate our rich culture and traditions. It also gives an emotional link to our kith and kin at home or scattered across the globe.
A hearth made of natural firewood is set up using three bricks. The cooking begins by placing a clay pot with water on the hearth. A senior member of the family will begin the cooking and the rest of the family dutifully assists him or her. The climax is when the Pongal spills over when cooking. The spill over of milk is a propitious symbol of abundance and good omen and is accompanied by the shouting of “Pongalo Pongal”. A member of the family will then ceremoniously put three handfuls of new rice inside the boiling pot. Other ingredients of this special dish are chakkarai (brown sugar) or katkandu (sugar candy), milk (cow’s milk or coconut milk), payaru (roasted green gram), raisins 13
The pongal is then served with fruits to family, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Voice 2020
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Message from the Prime Minister of Canada
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 13th Annual Thai Pongal Festival Gala Dinner, hosted by the Canadian Tamil Congress. Since its establishment in 2001, the Canadian Tamil Congress has served as the voice of Tamil-Canadians. Canada draws its strength from our diversity, and the positive atmosphere that the Canadian Tamil Congress facilitates is integral towards reinforcing relationships between Tamil-Canadians and people from all backgrounds. Thank you to all those who organized this amazing event and to all of you who are in attendance to celebrate the Thai Pongal Festival. Please accept my warmest welcome and best wishes for a memorable dinner.
Ottawa 2019 15
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Premier of Ontario - Premier ministre de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ontario
January 18, 2020 A MESSAGE FROM PREMIER DOUG FORD I am pleased to extend warm greetings to everyone taking part in the 13th Annual Thai Pongal Gala Dinner of the Canadian Tamil Congress. Ontarians of Tamil descent have carried this festival and its beautiful spirit of thanksgiving across generations. Thai Pongal remains one of the most important festivals in your community. It is a time of great joy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and a chance to get together with family, friends and neighbours to express gratitude for blessings received. I want to thank the Canadian Tamil Congress for hosting this gala. Events such as this bring the Tamil Canadian community together and showcase the beauty and richness of Tamil culture. May you all enjoy good health, happiness and prosperity in the year ahead. Best wishes for a joyous celebration.
Doug Ford Premier
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Centre City Pharmacy
Mississauga Pharmacy servicing the Tamil community
kprprhfh, gpuk;ld; tho; jkpo; kf;fspd; eyd; fUjp jkpopy; Nritfis toq;Fk; kUe;jfk; Free Delivery /,ytr tpepNahfk;. Co-payment $2.00 off for seniors. KjpNahHfSf;F $2.00 js;Sgb We accept all drug plans & refugee documents for medications. Rfy fhg;GWjpj; jpl;lq;fSk; Vw;Wnfhs;sg;;gLk. mfjp tpz;zg;g gj;jpuj;Jf;Fk; kUe;Jfs; ngwyhk;. Free Glucometer with the purchase of glucometer strips. cq;fs; kUe;J NjitfSf;F cld; njhlh;G nfhs;s Ntz;ba ,yf;fk;
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Message from the Mayor It is my pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone attending the CTC 13th Annual Dinner 2020 hosted by the Canadian Tamil Congress. Best wishes as you celebrate the "Thai Pongal" Festival, a time to look forward to new beginnings while being thankful for nature's harvests from the past year. Toronto is one of the world's most multicultural cities and home to people from all over the world. The valued contributions of multicultural communities strengthen our society and contribute to our city's motto "Diversity Our Strength". Events like these celebrate the rich cultures and traditions that make our city so unique, and are essential to a prosperous, vital and livable Toronto. On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for a memorable event and continued success. Yours truly,
John Tory Mayor of Toronto
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 100 QUEEN STREET WEST, TORONTO, ONTARIO, M5H 2N2
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Voice 2020
COMPUTEK College proudly supports The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) 13th Annual Thai Pongol Gala 2020
www.COMPUTEK.edu Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Frank Scarpitti Mayor
January 18, 2020
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR FRANK SCARPITTI On behalf of Members of Council and the City of Markham, I am pleased to extend a warm and sincere welcome to everyone attending the 13th Annual Thai Pongal Gala Dinner hosted by the Canadian Tamil Congress. In Markham, we celebrate the strong partnerships we share with the many diverse groups that call Markham home and we recognize your significant contributions the wellbeing of our community. We are also proud to share that Markham is the first city to proclaim January Tamil Heritage Month in Ontario and the first municipality in Canada to officially recognize Thai Pongal Celebrations. Together we are creating warm, welcoming and inclusive communities. As the Mayor of Markham, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the team at Canadian Tamil Congress for bringing the community together during this festive time. Thank you to all the participants and volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to making this event possible. Wishing you an enjoyable and successful festival. Sincerely,
Frank Scarpitti Mayor
The Corporation of the City of Markham, Anthony Roman Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, Ontario L3R 9W3 Tel: 905.475.4872 Fax: 905.479.7775 MayorScarpitti@markham.ca www.markham.ca
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
January 18, 2020 Personal Message from Mayor Bonnie Crombie
Dear Friends, On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of my Council, I would like to extend my best wishes to the volunteers, leadership and all those attending the 13th Annual Tamil Thai Pongal Festival Gala Dinner, hosted by the Canadian Tamil Congress. Thai Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in Mississauga and in communities throughout the world. This marks an important occasion in the calendar year for the Tamil Community. It is an opportunity to give thanks to nature for providing bountiful harvests, while at the same time celebrating the promise and hope of new beginnings. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thai Pongal celebrations coincide with Tamil Heritage Month which is an opportunity to remember and reflect on the important contributions that our Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tamil community has made to elevate the quality of life for all Mississaugans. Our City is a more inclusive and dynamic place because of your efforts. For all Mississaugans and Canadians, Tamil Heritage Month is also an opportunity to celebrate and educate future generations about the rich history and culture of the broader Tamil community. Once again, I am pleased to extend my best wishes to all those attending the 13th Annual Tamil Thai Pongal Festival Gala Dinner. Wishing you a joyous and memorable celebration. Iniya Pongal Nalvazhthukkal! Warmest Regards,
Bonnie Crombie, MBA, ICD.D Mayor, City of Mississauga
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ONE OF CANADA'S FASTEST GROWING HOSPITALITY AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Office of the Mayor THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF
WHITCHURCH - STOUFFVILLE
Mayor Iain Lovatt
Happy Thai Pongal! On behalf of the Office of the Mayor, Council and the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, I would like to extend my sincere wishes to our Tamil community for a happy and healthy Thai Pongal. With the Tamil population continuing to grow in Whitchurch-Stouffville, it is so important to honour and celebrate the traditions and heritage of the Tamil community. Your enthusiasm and vibrancy has breathed new life into our Town and for that, I want to thank you. Your rich, cultural customs and celebrations help make Whitchurch-Stouffville a better place to live. Thai Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils here in Whitchurch-Stouffville and in communities throughout the world. This marks an important occasion in the calendar year for Tamils - it is an opportunity to give thanks to nature for providing bountiful harvests - while at the same time accepting the promise and hope of new beginnings. Celebrations like this one as well as the marking of Tamil Heritage Month demonstrate the Tamil community's important contribution to our Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant cultural mosaic. Wishing you a joyous festival - one, which brings you good luck and prosperity and fills your days ahead with happiness. Have a wonderful Pongal! I look forward to celebrating with you all. Sincerest regards,
Iain Lovatt, Mayor Mayor
111 Sandiford Drive, Stouffville, Ontario L4A 0Z8 Tel: 905.640.1910 Ext. 2105 Fax: 905.640.9930 Email: mayor@townofws.ca
www.townofws.ca 25
Voice 2020
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>t¿B« åVxBú¼kVD >t¿B« åVtçð¼kVD
imagine create print promote & make difference Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
R. Sampanthan Member of Parliament Leader of the TNA It gives me such pleasure to be able to convey my blessings to the Canadian Tamil Congress on this special event of their annual Pongal Festival 2020. The Canadian Tamil Congress has been playing an immense role in supporting human rights, political, social, cultural objectives of the Tamil community wherever they live, especially, in Canada and Sri Lanka. I greatly appreciate their help with resettlement and rehabilitation work and socio-economic empowerment of Tamils in Sri Lanka. I have directly seen the benefits of the initiatives they are carrying out, here, in Sri Lanka. I wish the Canadian Tamil Congress, its members, its well-wishers and all the participants of this event my best regards and hope that you will continue to support Canadian and Sri Lankan Tamils in the future. R. Sampanthan Member of Parliament Leader of the Tamil National Alliance Sri Lanka 10/01/2020
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Voice 2020
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Board of Directors Sivan Ilangko President Sivan Ilangko is a Chartered Professional Accountant, and an Associate Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, Toronto. Ilangko has extensive experience in providing Assurance and Advisory services to companies in the financial services sector. Ilangko is a co-founder, former director and advisor of Centre for Leadership and Innovation, an organization that develops leadership skills among youth. He is a director of Stouffville Multicultural Association, Tamil Literary Garden and Tamil Chair Inc., an organization formed to establish Tamil Chair at Harvard University. Ilangko is also a past director of the Learning Disability Association of Ontario, Relationship Manager of Ascend Canada, an organization formed to address the shortage of PanAsian leaders in corporate Canada and former Vice President â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Internal Affairs of the Canadian Tamilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chamber of Commerce. Ilangko leads the initiative to establish Tamil Chair at the University of Toronto, Scarborough.
Dr. Kan Chandra is a Dentist by profession. He has been actively involved in a number of organizations such as the Citizens Committee in Trincomalee, Peace Committee in Trincomalee, Youth Rehabilitation Organization (Founder) and few NGOs. He also served as the President of Rotary Club of District 3220 - Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. His passion for helping his fellow citizens in Canada Dr. Kan Chandra and the destitute in Sri Lanka keeps him actively involved in the following Vice President organizations, Board Member: Canadian Tamil Medical Association, Board Member: Kalvi Connection (an organization which helps children in financial need to continue their education). He also helps other community organizations such as the Sinhala Association, Canada etc.
Raveena Rajasingham is a National Cardiology clinical and product specialist for Spacelabs Healthcare and is currently pursuing her PhD in Hypertension Measurement and Management. Raveena has more than 15 years of history in social justice change and community development work. She is passionate and proactive in promoting diversity in its broadest sense. Currently she is a board member Raveena Rajasingham of Pickering Royal Canadian Legion and the Chair of Youth Education. She also Secretary serves as a Chair of Durham Diversity Society. Raveena has been member of the Ajax Pan Am Host Committee from 2013-2015. She is also the community expert and consultant for Ajax and Pickering Public Library Science Fair. Her contribution to the community has been recognized by the Town of Ajax and Pickering. She has received the Cultural Diversity Award from the City of Pickering, Diversity and Community Engagement Award and Education award from the Town of Ajax. In addition, Raveena has been an active board member in many Tamil associations. Thirukumaran Thirunavukarasu is a Project Leader in the Process Improvement team at the Apotex Signet site. Thirukumaran has great passion in community work and has been volunteering his time towards helping individuals and community as whole since he has come to Canada. He has volunteered at religious groups and has helped with many event management activities. During Kumaran Thiru his association with CTC for the past 10 years ago, he has helped in both local Treasurer and international projects as a volunteer coordinator. Thirukumaran has also received the Ontario Service Award For Volunteer Service in 2016. 29
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Nadarajah Vijayabalan is a Certified General Accountant (now Chartered Professional Accountant) and currently works for the government. He has a wide range of accounting and tax experience within various private and government sectors. Nada has been involved in various religious and cultural organizations. He was the secretary of Canada Hindu Maamantram and Canada Hindu Nada Vijayabalan Cultural Council. Nada was a past student of Jaffna Central College, and Director served as a board member of its Old Boys Association of Canada. Nada is actively involved with the Canadian Tamil Congress for the past fifteen years. His services has been recognized with Ontario Volunteer Service award in the recent past. Dilshan Navaratnarajah is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and a Chartered Professional Accountant. Dilshan is the Vice President of International Sales for Lloyd & McMurray Limited, a Canadian company that exports agricultural products to Asian countries. Prior to that Dilshan worked in the finance sector for over 20 years, including KPMG in Sri Lanka and Teknion Ltd in Canada. Dilshan Navaratnarajah Dilshan is very passionate about the economic empowerment of Tamils Director and has championed the establishment of North East Economic Development (NEED) Centre to enable rebuilding the livelihoods of people in the war effected northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. He has contributed and supported the establishment and growth of many small businesses in Canada. Dilshan has been an active member of CTC for over 10 years. He was recognized with the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2018. Nathan Veerasingam is a Real Estate Professional with over 10 years of experience in growing his clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; portfolios. Nathan started his career in Canada in Retail Management and successfully built a track record of growth and strong customer experience. Prior to coming to Canada, Nathan was a government official in Sri Lanka with various departmental responsibilities. He is a highly involved Nathan Veerasingam leader within the local community, having volunteered across numerous Director cultural, religious, and political organizations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Nathan has been an active member of the CTC for over 10 years, supporting numerous projects throughout the decade.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Advisory Council Ken Kandeepan possesses both the CPA and CFA designations and is the Chief Financial and Risk Officer (CFRO) of the Ontario Financing Authority, an agency that provides borrowing, debt and treasury management services to the Province of Ontario. As a CFRO Ken has dual responsibilities. As CFO, he is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of the Province’s debt, derivatives and Interest on Debt expenses Ke n Ka nd e e p an presented in the Annual Budget and Public Accounts of the Province. As CRO, he is responsible for the implementing and managing an effective risk management system for the borrowing, hedging and investment management of a debt and derivative portfolio that is in the hundreds of billions of dollars and an investment portfolio that is in excess of $20 billion. Malliha Wilson practices litigation at Nava Wilson LLP. She served as the Assistant Deputy Attorney General of the Government of Ontario for over 8 years. She was Senior Appellate Litigation Counsel with the Ontario Government for more than 30 years, participating in over 20 notable cases at the Supreme Court of Canada and the Ontario Court of Appeal. She was formerly Special Legal Advisor at the Investment Management Malliha Wilson Corporation of Ontario. She specializes in all areas of litigation, including international and domestic human rights, indigenous, constitutional, real estate, breach of contract, employment, and labour law. She has been a champion of diversity and inclusion, demonstrating her steadfast commitment to community service and the legal community. Her significant accomplishments and work to promote diversity and inclusion, were recognized in 2009 by the South Asian Bar Association with a Distinguished Career Award in 2012 by her Alma matter, Osgoode Hall Law School, with a Gold Key Award for Public Sector Service, in 2015 by the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers with a Lawyer of Distinction Award.
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Ra j Th a v a ra t n a s in gh a m Raj Thavaratnasingham is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for 20 years, a graduate of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS, Pilani) in India. Raj has strong interest in advocating for volunteerism and political engagement. His many volunteer positions included serving in the Planned Giving Committee for the Rouge Valley Health System Foundation, Program Advisory Committee Member – Centennial College’s Progress Campus School of Business Administration; and a board member of the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates of Canada. Raj has also received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 15 years of service and in 2011 was awarded the “Urban Hero” award in Health & Science for his work with the hospital by the Scarborough Mirror. In 2012 he was also the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in Canada. Raj also served as a Board of Director of CTC for two years (20112013) and as the President for four years (2013-2017).
Voice 2020
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S u m i Sha n Sumi Shan is a graduate in Political Science from the University of Guelph and an award-winning management professional who has worked with tech giants like Microsoft, early-stage startups, governments and not-forprofit organizations. Currently, she is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Dunya Project, an agri-tech startup that aims to help communities to grow food anywhere irrespective of the climate conditions to combat global food inequity. She is a founding partner with Infinite Enviro Solutions, an environmental solutions provider supporting water purification and waste management initiatives; and a co-founder with TEx Ventures, an integrated, multifaceted initiative that aims to accelerate the next generation of startups. As co-founder, a connector and a former senior political advisor to several Cabinet Ministers, she has over 17+ years of experience working with various industries globally. As a social doer she is keenly interested in advancing innovation to tackle social challenges and diverse participation in politics and tech.
Dr. V. Sa n t h a k u m a r Dr. Vadivelu Santhakumar is the lead family Physician at the Center City Medical Clinic which is a multi service primary care clinic in Mississauga. He is the co-founder, past president, current Director of the Canadian Tamil Medical Association (CTMA), a registered charity in Canada. Dr. Santhakumar has participated in many fundraising activities to provide medical humanitarian assistance to the developing countries. He has also organized health education seminars for new immigrant community, published heath care magazine with aim to provide more information on in healthcare issues and conducted and participated in community health education in Radio and Television shows. Dr. Santhakumar is also a part of the clinical teaching staff at the Mississauga Campus University of Toronto School of Medicine. He has been an active member and a supporter of CTC since its formation.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
CTC Rewind 2019 Tamil Canadians Celebrates 12th Annual Thai Pongal Dinner CTC’s 12th annual Thai Pongal Dinner was celebrated on January 19, 2019 with over 800 attendees. In keeping with the tradition, two awards were presented that evening. The 2018 “Leaders for Change Award” was presented to music director David Imman for promoting singers from the international Tamil community and for his immense contributions
CTC Advocacy Team at the United Nations Human Rights Council March & September 2019 CTC representatives were present at the 40th session of the UNHRC in March 2019 in which the Sri Lanka resolution 34/1 update was discussed. The resolution was co-sponsored by the Sri Lankan government ans was adopted unanimously by the council. The resolution 40/1 specifically requests the office of the High Commissioner to (i) monitor progress on the implementation of its recommendations and other processes relating to reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, (ii) present a written update to the Human Rights Council at its forty-third
to the world of music. This award honours the unique contribution of an individual who, through their exceptional vision, perseverance and commitment, has redefined and strengthened our society. The “Service Excellence Award” was presented to Dr. Brenda Beck for her outstanding contributions to Tamil language and culture. This award recognizes an organization or individual’s compassion, dedication and support towards the betterment of the community, enhancing the lives of others.
session in March 2020, and (iii) produce a comprehensive report to be followed by a discussion on the implementation of council resolution 30/1 at its forty-sixth session in March 2021. CTC’s team was also present in September 37
2019 to cover the 42nd session and participate in many discussions with various stakeholders. Preparations are underway to assemble a larger and more comprehensive team for the upcoming UNHRC session in March 2020.
International Women’s Day Celebration March 2019 CTC celebrated International Women’s Day with a large turnout and a lavish dinner cooked and served by Centennial Culinary art students. The keynote address was
delivered by Karen Craggs-Milne, an Obama White House recognized Gender Equality Changemaker (2016). The event recognizes the changes and advances initiated and driven by women to make the world a better place. The inaugural “Women in Leadership Award” was presented to Dr. Meera Selvakone. CTC’s Women in Leadership award is presented to someone who has achieved success in her profession, contributes time and energy to improve the lives of others, demonstrates exemplary leadership
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It’s likely you opened and contribute to your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) for the tax-advantaged savings. After all, you’ve already paid taxes on the money you’ve invested, so why not put this money in a TFSA that lets your investments grow tax free. But, remember, your TFSA is more than just another savings account. By having a TFSA at Edward Jones, you can benefit from working with a financial advisor who will meet with you to better understand your needs. Working together, we’ll personalize your TFSA with the best investments that will be tailored to meet these needs.
How You May Benefit from a TFSA Because your TFSA is more than just another savings account, you can use it to: • Save even more if you have limited contribution room or maximized your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contributions • Create a tax-efficient income stream in retirement, especially if you have excess Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)* or pension income • Take advantage of additional income-splitting opportunities with your spouse • Add to your existing long-term investment strategy – tax-free
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
abilities and is a role model and mentor to other women and girls, inspiring them to become future leaders.
IMHO Canada and the University of Toronto Tamil Chair campaign. Today, approximately 450 youth are enrolled in this program.
CTC and Canadian Multicultural Council – Asians in Ontario (CMC) May 2019
Motivational Event June 2019
Canadian Multicultural Council – Asians in Ontario is an umbrella organization that consists of mainly country associations numbering over 21. CTC is a proud member of CMC. In 2019, six Canadian women of Asian descent were recognized on a poster titled “Asian Women in Leadership” during Asian Heritage Month. Dr. Meera Selvakone, a CTC member, was honoured as one of the six women. Former CTC President, Mr. Sunthar Umasuthan was also honoured with the 2019 Outstanding Asian Canadian Community Award. CTC representatives attended many events hosted by other member organizations, including the signature event CMC Asian Food and Cultural Festival where Tamil food and cultural performances were showcased.
several Ministers. This year’s event was particularly poignant as it marked the 10-year anniversary of the tragic loss of life in Mullivaikkal, numbering well into the tens of thousands. Attendees paid their respects by laying over 100 roses at the memorial.
Milestones - Youth Leadership Program completes another successful year The Centre for Leadership and Innovation (CFLI) hosted the term-end celebratory event, Milestones, for its Youth Leadership Program in May and December 2019. These fun-filled events were chaired and run by youth and
May Remembrance May 2019 CTC held the 10th year “Remembering Vanished Voices: Multi-Faith Service for Innocent Lives Lost in Sri Lanka’s War’’ at the Canadian parliament in Ottawa on May 15, 2019. As with previous services held in 2010 and 2014, over hundred people attended including 20 Members of Parliament and
On June 9, 2019, CTC hosted a Networking and Motivational event in collaboration with Canadian Tamil Professionals Association (CTPA) and Center for Leadership and Innovation (CFLI). The event, titled “Driven to Success”, was held
at Netwyn Place in Scarborough. This event provided a platform for successful Tamil entrepreneurs and business leaders to share their experiences and perspectives, and to motivate and inspire young individuals to achieve success in their chosen fields. Guest speakers included Bernard Sinniah, the former Managing Director of CitiBank and current Global Head of FX Corporate Sales and e-FX Solutions, and Dunstan Peter, President and CEO of Trinity Tech Inc.
included speeches, competitions and presentations. This year, CFLI students worked together in teams to raise thousands of dollars for various charitable causes including 39
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
CTC Rewind 2019 Darts, Trivia & Karaoke June 2019 Over 18 teams, comprising of more than 180 people, took part in this annual social event while fundraising for a worthy and noble cause. Participants raised funds for CTC’s ongoing UNHRC efforts in Geneva, Switzerland. Each team
Guinness Book of World Records drumming event on Canada Day 2019. CTC arranged for more than 50 Tamil Canadian drummers from various music schools to take part in this fun, record-breaking and memorable event.
Made in Mullaitivu Dinner July 2019 CTC hosted “Made in Mullaitivu Dinner”, a first of its kind fundraiser to kickstart a project for people in Mullaitivu District to market their own products. This is an initiative of the North and East Economic Development (NEED) Centre, established in 2017 to
competed in Darts, On-line Trivia and Karaoke with the winning team taking home CTC’s “Darts, Trivia & Karaoke” trophy.
Drumming on Canada Day - July 2019 Canadian Multicultural Council Asians in Ontario (CMC) member organizations participated in the
foster economic development and progress in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The event was a roaring success with funds collected well exceeding expectations. This event was attended by the Mayor of Jaffna, Emmanuel Arnold, and former Northern Province health minister Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam. CTC representatives were present during the inaugural event of the 41
project in Mullaitivu in November 2019.
32nd FeTNA Conference & 10th World Tamil Conference July 2019 CTC facilitated the attendance of a large number of Tamil Canadians at the 32nd FeTNA Conference in Chicago in July 2019. CTC
organized sessions to update conference attendees on the NEED Centre initiatives and the University of Toronto Tamil Chair campaign. Further representation by Tamil Canadians included traditional dance performances by students of Smt. Nirothini Pararajasingam and the participation of Tamil Canadian youth in various FeTNA competitions and activities. CTC facilitated the attendance of Mayor of Jaffna, Emmanuel Arnold, and former Northern Province health minister Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam at this event.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
CTC and Mayor of Jaffna meet the President of Mauritius July 2019 CTC facilitated a productive meeting between the Jaffna Mayor, Emmanuel Arnold, with the President of Mauritius, Hon. Barlen Vyapoory, while attending the FeTNA conference.
within a 2-year period. To date, over 1 million in donations and pledges has been collected. The 1-year anniversary celebration for the launch of Tamil Chair campaign was held on July 18, 2019 at the University of Toronto-Scarborough Campus. The event was attended by 250 people and included cultural performances and speeches emphasizing the importance of this monumental and honourable initiative.
36th year – Black July Remembrance July 2019
TamilFest – Fifth Annual Tamil Street Festival August 2019
Chair in Tamil Studies at the University of Toronto July 2019 CTC along with Tamil Chair Inc. USA is spearheading this historical campaign to establish a Tamil Chair at the University of TorontoScarborough Campus. As per the agreement in place, the endowment of $3 million for the Tamil Chair at the University of Toronto must be fully funded
Toronto Harbour in beautiful Lake Ontario. Over 150 people joined Toronto’s best attraction “The Kajama” – a traditional 165-foot three mastered Schooner, Toronto’s only tall ship. The night was filled with networking, amazing music, delicious food, and dancing under the stars.
CTC hosted the Black July remembrance event “In Search of Our Roots” at the Scarborough Civic Centre to educate the youth about the tragic circumstances that led many Tamils to uproot their lives and families. The event included workshops and meaningful conversations between survivors and youth.
Toronto’s only Tall Ship Boat Cruise July 2019 On Friday July 26th, CTC organized a boat cruise from the 43
The two-day “TamilFest” street festival held at the end of August, was once again a roaring success! CTC continued to succeed in introducing the Tamil community and its culture to Toronto’s
mainstream population, with over 200,000 attendees that weekend. TamilFest included various food stands by local vendors, booths by many local businesses, traditional
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
street performers, popular stage acts, and a museum chronicling the Canadian Tamil community’s rapid growth and success. Several political leaders of the country joined hundreds of thousands of revellers at Toronto’s Tamil Fest, the largest street festival of its kind celebrating Tamil culture and cuisine.
Government, CTC took part in this conference where various views were exchanged and some excellent presentations were made by well-known lawyers and Swiss government and non-government officials. Future collaboration is expected in the coming months.
Tamil Canadian Walk in support of the Toronto Tamil Chair September 2019 2019’s Tamil Canadian walk organized by CTC was held on September 8, 2019, in support of the Chair in Tamil Studies at the
University of Toronto-Scarborough Campus. The walk raised $79,000 in donations and pledges. Impressively, since 2009, the annual Tamil Canadian walk has raised over $500,000 for deserving charities around the world.
Workshop with Sri Lankan Diaspora by the Government of Switzerland October 2019
Fact-finding mission and “Rise” conference October 25 – November 2019 CTC representatives visited North and East Sri Lanka and met with many officials in these areas to get a first-hand update on several projects. The same delegation also attended the 3rd annual “Rise Global Summit” in Chennai, which was geared towards economic prosperity for Tamils around the world and how global Tamils can help each other take the community to new heights. More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and professionals from 35 countries were in attendance. CTC representatives also presented on the University of Toronto Tamil Chair initiative at the summit.
At the invitation of the Swiss 45
Community Consultation December 1 & 3, 2019 Under the Ontario government’s Anti-racism Act, public service organizations including the Toronto Police Service are legally required to collect race-based data starting January 1, 2020. The Toronto Police Service need community organizations to provide their input. CTC hosted two successful community consultation focus groups to support this initiative by the Toronto Police Service.
Conclusion 2019 marks a record year for CTC’s engagement both domestically and on an international level. CTC continues to take part in various dialogues worldwide, finding a seat at every table to tirelessly advocate for Tamil Canadians and global Tamils alike. Through its diverse contacts and activities, CTC pledges to remain active and work toward the betterment of Tamils, promote Tamil language and culture and improve our community’s presence and participation on a global scale. Please join us as we scale even greater heights in 2020.
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Service Excellence Award Dr. Thangamuthu Sathiyamoorthy is currently the director of the Teaching Hospital Jaffna District, the only tertiary care provider for the Northern Province serving its entire population of over 600,000. The Teaching Hospital has a bed strength of 1,280 including a number of specialized care units and provides health care to not only those in the vicinity but to all critically ill patients transferred from other district hospitals in the Northern Province.
As part of our ongoing commitment to volunteerism and promoting community involvement, the Canadian Tamil Congress will honour the contribution of an individual or organization that has supported the Tamil people. The recipient of this award will be an individual that has demonstrated compassion, dedication and support to community building efforts. This award will recognize the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-term support, commitment and significant
No introduction of Dr. Sathiyamoorthy would be complete without a reference to his courage and selfless service during the final months of the Sri Lankan Civil War that ended in May 2009. Without any regard to his own safety, Dr. Sathiyamoorthy and a couple of his colleagues provided medical care to the injured in the absence of any structured hospital facilities. In providing this service and saving the lives of many , Dr. Sathiyamoorthy lived up to the finest traditions of the medical profession of providing care to those who need it without any concern for his own well-being, an extraordinary example of altruism for all physicians across the world. In recognition of his service over this period, in 2011, he received the Inter Action Forum USA Humanitarian Award for exemplary Leadership and Extraordinary Achievement on Behalf of Humanitarian Causes. In addition to substantially enhancing the infrastructure and the services provided by the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Dr. Sathiyamoorthy, has also implemented far reaching cultural improvements aimed at providing effective patient care within an environment characterized by compassion, respect and accountability not only towards patients but to their loved ones as well. His efforts with regard to the Hospital and the people of the North and the integrity that he displayed in performing his duties, was recognized by Transparency International who presented him with the Integrity ICON for 2019 - Honoring Honesty Award given to five government officials in Sri Lanka. Over the past two decades, Dr. Sathiyamoorthy in his various capacities within Public health for the Northern Province has worked constantly and tirelessly for the betterment of his community, and his altruism and commitment has been recognized by various international bodies. On behalf of the members and Board Canadian Tamil Congress it gives us great pride and pleasure to present the 2019 Service Excellence Award to Dr. Thangamuthu Sathiyamoorthy.
contribution to the Tamil community at large.
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Leaders for Change Award Ms. Kanimozhi Mathi, a practicing Attorney at Law at the High Court of Madras, India, has in the recent times captured the attention and admiration of wider Tamil community for her public spirited initiatives and interventions. Ms. Mathi was fortunate to have early exposure to a transformative momentum which would bring lasting influence in her journey, including her notable work during 2008 and 2009 to stop the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, as the war drew to a brutal end. In her 19 years of practice as a lawyer she has filed countless number of writs, worked under some of the most respected lawyers in South India, handling a wide range of cases from civil disputes to Foreign Exchange Management laws. But what defines her persona is her restlessness for community and common good. To address the dire social consequences of massive unemployment in Tamil Nadu Ms. Mathi co-founded the Confederation of Tamil Agriculture Commerce Industry and Services (CTACIS). This organization has supported over 700 small and medium entrepreneurs, mostly from economically deprived communities. Those who have benefited from CTACIS include many young woman, who are fast emerging as confident and innovative entrepreneurs. Ms. Mathi was also part of the core team that defined the foundational objectives and values of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Riseâ&#x20AC;?, a global movement of Tamil speaking entrepreneurs and professionals. Ms. Mathi founded Kanmanigal - an organization to support the education of underprivileged children and continues to make a difference in the lives of many children. She is an active runner with Regreen Chennai Marathon and Palmyra Nation Movement- both which strive to strengthen the environmental security of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. But her singular contribution to Tamil society is her emphatic and successful legal intervention to protect Keezhadi site, a place of huge archaeological relevance which has become a defining discovery of not only Tamil civilizational antiquity, but one that would prove beyond doubt that Tamil is the civilizational foundation of the entire Indian sub- continent. This legal victory has now become a source Tamil awakening and a pride of Tamil Civilizational memory. Tamils across the world including the Canadian Tamil Congress is grateful for Ms. Kanimozhi Mathiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital contribution towards the protection of Keezhadi.
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The Leaders for Change Award honours the unique contribution of individuals who have an exceptional vision, perseverance and commitment that has redefined or strengthened the need for change in our society. The recipients of this award have demonstrated an effort to strive for change in a way that positively impacts the lives of others. This award recognizes these determined individuals whose efforts are characterized by dedication to leadership, vision for change and a desire to enhance the lives of others.
Voice 2020 www.edwardjones.ca
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Call your local Edward Jones advisor to help you find the right insurance solution for your individual needs. Raj Thavaratnasingham Financial Advisor
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
UNHRC resolution 40/1 and the future
T
he UNHRC was established in March 15, 2006 to replace the UN Commission on Human Rights that had been strongly criticized for allowing countries with poor human rights records to be members. The 47-member council is elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional basis.
Western Europe and other StatesAustralia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain.
The UN, Darusman and Petrie Reports
Based on a report given to him by an expert panel (Darusman report) in 2011, The Human Rights Council the Secretary General of will, as of 1 January 2020, have UN referred the matter to the following membership: UNHRC as there was credible African States - Angola, evidence that “War crimes and Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Crimes Against Humanity” Democratic Republic of may have been Congo, Eritrea, committed by both Libya, Mauritania, Raj Thavaratnasingham sides during the Namibia, Nigeria, last stages of the Sri Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Togo; Asia-Pacific - Afghanistan, Lankan war. This report was followed by “Panel of Experts Report” headed by Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Mr. Charles Petrie in November 2012. Indonesia, Japan, Marshall Islands, At that time the then UN Chief Mr. Republic of Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Ban-Ki Moon stated “The conduct of Philippines, Qatar; Eastern Europe the final months of the war in Sri Lanka Armenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, in 2009 generated profound concerns Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine; Latin about alleged violations of international American and Caribbean Stateshuman rights and humanitarian law. Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, In 2010, following an agreement Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela; 49
with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, I established a Panel of Experts to advise me on measures to advance accountability.” The report concludes that the United Nations system failed to meet its responsibilities, highlighting, in particular, the roles played by the UN Secretariat, the agencies and programmes of the UN Team, and the members of the Security Council and Human Rights Council. “Our obligation to all humanity is to overcome our setbacks, learn from our mistakes, strengthen our responses, and act meaningfully and effectively for the future.”
UNHRC Resolutions “Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka” During President Mahinda Rajapakse’s time, the UNHRC brought three resolutions all termed “Promoting Reconciliation and accountability in Sri
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Lanka”, in 2012 (resolution 19/2), 2013 (22/1), 2014 (25/1). All three resolutions passed with an overwhelming majority of council members voting in favour of the resolutions despite President Rajapakse’s government mounting a strong opposition. Subsequently, as very little progress was being made on these resolutions, the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights mandated a panel of three experts headed by Madam Sylvia Cartwright (former Governor General and New Zealand High Court Judge) to produce a comprehensive report. By the time the report was released and incorporated in the September 2015 Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report, President Rajapakse had been defeated and a new unity government had been formed.
UNHRC Resolution 30/1, 34/1 & 40/1 Resolution 30/1 that followed on October 1, 2015 was co-sponsored by the new government of Sri Lanka and member states of the UNHRC and passed unanimously. Many of the recommendations in the resolution came from the 39 recommendations contained in the OHCHR report of September 16, 2015, and from previous UNHRC resolutions of 2012, 2013 and 2014. During the five years that the new government lasted, though little, some progress on the resolution was made. During the same period the UNHRC passed resolution 34/1 (March 2017) and 40/1 (March 2019). Both these resolutions affirmed the principles in resolution 30/1. In 40/1 the UNHRC ensured that Sri Lanka remained on the UNHRC agenda with corresponding obligations and deliverables until March 2021.
The Current Situation In November 2019 a government headed by Mr. Gotapaya Rajapakse (brother of former President Mahinda Rajapakse) was elected. The new President has appointed his brother and former President, Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse as the new Prime Minister. In the lead up to the election, Mr. Gotapaya Rajapakse had stated that he would not honour the UNHRC resolution 40/1. The current Prime Minister also echoed this theme in his speech recently by stating that they would not allow “foreign interference” – meaning implementation of the UNHRC resolutions. However, it is important to note that successive Sri Lankan governments have been fully engaged in the international forum and have participated in and signed onto international conventions and treaties. Sri Lanka is a member of the UN, UNHRC and other such UN bodies. UNHRC Resolutions 19/2, 22/1 and 25/1 were comprehensively debated and passed by a majority of UNHRC members and are precursors to 30/1. In addition to these three resolutions, resolution 30/1 also incorporated the findings of the OHCHR’s special report of September 2015. Tamils in Sri Lanka and elsewhere look to UN agencies to live up to the reason they were formed – to protect and promote human rights and bring perpetrators of violations of the tenets of international human rights laws to justice. Based on the above-mentioned resolutions, the OHCHR is required to continue to assess progress on the implementation of its recommendations and other relevant processes relating 51
to reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. The OHCHR is required to present a written update to the Human Rights Council at its forty-third session (March 2020), followed by a comprehensive report. This is to be followed by a discussion on the implementation of Council resolution 30/1, at its forty-sixth session (March 2021). The CTC – UNHRC team has, since 2009, attended UNHRC sessions where its presence was required to advance the resolutions, along with many of its partners, British Tamil Forum (BTF), United States Tamil Action Group (USTAG formerly USTPAC), Australian Tamil Congress (ATC) and Global Tamil Forum (GTF). The CTC-UNHRC team will be there in Geneva, as needed, to advocate for Human Rights. Raj Thavaratnasingham joined CTC in January 2009, and served in the board from 2011 to 2017, the last four years as President (two two year terms). He is currently a member of the CTC’s Advisory Board.
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5th Annual TamilFest
T
he Fifth Annual Tamil Fest occurred once again on, Markham Road between McNicoll Avenue and Passmore Avenue. This busy East end roadway was closed down on August 24th and 25th this past year and welcomed, according to City of Toronto estimates, over 200 000 attendees over two days. Tamil Fest has become the premiere showcase of the growing Tamil Canadian community to highlight the best in the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts, entertainment and cuisine. Tamil Fest is proudly the largest event in Toronto east of Yonge Street with a growing base of international admirers. This year we welcomed more vendor and food booths than ever before and incorporated several new aspects and exhibits throughout the event. One new attraction this year was a mobile exhibit graciously borrowed from the Minnesota Tamil Sangam laid out by one of our event sponsors on a flatbed truck. This exhibit highlighted ancient and Tamil achievements
of Tamils worldwide locally and internationally. The treasure trove of information was complimented by great visuals and everyone left with a greater depth of unique pieces of information.
Sri Lanka. This was the very first time an artist from Sri Lankan was brought forth and his performance was one of the headliner attractions on the main stage for both evenings. His memorable performances were another means of strengthening the connections between the community here and the homeland.
The Toronto Tamil Chair initiative also hosted several attractions on the stretch that weekend helping to raise awareness of the $3M Another unique exhibit campaign to raise funds this year was also the for the establishment of Counting the Dead a university chair at the campaign by the Human University of Toronto. This Rights Data Analysis year organizers of Group (HRDAG). the Tamil Chair The initiative Prashanth Srichadramohan event contributed sought to provide to a traditional a more precise parade on the Saturday with over number of those who lost their 100 performers involved dressed in lives over the 30-year civil war, a variety of traditional Tamil attire communal riots and the excesses displaying various traditional arts of the Sri Lankan armed forces and music. from 1948 onwards. The initative was able to raise the profile of this This year we also welcomed for important initiative to help the the very first time Jeyanthan Tamil diaspora on their aim for Kananappu, an internationally justice and accountability in Sri acclaimed playback singer from Lankan and also help memorialize 53
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those whose lives were lost during conflict. This year we also welcomed over 150 youth and adult volunteers to assist with the growing complexities of running the event and had over 300 local artists performed on both our stages. Diversity Hour was another highlight this year as we welcomed members of Scarboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse cultural communities to present their traditional art forms. This year we welcomed more food cuisine options than ever before and many vendors used their creative flavours to introduce new unique dishes. This Festival had humble beginnings starting in 2015 with a vision from CTC members at the time to create another platform to showcase and
preserve the unique story of the Canadian Tamil journey. Tamil Fest has grown into something people around the world know and cherish. We are all stewards of this beautiful event, one that I hope will last for generations.
55
Prashanth Srichandramohan has been the Festival Manger of Tamil Fest since its inception in 2015 and works professionally as a Marketing and Communications Consultant.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
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,jd; ntspg;ghlhf cynfq;Fk; to;fpd;w jkpou;fs;gy;NtW ehLfspYk; mike;Js;s Kjd;ikg; gy;fiyfofq;fspy;> jkpo; ,Uf;ifia Vw;gLj;Jk; Kaw;rpapy; <Lgl;Ls;sdu;. mnkupf;fh> fdlh> gpupj;jhdpah> mT];jpNuypah Nghd;w ehLfspy; ,k;Kaw;rpfs; eilngWfpd;wd. ,e;j tifapy; fdlhtpy; Kjd;ik tha;e;j> 190 tUlq;fs; goik tha;e;j nlhnuhd;nlh gy;fiyfofj;jpy; jkpo; ,Uf;if mika ,Ug;gJ cynfq;Fk; thOk; jkpo;u;f;F ngUik kpf;f Xu; tplakhFk;. gy;fiyfofq;fypy; gy;NtW Jiwfs; nray;gLtJ ehk; mwpe;jNj. jkpo; nkhopf;Fupa Jiwapy; mk;nkhop rk;ge;jkhd ghlq;fs; >ghlj;jpl;lq;fSf;F mika fw;gpf;fgl;L>mjpy;
khztu;fs; Nju;r;rp ngw;W ,s;q;fiy> KJfiy> Kidtu; Nghd;w gl;lq;fs; toq;fg;gLk;.. Mdhy; ,Uf;if vd;gJ mjw;Fk; Nkyhd nraw;ghLfis nkw;nfhs;fpd;wJ. jkpo; ,Uf;iff;nfd jFjp kpf;f Xu; Nguhrpupau; epakpf;fg;ngw;W mtu; jiyikapd;fPo; jkpo; nkhopapy; Mo;e;j mwpTk;> Nju;r;rpAk;> jpwikAk; nfhd;l Mrpupau;fs; %yk; jkpo; nkhopia. mjd; ,yf;fz> ,yf;fpa guk;ig cau; Ma;Tf;Fl;gLj;jp> jkpoupd; fiy> gz;ghL> tho;tpay;> tuyhW> njhy;gpay; Nghd;w fsq;fspy; Ma;Tfs; Nkw;nfhs;sTk;>fUj;juq;Ffs;> kfhehLfs; elhj;jTk; > Ma;Tfs; %yk; fz;lwpe;j KbTfis cyf muq;fpy; vLj;Jr;nry;yTk; VJthd Xu;
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Women’s Empowerment Walk
S
ri Lanka’s 30 year-long civil war triggered large Tamil population to seek new homes and a better quality of life in many different countries across the world. But what about the people that have been left behind? It has been ten years since the end of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict, however a significant number of Tamilspeaking people, especially women, in the country’s North and East are still struggling to rise and recover from the impact of war, human rights violations and economic adversities. Many women-headed families and war-widows are striving hard to make ends meet and are forced into undignified or other menial jobs in order to secure a livelihood and take care of their children. Had they been provided with timely support, the right opportunities or guidance to build their skill sets and capabilities, wouldn’t their quality of life be significantly improved? Now, you have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Please read on to know how you can be a part of an empowering initiative started by Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC).
Why the Walk?
To establish a boutique-like brand comprised of unique and interesting collection of What is Women’s handloom sarees, sarongs and kurtas, made by the weavers of Empowerment Walk? war-affected regions. • To promote the The impact of Tamil brand in Canada and Diaspora who continue around the world and to explore their intimate repatriate proceeds links to people of their to the region to help areas of origin, can never Tamil weavers expand be underestimated. their business and Being one of the largest create more jobs. Tamil-Canadian • To connect organizations, Radhika Venkateswaran the Tamil giving back to weavers the community with experienced and wellis an integral part of the values established fashion designers to of the CTC. One such initiative enable them to add more variety undertaken by the CTC is ‘the and style in their product Women’s Empowerment Walk’ – a offerings. platform to showcase an exclusive • To provide a platform for Tamil collection of handloom sarees and women to exhibit and promote other fabrics brought to you directly their skills and capabilities on a from the Tamil weavers in the global stage. North East parts of Sri Lanka. 61
•
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
How is it different? Empowerment literally means “to invest with power”. This iniative will help empower women to gain control over their resources, and to develop their physical and psychological capacity to become independent and successful citizens.
•
that will enable adequate communication to the weavers on the latest fashion trends, customer preferences, customer satisfaction and feedback; Finalizing the viable entrepreunial model to take this initiative to the next level.
“The best advertising is done by satisfied customers” - Philip Kotler.
All products are fully sourced from micro or small-scale weavers from Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa and other war affected regions. Proceeds from sales are reinvested directly into hiring more workers, enhancing their skills, improving the infrastructure and quality of products, thus making a huge positive impact in the lives of women and their families.
You can be that Fairy Godmother who leaves a little sparkle behind in many Cinderellas’ lives! Radhika is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor with specializations in risk management, internal controls and compliance. She also volunteers her time as a facilitator, through the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) organized by the Centre for Leadership and Innovation.
Next Steps CTC is providing a great opportunity to showcase these products as part of the annual Thai Pongal 2020 dinner event. As part of the incubation process, CTC will continue to manage the supply of these sarees and other materials, with the help of North East Economic Development (NEED) Centre based in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka. The next steps include: • Creating an international brand to source and market handwoven products from Sri Lanka; • Spreading awareness of the brand through various Tamil events and social media to create sustainable demand for the products; • Establishing a process 63
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T
his is the founding principle behind the conception and development of the various initiatives at the Centre for Leadership and Innovation (CFLI). Co-founded in 2012 by Kumar Ratnam, Sivan Ilangko and Umesh Vallipuram, the CFLI was established with the objective of nurturing and promoting leadership skills amongst the youth of the Tamil community. With the recent success experienced by the programs, CFLI is now gaining recognition beyond the Tamil community and engaging students from a multitude of backgrounds. One of the most recognizable programs to come from the CFLI is the Youth Leadership Program (YLP). Through this program, many young students are engaged to develop their public speaking, team work and leadership capabilities. Currently with over 400 students across Markham, Ajax and Brampton, the program has grown to reach students across the GTA. Various tools such as educational videos, team work focused games and impromptu speaking engagements allow for interactive participation between students and facilitators. The program also provides students with the opportunity for public speaking engagements with various organizations. More recently, subject matter has been expanded to include terms in Robotics and Finance.
Leaders are not born, they are developed
At this winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Milestones event, parents, facilitators and volunteers witnessed the graduation of 15 successful students from the Youth Leadership Program. These students all demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills as demonstrated at the Milestones event. As part of the 3B curriculum, community engagement was the focus of the term, and this year the students made a strong showing in their efforts to raise funds for the University of Toronto Tamil Chair initiative. Together, they raised more than $2,000 and demonstrated that with hard work there is no limit to what the youth in our society can accomplish. Other initiatives in the CFLI family include YJobs, YDocs, and YRoots. In the YJobs initiative, students are enabled to find employment opportunities in the community, allowing students to get a head start in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenging economic environment. In the YDocs program, students are trained at highlevel project management, movie making and artistry in order to deliver short documentaries on select social issues. These documentaries are judged by industry experts, and entries are selected for awards in various categories and presented at the YDocs gala event. In the YRoots program, the goal is to raise awareness of Tamil history and literature, over a 5 day workshop. The success of the CFLI is due to the dedicated support from the countless volunteers who commit the time to nurture our young generation. Volunteers in the Board of Directors and Facilitator pool come from a diverse background, giving students ample opportunity to engage with professionals across many disciplines during their time involved with the CFLI. Through the support of our community, we hope to continue to make a positive impact on the development of youth in our community. Together, we can nurture, build and redefine a beautiful world. 65
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A Tamil Community Centre: It is in sight!
T
amils have migrated to unanimously declared as Tamil Canada from as early as Heritage Month in the House of the 1950s, coming from Commons in recognition of the various parts of South and East immense contributions Tamils have Asia, including Sri Lanka, India, made to Canadian society, and of Singapore and Malaysia, with their the importance of acknowledging numbers dramatically growing Tamil language and heritage, between the late 80s and early 2000s and their continued preservation due to the civil war in Sri through education. For Lanka. The 90s saw Tamils close to a decade the as the largest growing community has been visible minority group making moves toward the in Canada, and the 2016 creation of a community census showed Canada centre to serve as a centre to be home to the largest for Tamil heritage events, Tamil diaspora outside and to address the gap in of South Asia, services available with a population to the community. Nedra Rodrigo of 240,851 Those efforts are reporting to culminating in the be of Tamil descent, heritage present project to create a Tamil and/or culture. While a large Community Centre in northeast number of these Tamils arrived Scarborough. here as political refugees, they have defied expectations as a A comprehensive and interactive refugee population, producing needs-assessment was initiated in internationally recognized artists a Tamil community town hall on and academics, as well as successful March 2019, that was supported students, business people and by representatives from municipal, politicians. In 2016, January was provincial and federal governments, 67
as well as community members, diverse stakeholders and a variety of agencies designed to serve community needs. This process revealed the need for a more flexible approach to planning and using public spaces for community services, to address existing service gaps in both the geographical area of north east Scarborough and among this demographic. An interim Steering Committee was created in the town hall, building on more than a decade of foundational work done by various business and community organizations, including the Canadian Tamil Congress, to oversee the feasibility process for the design, construction and operation of a Tamil Community Centre (TCC). The intergenerational steering committee consists of community members with longstanding service to the community in the areas of culture, philanthropy, arts, business, activism, academia and community capacity building. The Steering Committee created
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Happy Thai Pongal & Tamil Heritage month ijg; nghq;fy; kw;Wk; jkpo; kuGj; jpq;fs; tho;j;Jfs;
Hon. Mary Ng, MP Markham-Thornhill
16 Esna Park Drive, Unit 107, Markham ON L3R 5X1 905-479-8100 | Mary.Ng@parl.gc.ca www.maryngMP.ca | @maryngMarkhamThornhill @Mary_Ng | @Mary_Ng
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an online consultation tool to identify and engage with a variety of stakeholders, which was launched on a bilingual (English and Tamil) website to address potential language barriers. The website can be found at http://tamilcentre.ca where the community consultation and needs assessment are presented and updated. The meeting minutes can also be found on this site to ensure that the accountability and transparency of the Steering Committee’s mandate are maintained and upheld. This information was publicly broadcasted through social media advertisements, pamphlets distribution, as well as coverage through conventional media outlets such as radio, television and newspapers to maximize the reach of engaging with stakeholders and incorporating their feedback. The online consultation tool, as well as in-person public consultations, gathered data from community members as well as community organizations with diverse mandates designed to address various community needs, helped identify the stakeholder priorities, and the parameters for the project. The priorities identified here were an auditorium, gym, mental health services, history and archival space/ museum, library, women’s services and disability programming. Based on the data gathered, the Steering Committee was able to use industry standards to estimate
a practical one under the circumstances.
a capital project cost for the TCC at approximately $40M. Around the time that the interim Steering Committee presented its feasibility report to the public at a town hall in August, a governmental funding stream called the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant opened up, that seemed a perfect fit for the proposed TCC project. At the August town hall, the committee announced their decision to incorporate with the current eight
members of the Steering Committee as “First Directors” for three reasons: to apply for charitable status, to apply for the ICIP grant, and to secure land from the City of Toronto. The decision was accepted by those present at the town hall, as 69
If the Tamil Community Centre project does receive the ICIP funding, we anticipate payment for the capital costs of construction for this project will be broken down as follows: Federal $16 M (40%), Provincial $13.2 M (33%) and the Owner $10.8 M (26.7%). To demonstrate the TCC’s ability to finance 26.7% of the Owner’s cost as per the program guidelines, the TCC organized a pledge campaign within the Tamil community. To date the TCC has received $11.4 M in pledges from community members, businesses and organizations. The Steering Committee is in the process of acquiring charitable status designation for the TCC, and has had its Letters Patent approved as a Charity by the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. In April 2018, the Toronto City Council had unanimously passed a motion authorizing City staff to work with the Tamil community to explore potential partnerships for a new community recreation centre. Since then, through engagement with the City of Toronto’s Mayor’s ’s Office and CreateTO, the Committee has identified a potential project location and is working on the necessary approvals to secure the land by late spring of 2020. The Committee knows that determining the governing structure for the community centre is an important topic of the project for the community. The Committee
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understands it will take time and meaningful discussions with individuals and organizations of our community. The Committee plans on spending May to August of 2020 consulting with the community on a governance structure for the community centre. The Committee will do this by meeting directly with community organizations, hosting public town halls and online through our website. If you have other ideas on how the Committee can engage the community on this topic, please email us at info@tamilcentre.ca. The Committee looks forward to the robust discussion that will take place on this topic next year and putting together a representative governance structure for the community centre.
A Tamil Community Centre would help develop an existing community hub by fostering social interaction and community connectivity in an accessible facility where much needed public services could be accessed in an equitable manner for an underserved area. As the centre is being planned for an area close to the University of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scarborough campus (home of the proposed Tamil Chair), and the upcoming campus of York University (base for the largest demographic of Tamil students), it can be imagined as a cultural space where a community knowledge base comes together with academic and archival resources to create vibrant intergenerational events and projects. As a member of this interim Steering Committee, it has been inspiring for me personally
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to work with such a diverse and competent team, and to see the many community groups offer us their input, care and support. There is a lot of work that lies ahead of us as we act to make this deeply held dream a reality, but I am confident that we will make this happen by bringing the best of ourselves to this project, as a thriving and pluralistic community. Nedra Rodrigo is the founder of the Tamil Studies Symposium and a researcher at the York Centre for Asian Research at York University. She is an arts educator who has partnered with the York Region District School Board, and the host of the bilingual literary reading series â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Tam Fam Lit Jamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. She is a literary translator, community capacity builder, and a member of the interim Steering Committee of the Tamil Community Centre project.
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Resolute HR Management
After a decade of postwar shortsight, we need 20/20 Vision
T
hrough the articles I write in Lanka Business Online, also published in some other newspapers and magazines, I am frequently contacted by Diaspora.
National Government to devolve power. This would have zero effect, as the National Government has no qualms about leaving many regions in the South in poverty.
Diaspora from around the World, Canada; UK; Malaysia; Australia etc, who want to talk about how they can invest. Sometimes these conversations last for months. Hardly ever does this talking turn into action.
Successive Sri Lankan governments since the end of the war have neglected the North. But they have also neglected the South and the East and the Centre. Only Colombo and the Western Province have seen substantial development
There are some Successive reasons for the Jekhan Aruliah Sri Lankan inaction that come governments have up repeatedly: Poor infrastructure (not true in the failed the whole country outside towns); Instability (not true, actually the Western Province. But the North has something the rest of stagnantly stable); Poor work ethic the neglected areas donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have. The (a management problem anywhere in Sri Lanka, including thriving North has a large and economically Colombo). There are those who powerful Diaspora. A Diaspora much of which was created by argue political reform must come Tamils fleeing the war in the 1980s before economic development. As and 1990s. A Diaspora that has though keeping the people of the North poor will put pressure on the done extremely well in professional 73
services and business around the World. A Diaspora that has a great deal of money, but more important than money it has decision making power in companies, it has skills, it understands the developed markets, it has access to networks that can take goods and services produced in the North to the World. But, apart from a small handful of noble examples, the Diaspora as a group has failed to do this.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
The time is overdue for the Diaspora to invest its time, money and influence on the economic development of the North. This is an urgent matter, because time passing dissolves the bond between the North and the families who have left. Those who left during the war as teenagers and in their twenties, with strong ties to their Northern schools and villages, are getting older. They are now at the peak of their careers. In the next 10 years, their influence as business leaders and senior professionals will have evaporated into retirement. The next generation, who moved out of the North as small children or were born overseas, including my own son, will have no strong bond to the North. The next generation’s links will be with their adopted homes, as they form
relationships and have children with the locals in their new countries. The great majority of the Diaspora have moved on, building their lives in their adopted countries. They are more strongly bonded to their grandchildren playing in front of them than to memories of their long
Walk, fall, rise ..and shine
departed grandparents. I wish them good luck in their new worlds and hope they will visit once in awhile as tourists. A small noisy minority among the Diaspora spout politics, I wish they would recognise in Sri Lanka spouting politics has rarely been the answer to anything. A tiny handful have serious intentions of rebuilding the Northern economy by creating good jobs, either by creating businesses or by helping the North sell its goods and services. I wish they would stop talking and get on with it! Jekhan Aruliah was born in Sri Lanka and brought up in London, UK. He graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Natural Sciences. In 2015 Jekhan decided to move to Jaffna where he is now involved in social and economic projects.
She promised to learn to love herself like a child learns to walk, even if that took some falling and some “you can do it” talk. she pulled herself up on unsteady footing and knew that one step up was a start, until it became a second nature to have walking down to an art. but just as walking starts with crawling she knew self-love started with self-like, and that losing her footing occasionally didn’t mean the finish line was out of sight.
Ragavy Narendran
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Depressed? Some uncommon symptoms to watch
T
he stereotypical symptom of depression is sadness. A sunken feeling that one can not seem to shake day after day. Contrary to popular belief, depression often presents itself as an illness that can affect not only the mind, but also the entire body.
lems, and headaches should be considered. Research has also indicated that those with major depression are more likely to experience arthritis, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. 2. Changes in sleep habits may be present as well in those experiencing depresThese â&#x20AC;&#x153;uncommonâ&#x20AC;? sion. Mood and sleep symptoms are actually very common and frequentare strongly related, ly mask the underlying so consequently a lack issue of depression. This of sleep can contribis especially important to ute to depression and consider because several likewise depression adults, more often can make it men still hold an difficult to Nivedita Varagunan internalized stigma achieve quality towards mental sleep. Research illness. They may not express their conducted by the National Sleep sadness directly, but rather present Foundation indicates that peophysical symptoms such as aches, ple with insomnia are ten times sleeplessness, and changes in appemore likely to have or develop tite. depression than those without. On the other end of the spec1. Physical pains may be comtrum, oversleeping and difficulponents of an individual with ty waking up in the morning depression. Backaches, chronic can also be a sign of depression. pain conditions, digestive prob- 3. Eating too much or too little 77
can be a symptom of depression as well. Food is also highly linked to mental state. Someone experiencing such change can expect a change in food habits. Some may turn to food for comfort during this time. Others may avoid food or lose their appetite due to their down mood. In general, fluctuations in weight could serve as a good indicator of depression. 4. Fatigue and an overall lack of energy are common symptoms that are swept under the rug. Everyone has periods of tiredness and feeling unenergetic. Those who have severe and persistent fatigue may be dealing with depression. 5. Irritability and anger are important signs of depression to be wary of. For many people, their depression may be expressed in behaviours such as snapping at others, having a short fuse, and inexplicable mood swings. Sudden changes in someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality showing irritability and inexplicable
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
anger could also be a sign of underlying depression. 6. Loss of interest in pleasurable activities also could indicate hidden depression. Overall, it is crucial to watch for these symptoms that are uncommonly associated with depression. Feeling sad may be the most obvious symptom, but it is definitely not the only one. Recognize these in ourselves and/or loved ones, reduce stigma, and reach out for help. A consultation with your primary care doctor about the possibility of depression is a good step forward. Nivedita Varagunan is currently a first year student pursuing a foods and nutrition degree at Brescia University College of the University of Western Ontario. Currently she volunteers in a mental health care facility in London, Ontario and enthusiastic towards a future with reduced stigma, and increased treatment for mental illness.
Hear and Understand I listened as me, my mom and dad talked, words coming out of our mouths that I could hear and understand. I listened as me and my friends teased each other, our insults and laughter echoing through the halls that I could hear and understand. I listened as everyone told stories and talked about others, a mystery I could hear and understand. I listened as we held conversations flawlessly, topics I could hear and understand. I listened as we all grew closer together, a bond I could hear and understand. The conversations were about them, about me, about life, about the world, about the problems and the solutions or about nothing at all because I could hear and understand it. Thasha Thirukumaran Even if I went close and read our lips and saw our mouths and tongues twist to form every syllable and word, I would still hear and understand. Because I understood the language they spoke. The ancient language of Tamil. Passed down from ancestor to ancestor, from generation to generation, from child to child. And it continued with me. I knew how to speak my mother tongue because I chose to embrace the culture I came from and speak the language they all spoke. And I am content with that decision everyday. Because the language that was passed down through my family for all those years decided to be saved by me just because I chose to care. Everyone in my family after me will remember the unique history they have, how they all speak a language older than time itself.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
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nra;ag;ngw;W ngupa Ma;Tfs; Kd;ndLf;fg;gltpy;iy vdyhk;.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
mz;ba gFjpahd rptfq;if khtl;lj;jpy; mike;Js;sJ. fPobapy; cs;s ,g; gs;spr;re;ij vDk; jplypd; gFjp kz;NklhfTk; 110 Vf;fUf;F Nkyhf xNu epyg;gug;ghfTk; ,Ue;jJ. ,q;Fj; njd;de; Njhg;ghfTk; itiff;fiuia xl;bajhfTk; ,Ue;jjdhy; mg;gFjp ghJf; fhg;ghf ,Ue;jpUf;fpd;wJ. ,J jkpou;fSf;F xU tha;g;ghf
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Living in Waterloo
the Region
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
,q;Ff; fpilj;jpUf;fpd;wd. Rl;l nrq;fw;fshy; fl;lg;gl;l tPLfspd; mUNf ,f;Nfzpfs; mikf;fg;gl;bUf;fpd;wd. mjpfs tpy; nrq;fy; tPLfSk; tPLfspd; Nkw;$iuapy; RLkz; XLfs; Ntag;gl;bUe;jijAk; ,q;F fpilj;Js;s rhd;Wfspd; %yk;
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gl;Ls;sJ. fp.K mWE}W Mz;L fspy; vk;kpdj;jpd; nkhop> gz;ghl;L tpOkpaq;fs; gue;J tpupe;J ,Ue;jjhf ,d;iwa Ma;Tfs; njuptpf;fpd;wd. ,t;Ma;Tfs; topahf cyfpw;F ehfupfj;ijf; fw;Wf;nfhLj;jtd; jkpod; vd;W ehk; ngUik nfhs;syhk;. ,tw;iw
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
From Keezhadi to Canada: Threading Together a Tamil Legacy
A
few years ago, the has been dated to the 6th century Archaeological Survey of BC – nearly 300 years earlier than India set out to explore what was previously understood the regions along the banks of was the time period of the classical river Vaigai in the State of Tamil Sangam Age. In what may also Nadu. Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, be a major discovery for Indian Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram history, this dating provides districts all were part of the 293 sites additional evidence for an urban set up to unearth artefacts and ruins “Vaigai River Civilisation” that was to discover the culture that contemporary to the Indus might have existed aeons Valley Civilisation thus ago. In 2015, the team threatening to disprove the carrying out excavations long held notion that the in Keezhadi, near Madurai Indus Valley Civilisation struck gold – they found had moved south only after the first concrete proof of it collapsed in the norththe existence of a complex western part of India. and sophisticated Artefacts found urban settlement in excavations Kumaran Nadesan in ancient Tamil carried out at Nadu. Keezhadi have also determined a possible link between In September 2019, in a major the scripts of the Indus Valley turning point in the cultural Civilisation and Tamil Brahmi, historiography of the ancient which is the precursor to modern Sangam era, the Tamil Nadu Tamil. Archaeology Department officially stated that radio carbon dating of Keezhadi, therefore, represented a the cultural deposits unearthed hugely important site for further during excavations at Keezhadi understanding the antiquity of 87
the Tamil people and the Tamil language – and the significance of the timing of this discovery was not lost on those campaigning to establish a permanent academic home for Tamil Studies in Canada. On May 10, 2018, a tripartite agreement was signed between the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), Tamil Chair Inc., a 501(c) (3) non-profit organisation based in Maryland, USA, and the Canadian Tamil Congress to establish Canada’s first ever Endowed Chair in Tamil Studies at the University. Canada is home to more than 300,000 Tamils who share a collective passion for their heritage and history and are committed to their children becoming proficient in the language. Toronto is an important centre for Tamil emigrants, with a lively community of restaurants and businesses, art, community services and mass media. The opportunity for the community to establish the Endowed Chair in Tamil Studies
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
at the University of Toronto – the highest ranked Canadian university according to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings – is of great historical significance as it allows the University to develop and enhance its scholarship in Tamil Studies and to recruit faculty members from among the best scholars in the world, in perpetuity. This effort will help produce a new generation of Tamil Studies scholars trained in the latest research methodologies, cement Toronto’s place as a global site for Tamil Studies building on related efforts undertaken at the University in the past, and improve the chances of the continued use, growth, and global recognition of the Tamil language. The University of Toronto was founded by Royal Charter in 1827 as King’s College, the first institution of higher learning in Canada. The University has educated three Governors General of Canada, four Prime Ministers of Canada, four foreign leaders, and 14 Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada. As of 2019, 10 Nobel laureates, three Turing Award winners, 94 Rhodes Scholars, and one Fields Medalist have been affiliated with the University. Being a public research and teaching university, it provides great opportunities for Tamil Studies students, scholars and researchers. The University also has a strong track record of commitment to Tamil Studies.
It has hosted the Tamil Studies Conferences between 2006 – 2014 and the Tamils World Initiative since 2014; currently offers The Making of Tamils Worlds course that explores the transnational history of Tamil worlds as well beginner and intermediate Tamil language courses; hosted the first ever institutional celebration of Tamil Heritage Month last year; has already attracted significant gifts for Tamil Studies; and has a
large community of Tamil students on campus and as of last year, a resurgent Tamil alumni network. The creation of an endowed academic chair will allow the University of Toronto to develop and enhance its scholarship in a priority area of study and to recruit faculty members from among the best scholars in the world. The endowment will be managed by the University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation. The annual income from the Fund, less the portion added to the capital base as protection against inflation, will be made available by the University to provide funding for salary, benefits, and/or research for the 89
Chair. The University is committed in perpetuity to the endowed chair. The Tamil Chair will be based in an academic unit of a department at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). All Tamil Studies programming are currently based out of UTSC’s Department of Historical and Cultural Studies. The research and teaching focus and other responsibilities of the Chair in Tamil Studies will, in large part, depend on the individual hired for the position. Specifically, the Tamil Chair, the first of its kind in Canada, will be catalytic in: • Leading research and innovation in a Tamil related context and train students in a modern discipline but with the facility for bringing interdisciplinary approaches to their teaching. • Lecturing, be an ambassador for knowledge translation and transfer-linking the University to international scholarly networks and expertise. • Championing the memorialization and preserving Tamil heritage and promote ways to critically engage questions of technology. Upon receipt of the fundraising target of CAD 3 million, the University of Toronto will begin the search for the most qualified Tamil Studies scholar to assume the professorship. The University will choose a proven scholar who has taught, researched and published in academic journals. All appointments to the Chair will be conducted in accordance with the
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
University Policy and Procedures for Academic Appointments, and the University Policy on Endowed and Limited Term Chairs, Professorships, Distinguished Scholars, and Program Initiatives. The University is committed to diversity, inclusion and excellence and the academic search committee will be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring these foci are maintained. It is important to highlight that the Endowed Chair in Tamil Studies is a new and distinct initiative that builds on previous well-publicised philanthropic commitments, such as those made by business leader Ravi Gukathasan and researcher Brenda Beck. For example, Dr. Gukathasanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift is earmarked to fund an annual post-doctoral
fellowship and provide scholarships in Tamil studies, expand public event programming on Tamil subjects, and digitize Tamil literature from Sri Lanka. Dr. Beckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift has been used to create the Brenda Beck Tamil Programming Fund and the Brenda Beck Tamil Digital Fund to invest and distribute funds to programming and to digitize archives. However, neither of these two gifts are intended for establishing a dedicated endowed Chair in Tamil Studies which is the vision of this new campaign. The campaign has already reached nearly one-third of its goal in the first year and half. However, much more support is needed. Your direct donation to the University is eligible for tax-deduction in Canada and the United States. Please consider
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donating and encourage your friends and family to do the same as well. Some employers will match employee contributions so please check with your company before donating. Please consider doing your part in ensuring the continuity of the Tamil language and Tamil Studies for us and future generations of Canadians. To learn more, please visit www.torontotamilchair.ca. Kumaran Nadesan was raised speaking in Tamil at home for which he is forever grateful and a tradition that he hopes to continue with his daughter. In 2019, he brought together a group of alumni to establish the officially accredited University of Toronto Tamil Alumni Network that has raised nearly $95,000 for the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Endowed Chair in Tamil Studies campaign to date.
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
fyhepjp Nahr; cf;Nsh Nghg; mfit 200 1820 - 2020
NjkJuj; jkpNohir cyfnkyhk; xypf;fr; nra;Nthk; vd;w Gul;rpf; ftpQdpd; fdT gypj;jJ ,d;W. jkpOk; jkpoUk; juzpnaq;Fk; gue;J tho;fpd;wdu;. Fwpg;ghf fdlhtpy; jkpou; ngUkstpy; tho;tNjhL jkpo; tho jpUg;gzp nra;fpd;wdu;. jkpo; kuGj; jpq;fs;> jkpou; njU tpoh> nuhwd;Nuhg; gy;fiyf; fofj; jkpo; ,Uf;if vd jkpo; Nghw;Wk; epo;Tfs; rpwg;Gw eilngWfpd;wd.
nkhop tpoq;FfpwJ. cyfpd; gy ghfq;fspy; ,Ue;Jk; mwpQu; ngUkf;fs; jkpo;Nkw; nfhz;l tpUg;ghy; <u;g;ghy; jkpofk; te;jdu;;. jkpOf;Fj; jd;dpfuw;w njhz;lhw;wpdu;. ,tu;fspy; Xu; fdbaUk; Kf;fpa
,q;fpyhe;jpy; FbNawpdhu;. mq;fpypfd; jpUr;rigapd; NghjfUk; MrpupaUk; jkpowp QUkhd ,tu; jdJ 18MtJ mfitapy; fg;gy; %yk; nrd;id te;jile;jhu;. ehd;Nf jpq;fspy; jkpio ed;whff; fw;Wf; Jiuuj;jpdk; Jrpae;jd; nfhz;lhu;. Vwj;jhs ,lk; ngWfpwhu; ehw;gj;J %d;W Mz;Lfs; vd;gJk; jkpo;ehl;by; tho;e;J jkpOf;Fk; ,UEhW jkpoUf;Fk; fy;tpf;Fk; msg;gUk; Mz;LfSf;F gzpahw;wpdhu;. Kd;dNu mtu; jkpo;g;gzp Jhj;Jf;Fbf;fUfpy; fhl;il nra;jhnud;gJk; ntl;br; rhau;Guk; vDk; tpag;Gf;FupaNj. gl;lzj;ij cUthf;fp mq;Nf 1820Mk; Mz;L cau;epiyg; gs;sp> Md;kPff; gq;Fdpj; fy;Yhup kw;Wk; Njthyak; jpq;fs; ,U xd;iwAk; epWtpdhu;. fy;tp gj;J ehd;fhk; epiyaq;fis epWTtJk; ehs; fdlhtpd; fy;tpawpit tsu;gJNk jdJ gpupd;R vl;Ntl; gpwg;gpd; gandd czu;e;j Iyd;by; gpwe;j fyhepjp Nahr; cf;Nsh Nghg; gy tu; fyhepjp fy;tpr; rhiyfis epWtpdhu;. Nahr; cf;Nsh ehw;gj;J %d;W Mz;Lfs; Nghg;. rpW njd;dpe;jpahtpy; tho;e;J tyjpNyNa jkpOf;Fk; fy;tpf;Fk; ,tu; FLk;gj;NjhL Mw;wpa gzpfs; vz;zpylq;fh.
ghujpapd; fdTf;F gd;Ehw;whz;bd; Kd;dNu jkpo; cynfq;Fk; Gfo; G+j;jpUe;j njdyhk;. mwpQUk; murUk; ,d;d gyUk; ghnuq;Fk; Nghw;wp tpaf;Fk; nkhopahfj; jkpo; 93
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
,tuJ jkpo;g; gzp Nghw;wp gy fy;tp epiyaq;fSf;F mtuJ ngau; #l;lg;gl;Ls;sJ. Nghg; nkNkhupay; cau;epiyg; gs;sp> Nghg; fiy kw;Wk; mwptpay; fy;Yhup> Nghg; nghwpapaw; fy;Yhup kw;Wk; Nghg; fy;tpf; fy;Yhup vd;gd ,tw;wpw; rpy. jpUf;Fws;> ehybahu; kw;Wk; jpUthrfk; Nghd;w jkpopd; mUk;ngUk; Ehy;fis Mq;fpyj;jpy; nkhopngau;j;jhu;. Kjd; Kjypy; jpUf;Fwis KOikahf Mq;fpaj;jpy; nkhopngau;jtu; vd;w ngUikAk; ,tiuNa NrUk;. vdpDk; jkpo; ,yf;fz tpdh tpil EhNy ,tuJ KjyhtJ nkhopngau;g;ghFk;. nkhopngau;j;jNjhL kl;Lky;yhJ mtw;iw Ehy;fshfTk; mr;rpl;L ntspapl;lhu;. mtuJ nry;tj;jpw; ngUk;gFjpia jkpopd; rpwg;G kpf;f Ehy;fis Mq;fpyj;jpy; mr;rpl;L ntspaplg; gad;gLj;jpdhu;. ,tw;wpy; njhy;fhg;gpak; kw;Wk; ed;Dhy; Nghd;w Ehy;fSk; mlq;Fk;. Vwf;Fiwa ehw;gj;J %d;W Mz;Lfspd; gpd; ,q;fpyhe;J jpUk;gpdhu;. ,q;fpyhe;J jpUk;gpa gpd;Dk; jkpo;ghy; mtu; nfhz;l gw;W khwtpy;iy. ,q;fpyhe;jpd; Gfo;ngw;w gy;fiyf;fofkhd xf;RNghl;by; jkpo;g; Nguhrpup auhdhu;. 1908Mk; Mz;L ngg;gputup gjpNdhuhk; ehs;> mfit 87,y; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ,iwtdb NrUk;tiu njhlu;e;J jkpo;g; gzpahw;wpdhu;. 'Njhd;wpw; GfnohL Njhd;Wf" vd;Dk; Iad; ts;Stdpd;
ekf;nfy;yhk; ngUikAk; kfpo;TkhFk;. jkpNohL jkpo; tsu;j;j tsu;f;fpw tsu;f;fg;Nghfpw midtiuAk; tzq;fp epw;Nghk;. nrk;nkhopapd; Nra;fsha; epkpu;e;J epw;Nghk;.
thf;Ff;fika tho;e;jhu; fyhepjp Nahr; cf;Nsh Nghg; mtu;fs;. jkpo; nkhopNky; Mwhf; fhjy;nfhz;l gy jkpouy;yhNjhupy; fyhepjp
Nahr; cf;Nsh Nghg; mtu;fs; kpf Kf;fpakhdtUk; Nghw;wg; gLgtUkhthu;. mtu; fdbanud;gJk; mtuJ ,UEhwhtJ mfitia ,t;thz;L nfhz;lhLfpNwhk; vd;gJk; jkpo;f;fdbauha; 95
jkpOau ehKau;Nthk;! jkpOau ehkpizNthk;. jdJ jpUf;Fws; nkhop ngau;g;G Ehypd; Kd;Diuapy; jkpopd; rpwg;Gf; Fwpj;J gpd;tUkhW tpsf;Ffpwhu;. 'jkpo; xU jdpj;JtkhdJk; nrk;ikahdJkhd ts kpf;f nrhw;fslq;fpa nkhopahFk;. njd;dpe;jpa nkhopfsidj;jpdJk; jha; nkhopahFk;. jkpo; ,yf;fp aq;fs; caupa newpKiwj; juk;kpf;fJk; xOf;f tpO kpaq;fs; epiwe;jJkhFk;. jpUf;Fws; ,jw;Fr; rpwe;j vLj;Jf;fhl;lhf tpsq;FfpwJ. jpUf;Fws; jdpj;JtkhdJk; ,t;Tyifj; Jha;ikahf;fTk; vOjg;gl;lJ."
fl;Liu Mrpupau; Jiuuj;jpdk; Jrpae;jd; jkpo; Mu;tyu; kw;Wk; jd;dhu;tj; njhz;lu;. Jiuuhrp gd;dhl;L tzpff; FOkj;jpd; epWtdupy; xUtu;.
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Canadian Multicultural Council Asians in Ontario 6 Garamond Court, Toronto, ON. M3C 1Z5 www.cmcasians.com
HAPPY PONGAL Canadian Tamil Congress 13th Annual Thai Pongal Dinner January 18, 2020
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Canadian Multicultural Council – Asians in Ontario About Us The Canadian Multicultural Council – Asiana in Ontario (CMC) is a Toronto based non-profit, non-political umbrella organization of more than twenty Asian Canadian Associations representing various Asian countries and cultures. It was established in 1998 to promote inter-cultural cooperation among its members and racial harmony through the understanding of cultures and heritages.
Our Objective The objective of CMC is to promote Asian Heritage and culture within the mosaic of Canadian Multiculturalism. Since its inception, it has involved in the celebration of Asian arts, culture and heritage mainly through the promotion of Asian Heritage Month (May). We are also involved in various charitable fundraising activities for Asian calamities and natural disaster relief efforts.
CMC‘s Member Organization: Association Meatophum Khmer of Canada Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services Burma Canadian Association of Ontario Canada Sri Lanka association of Ontario Canadian Tamil Congress Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario Children Breakfast Clubs Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Korean Canadian Cultural Centre
Lao Association of Ontario Malaysian Association of Canada National Association of Indo-Canadians Nepalese Community Philippine Independence Day Council Sing Fai Sports Club Taiwanese Canadian Association of Toronto Thai Society of Ontario Vietnamese Association, Toronto Yin-Hua Association of Ontario
CMC’s annual activities includes but not limited to Asian Heritage Month Celebrations in May of every year, Annual May Gala honouring the Pioneers, Outstanding Asian-Canadian Community Awards, Asian Heritage Month poster Campaign (2019 theme was “Asian Women in leadership”) and year end annual “Asian Food & Cultural Festival”.
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Councillor Paul Ainslie
Toronto City Council Ward 24, Scarborough-Guildwood Chair, General Government and Licensing Committee Chair, Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo
Constituency Office Scarborough Civic Centre 150 Borough Drive Scarborough, ON M1P 4N7 Tel: 416-396-7222
Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood @ Ainslie_ward24
TorontoCity Hall 100 Queen Street West, Suite C52 Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 Tel: 416-392-4008 Fax: 416-392-4006 Email: councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca Website: www.paulainslie.com
January 18, 2020 Dear Friends, As the Toronto City Councillor for Ward 24 – Scarborough-Guildwood, I would like to extend my warm greetings to everyone at the 13th Annual Thai Pongal Gala Dinner 2019. I am grateful to the Canadian Tamil Congress, as they continue in their work to empower Canadian Tamils to become outstanding leaders and citizens in our society. The Canadian Tamil Congress dedication to working with Canadian Tamils and supporting those in need around the World is outstanding. As we celebrate Tamil Heritage Month during the month of January, it is a pleasure to bring greetings to all the members of the community during this joyful occasion. I have over the past 13 years been honored to work with the Tamil community as we together celebrate and honour the many accomplishments, cultural heritage and traditions. I am looking forward to the 13th Annual Thai Pongal Gala Dinner 2020 as we work to successfully bring the entire community together. ஜனவரி 20, 2020 அன்பான நண்பர்களுக்கு, 13 வது தைப் பபாங் கல் இரவு விருந்து விழாவிற் கு வந்திருக்கும் அதனவருக்கும் , 24 ம் வட்டாரை்தின் (ஸ்காபரரா - கில் வூட் ) பராரறாண்ரடா மாநகர கவுன் சிலர் என்ற வதகயில் என் வாழ் ை்துக்கதைை் பைரிவிக்கிரறன். கனடிய ைமிழர்கதை எங் கை் சமூகை்தின் ைதல சிறந்ை ைதலவர்கைாகவும் , குடிமக்கைாகவும் உருவாக்குவதில் கனடிய ைமிழ் க் காங் கிரஸ் பைாடர்ந்து உதழை்து வருவைற் காக நான் நன்றியுதடயவனாகவிருக்கிரறன். கனடிய ைமிழர்கைின் பபாருட்டு வழங் கி வரும் அர்ப்பணிப் பான பணியும் , உலபகங் கும் வாழும் ரைதவயுற் ரறாருக்கு வழங் கி வரும் ஆைரவும் கனடிய ைமிழக காங் கிரசின் ைதல சிறந்ை பணிகை் . ஜனவரி மாைை்தில் ைமிழ் மரபுை் திங் கதைக் பகாண்டாடிக் பகாண்டிருக்கும் இந்ை மகிழ் வான சந்ைர்ப்பை்தில் ைமிழ் ச ் சமூகை்துக்கு வாழ் ைது ் க்கதைை் பைரிவிப் பதில் நான் பபரு மகிழ் சசி ் யதடகிரறன். கடந்ை 13 வருடங் கைாக நான் ைமிழ் ச ் சமூகை்துடன் இதணந்து பணியாற் றியைன் மூலம் அைன் பல் ரவறு கலாச்சார மரபுகதையும் சடங் குகதையும் சாைதனகதையும் பகாண்டாடுவைன் மூலம் பகைரவும் பபற் றிருக்கிரறன் . பமாை்ை சமூகை்தையும் பவற் றிகரமாக ஒன்றிதணக்கும் 13 வது வருடாந்ை தை பபாங் கல் (2020) இரவு விருந்தில் கலந்து பகாை் ை ஆவலுடன் எதிர்பார்ை்திருக்கிரறன்.
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Palliative Care is not giving up on patients “Kill me. I cannot bear the pain any more. My doctor says nothing more can be done.”
H
ave you ever heard these words coming from someone you know? What kind of feelings does it evoke? Sadness, hopelessness, despair.
Palliative Care is the total active care of patients with diseases that are progressive and have no cure, that will worsen over time and eventually lead to death. In palliative care, pain is not just physical. It is Total Pain that includes physical, psychological, social and spiritual pain. If doctors just treated physical pain, patients would not necessarily feel better. Other pains must be addressed:
50 years ago, Dame Cicely Saunders started the palliative care movement, when she established the • Psychological pain. world’s first hospice for dying patients in the UK. What feelings does the She famously patient have Dr. Meera Selvakone that is making said “you matter because you are his or her pain worse? Stress, anger, guilt, you, and you matter to the last moment of your life”. It doesn’t anxiety, depression. matter how old you are, how rich • Social pain. Is the patient or poor you are, what country or getting isolated or stigmatized village you’re from, what job you do. because of his or her illness? You deserve to be cared for with the If the patient was the greatest compassion for as long as breadwinner, the family may you live. suffer financially. If the dying patient is a mother, then her 99
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primary role as caregiver to her children may be given to someone else. This may cause pain beyond the physical. Spiritual pain. What does the patient feel about dying in the spiritual sense? Has the patient met his or her spiritual obligations?
Palliative Care is not giving up on patients. It is changing the goal of the treatment. We are no longer trying to cure disease. We focus on the patient and what we can do to improve the patient’s life. The Northern Province Palliative Care Initiative is one of the success stories from the 2017 Develop North East Conference, hosted by the Canadian Tamil Congress. This initiative began with the goal to establish a palliative care program in the war-ravaged region. Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC), Cancer Aid North and East (CANE) and IMHO Canada serve as the project’s partners. The
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initiative’s major fundraising effort was the 2018 Tamil Canadian Walk. Walkers set off with the goal to collect $50,000 – amazingly, over $60,000 was raised! Northern Province has a population of 1.4 million, with an estimated
4,000 palliative patients each year. Over 80% of Tellippalai Trail Cancer hospital patients are palliative. Many suffer the effects of war with younger generations migrating, leaving some patients alone and destitute. Outpatient palliative care clinics began in Jaffna and Vavuniya in January 2019. They are run by doctors and nurses who were sent to Hyderabad for palliative care training. Thanks to Walkathon funds, mobile units have started in Jaffna and Vavuniya and are caring for palliative patients in their homes. Following are some cases managed by the teams. • The Jaffna mobile unit visited a man suffering from end-stage head and neck cancer. He could not eat because cancer had taken up most of his throat. Family members were keeping away because they believed his condition was contagious. The team administered to the social pain this patient was experiencing by explaining to the family that cancer
is not contagious. He should not be isolated. They gave him morphine to ease his pain. • The Vavuniya mobile unit visited a man with end-stage kidney failure, whose children are abroad. He was supposed to go to dialysis 3
times a week but he felt guilty that his wife has to suffer taking him for dialysis. The team counselled him that he needs to go regularly for dialysis to alleviate his symptoms and that he should not feel guilty. The patient started going again for dialysis.
• The Vavuniya mobile unit visited the home of a woman who had overdosed on pills. She was hospitalized unconscious, suffering from seizures and sent home. Her teenage children believed that she 101
would come back to normal. The mobile unit team counseled the family that she would not come back, that it was time to let her go. Her seizures were managed and the patient quietly passed away with her children by her side. The future plan is to expand the program to Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Mannar districts, and to Eastern Province. This pioneering initiative that started in Toronto is one we can all be proud of. Thank you to Dr. C. Gowshigan and Dr. S. Mathurahan for their inspiring leadership, and to the hard-working and courageous members of the Jaffna and Vavuniya Palliative Care Teams. It cannot be emphasized any more than this. Your donations to this initiative have made an immeasurable and profound impact in the lives of many.
Dr. Meera Selvakone is a Family Physician affiliated with Mackenzie Health Hospital in Richmond Hill, Ontario. In November 2017, Meera traveled to Northern Province with the Canadian organization Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration to start a Palliative Care project there. Meera served on the Board of Directors at the Canadian Tamil Congress for 5 years. She is a busy mom of three.
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Let your children become Leaders of Tomorrow
www.cflicanada.ca
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Messaging through Doodle art
Samithira Sriranganathan Samithira is an emergingg doodle and mural artist based in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. One of her stellar work can be indulged at the only car-parkart-gallery at Cinnamon Red hotel in Colombo. 105
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On behalf of the Office of the Mayor, Council and the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, I would like to extend my best wishes to our Tamil community for a happy and healthy Thai Pongal!
Mayor Iain Lovatt
Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Artist Profiles Smt. Nirothini Pararajasingam, President and CEO of Nirthyakalanjali Academy of Fine Arts and Niro Dance Creations is well known to all through her dedication of promoting Indian Classical Dances and other contemporary fusion dances among the younger generation for the past 30 years. As an accomplished Indian classical dance performer, choreographer, and teacher, she strongly believes in promoting values of Indian culture through Bharathanatyam. Her group has performed in various multicultural events and media productions. In addition, she is now also a member of the South Asian Philanthropic Council of the Scarborough Hospital. Overall, she is a creative choreographer who has successfully produced several programs and received numerous awards. Promotes self-discipline, culture, and arts for youth within the South Asian Community. She has choreographed Bharathanatyam performances for various community celebrations, fundraising events and mentoring to build skills that can be applied in real life through Bharathanatyam, which in turn inculcates among the students selfdiscipline for prosperity.
Students of Smt.Nirothini Pararajasingamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Niro Dance Creations (Canada) presents
Invocation Dance
Thamizhukku Vanthanam Thamizharkalukku Vanthanam Swetha Pararajasingam Shalini Manivannan Aarathy Premachandran Tishani Jeyanthan Lakshana Rameshkumar
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Artist Profiles Jenani Kumar is a renowned Bharatha Natya teacher in the South Asian
Community. She started her extensive training under the tutelage of Narthana Vithaki Smt. Padmini Anand. After successfully completing her teacher’s grade in Sri Lanka, Jenani Kumar had the privilege of learning many other Indian Classical Dances under the guidance of Mrs. Vasundra Thomas of Kalakshethra, India. Out of passion for Bharatha Natyam, she had founded the Shilompoli Shethra Dance Academy in Canada in the year 1994 with the intention of sharing her knowledge with dedicated students from various backgrounds. Since its inception, the school aims to produce hundreds of dancers of remarkable talents through a well formulated curriculum imparting training in theoretical and practical aspects of dance with special focus on the Laya aspect and Abinaya. Jenani Kumar’s way of teaching and choreographing a dance includes expansion of the technique through the use of the entire body. She has enriched the traditional Indian dance style with contributing her own concepts through her experimentations and innovations. Jenani Kumar’s devotion and contributions had been recognized as she had been bestowed with the titles of “Sathangai narthaki, “Bharathakala vidthagar,” Nadana Sundari”, and “Natyasironmani.” SMT. JENANI KUMAR’S SHILOMPOLI SHETHRA DANCE ACADEMY PROUDLY PRESENTS VANNATH THAMIL THAMEERA KUMAR DENISHIYA PATRICK BRUTHUVE VARATHARASAN THUSHIYA BAKEERATHAN BANUJA CHANDRAUTHAYAN ARCHANA ANANTHAMOKAN MEENUSHA PATHMAKANTHAN KARANIGA ILLANGAINATHAN 109
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Artist Profiles Arjun Nagarajan is an up and coming musician in the GTA music
scene. He has been learning Western Classical, Pop, Jazz vocals as well as South Indian Classical (Carnatic) for the last 15 years under various renowned gurus from India and the GTA. After graduating from the University of Guelph with a degree in Biology, he is now pursing a music diploma from the educational division of the world-renowned MetalWorks Studios. In addition, he is currently one of the lead keyboardists for AGNI as well a vocal instructor for the Naadhashram Academy for Musical Excellence.
Harini Skantha is a prominent Toronto-based performer and educator
in the music industry. Harini holds degrees from York University (Bachelor of Fine Arts Specialized Honours & Bachelor of Education) studying Saxophone Performance, World Music & Music and French Education. She is currently completing her Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Ethnomusicology at York University researching the historic development of Indian popular music in Kollywood. Currently, she is working as a French & Music Teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She is the recipient of the W.L. Gordon James Award (2008), Douglas Saunders Memorial Scholarship (2008), Music Council Award (2008), Kondors Fine Arts Award (2012), Nirvan Bhavan Foundation Award (2013), Patricia and Robert Martin Award (2014), Shanti Chakravorty Award in Indian Classical Music (2014), Youth Icon Award (2018) and the Leading Ethnomusicologist Award (2018).
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
Artist Profiles Inthu Mathan is an entrepreneur and established Imsika Hair and
Beauty Studio in 2012. She has achieved many goals through her journey such as collaborating with Pradon Silks, Prakriti, Mothers to Mothers, and Amrapali. She has taken part as a judge for 2018’s Miss. Tamil Canada. She raised her own bar even higher as she is now known as being a makeup coordinator for Ms.Tamil Universe which happened at 2019. Her ”signature” style of makeup is bridal and she has done it for hundreds of people with many different races throughout her journey of fulfilling her passion for being a well-known makeeup artist. Some ways that Inthu Mathan tries to improve her skills is by attending many international makeup programs like IMAT, ABA National Hair Show and etc.
Beautified by CK Chelvi Kugan
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist (For all occasions) Phone: (647)882-4978
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Mark Donald Law Professional Corporation 250 Yonge Street| Suite 2201 | Toronto, ON M5B 2L7 tel (416) 681-9615 | fax (416) 441-0315 Mark Donald Law specializes in civil and commercial disputes including: defamation, privacy, social justice/human rights, defamation, professional complaints, bankruptcy, and mortgage & real estate matters.
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Sponsors Platinum Sponsor
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians
VIP Table Sponsors • Canadian Multicultural Council Asians in Ontario • Dove Sqaure Property Management Inc • Lathan Suthanthiran - Royal Bank • Printfast • Right Choice Professionals • Roger (Rupesh) Shanmugalingam - Mercedez Benz • Selva Vettyvel - Homelife Future Realty Inc • SQM Janitorial Services Inc • Sugan Sivarajah - Royal Le Page Ignite Realty • The Law Office of Yaso Sinnadurai
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ALFA Paper Products Inc. 735 Strathearne Ave N, Hamilton, ON LH8 5L3
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Cost Effective Environmental Solutions Tel: (905) 549- 2532 www.alfapaper.com
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Table Sponsors
Table Sponsors • Canadian Tamil Professionals Association (CTPA) • Centre for Leadership & innovation (CFLI) • Friends of Anpuneri Canada • Friends of Dr. Vadivelu Santhakumar • Friends of Nada Vijayabalan • Friends of Nathan Veerasingham • Friends of Raveena Rajasingham • Jarvis Sports Club • Nimal Vinayagamoorthy • Rotary Club of Richmond Hill • Senior Tamil Centre of Ontario • Siva & Joy Real Estate Team • Tamil National Alliance Canada (TNA) • The Law Office of Nathan Sritharan • Trincomalee Welfare Association (TWA) • University of Toronto Scarborough • York Region District School Board (YRDSB)
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Advertiser Index
Advertiser Index Alfa Paper Products Inc 116 A Curse To Complete You - Book 124 Allied Community Legal Services 4 Ambika Jewellers 72 Augimeri Theva Professional Corporation 110 Canadian Multicultural Council Asians 94 Centre City Medical Clinic & Pharmacy 16 Computek College 18 Councillor Paul Ainslie 96 Deluxe Property Managemet services 38 Desjardins Financial Security 89 Devadas Law Professional Corporation 52 Dove Square Property Management Inc. 32 Dr. Mohan Ratnasingham Family Dentist 98 Dr. Sivakumar Nagamuttu 90 Expressway Trucks Waterloo 82 FeTNA Tamil Convention 2020 120 iConnect Mortgages 12 ICICI Bank 88 IXICA 100 JCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Baquet Hall 70 Jetspeed Travels & Tours 125 K C Dental 20 Kurutharan 123 Lathan Suthanthiran 34 Life 100 Insurance & Investment Inc 62 Mark Donald Law 112 Mary Ng MP 66 Mercedes-Benz - Rupesh Shanmugalingam 28 Micwel Fabrication Inc 102 MNA Engineering Ltd 108 Nava Wilson LLP 14 New Dawn Energy Solutions 80 Pat Kandiah - HomeLife Future Realty Inc 60 Premier Diagnostic Network 64 Prevalent Digital 122 Print Fast 24 PROMAR Ltd. 69 R. Galati Contracting Ltd 118 Raj Thavaratnasingham - Edward Jones 10, 36, 46 Ramachandran Law Professional Corporation 58 S.T Tax Service 114 Sajeev Yohanathan 68 Senathi & Associates Professional Corporation 48 Shinol Inc. 106 Sounthern Aroma 74
Sri Priya LLOYD Sugan Sivarajah Suganthan Thavarajasingam Sujan Shan - REMAX Crossroads Realty Inc Sunthar Umasuthan SQM Janitorial Services Inc Temple of Sarees Thas Kathiramalai Inc. The Coorporators - Senthooran Punithavel Tourism and Investment in the North Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Vaheesan Jeyaveerasingam Vallikkannan Maruthappan Vanakkam Services Ltd. Vettyvel Law Vibrant Hospitality Group West Rouge Massage Therapy WOW Wing House Yaso Sinnadurai
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121 30 84 50 76 40 54 53 86 124 104 57 121 78 26 22 123 56 42
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அ்ா வயண்டுவ ா் !
உக ் ாந் ப்து யாழுகி் தமிம் ந ் ள கீமடி அ ம் யாபாட்சி வா் விடனங்
ளு ்குந் , கபாகா்வபா ்
தமிம் இரு ்ள
்குந் உங்
ள ் ம த்தி் அளநனவிரு ்கி்
ா் இன் ஆதபளய யமங் குநாறு மி வுந்
அ்புட் வ ட்டு ்க ா் கிவ்.
குருதப்
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What readers are saying about Nimi Atma’s “A Curse to Complete You” “This captivating novel had me hooked within the first few pages.” “The author has an excellent ability to marry historical realism with mythical fantasy.”
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cq;fs; MjuTf;F ed;wp Thank you for your support
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Canadian Tamil Congress - Voice of Tamil Canadians