REACH-January 2012

41OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF TYO-CANADA

REACHJANUARY 2012

REACH - 41JANUARY 20122

For some it’s a mere change of a calendar but for others

December 31st expires and suddenly a new beginning is

all they see. The New Year is a fresh new start as endless

possibilities and limitless skies carve the path to the creation

of unforgettable memories. “The bar has been set high this

past year” is definitely a repetitive slogan but surely one

that defines the exact impact of the Canadian-Tamil youth

in 2011. The year 2010 leaves us with plentiful reminders of

the great achievements, the strength, the determination, and

will of the Tamil youth throughout Canada. The momentum

should not lose its course as we step into 2012 and with

the many accomplishments of the past year in mind: let’s

all make this year count! Let 2012 be filled with stronger

bonds, robust alliances, and everlasting harmony amongst

the Tamil youth everywhere.

- TYO-Canada

TYO - CANADA JANUARY 2012 3

p.10

p.11

p.5

p.12 p.14 p.16

p.6p.6 TYO, UTSC TSA & UTSG Thai Pongal celebrations +

The history of Thai Pongal celebrations.

C [youth canada] A [tamil history] D [world youth]

E [did you know?]

B [world history]

F [face-to-face] G [chef @ cheran] H [youth reflection]

TYO UK Pongal celebrations & Katka Kasadara.

Sleep, a vital part of life.

Analysis of Catherine II - Continued.

w/ Keerthana Pathmanathan.

Making Seeni Ariyatharam.

Acheivements for the new year.

To work towards the enhancement of the Tamil Nation and to provide

an avenue for the betterment of Tamil youth in CanadaTYO

REACH JANUARY 2012

CONTENTS

41


Pongal Festival is a traditional four day long harvest festival celebrated by Tamils from Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam. It is celebrated in the month of January. Every year Pongal falls on either the 14th or the 15th of January. Pongal is an occasion for giving thanks to nature, for celebrating the life cycles that give us grain. It is equivalent of Canada’s Thanksgiving Day. For Tamil farmers, it is an occasion to thank the gift of nature like the sun for warmth and farm cattle for its assistance in reaping a bountiful harvest. Tamils say “Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum” which means, “The birth of Thai paves the way for new opportunities”.

In 1921, Tamil scholars who gathered under the chairmanship of “Thamil Kadal” (Sea) Maraimalai Adikal after long deliberations, decided unanimously that Thai 01 (January 14) as the birth of Tamil New Year and Thai Pongal Vizha, which also coincided with the birthday of Saint Thiruvalluvar, who is believed to have born 31 years before Jesus Christ. The Tamil Calendar is dated from that period and referred as Thiruvalluvar Aandu (Year).

The celebration of Pongal Festival goes back to the latter part of the Sangam age. However, this festival started as the ‘Dravidian Harvest Festival’. At that time, young girls worshipped God for prosperity, rain, and good-hearted husband. Having spent the entire month of December praying to god and observing ritual fasting, young virgins celebrated the last day with the Thai Bathing. According to the Sangam literary work Kaliththokai, Sun was worshipped as a deity during these celebrations. Also, according to the stone inscriptions at Thiruvotriyoor, Pongal was celebrated during the time of the great king Raaja Raaja

Chozhan 1 who ruled between 985 and 1014 CE. This festival was known as the “Puthiyeedu” festival. Puthiyeedu meant the first harvest of the year. These traditions and rituals of ancient time gave rise to the celebration of Pongal.

This festival is full of enthusiasm and fun. Everyone actively participates in its preparations. People start the celebration from 13th January. The festival starts with “Bhogi”and ends with “Kannum”. On the very first day of the celebration which is known as “Bhogi”, courtyards are cleaned, old wares are discarded and replaced with new things, homes colour-washed and decorated, and Kolams/Rangolis are made at the entrance of the houses.

Second day is dedicated to Sun and is called “Thai Pongal”. As mentioned earlier, this day is celebrated as the birth of Tamil New Year. On this day, People worship Sun and a sweet dish is prepared with new rice, milk and jaggery, which are known as “Sakkarai Pongal”. It is cooked in an earthen pot. The moment of climax is the spill over of the Pongal during cooking. The spill over of milk is a propitious symbol of abundance and good omen and shouts of “Pongalo Pongal!” When the meal is ready it is first put on a banana leaf and the family pray for a few minutes to thank nature, sun and farmers. Then the meal (Pongal) is served with fruits (banana and mango) among the family. Tamils also consume sugar canes along with Pongal. Later it will be shared with neighbours, friends and relatives.

“Mattu Pongal” or “Pattip Pongal” is the third day of the celebration. On this day people wash their cattle’s like cows and bulls and decorate them by applying turmeric and kunkumam to their horns. Garlands, small bells and bundles of Vadai are hung around their necks and paraded in the streets. The cooked Pongal is given to the cattle to eat. After doing this they worship them and thank them to help in harvesting and ploughing. In Tamil Nadu, young men stage a kind of bullfight called the “Jallikattu” on this day. The last day of this festival is “Kannum Pongal”. This day people enjoy to the fullest. This day is a day to thank relatives and friends for their support in the harvest. They meet their relatives and friends and exchange greetings and gifts.

In short, the richness of Tamil culture and historical traditions is symbolized in the Tamil New Year and Thai Pongal festival.

Tamil New Year and Pongal Festival

A [tamil history]


CONTINUED FROM ISSUE 40

Despite efforts to modernize Russia, the poor serf population sought to become free from their social position and end the system of serfdom. In an article within the Moscow Gazette, the serf population were seen as objects to be sold and a typical add would read like this: “For sale, two plump coachmen; two girls 18 and 15 years, quick with manual work…”. The system of slavery had always been proven as a method of oppressing a social class and by restricting them from society you are only further increasing their hostility towards the state. Class antagonism did not stop there; it only became worse among upper class nobility. In some places of Russia the lord and his family would speak French so that the servants would not understand what was being said. They also ensured they looked nothing like the lower class citizens as they would dress in western European clothing and read European books . This sort of class antagonism sparked desperation of the lower classes to be able to live a similar lifestyle as their lords and sparked them to take action in the largest rebellion in Russian history at the time.

As a final resort, the lower classes took arms in what was known as the Pugachev rebellion of 1773. Lead by a Don Cossack named Emelian Pugachev in the Urals and denounced Catherine II as the true sovereign and announced himself as Tsar. Tens and thousands of Don Cossack and serfs joined in an effort to depose of their monarch. The main issue with the rebellion was the lack of organization and the famine along the Volga River that made the rebellion weak. As a result of

the weakening rebellion, Pugachev was betrayed by his own people and taken to Moscow for trials of Treason. The last mark of Catherine’s enlightenment came from the trial, as she refrained from using any sort of violence or torture on Emelian Pugachev. Catherine II responded to the rebellion with repression, increasing the numbers of serfs throughout Russia and for every serf the workload increased. This marked the turning point in Catherine’s liberal ideals and began a process of conservatism for Russia as well as Catherine herself.

Conclusively, Catherine the great of Russia marked the apex of Imperial Russia during the early period of her reign as she established many social institutions to promote the arts and culture. However after the Pugachev Rebellion her polices become increasingly intolerant. Catherine’s reign began with the education of the masses, the development of the Nakaz, but took a turning point after she polarized the social classes and tightened her grasp on the poor serf population. Though Catherine may be deserving of the title “The Great” she will still remain an enlightened despot rather than a enlightened monarch.

Catherine the Great (1729-1796). BBC. 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/catherine_the_great.shtml (accessed December 1, 2011).

Catherine the Great Biography. 2011. http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/catherine-the-great.html (accessed December 1, 2011).

Davies, Norman. Europe: A History . London: Oxford University Press , 1997.

Palmer, P.R. A History of the Modern World. New York: McGraw Hill, 2007.

Toscani, Melissa. Empress Catherine II “The Great” of Russia . May 20th, 2010. http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/catherine2.html (accessed December 1, 2011).

An Analysis of Catherine II Reign

B [world history]


Thai Pongal CelebrationsMARKHAM, ON

The Tamil Youth Organization-Canada held their Thai Pongal on Sunday, January 15th, 2012. The event showcased the procedure of a typical Thai Pongal celebra-tion starting off with the making of pongal itself. The Markham Chapter of the Tamil Youth Organization spearheaded the event.

C [youth canada]


UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

SCARBOROUGH CAMPUS

The Tamil Students’ Association at the University of Toronto held their annual Thai Pongal celebrations on Monday, January 16th, 2012. The event was held in the student centre with various performances and food for attendees. UTSC TSA strives to create awareness and showcase the variety in Tamil culture.

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

ST.GEORGE CAMPUS

The Tamil Students’ Association at the University of Toronto St. George Campus held their annual Thai Pongal event on Wednesday, January 18th, 2012. UTSG TSA celebrated Tamil culture with food, performances, and Pongal at William Doo Auditorium.


Kittu Anna Ninaivunaal 2012

CTSA Annual Awards Ceremony

CANADA AYYAPPAN TEMPLE

On January 14th, 2012 the Tamil Community marked the 19th anniversary of Colonel Kittu and nine other martyrs who sacri-ficed their lives for our nation. The event was held at the Canada Ayyappan Temple and featured various artistic talents as the types of performances ranged from vocal and dance.

SCARBOROUGH, ON

On Saturday, January 21st, 2012, the Canadian Tamil Sports Association held their annual awards ceremony. The event was held at the auditorium at Stephen Leacock Secondary School with an outstanding audience. Many came together to celebrate the athletic accomplishments of Canadian-Tamil youth of all ages.


CTYA Education Expo Katka Kasadara 2012SCARBOROUGH, ON

The Education and Career Develop-ment Council of Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance hosted the Education Expo Katka Kasadara 2012 on January 28th, 2012. The Expo titled “Katka Kasadara” will be brought together educators and community members together to create awareness about education issues, to share useful information and to celebrate excellence in education in our community. The Expo took place throughout the whole day with infor-mation booths, seminars, workshops, panels, etc. on over 30 topics related to education and careers for students from Junior Kindergarten to grade 12.


Thai Pongal Celebrations

Katka Kasadara 2012

UNITED KINGDOM

On January 15th, 2011 the Tamil Youth Organization - United Kingdom embraced Tamil culture and identity through their Thai Pongal celebrations. From the map on the pot used to make Pongal to the national flag of Tamileelam, TYO-UK boasted the symbols of our nation.

UNITED KINGDOM

TYO-UK endeavours to preserve, promote and nurture our cultural heritage by initiating and sustain-ing our involvement within the Tamil community. Part of this proposal includes implement-ing educational programming to promote awareness and pass on our identity as Tamils onto the next generation in an appropriate manner, hence TYO’s introduction to Katka Kasadara.

D [world youth]


SleepA VITAL PART OF LIFE

Unfortunately, due to people’s busy lifestyles, sleep depriva-tion has become increasingly common. Many people even have this idea that if they continue to sleep less, then their bodies may become accustomed to the lack of sleep and that they can prepare their bodies into thinking that it does not need as much sleep. However, our bodies cannot function well without an adequate amount of sleep. It’s sort of like training. If you do not train before a match, you would not expect to do your best. So, by depriving yourself of sleep, how could you expect your body and brain to function well?

Sleep is needed in order to rejuvenate and ensure that your brain and body will function at an optimal level. Many students often cram papers and study late nights for tests and exams. By doing so, they often force themselves into trying to retain an abundant amount of information in a short amount

of time. Kids often stay up playing video games and parents often stay up and think about their plans for the next day. All of this sleep deprivation is not only strenuous, but it’s also very unhealthy.

Don’t know if you’re sleep deprived? Well, if you go to bed and fall asleep within 5minutes, then you definitely lack sleep! Did you know that sleep deprivation could really influence your lifestyle? Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of auto accidents, and when your body does not get enough sleep, your performance is poor.

Want to know some ways to improve your sleep pattern? Try to do some physical activity. It will reduce some stress and it will also make you tired and need some rest. Also, drinking a glass of milk before sleep and changing little patterns in your lifestyle can also help you. All in all, in order to be the best you, make sure you’re allowing your body to get the rest that it needs!

E [did you know?]


WALK US THROUGH YOUR FIRST EXPOSURE TO CLASSICAL MUSIC AND WHAT INTERESTED YOU TO START SINGING.

My first exposure to classical music was at the tender age of two. When I was two, my father was in the process of learn-ing Carnatic Music. As clueless as I was, he would take me with him to his classes, and felt that the more I was exposed to the art, the higher the chance of an interest arising. At such a young age of three, I started attending vocal lessons under the tutelage of Smt. Mathumathy Sivakumar . During this time, my father would always bombard me with back home songs which were talking about our struggle, Thalaivar, and our Maaveerars. Since then, I started to develop the love for these songs and gradually started to grasp an interest in singing. My interest towards singing grew based on my funda-mental interest in back home songs. It was 1997 Maaveerar Naal at the age of six which was my first stage performance as a singer. As I grew up, my father continuously emphasized the importance of classical music as a foundation for a singer to be able to easily sing other genres. From then onwards, I began with a keen interest in developing my knowledge in the divine art of Carnatic Music.

INSPIRATIONS ARE DEFINITELY KEY PEOPLE IN THE LIVES OF MANY ARTISTS, AND SINGERS ARE NO EXCEPTION TO THAT. WHO WERE YOUR KEY INSPIRATIONAL FIGURES?

Many musicians look up to other famous musicians for inspiration, but I chose otherwise and ever since I began my endless journey in the field of Carnatic Music the one inspirational figure, hero, friend who truly inspired me was my father. Although he is not a famous musician, it was his support, interest and motivation that made me who I am today. He shaped his dream of becoming a musician vicari-ously through me. His extreme interest in this art was my continuous motivation towards coming this far as a musician. My father learnt this art for a couple of years, but nonethe-less grew as a musician along with me. He has such strong ability in directing me by ensuring that I utilize the correct techniques, stage manners, and word pronunciations and also to explain the meaning of compositions as it is crucial for musicians to understand in depth the context of the lyrics in order to feel and engage in the song while performing. After my performances, he would provide detailed criticism about my performance and ensure it would be better for the next. My father would always tell me “There is nothing you can’t do! Anything is possible, just put your mind and hard work to it. You can do it.” Throughout my journey in music these lines will be ringing through my ears when under the pressure of learning harder compositions. He motivates me, and even more spends time learning the song himself in order to help me grasp it better. As of such, in life and in my music career, my father is my hero.

Keerthana Pathmanathan

F [face-to-face]


HAVING SPENT AN AMPLE AMOUNT OF TIME IN INDIA FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF LEARNING CARNATIC MUSIC HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE COUNTRY?

My experience in India was a complete turning point in my musical journey. Learning music as a part time interest here in Canada and transforming it into a full time activity in India was not only a great experience, but a true pleasure. I’ve learned to appreciate this divine art in a whole new manner. I was receiving intense three month training under the guidance of renowned vocalist Smt. S. Rajeswari. I was blessed to have the opportunity to learn from such a great musician. She taught special techniques, compositions, voice training, voice exercises that only top rank musicians use in their daily lives. She also taught the theoretical aspect of Carnatic music in quite a unique manner. She was a role model, friend, teacher, grandmother, and a loving soul who, not only guided me musically but taught me very impor-tant life lessons as well. During my stay there, everyday was spent usefully and I was surrounded by musicians on a daily basis. Upon arriving in India, adapting to the environment and climate was a difficult transition at first. In India I was privileged to attend many famous concerts and meet many famous singers. I had the opportunity to meet S. Janeki, and had the honour of singing before and receiving blessings from world renowned musicians such as Violin Maestro Sri Lalgudi Jeyaraman, Flute Maestro Dr. V. Ramani, Miruthangam Maestro Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Miruthangam Maestro A.S. Rangana-than, and Vocalist A.K.S Murali. Singing in front of legendary musicians and receiving comments from them made me gain confidence towards my music career. I also had the honour to sing alongside my guru Smt. S. Rajeswari at a concert that took place in Ragavendra Temple, which was an extraordi-nary feat. Through this experience I have learnt to enjoy my presence on stage with the various accompanying artists and engage the audience into my performance. During my stay there I’ve met many students that were currently learning under my teacher who have also helped me in many ways who shared with me their knowledge as well. Overall, my experience in India not only helped me for the better to grow as a musician, but also showed me that being a musician is an endless career.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SING SONGS RELATED TO THE PLIGHT OF THE TAMIL PEOPLE AT YOUR ARANGETAM?

My arrangetram consisted of a majority of Tamil songs, and from that I chose to sing about our struggle for many reasons. An arrangetram to me is when one demonstrates to the community their beginning in crossing the threshold from student to professional artist. Thus there are a list of compositions that are mandatory to be presented at the arrangetram but most can be chosen by the singer in their favour. As I mentioned before, the initial launch to my musical career was through our struggle and the love towards our country, Thalaivar, Maaveerars, and our people. Dedicating a song to them during my arrangetram is the least I can do in return for my people. I felt it was important to allow the audience to know that just because it is classical recital it does not mean that only devotional songs can be sung, but songs about our struggle back home can also be vocalized. It is about using classical music as an avenue to get the broader message across which is that wherever and whatever career we pursue in life, our identity will always follow us.

HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR TALENT TO BETTERMENT THE LIVES OF OUR PEOPLE?

I will continue to use my talent to demonstrate and raise awareness about our struggle, and identity until and after we achieve our ultimate goal of Tamil Eelam. I will also ensure that the younger generation is exposed to such arts and are shown how these arts can be expressed, in my perspective, to demonstrate the bigger picture by using our talents to expand our cultural roots and customs while sustaining the thought of our home land. I would also like to thank Tamil Youth Organization for always providing an opportunity and a solid platform for to share my talent with the community.


Seeni Ariyatharam INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of white or brown raw rice

• 2 cups of sugar

• 1 tsp of salt

• 2 tbsp ghee (nei)

• ½ cup water

• Oil

NOTE:

Need an equivalent amount of raw rice and sugar.

G [chef @ cheran]


1 3

5

2

4 6

Soak the raw rice in water overnight.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Allow the mixture to sit aside for 2-3 hours.

Drain the water from the rice and finely grind the raw rice into a powder. (using blender or ural)

Shape the dough into flat discs in the palm of your hand.

Mix the sugar with ½ cup of water.

Add the sugar mixture, salt, and ghee to the raw rice powder and mix into dough.

Deep fry the discs until the ariyath-aram appears gold on both sides.


Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

-Oprah Winfrey

My New Years resolutions vary from year to year. Usually I make a list of all the things I want to start doing in my life, but the way I viewed new years resolutions changed. A friend of mine told me to make resolu-tions according to what I wanted to accomplish my next year. She said, “What do you want to have achieved by this time, next year?” The way she worded the question made me think. All these years I’ve been making lifestyle changes not changes that I could work on for just a year. This year I thought about the years that have gone by and I realized how I want nothing to change because I am on the right path. We are on the right path with a movement that I support and towards a nation that I love. I want nothing to change in the New Year.

H [youth reflections]


Speak Out 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.

Join TYO Our doors are always open to new

members that are looking to make a difference for Tamils around the world.

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 [email protected]

Or visit us at WWW.CANADATYO.ORG

REACH Team Editor Laxana. P

Designer Shiyamdev. S

http://www.facebook.com/pages/REACH/18660939839

http://issuu.com/reach

https://twitter.com/#!/TYOCanada

http://www.facebook.com/events/162087407234910/?ref=ts

REACH-January 2012

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