TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
1
NOVEMBER 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
Feature Article Tamil History World History Tamilchelvan Anna Youth Canada
3 4 5 6-7 8 - 29 National Leaders 56th Birthday 30
Maveerar Naal - Canada World Youth Maveerar Naal - World Did you know? Youth Reflections
People with immense patriotism, will to make a change, determined to achieve freedom and dedication to sacrifice their lives towards that mission are identified as soldiers, heroes of the country. Such heroic figures are present globally and commemorated on an annual basis. For instance, in Canada November 11th is Remembrance Day where Canadians reflect on the contributions of the country’s heroes and pay their respects. Similarly, Eela Thamils also dedicate a day to recognize the heroes of Thamil Eelam. November 27th, 1982 marks the date when Sathiyanathan alias Shankar passed away, our first Maveerar. From that day onward Thamils around the world gather to commemorate and pay respect to the fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives to the liberation struggle of Thamil Eelam on the very same date. When we reflect on Maveerars we tend to think of their bravery, passion and patriotism and neglect to further understand and relate to their sacrifices. We must acknowledge that Maveerars are human beings, majority being youths, with dreams, goals, family, friends, and a life. A Maveerar is merely one of their roles as they are: a mother, sister, brother, a potential doctor, engineer, teacher, architect, and etc. All the big and small things we enjoy and take for granted in life are sacrificed by our Maveerars to fight for our freedom. Also, not every parent would accept and support their son/daughter to put their lives on the line; yet, Maveerars continue their path leaving their parents upset but motivated with their goals. Realizing the long way to go, with various obstacles a Maveerar will continue for his/her nation. In the society where everyone works to be rewarded, a Maveerar pledges their lives knowing that the
2
31 32 - 35 36 - 37 38 39 - 43
reward will go to the country and people of the country. Our Maveerars lead the path of our liberation struggle and the only thing they ask in return is for us to continue. It is not necessary that we contribute to the plight to the degree that our Maveerars have but to educate ourselves, become successful individuals and unite to fight through politically. If each individual takes the initiative to develop themselves academically then that would be a great asset collectively to our plight. We have lost numerous Maveerars whose goals which unfortunately, have not been accomplished. It is the responsibility of the Thamil youth to fulfill the goals of both the Maveerar’s and every Eela Thamilan. We must stay firm and confident in our path, and take pride in the accomplishments of our Maveerars. When we hesitate to argue the facts, present ourselves as Eela Thamilans and identities we must recognize that our Maveerars gave their lives for our words and identity. Not only November 27th but everyday should be treated as Maveerar Naal and each and every day we must reflect on our goals and constantly be alert that we ourselves do not want to be the reason to prolong the plight of the Thamils. With our Maveerars at heart we will continue with pride the liberation struggle of Thamil Eelam, and one day pay the proper respect to our fallen soldiers with the freedom of Thamil Eelam.
– Saru. N
In Solidarity, TYO - Canada
Vol - 30
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
Maveerar Naal “Today is an important day in our struggle.Today we have started the Hero’s Day in order to pay homage to the 1307 fighters who had sacrificed their lives to attain our sacred objective of Tamileelam.We have started this for the first time.You know that many countries in the world honour their freedom fighters by remembering them. We too have decided to proclaim a day of remembrance.We have done so today, the death anniversary of the first hero who attained martyrdom.” - National Leader of Tamileelam Honourable Vellupillai Pirapaharan November 27th 1989, Heroes Day Address
November marks an important month in the hearts of Tamils all around the world. It is in this month that our first liberation fighter, Lieutenant Shankar, sacrificed his young life for the freedom of our homeland and our people. Since his ultimate sacrifice, many more thousands of martyrs have given their lives for the emancipation of Tamileelam. The month of November is a tribute to these martyrs, and their immense sacrifice in the ongoing fight to ensure that the Tamils live in peace, dignity and honour in Tamileelam. Sathiyanathan Alias Shankar, also known as Suresh, was the first ever member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE) to embrace death and obtain martyrdom in battle. Lieutenant Shankar became the first martyr of Tamileelam on November 27, 1982. Seven years later on November 27, 1989, the National Leader of Tamileelam, Honourable Vellupillai Pirapaharan with about six hundred freedom fighters assembled at a secret venue in the Mullaitheevu district jungles of Nithikaikulam. The occasion was the newly proclaimed Great Heroes Day or Maaveerar Naal as it’s known in Tamil. Pushed into the Vanni jungles and surrounded by the Indian Army, the National Leader ofTamileelam envisioned the importance of remembering, commemorating and honouring the freedom fighters who had sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Tamileelam. Honourable Vellupillai Pirapaharan, well versed in classical Tamil literature and traditions, resurrected the well-treasured custom of
The revival of nadugal valipadu has had the intended effect. It has transformed the attitude of the wives, children, parents and relatives of the fallen cadres from the feeling of deprivation and wailing to that of participation and pride. It brought the families of the martyrs closer to the freedom struggle rather than estranging them from it. It gradually restored the martial culture of the ancient Tamil nation. The uppermost aspect of this culture surfaced in the Eastern province in the year 2000, where the tradition of mothers sending their sons to battle, anointing their foreheads with sandalwood paste, veera thilagam, to replace their killed husbands resurfaced.
Feature Article
honouring heroes fallen in battle and paying homage to them by erecting tombstones, the custom known as nadugal valipadu-nadugal means tombstone and valipadu worship or paying homage. Hon. V. Pirapaharan revived this tradition, well cherished in Tamil Sangam literature, as one of his motivation strategies.
Today, the Maaveerar Thuyilum Illaam (Resting Homes), where our great heroes were laid out to rest in neat rows of graves marked by single tombstones have been vandalized, bulldozed and destroyed. Since the occupation of the Tamil homeland, the Sri Lankan military forces, when seizing Tamil territory, have demolished these resting homes of our fallen heroes. However the barbaric destruction of resting homes will never erase them from the history of the Tamil people. Our Maaveerar live in the hearts and minds of Tamils across the world. Our fallen heroes are resting in our hearts and living in our minds which are far beyond the reach of our enemies.
3
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Vol - 30
The Martyrdom of the First Hero He firmly believed that Tamileelam could be achieved with the mobilization of the Tamil people. He lived and breathed the liberation struggle, and took up arms for it. He had great respect for his leadership, and he thought that only under the leadership of Honourable Vellupillai Pirapaharan that Tamileelam was feasible.
Tamil History
Sathiyanathan Alias Shankar, also known as Suresh, was the first ever member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE) to embrace death and obtain martyrdom in battle. Lieutenant Shankar became the first martyr of Tamileelam on November 27, 1982. Seven years after his historic death, the day of his martyrdom was proclaimed as Great Heroes Day (Maveerar Naal) and has been celebrated in Tamileelam and also throughout the world ever since. Lt. Shankar’s place of birth was Kamparmalai in Vadamaratchi. He was born in 1961 and went to join LTTE when he was 16. He left a note at his home about his decision to join LTTE and reached one of the LTTE`s camp. However, Lt. Shankar was denied entry into the Tigers because he was underage. The LTTE advised him to return home to continue his education. Nevertheless, Lt. Shankar was keen on joining the national liberation movement and fight for the liberation of his nation and his people. After two years, in 1979, he went back to join the LTTE. His unwavering determination, dedication and the fact that he was not under aged anymore changed the mind of the leadership of the LTTE and Lt. Shankar became a member. Lt. Shankar was a fearless fighter. An explosives expert, he commanded an LTTE assault group. Despite being wanted by the Sri Lankan forces, he would boldly wander around the Tamil villages. Surrendering was not an option for him upon encountering enemies. He expressed his contempt towards those who called themselves liberation fighters and surrendered to the enemy. He thought that surrendering would boost the morale of the enemies and would have negative effects on their struggle. Lt. Shankar`s achievements were paramount by the age of twenty one. Lt. Shankar spearheaded an attack on Nelliady camp, inflicting heavy casualties, in response to J.R.Jeyawardene`s vow to crush the liberation struggle.
4
One early morning, Lt. Shankar had gone to someone`s house in order inform about another LTTE member to his family. The Sri Lankan Army surrounded the house to arrest him. Lt. Shankar slipped through the back door and ran towards the rear wall and was shot in the stomach by the Sri Lankan forces. Holding the bleeding stomach tightly Lt. Shankar ran nearly three kilometres to reach a safe-house where he handed his revolver to his comrades and collapsed due to excessive loss of blood, thus avoiding capture by the army and saving the weapon, both priority items in the LTTE’s code of conduct. Lt. Shankar’s condition deteriorated fast and his senior colleague, Anton, whose real name was Sivakumar, undertook the perilous task of taking him to Tamil Nadu by boat. Anton took Lt. Shankar to Kodaikarai, one of the landing points of Tamil freedom fighters on the Tamil Nadu coast, kept him in a safe-house and arranged for a doctor to attend on him. Anton rushed to Madurai to arrange for his treatment, and then he took Lt. Shankar to a private hospital in Madurai. Doctors there declared that his condition was too serious. However, Lt. Shankar was determined to stay stayed conscious until he speaks to his leader, Honourable Vellupillai Pirapaharan. Soon, his condition become critical and the efforts of his comrades to save his live were unsuccessful. As his leader and fellow fighters watched in tears, on 27 November 1982, he became the first LTTE fighter to die in combat. Lt. Shankar had not finished the Russian novel “One True man’s story” which he was reading last. However, the true man Lt. Shankar’s story is another tale of courage. Since his death, thousands and thousands of our freedom fighters have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our nation and people. November 27, is a day where we celebrate their lives and sacrifice and recommit and rededicate our lives for the freedom of our nation, Tamileelam.
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
Remembrance Day
On June 28, 1914, in an event that is widely regarded as sparking the outbreak of World War I, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was shot to death with his wife by Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Ferdinand had been inspecting his uncle’s imperial armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite the threat of Serbian nationalists who wanted these Austro-Hungarian possessions to join newly independent Serbia. Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbian government for the attack and hoped to use the incident as justification for settling the problem of Slavic nationalism once and for all. However, as Russia supported Serbia, an Austro-Hungarian declaration of war was delayed until its leaders received assurances from German leader Kaiser Wilhelm II that Germany would support their cause in the event of a Russian intervention. On July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and the tenuous peace between Europe’s great powers collapsed. On July 29, Austro-Hungarian forces began to shell the Serbian capital, Belgrade, and Russia, Serbia’s ally, ordered a troop mobilization against Austria-Hungary. France, allied with Russia, began to mobilize on August 1. France and Germany declared war against each other on August 3. After crossing through neutral Luxembourg, the German army invaded Belgium on the night of August 3-4, prompting Great Britain, Belgium’s ally, to declare war against Germany. For the most part, the people of Europe greeted the outbreak of war with jubilation. Most patriotically assumed that their country would be victorious within months. Of the initial belligerents, Germany was most prepared for the outbreak of hostilities, and its military leaders had formatted a sophisticated military strategy known as the “Schlieffen Plan,” which envisioned the conquest of France through a great arcing offensive through Belgium and into northern France. Russia, slow to mobilize, was to be kept occupied by Austro-
Hungarian forces while Germany attacked France. The Schlieffen Plan was nearly successful, but in early September the French rallied and halted the German advance at the bloody Battle of the Marne near Paris. By the end of 1914, well over a million soldiers of various nationalities had been killed on the battlefields of Europe, and neither for the Allies nor the Central Powers was a final victory in sight. On the western front—the battle line that stretched across northern France and Belgium—the combatants settled down in the trenches for a terrible war of attrition. In 1915, the Allies attempted to break the stalemate with an amphibious invasion of Turkey, which had joined the Central Powers in October 1914, but after heavy bloodshed the Allies were forced to retreat in early 1916. The year 1916 saw great offensives by Germany and Britain along the western front, but neither side accomplished a decisive victory. In the east, Germany was more successful, and the disorganized Russian army suffered terrible losses, spurring the outbreak of the Russian Revolution in 1917. By the end of 1917, the Bolsheviks had seized power in Russia and immediately set about negotiating peace with Germany. In 1918, the infusion of American troops and resources into the western front finally tipped the scale in the Allies’ favour. Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies on November 11, 1918.
World History
At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ends. At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany, bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiégne, France. The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France, and Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, at least five million civilians died from disease, starvation, or exposure.
World War I was known as the “war to end all wars” because of the great slaughter and destruction it caused. Unfortunately, the peace treaty that officially ended the conflict—the Treaty of Versailles of 1919—forced punitive terms on Germany that destabilized Europe and laid the groundwork for World War II. The first Remembrance Day was conducted in 1919 throughout the Commonwealth. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of the First World War, “the War to end all Wars”, on Monday, November 11, 1918 at 11:00 AM.
5
TYO - Canada
Tamilchelvan Anna’s Memorial
Tamilchelvan Anna
The Arts and Cultural Council of Canada organized the third annual memorial event to pay homage to martyr Brigadier S.P. Thamilchelvan who was killed in. The event called, “Viduthalai Murasu�, was very well received in the Tamil community. The event contained uprising dance and drama performances and speeches of members of the Tamil community. The venue was overwhelmed by the large number of people who attended the event to remember, honour and pay respect to Brigadier S.P. Thamilchelvan who was an iconic figure in the Tamil liberation struggle.
6
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
Statue of Tamilchelvan Anna
November 2nd 2010 marked the third martyrdom anniversary of Brigadier S.P. Thamilchelvan, the Liberation Tigers Political Head. Brigadier S.P. Thamilchelvan was killed in a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) aerial bombardment in Ki’linochchi blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement and expressing to the world that the Sri Lankan government was never genuine about the peace process and negotiations. The Sri Lankan government’s true intentions were realized when it committed widespread atrocities leading to the height of the genocide of Tamils in 2009. The Sri Lankan government’s intent to destroy the roots of the Tamil liberation struggle was shattered when the Tamil Diaspora in France unveiled a statue honouring Brigadier S.P. Thamilchelvan’s on his memorial day.
Tamilchelvan Anna
TYO - Canada
7
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
TSA
Tamil Identity Awareness Campaign
8
Vol - 30
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
GH TSA
Youth Canada
Tamil Identity Awareness Campaign on Thursday November 4th, 2010, the Guelph Humber Tamil Students Association(GHTSA) set up booth in our Guelph Humber foyer called “Who We Are...” By creating a board explaining our identity and raising awareness of the meaning of our flag will educate our students about who we are. The board represented Tamils and what were known for, the colours, the animal, the clothing, the language, the bird, the food and the symbols. Defining who we are, will knowledge our students and inform them about what it means to our people. – GH TSA
9
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Youth Canada
UTM TSA
10
On Thursday November 4, UTM had our first Maveerar Naal campaign event for this year. We set up a booth with displays in the meeting place walkway of South Building. In the spirit of flag awareness week, this event was done to raise awareness on the meaning of our Tamil Eelam flag and to inform students about what it represents to our people. We had posters and displays set up to educate our fellow students about the colours and symbols on our flag and what each represents. We shared our five national symbols of Tamil Eelam and explained how they symbolize us. We interacted with
UTM students by allowing them to put together the pieces of Tamil Eelam and signing the pieces with their name and what country he or she is from. This was to show how many people from different countries we had educated and to illustrate the support we gained throughout our event. This event was a success as have gained the support of UTM students and we taught others the importance of our flag. – UTM TSA
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
UOIT TSA
DC/UOIT Tamil Student Association – Set out a booth to educate Tamils and nonTamils about our culture and history and the importance of Maveerar Naal. This booth displayed its uniqueness trough wearing Maveerar Naal shirt saying “FREEDOM ... is never FREE” and handing out brochures. This event was a great success attracting almost all the different culture, explaining the struggles back home as well as the five symbols of our nation. Upon successfully completing the event we were put to a real life scenario where an administration member approached us on the legality of the flag, the situation was clarified showing the differentiation and the originality of the flag and its meaning. In conclusion, the event was a great success and we plan continue this on Monday November the 15th, 2010.
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
– UOIT TSA
11
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Youth Canada
UTSC TSA
UTSC TSA performed an inspirational poem solely about the flag of Tamil Eelam during Xpressions Against Oppressions Poetry Night at UTSC. The flag was portrayed as a symbol of resistance, strength, and hope of Tamil people all over the world. The poem consisted of 10 couplets that deciphered the Tamil Eelam flag. During the recitation of each couple a 3D Tamil Eelam flag was put together. Through the assemblage of the flag, the audience was able to connect with what the symbolization signified. The poem ended with a strong statement and UTSC TSA’s message was well received by the audience. – UTSC TSA
12
Vol - 30
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
RyeTSA Awareness Campaign. Images of the different identities were put up around campus and spread through social networks such as Facebook. This campaign ran for the month of November and was a great success.
Youth Canada
RYE TSA
– RYE TSA
13
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Youth Canada
York TSA
During the second week of November 2010, York University Tamil Students Association (YUTSA) had their Tamil Identity Awareness Campaign. YUTSA has created vows along with the flag to have people have a piece of who they are with them to be a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made for us, and the ones which we must not forget. These identity cards will also be used as a mural to create a huge 20 by 25 Flag that is made from small flags. This is to show that our nation can be made by the vows that our people and friends that stand in solidarity wish to make. They gave out brochures that include facts about the flag as well as the national symbols of Tamil Eelam to enrich Tamil students about the cultural and historical values which our nation holds. YUTSA stamped all the students with an outline of Eelam map stamp while interacting and educating York university students. – YU TSA
14
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Vol - 30
Campus Maveerar Naal 2010 Maveerar Naal is the biggest event for Eelam Tamils living all around the world and every year Tamil Students Associations (TSA) take upon a duty of having Maveerar Naal as a huge event occurring in their own Campuses. As every year, Tamil Students Associations (TSA) held their Maveerar Naal at their campuses. The Campus Maveerar Naals were chosen on different dates from November 12th, 2010 to November 27th, 2010. The following dates that were chosen by each University TSA are: • • • • • • • • • • •
November 12th, 2010 – University of Toronto Mississauga November 16th, 2010 – University Of Ontario Institute and Technology November 17th, 2010 – Guelph/Humber University November 18th, 2010 – University of Toronto St. George November 19th , 2010 – University of Toronto Scarborough November 22nd, 2010 – McMaster University November 23rd, 2010 – Ryerson University November 23rd, 2010 – York University November 24th, 2010 – Waterloo University November 24th, 2010 – Seneca University November 27th, 2010 – University of Ottawa & Carleton University
The main purpose that Tamil students held campus Maveerar Naal at their respective campuses was in order to mobilize Tamil students, non-Tamil students, and professors at the campus to educate them about our National heroes, who sacrificed their lives in the Tamil Eelam struggle for freedom and self-determination for Tamil civilians on the island of Sri Lanka. We honour them at the same time; we seek to educate and dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice and freedom for which our brothers and sisters have given up their lives for. Each TSA team took upon a task with the event planning for their campus Maveerar Naal at their respective campuses. They presented singing and dancing Tamil Eelam songs. In addition, Maveerar Naal was only enlightened with poems and speeches from guest speakers, TSA presidents and much more. It was truly a day to remember, for all students in Canada! – TYO- TSA
15
TYO - Canada
Youth Canada
UTM TSA
16
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
UOIT TSA
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
17
TYO - Canada
Youth Canada
GH TSA
18
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
UTSG TSA
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
19
TYO - Canada
Youth Canada
UTSC TSA
20
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
North York Highschools
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
21
TYO - Canada
Youth Canada
MAC TSA
22
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
RYE TSA
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
23
TYO - Canada
Youth Canada
York TSA
24
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
WA TSA
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
25
TYO - Canada
Youth Canada
Seneca TSA
Quebec Youth Maveerar Naal
26
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
Ottawa Youth Maveerar Naal
TYO Blood Drive
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
TYO blood drive was a tremendous success on November 13th. The Square One Blood Donor Clinic was able to collect 70 units of blood and reached 100% of their goal for the day. This figure is even more rewarding as we realize that the 70 units we collected can save or improve the lives of up to 210 people. Those who donated on Saturday will be eligible to donate anytime after Saturday, January 8th. TYO in the new year will become “Partners for Life” and will be pledging 75 units on blood for the year 2011. TYO would like to thank the donors for the continuous support and hopes to see more donors in the upcoming new year. – TYO Canada
27
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Youth Canada
Youth Maveerar Naal
On November 25th, the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) - Canada in partnership with Tamil Students Associations in universities across Canada commemorated our fallen heroes in an event marking the commencement of Tamileelam Heroes Day. The event popularly called Youth Maaveerar Naal was a great initiative undertaken by Canadian Tamil youth. – TYO Canada
28
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
Youth Maveerar Naal
Youth Canada
TYO - Canada
29
TYO - Canada
National Leaders 56th Birthday
National Leaders 56th Birthday
November 26th marked the 56th birthday of the National Leader of Tamileelam, Honourable Vellupillai Pirapaharan. Tamils in Canada marked the 56th birthday of their National Leader with an event comprised of uprising performances, speeches and drama.
30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
Maveerar Naal 2010 - Canada
On November 27th, Tamil Canadians congregated on Markham Fairgrounds to pay homage to the Maaveerar (heroes) who laid down their lives in fighting for the liberation of Tamileelam. The Tamileelam National Heroes Day event was organized by the National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT). The organizers knowing that they would be unable to manage the crowd, held four sessions associated with impressive cultural programmes to ensure the opportunity for all Tamil Canadians to pay homage to the fallen heroes. – NCCT
Maveerar Naal - Canada
TYO - Canada
31
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
World Youth
32
Vol - 30
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
As part of the global Tamil Eelam community’s events to mark National Remembrance Day on November 27, expatriate Tamils in London have sponsored a public billboard. The Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO) - United Kingdom, an activist group comprising Tamil students and young professionals, coordinated the effort. “We wanted to express the significance of this day for Eelam Tamils, when all of us across the globe are united in remembering the sacrifices made so that the Tamil people could one day live in peace and dignity in their own homeland,” said TYO Spokesperson Nisha Mariyathas.
World Youth
London TYO Billboard
As part of its efforts to annihilate the Eelam Tamil people’s identity, the Sinhala-dominated Sri Lankan state was engaged in hysterical effort to destroy any sign of their protracted resistance to its rule, Ms. Mariyathas said, referring to the wholesale bulldozing of cemeteries where Tamil fighters were laid to rest, and the demolishing of statues built to prominent Tamil politicians and activists. Despite the Sri Lankan state’s efforts, modern Tamil history would be preserved, and this is duty of the global Tamil community, TYO activist Thusiyan Nanda said “As an organisation of young Tamils, TYO is committed to preserving this memory and ensuring the next generation of Tamils are aware of the long history of resistance to Sinhala chauvinism,” he said. “The billboard sponsored by TYO is a symbol of our members’ resolve not to forget our collective history of sacrifice, struggle and endurance,” he said. The billboard, designed by a coalition of Tamil university students, carries a map of Tamil Eelam in the national colours, red and yellow, as well as a rising phoenix, “symbolising the commitment of the Tamil people to continue the struggle for dignity and self determination in the face of Sri Lanka’s continuing military occupation and ongoing genocide in the Tamil homeland,” Ms. Mariyathas said.
33
TYO - Canada
London Campus Maveerar Naal
World Youth
Youth initiated Maveerar Naal in London, United Kingdom
34
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
New Zealand Maveerar Naal
Youth initiated Maveerar Naal in New Zealand
World Youth
TYO - Canada
35
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Maveerar Naal Across the World
Maveerar Naal - World
Tamileelam
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Cyprus
Denmark
France
Germany
36
Vol - 30
Ireland
Italy
Italy
Malasiya
Netherlands
Norway
Vol - 30
Maveerar Naal - World
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Swiss
India
Thailand
United Kingdom
37
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Did You Know?
How the BlackBerry got its Name
Five years ago, the word “blackberry” commonly referred to a small, prickly fruit that stains your hands and can be made into a tasty jam. Waterloo’s Research in Motion struck gold when it developed a portable wireless device that allows users to phone get and send e-mail and browse the Internet. The name BlackBerry also appears successful, if only because it’s become an integral part of business nomenclature. It’s even spawned nicknames such as CrackBerry due to its addictiveness. So, how did RIM make the connection between an e-mail gadget and a piece of fruit? RIM asked Lexicon Branding in California to help name their most profitable product. Lexicon president David Placek says he steered away from names that were directly linked to the word “e-mail,” since consumer research shows that word can increase clients’ blood pressure. Instead, his team was looking for something “more natural, more entertaining and more joyful that might decrease blood pressure.” When someone pointed out that the tiny buttons on RIM’s device looked like a collection of seeds, Lexicon began exploring different fruity names: strawberry, melon and an assortment of vegetables were all bandied about, with no success. The company finally settled on
38
blackberry because the word is pleasing to most ears and the device, at the time, was black, says Mr. Placek. Today, people routinely ask the Lexicon president how the name BlackBerry came to be, and he insists the naming process must be a creative one. “BlackBerry sticks better than something like ProMail or MegaMail,” says Mr. Placek. “If you want to get attention, you don’t describe something, you create a new concept.” The biggest advantage to naming an electronic device after a piece of fruit, however, is that it’s almost a guaranteed way to ensure a trademark for your product, says Mr. Frazier. In the United States, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office won’t trademark generic names. For example, the term “hand-held communications device” wouldn’t have worked for RIM because it would prevent competitors from using the term to describe their own products, says Mr. Frazier. It is here that product naming becomes as much a creative process as it is a tricky legal manoeuvre. There are hundreds of naming companies and often a limited number of “available” names. Naming companies, which just 15 years ago were an obscure, fringe industry, can now charge thousands of dollars to nail the right name. “The reason we exist is this is hard to do. It’s hard to create legally available names,” said Mr. Frazier.
Vol - 30
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
Youth Reflections
39
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Youth Reflection
A Maveerar Our history in their eyes Our future in their path Tempted us, the blinded by torture With the distant light of freedom But left us on the journey Left the fruit of youth, the warmth of family and the fear of death Breath after breath Inhaled the duties and exhaled the passion Fought in the hope to see justice’s reaction No help no need Determined in will power to succeed Believed in the self, the unity and the people of the country Made their own tracks, fought their own battles, made their own history For each and every one of them it’s personal Magnitude of patriotism with the direction towards success Born to see the war and living to see the end Left as a hero with tracks for us to follow Label them: terrorists, liars, whatever the media demands But the world can’t mask their identity as a freedom fighter, a survivor, a warrior, a Thamilan The minority with the power to hold back the majority The skills and achievements to turn the heads of the world Brave to take a bullet Strong to fight injustice Humane to care for the innocents In the land, the sea and the sky they fought In the fight for freedom there are no boundaries Yes, the genocidal war is long but the point is we haven’t lost They fought and continue to fight, inspire and motivate They sparked the flames that burn to feed on freedom For which we will continue to fight and continue the plight they have begun We hold our hearts stained in pain Raise our heads with pride we gained And one day we will repay them Fulfill the goals of both theirs and ours Prove to the world that what they see as dreams is our reality So, who are they? A daughter a son A father a mother A brother a sister A friend a neighbor A patriot A Maveerar – Saru
40
Vol - 30
TYO - Canada
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30
UTSC TSA performed an inspirational poem solely about the flag of Tamil Eelam during Xpressions Against Oppressions Poetry Night at UTSC. The flag was portrayed as a symbol of resistance, strength, and hope of Tamil people all over the world. The poem consisted of 10 couplets that deciphered the Tamil Eelam flag. During the recitation of each couple a 3D Tamil Eelam flag was put together. Through the assemblage of the flag, the audience was able to connect with what the symbolization signified. The poem ended with a strong statement and UTSC TSA’s message was well received by the audience. The following was the poem recited: Red: Red rages with our strengthened fury, But they stand as a silent jury.
Bullets: Daring bullets from somber tears, Resistance to demolish our fears. Guns: Loaded in the holster as they ride their chariots, Not by chance but a weapon of our patriots. Claws: Tear away the stigma placed on our face, May the claws of justice defend our race. Teeth: 32 soldiers, stand ready at sight, Our fierce sharp warriors, ready to fight.
Youth Reflection
Yellow: Justice, peace, unity, masked forever in yellow, A reminder to overcome the pain, rage, and sorrow.
Stripes: Nowhere to be seen, but the jungle has eyes, May their stripes be their wings to limitless skies. Tiger: The shield of courage we stand behind, The roar of the tiger to save our kind. Flag: Our flag of freedom so define, Proud in the hearts of yours and mine, It represents what we call Eelam, Some say terrorist, but we say freedom.
41
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
when they did not have legs to run they had hands that could reach when their arms could not reach they got around on my feet when their mouth could not speak they had eyes that could see when their eyes could not see they had a throat that could scream when their heart failed to beat with their veins left to bleed one thing remained, they still had a dream
Youth Reflection
With a death, with a birth, with the passing of lives some guilty, some innocent ,some under disguise We will cry, we will smile, we will grieve and sober up to reality heaven, hell, religious spirituality, and then nothing at all win and lose, loss and gain, can you feel the love, the pain Through it all, we build such unbreakable bonds our only reason to keep moving along she loves him, he loves her...complete eachother’s missing cause between a love so strong barbed wired fenses, where they don’t belong between a love, so untamed and in flames prison bars fall to create a break between a love, so genuine and pure baricades gernades on either sides of the door mothers taken from their child, without saying goodbye fathers sprawled on soils and land, eyes too dry to cry children sing, choke on blood, across beloved death commit no wrong, received no rights, did nothing to regret birds they flew, trees they grew, blood stained flowers bloomed the oceans knew, the wind it blew, all witnesses to the blood shed that gloomed the light, it burned..bones twist and turn, piercing its way through muscle and vein open flesh, disclosed without rest..can we purify thy blood thy blood which will fertilize our land dreams collide, while bodies lie..thriving against the boundaries of survival and in the eyes of a child, so innocent so kind, i saw pride where is your mother? she doesn’t know where is your father? tears drip to the floor where are your sisters your brothers? blood spills from her sores where is your home, where are you from? her eyes lit up, her face shone and she pointed her finger, the only direction she knew “Thamil Eelam” she said, “ are you from there too?”
42
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Vol - 30
Shoulder to Shoulder we’ll stand thousands strong minds merged together, we’ll fight however long Our homeland Our Flag, every piece of our pride is a part of us thats been rooted deep down inside its apart of our names, the words from our lips its apart of our culture, our whole existence its an invisible part of everything we’ve become no matter where we are now.. what we are and who we are, leads back to where we’re from We’ll rebuild our country with our own hands the time will come, one of these tomorrows We’ll rebuild our walls our ceilings and ground the time will come, when we can rid ourselves of our sorrows We’ll rebuild our emotions, our feelings, and hearts the time will come, when we stop reliving the horrors
bullets push against their flesh their cries push against my chest rage builds inside, as I await the next dead man womyn child to raise their fist hope weighs me down, pride makes me fly hope suffocates me to drown ego takes me high angers given me a gun frustration loads it with bullets envy’s thrown me a dream to live in peace with freedom, and ability to give so I lust a life, to be alive and breathe our flag our pride, becomes our luxury so forget hope, we can handle it work for our people, and our land to live forget making wishes upon shooting stars just stand tall, and pride yourself in who you are fist in air, a heart to care, a life to spare peace of mind to share, and before you know it, we’ll be standing there on our land.
Youth Reflection
I pride myself in who I am through all downfalls, I will stand tripping over bodies again and again
Our cause it binds us, Our time will find us hearts and minds align to define the meaning of a homeland, the reason for our pride Because we’d give up our lives, ignorance calls it suicide to us and the wise, its called a sacrifice To die for a cause, Is to provide for a loss * enna da
43
NOVEMBER 2010
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
Reach Editor - Arul.M Reach Designer - Shiyamdev.S
44
Vol - 30
NOVEMBER 2010
TYO - Canada
Vol - 30
WRITE
For our next month’s issue: Submit your written work based on
‘Whats on your mind?’
Get Involved
For the beautiful moments For the tragic times With your heart and no regrets
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 DECEMBER 25th, 2010 o Must be e-mailed to reach@canadatyo.org with the subject ‘Reach-DECEMBER 2010’ o Please attach a word file or copy and paste your work in your e-mail
45
TYO - Canada
46
NOVEMBER 2010
Vol - 30