TYO - Canada
MARCH 2010
Vol - 22
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MARCH 2010
TYO - Canada
To work towards the enhancement of the Tamil Nation and to provide an avenue for the betterment of Tamil youth in canada
Introduction
TYO
History
3-4
Youth Canada
5-6
World Youth
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Get Involved
8-9
Sometimes people have a tendency to ignore the truth simply because it’s easier to do so. We, however, cannot. The conditions faced by the Tamils in Sri Lanka are undeniably gruesome. Our Tamil brothers and sisters back home are being raped: mentally, physically, emotionally. For years, they have been stripped apart, and while the world may think this mistreatment is over, we know it’s not. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, children - have all fallen victim to this inhumane barbarism. Their voices have been ignored and silenced. Imagine being ostracized in your own country. Imagine losing family and friends to discriminatory action. Imagine witnessing several merciless crimes. Just imagine. One day, you see your brother getting abducted, the next day, your uncle loses his leg. You walk outside to go get groceries, and instead are facing the ruthless rape of your niece. You find yourself running, and running. It’s devastating, because more than half the time, you really don’t even know where to go. You find yourself stuck... Stuck in a world that seems to hunt you down, simply because you were born Tamil. Is that a crime? Is being Tamil really so sinful, that you must risk losing your life? This very question seems absurd. But, this is the mentality that we are fighting against. This is our reality. Why us? What now? Who cares? These seem to be the lingering questions of those Tamils who still remain in Sri Lanka. Heartache, tears, and bloodshed, seem to have become normal to them. But, even through all the suffering, behind those tears, there is still hope. Having witnessed horror, they still live. - Tharchini. V
Reach is back! Through this month’s issue we are re-introducing the Reach magazine. Reach is a monthly e-newsletter by the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) of Canada designed for the youth. Reach serves as a means of communication for the youth in the Tamil community, as communication is an asset to the plight of the Tamils which our community must sustain. Reach welcomes the feedback and submission of written work, thus making the magazine more interactive for the youth. The objective of Reach is to provide as a source of information and insight into the activities and events that Tamil youth participate in both on a national and global level. In addition, Reach takes on the initiative of educating youth by providing information on the history, culture, and the ongoing political and humanitarian plight of the Tamil people. Reach is an expression of the voice of Tamil youth, the voice that can always be strengthen by your participation. Your continuous support and feedback is greatly welcomed and appreciated in obtaining our objective.
In Solidarity, TYO - Canada
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MARCH 2010
Vol - 22
2nd Lt. Malathy Youth in Canada
TYO - Canada
2nd Lt. Malathy’s real name was Sahayaseeli Pedrupillai. Malathy was and will always be the first women fighter of LTTE who died in the battlefield when the LTTE women’s unit confronted the Indian Peace Keeping force troops on October 10, 1987 at the junction of Koappaay, Jaffna. The people should remember the contributions of 2nd Lt. Malathy. We also have to recognize the fundamental changes the Tamil liberation struggle has created in the Tamil society, in regards to the equality of women. Malathy has brought great change within both the Tamil society and the liberation struggle. She will always be remembered as the first great women fighter of died as a hero.
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TYO - Canada
MARCH 2010
History
Annai Poopathy
Mrs. Kanapathipillai Poopathy, commonly addressed as ‘Annai Poopathy’ (Mother Poopathy), has brought pride to the Tamil community and to women as she was the first women to fast to death for a cause. As a member of the Navatkerny Mother’s Front, Annai Poopathy presented strong critiques against the Sri Lankan Army’s operations and violations of human rights. Born in Batticaloa and raised in a financially unstable household, Annai Poopathy was withdrawn from school and married at a young age. After being widowed with two sons and a daughter, Annai Poopathy married again and was then mother of ten children. Annai Poopathy struggled to raise her children through the oppression Tamils and Muslims faced by the Sinhala state. During this time two of her sons were shot dead, one by the Sri Lankan army and the other by the Special Task Force of the Sri Lankan government. Another son of hers experienced severe torture in the Boosa army camp when arrested during round up operations. During the time the Indian army was occupying the north and east and banned all political activity. However, the Women’s Front decided to protest against the atrocities against the people through the means of a fast of which Mrs. Annammah David and Mrs Nesamma Vadivel were determined to fast to death. The hunger strike of the two Tamil women was
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disrupted by the Indian troops, which only ignited the fire of determination of Annai Poopathy to commence her fast against injustice. On March 19th, 1988 Annai Poopathy resided at Mahmangam Pillayar temple with the perseverance to achieve her political goals, to raise awareness to the world of the injustice Tamils were experiencing by the Indian Peace Keep Forces (IPKF), and to encourage the Indian government to call for: (1) An immediate unconditional ceasefire between the LTTE and the IPKF (2) Unconditional talks between the LTTE and the Indian government. She restricted herself from any food for thirty days until the completion of her fast which was her death on April 19th, 1988. “Annai Poopathy has made an indelible mark in the golden history of our struggle. She sacrificed her life for the freedom struggle of her people renouncing her life as a mother, as head of a household and as a woman. Her moral war against the Indian army was an embarrassment India. She did not die as a human being. Her sacrifice symbolized the uprising of Tamil Eelam motherhood,” –Hon.Velupillai Pirapaharan - Saru. N
Vol - 22
MARCH 2010
Vol - 22
TSA Wins UTSU Leadership Award for Solidarity!
Youth in Canada
TYO - Canada
University of Toronto’s Student Union recognizes the efforts of TSA over the course of the past year and has nominated TSA for two awards this year. “The external commission of the U.T.S.U has nominated the Tamil Students Association for the External Award for the year 2009-10 for your all the work you have done on mobilizing students to fight for the rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka.” Throughout the year TSA has networked with external TSAs along with the youth of the Tamil community and focused their efforts on raising awareness of the plight of the Tamils. In addition, UTSG TSA actively engages in showing support to the non-Tamil community and in arranging successful awareness campaigns such as the Fast for Humanity. In recognition for their contributions UTSG TSA was nominated and won the Solidarity Award.
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MARCH 2010
TYO - Canada
Youth in Canada
150th Day Protest
As the condition for Tamils in Sri Lanka continues to worsen, many Tamil people have no choice but to seek refuge. 254 of these Tamil asylum seekers (children, men, and women) had fled Sri Lanka hoping to find refuge in Australia. However, these Tamil asylum seekers were denied asylum there, as Indonesian authorities did not allow them to enter Australia. They are now stranded on a boat in Merak, Indonesia. These Tamil asylum seekers are in fear of deportation, and they are also concerned of being detained in Indonesia. While this alone depicts an immense struggle, the reality is that these Tamil asylum seekers are also facing awfully hard living conditions. They are forced to live in a boat that was built to accommodate 50 individuals. They are at risk for a series of different sicknesses, do not have access to medical aid, lack food and water, and only have one unsanitary bathroom which they all must share. They simply want basic human rights, which they are being denied. To draw attention to this awful situation, the Canadian HART (Humanitarian Appeal for Relief of Tamils) organized a protest in front of the Australian Consulate on March 10th 2010. This day marked the 150th day that the Tamil asylum seekers have been on the boat. Many people from the Tamil community took part in this protest, in an attempt to speak out loud for the silenced asylum seekers.
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MARCH 2010
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‘Thamils in Eelam’ World Youth - Germany
TYO - Canada
Berlin Tamil youth had organized an event, ‘Tamils in Eelam’, which took place on March 19th, 2010. The cultural event focused on educating Berlin citizens about the religion, language, culture, society, economy, and government of Tamils. The event was enhanced by the presence of representatives of many non-profit organizations. The Berlin citizens, who attended, welcomed the efforts that the Berlin Tamil youth continue to put forth towards achieving a free motherland and also mentioned that continuing similar events carry the capacity in advancing the plight of the Tamils. The support and encouragement was received by the attendees of the event.
Protest on Second day after ITB Berlin 2010 The second day after the world’s largest travel tradeshow that was held in Berlin, the Berlin Tamil youth protested in front of the Sri Lankan travel tradeshow. The attendees of the exhibition mentioned they had already suspected this year’s low travel cost to Sri Lanka and included their refusal to believe the false propaganda posed by the Sri Lankan government. The ITB Berlin 2010 hosted 180 countries, of which many visitors did not show much interest in the exhibit presented by Sri Lanka.
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Youth Reflection
TYO - Canada
MARCH 2010
Remember. The bitter cold nights, frost bites throats drained out,we still fight strangled voices, strained through night to demand mankind for human rights Remember. Heart of Ottawa swollen with people and flags Police brutality, and we didn’t hold back non stop arrivals and departures of buses and rides ongoing protests, petitions, letters, hunger strikes Remember. Gardiner Expressway, hearts and emotions collide halted vehicles, to bring sound to the silence Police equipped to beat us alive But we WALKED off the highway in the end, takin our time nobody ran,cuz our rights aint a crime Remember. We brought them reality, nobody opened their eyes We told them our stories, they chose to only believe lies We chanted our lungs out, they remained deaf to our cries But we never gave up, Because we had THAT MUCH PRIDE! Pride in WHO we were, in WHAT we fought for Pride for our country, the blood we’re raised on Pride in our history, identity, and the flags we held high Over 60 years of battle and this PRIDE HASN’T DIED!! Police couldn’t take us down ANYWHERE SriLanka couldn’t kill us off, they’re STILL scared and THATS MY COMMUNITY, strong voice, thick skin. Never gives up no matter what situation we’re in Because we KNOW, together we’ll fight, and together we’ll win! Now, Remember. Our brothers and sisters back home still have tears in their eyes Our blood-ties back home are still struggling to provide and survive Our children back home still dunno how to smile Our homeland cries out and thrives for FREEDOM & PEACE & the RIGHT to stay alive as aTHAMIZHAN So, Remember. NOBODY can hold us down NOBODY can take our land NOBODY will murder OUR people and get away with it. So,remember that! and reignite your flames back! Remember. - enna da
Photo’s courtesy of markblinch.com
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Vol - 22
MARCH 2010
Vol - 22
Get Involved
TYO - Canada
Join TYO
Speak Out
Our doors are always open to new members that are looking to make a difference for Tamils around the world.
As Tamil youth in Canada, we have the ultimate duty of educating others, as well as ourselves of the suffering of the Tamil people. Understanding is crucial. And with understanding comes awareness, the most essential step in the path to progress.
As an organization with the interests of Tamil youth at heart, TYO provides opportunities for Canadian Tamil youth to network, contribute, and develop their skills in various areas as well. Interested in getting involved? Please contact us at contact@canadatyo.org Or visit us at www.canadatyo.org
Ignorance is not a bliss. • Stay updated with recent news • Write to your local politicians • Attend rallies • Enlighten non-Tamil peers • Write a poem, articles, essay • Research, understand and recite
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WRITE
For the beautiful moments For the tragic times With your heart and no regrets
For our next month’s issue: Submit your written work based on
‘what’s on your mind?’ Please follow the guidelines below. Don’t forget to add reach@canadatyo.org to your e-mail safe list. We appreciate all of your time and effort.
Guidelines:
TYO - Canada
o All submissions must be in English o You may create your own title for your work o Written work should be within 750 words (or 2 pages letter sized), 12 pt font (Times) o Can be written in any form (article, research essay, poem, story, etc.) o Include your name, contact info, and University/ College/ High School (If applicable) o Submit before APRIL 25th, 2010 o Must be e-mailed to reach@canadatyo.org with the subject ‘Reach-APRIL 2010’ o Please attach a word file or copy and paste your work in your e-mail
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Get Involved
MARCH 2010
TYO - Canada
TYO - Canada
MARCH 2010
Vol - 22
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MARCH 2010
TYO - Canada
Design by Shiyamdev. S
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