REACH November 2012

FEATURING MAAVEERARILLAM.COMSEE PAGE 8

50OFFICIAL E-MAGAZINE OF TYO-CANADA

REACHNOVEMBER2012

REACH - 50NOVEMBER 20122

@TYOCANADA

Throughout this month of November, Tamil people and

youth from all over the world come under one firm mission

to honour and commemorate the many selfless acts of our

Great Heroes. Maaveerar Naal, Tamil Remembrance Day, is

a day on which we pay our respect to our beloved fallen

heroes. We remember and honour their ultimate sacrifices

and we voice to the world that our heroes and the Tamil

struggle for self-determination will not be disregarded. The

blood of our martyrs, which marks our homeland, will not

go in vain. Our Maaveerar sacrificed their lives so that the

Tamil people could flourish without being confined within

inequitable boundaries. The national leader of Tamileelam,

Hon. Velupillai Pirapaharan, states, “A liberation warrior’s

death is not a normal death occurrence. This death is a

historical incident. It is a miracle of high ideal becoming a

reality. In fact a liberation fighter does not die. The fine of

ideal which was his life never burns out. That fine of ideal

becomes a historical force and captures the heart of others.

It wakes up the national spirit of a race.” As Tamil youth,

we must ensure that we never let the freedom flame die.

The dreams of our Maaveerar are with us and as long as

we continue to move forward, their dreams will not perish.

- TYO-Canada

TYO - CANADA NOVEMBER 2012 3

@TYOCANADA

p.38

p.45

p.5

p.46 p.48 p.50

p.7p.4 Karththikai Poo, Maaveerarillam.com,

Campus Awareness & Maaveerar Naal+

Our First Maaveerar

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]

Parithi Anna, Youth Maaveerar Naal+

The Christmas Truce

Lt. Col. John McCrae

Ushananthini Shanmugalingam

Paayaasam Never Forget, Maaveerar, Resistance, Recognize Tamileelam

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

an avenue for the betterment of Tamil youth in CanadaTYO

REACH NOVEMBER2012

CONTENTS

50

REACH - 504 NOVEMBER 2012

@TYOCANADA

The month of November is a month for Tamils around the world to remember the ultimate sacrifices made by the freedom fighters of Tamileelam. November 27th, 1982 marks the day that the first soldier of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Lt. Shankar, died fighting for a cause that still continues today – the reality of Tamileelam.

Lt. Shankar, real name Sathiyanathan, was wounded after a confrontation with the Sri Lankan army. In the process of evading capture, he was shot in the stomach. However, he managed to escape the army without surrendering himself or his weapon. To him, it was of utmost importance to make sure that the enemy did not get access to your weapons, as this would serve as a motivational win for the opponent. Lt. Shankar arrived at a safe house for the LTTE just in time to hand over his hand gun to them, and then he collapsed. At the time, medical aid was especially difficult to access, so Lt. Shankar had to be taken to Tamil Nadu for treatment. His condition, however, became critical and the efforts of his comrades to save his life were unsuccessful. As his leader and fellow freedom fighters watched in tears, on November 27th, 1982, Lt. Shankar became the first LTTE fighter to die in combat.

On November 27th, 1989, seven years after the untimely death of Lt. Shankar, the national leader of Tamileelam, Hon. Velupillai Pirapaharan, along with 600 members of the LTTE, secured November 27th as the day to commemorate and honour the heroic efforts of those who gave up their lives in the Tamileelam freedom struggle. This day, known as Maaveerar Naal or Great Heroes Day, provides us with a conscious moment to set aside time out of our lives and feel the essence of our homeland, our struggle for freedom to obtain our homeland, and to channel the energies of our fallen soldiers. Thalaivar Pirapaharan wanted to make sure that the Tamil people would always remember our Maaveerar, so tombstones were built to honour them. The idea of this, other than being able to pay your respects, was so that families and friends of Maaveerar could find peace and pride in accepting death, rather than being drawn from the struggle.

The rights and freedoms of our people grows closer as we reach further, and it’s our Tigers that gave us the opportunity to start reaching. Maaveerar Naal has become a day for us to remember their lives, and for us to recognize how important our identity is. Although the grave sites where our heroes were laid to rest have been demolished by the Sri Lankan government, they’ve never touched our Maaveerar, nor altered the reality of Tamileelam. Regardless of where we are in the world, we will not forget the history of our Maaveerar, and we will not forget the path taken to obtain Tamileelam.

As youth in Canada and all across the world, we should always respect the country we live in. We should respect and cherish the land that gives us our current shelter and our other necessities. This shelter saved us from facing the atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan government first-hand, and we fought back in the ways that we could from overseas. Never forget, however, that our bloodline and ultimate resolution resides in Tamileelam.

Our First Maaveerar

A [tamil history]

TYO - CANADA 5NOVEMBER 2012

@TYOCANADA

One often overlooks the roles of a soldier; a perfect example would be Lt. Col. John McCrae. From the arts to the sciences, Lt. Col. John McCrae extended his outputs and services to the military. The Canadian poet is well known for his piece “In Flanders Fields” which echoes nationwide every Remem-brance Day. In addition to his poetic side, he takes on the role of a teacher, physician, and soldier.

Lt. Col. John McCrae born on November 30th 1872 in Guelph, Ontario Canada. He was an intelligent student, and he had a strong interest in the military. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Militia field battery, which his father commanded. Lt. Col. John McCrae served in both the South African War (Boer War) and in World War I. After requesting postponement of a fellowship in pathology, which he was awarded by McGill University, he was able to serve in South Africa. Later, he led an artillery battery from Guelph, his native town. Lt. Col. John McCrae was promoted to Captain and then major after which he resigned from the 1st Brigade of Artillery in 1904. During WWI McCrae served as a Brigade surgeon in the Canadian artillery. He was responsible for field dressing station. When needed, McCrae also provided service in the Artillery. While serving, Lt. Col. John McCrae lost his friend and former

student, Lt. Alexis Helmer, who was killed in battle. Lt. Alexis Helmer’s death is what inspired McCrae’s renowned poem “In Flanders Fields”. In 1918, he became the first Canadian to be appointed as a consulting physician to the First British Army. Unfortunately, on January 28th, Lt. Col. John McCrae died from pneumonia. Lt. Cl. John McCrae is buried at Wimereaux Cemetery in France.

It is a tremendous loss to sacrifice not just one soldier but also a poet, a physician and a teacher. In addition to that, Lt. Col. John McCrae was also a scholar who had excelled in his academic fields. From this one profile insight, it broadens one’s view on the various roles and capacities soldiers have and to further expand that view we must consider their social and personal roles/responsibilities as well. To sum all losses under the term sacrifice is an easy act; however, one must frequently remember the immense weight that the word carries. To remember, to reflect, and to reenergize the spirit of nation-alism in individuals is why we proudly wear the poppy and gather to commemorate our soldiers on Remembrance Day.

Lt. Col. John McCrae

B [world history]


@TYOCANADA

We wish a very Happy 58th Birthday to our national leader of Tamileelam, Hon. Velupillai Pirapaharan.


@TYOCANADA

TYO Canada & Organizations Condeming Sri Lankan Military’s Harassment and Attack on Jaffna University Students

On November 28th, 2012, the students of Jaffna University had boycotted classes and organized a peaceful demonstration out-side of their campus premises demanding an end to harassment and intimidation put forth by the Sri Lankan military. This was in response to the Sri Lankan military’s unjustifiable presence at the University premises leading up to Maaveerar Naal, also known as Tamil Remembrance Day. While the peaceful protest was organized to convey the Tamil students’ disapproval of the military’s intimidating presence at the University, the Sri Lankan military did not care to listen to the voices of the students. Instead, the Jaffna University students were brutally attacked, and four students also got detained.

This attack is the latest in the long history of violent oppression and human rights violations of the Tamil people. The democratic rights of the Tamil people are not being upheld, and they are constantly being put under pressure by the Sri Lankan government through terrorization. It is imperative that the militarization of the Tamil occupied regions must be ceased.

Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) – Canada strongly condemns the violent and brutal attacks by the Sri Lankan military on the peaceful demonstration of the Jaffna University students.

Along with TYO-Canada, to date, the following organizations and individuals also stand in solidarity with the Jaffna University students and condemn the unwarranted actions taken by the Sri Lankan government and military forces:

• Canadian Senator – Hugh Segal

• Canadian Liberal Leader – Bob Rae

• Canadian Member of Parliament for Barrie – Patrick Brown

• Canadian Member of Parliament for Brampton West – Kyle Seeback

• Canadian Member of Parliament for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek – Wayne Marston

• Canadian Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre – Stephen Woodworth

• Canadian Member of Parliament for Pickering – Scarborough East – Corneliu Chisu

• Canadian Peace Alliance (CPA)

• Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA)

• The University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU)

• The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU)

• The York Federation of Students (YFS)

• The Academic Society of Tamil Students (ACTS)

• The United South Asians at York (USAY)

• The Indian Cultural Association at York University (ICA)

• The University of Ottawa’s Tamil Students’ Union (TSU)

• University of Toronto Scarborough Campus – Tamil Students’ Association (UTSC TSA)

• York University Tamil Students’ Association (YUTSA)

• Carleton University Tamil Students’ Association (CUTSA)

• Ryerson Tamil Students’ Association (RyeTSA)

• Waterloo Tamil Students’ Association (WaTSA)

• University of Toronto St. George Campus – Tamil Students’ Association (UTSG TSA)

C [youth canada]


@TYOCANADA

Karththikai Poo Campaign

The Karththikai Poo is the na-tional flower of Tamileelam and it marks and symbolizes the many sacrifices made by our Maaveerar. During the month of November, the Tamil community remembers and honours our heroes by wear-ing the Karththikai Poo pins close to our hearts. Maaveerar Naal is observed as a tribute to our mar-tyrs and the countless sacrifices they have made to ensure that the Tamil community is able to flourish and live peacefully in Tam-ileelam. Their bravery and selfless acts empower the Tamil commu-nity. By wearing the Karththikai Poo pins, Tamil people all across the world are commemorating the great heroes of Tamileelam and recognizing their determina-tion, commitment, and sacrifices.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D6Vci4Li3NNQ


@TYOCANADA

TORONTO, ON

Maaveerarillam.com’s second phase was launched on Saturday November 24th at the annual event organized to honor the families of our Maaveerar. The highlight of the second phase of the website was the unveiling of the interactive three-dimen-sional replication of a Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam. Since the military occupation of the Tamil homeland, Maaveerar Thuyilum Illaams (Resting Homes), where our Great Heroes were laid out to rest have been vandalized, bulldozed and destroyed. This barbaric act constitutes to a war crime and prevents family members, friends and fellow patriots from paying homage and worshipping their loved ones. Maaveerarillam.com was created for the second-generation youth as an educational tool to illus-trate the sacrifices of the tens of thousands of Tamileelam Heroes in their pursuit of justice, freedom and equality. The intent of this interactive website is to give our people scattered across the world an opportunity to remem-ber, pay homage and worship our fallen heroes.

Maaveerarillam.comWebsite Launch


@TYOCANADA

OTTAWA, ON

Carleton University Tamil Students’ Association held a very informative Maaveerar Aware-ness Campaign on November 7th. With various signs and informa-tion booths that were organized, members effectively conveyed the significance of our Maaveer-ars and the Tamileelam struggle. The booths incorporated a wide range of material on Tamileelam and the Tamil people such as our history, our struggle, and different symbols that reflect our identity. Students from the Carleton community were interested and truly inspired by the campaign.

Carleton TSA

[MAAVEERAR AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS]


@TYOCANADA

TORONTO, ON

On Tuesday November 13th, University of Toronto Scarbor-ough Campus – Tamil Students’ Association held a vow campaign as part of their awareness campaign for identity week. By signing their names on printed out Karththkai Poos, members and non-members took a vow to continue to fight for Tamileelam. The Karththkai Poo is the nation-al flower of Tamileelam, so signing the Karthigai Poo and making a vow is a strong statement to both the Tamil people and the wider community that the aim of Tamileelam is firm and strong. Through the vow, the students are essentially making a promise and affirming their commitment to Tamileelam.

U of T – Scarborough TSA


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TORONTO, ON

The York University Tamil Students’ Association (YUTSA) and their allies conducted a very empowering flash mob on November 14th as part of their Maaveerar Naal Aware-ness Campaign. Members wore signs that had various sayings that illustrated the essence of Maaveerars and Maaveerar Naal. The sayings reflected the power that lies within our youth, the heroic efforts of our Maaveerars, as well as the aspirations that will be fulfilled in the future years in Tamileelam. The flash mob was one that really caught the atten-tion of those who were on the premises. Many members of the York University community found the flash mob to be uplifting and informative. The flash mob illus-trated our unwavering commit-ment to self-determination and Tamileelam.

York TSA


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TORONTO, ON

High School TSA’s held very engaging Maaveerar Naal ceremo-nies in their schools to honour our Great Heroes. The events that the high school youths organized illustrates the strength of the Tamil youth community and the drive that we have in ensuring that the sacrifices and heroism of our Maaveerar are never forgotten. The events were highly attended and they left all the participants feeling enlightened and purposeful.

High schools that held Maaveerar Naal events during school hours included:

• Lester B. Pearson CI

• Middlefield CI

• Woburn CI

• Pope John Paul II

• North York Highschools

LESTER B. PEARSON CI

MIDDLEFIELD CI

High School Maaveerar Naal


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WOBURN CI


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OSHAWA, ON

UOIT TSA held their Maaveerar Naal on Friday November 23rd, 2012. Through different acts, they were able to effectively convey the selfless nature of our brave Maaveerars. Through poetry and dance, they also stressed the importance of remembering our Maaveerars and the ultimate goal of Tamileelam for the Tamil people.

TORONTO, ON

On Wednesday November 21st, 2012, UTSG TSA held their Maaveerar Naal. Through various forms of art, they were able to showcase the meaning of Maaveerar Naal. Moreover, throughout their ceremony, they powerfully illustrated the defining moments of Tamil History. This really captured the attention of the audience as they were deeply moved and invigorated by the Tamil History.

UOIT TSA

U of T – St. George TSA

[CAMPUS MAAVEERAR NAAL]


@TYOCANADA

TORONTO, ON

RyeTSA held their Maaveerar Naal on Friday November 16th, 2012. Through a collection of different forms of art such as dance and poetry, they effectively conveyed the message of our Maaveerars to the audience. The event served as a reminder of our responsibilities as Tamil youth to upholding our nation and paying respect to our Maaveerars.

Ryerson TSA


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TORONTO, ON

YUTSA’s Maaveerar Naal was held on Monday November 19th, 2012. Widespread support from both Tamil students and students from other nations showcased the importance of the ceremony. There were many powerful performances such as poetry recitals and empowering dances. Everyone who attended the event stood in solidarity to commemo-rate our fallen heroes and to reaffirm our path to obtain self-determination.

York TSA


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WATERLOO, ON

WaTSA conducted their Maaveerar Naal ceremony on Tuesday November 20th, 2012. The colourful and creative ways in which they carried out the message of Maaveerar Naal was commendable. The Tamil students showcased their talents through different methods such as spoken word and poetry, both in English and Tamil. The event was highly attended and the performances inspired the audience.

Waterloo TSA


@TYOCANADA


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HAMILTON, ON

MacTSA held their Maaveerar Naal on Wednesday November 21st, 2012. The many heart touch-ing performances really made the day an auspicious day to remem-ber. The event itself incorporated many different performances and it really emphasized the impor-tance of honouring our Maaveer-ars and the sacrifices they have made.

McMaster TSA


@TYOCANADA


@TYOCANADA

TORONTO, ON

On Thursday November 22nd, 2012, UTSC TSA held their annual campus Maaveerar Naal. Through their event, they recog-nized that our Maaveerars are essentially our heroes who can be symbolized as stars that look over us and guide us on our path to liberate our people and free Tamileelam. UTSC TSA asserted that our Maaveerars are immortal and that they are always with us. The event was really inspiring.

U of T – Scarborough TSA


@TYOCANADA


@TYOCANADA

TORONTO, ON

On Sunday November 25th, 2012, the Tamil Youth Organization – (TYO) Canada in partnership with the Tamil Students’ Associa-tions hosted the ‘Commence-ment of Tamileelam Remem-brance Week’ at the Metropolitan Centre. Through various uprising performances and speeches from different TSAs and treasured supporters, the event was very successful. The students came together to pay their respect and commemorate our Maaveerars. Through the power of words, dance, and music, our youth stirred the audience. The event demonstrated that our youth are committed to making the dreams of our fallen heroes a reality.

2012 Youth Maaveerar Naal


@TYOCANADA


@TYOCANADA

OTTAWA, ON

The Ottawa Tamil commu-nity came together on Tuesday November 27th, 2012. They gathered to commemorate and pay respect to the thousands of freedom fighters who have sacri-ficed their dreams and ambitions for the freedom of Tamil people. Their ceremony was deeply moving and inspired the audience.

Maaveerar Naal - Ottawa


@TYOCANADA


@TYOCANADA

TORONTO, ON

Community Maaveerar Naal was held on Tuesday November 27th, 2012 at Markham Fairgrounds. There were a total of 4 shows and it was an uplifting event. The venue was organized in a way that really captured the essence of Maaveerar Naal. Children, youth, adults, and the elderly all came together and the various collec-tions of acts really empowered the audience. The plight of our people and the realities faced by our brave Maaveerars was eloquently portrayed through different performances and speeches. The event was highly attended and faith and determina-tion was seen through the eyes of everyone from the children to the elderly.

Maaveerar Naal - Canada


@TYOCANADA


@TYOCANADA

Col. Parithi Anna RemembranceFRANCE

On Saturday November 24th, 2012, the Tamil community gathered together to mourn the loss of Nadarajah Mathinthiran, also known to many as Col. Parithi anna. The Tamil community paid their respect and honoured Mathinthiran’s dedication to the Tamileelam struggle.

Col. Parithi anna got assassi-nated just outside of the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC) office in Paris on November 8th, 2012. Col. Parithi anna was a very committed Eelam Tamil activist and his assassination was extremely distressful news for the Tamil community. This tragic loss illustrates that the murders and wrongful acts taken against Tamil activists are widespread and as a community, we must stand in solidarity and deter such acts from taking place.

D [world youth]


@TYOCANADA

Leicester Campus Maaveerar Naal

Tree Planting in Memory of Maaveerar

UNITED KINGDOM

Tamil students at the University of Leicester held a very effective Maaveerar Naal. Through words and recollections of the struggle and our heroes’ sacrifices, the students left the audience amazed. By lighting lamps and placing Karthigai Poos, the students of Leicester honoured the great heroes of Tamileelam.

ITALY

In memory of the sacrifice of Tamil Eelam’s Maaveerar, Giovanni Tamil, held a tree planting event on November 27th in collabora-tion with Reggio Emilia’s City Council.


@TYOCANADA

London Youth Maaveerar Naal

New Zealand Maaveerar Naal

UNITED KINGDOM

Tamil youth from various schools in London organized a Youth Maaveerar Naal where they came together to remember the heroic efforts of our Maaveerar who paid the ultimate price of sacrifice by giving up their lives for the liberation of Tamileelam and the Tamil people. Many individuals came to pay their respect and the students made a strong statement that the heroes of Tamileelam will never be forgotten.

NEW ZEALAND

Tamil Youth Organization - New Zealand held Maaveerar Naal on November 27th 2012.


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AUSTRALIA

CANADA

DENMARK

FRANCE

[WORLD MAAVEERAR NAALS]


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GERMANY

ITALY

ITALY (NORTH)

NETHERLAND


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New Zealand

NORWAY

SAUDI ARABIA

SWITZERLAND


@TYOCANADA

TAMIL NADU

TAMILEELAM

UNITED KINGDOM


@TYOCANADA

The Christmas TruceOpposing armies ceasefire to celebrate christmas together

During the First World War, the soldiers had to deal with a wide variety of issues. Whether they were on the front lines or waiting in the trenches, the soldiers were not safe from the damaging effects of the Great War. Death was possible at any time and life was not a guarantee. The trenches collapsed whenever shells were fired closely. This buried soldiers alive. In addition to that, weather such as rain flooded the trenches many times and this was very uncomfortable for the soldiers as they were soaked in mud and this delayed their movement. The conditions were also terrible as they were really unhygienic. Soldiers had to deal with rats and other infestations. The weather was also unpredictable and due to the poor sanitation levels, diseases were common. It was extremely difficult, but the soldiers had a duty and they made sure to follow through.

Nonetheless, did you know that during the First World War, the fighting teams actually had a Christmas Truce where there were numerous instances of ceasefires that took place? On December 24th, 1914, soldiers from both sides had come under a truce where they had actually put down their weaponry in the spirit of Christmas. However, the Christmas truce did not mean that absolutely no one was firing or

attacking. There were definitely attacks that were ongoing in some places, but it was still shocking to see that many of the enemies had actually took part in the truce.

The Christmas Truce of 1914 was interesting because the two opposing parties had actually mingled and made a common truce. They exchanged words and gifts in no man’s land. There was a lot of laughter and socializing that had taken place under the spirit of Christmas.

Did you know that while the soldiers entered no man’s land during the Christmas Truce, many of the soldiers also took the opportunity to find their dead comrades so that they could provide fair burials for their comrades?

Did you know that after the Christmas Truce of 1914, there were ceasefires during the following Christmas time period, but the ceasefires were not as common because commanders wanted to reject the possibility of fraternization that could arise by the truce?

The truce was not maintained, but it’s interesting that it took place as both sides wanted to be in the holiday spirit.

E [did you know?]


@TYOCANADA

EDUCATION IS KNOWN TO BE A TOOL THAT IS OFTEN USED TO

ENHANCE THE INTELLECTUAL REALMS AND CAPACITIES OF INDIVIDU-

ALS. YOU HAVE PURSUED UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES SPECIALIZING

IN BIOLOGY AND YOU ARE CURRENTLY FINISHING UP A MASTER OF

SCIENCE DEGREE IN NEUROSCIENCE. WHAT INTERESTS YOU MOST

ABOUT THE MEDICAL FIELD?

Medicine has always appealed to me because I feel it promotes one’s desire for never-ending knowledge and the willingness to contribute to the well being of someone else. My interest specifically lies in the field of neuroscience as it encompasses the study of the complex organs that are ever changing and whose functions have not yet been fully explored. Personally, I am enthralled by the possible signifi-cance and difference medical research is capable of making for those suffering with neurological disorders.

AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF VARIOUS EXTRACURRICULAR COMMITTEES

SUCH AS TSU, ACTS, AND LET’S TALK SCIENCE, HOW DO YOU THINK

YOUR PARTICIPATION IN SUCH CLUBS HELPS YOU DEVELOP SKILLS

THAT YOU CAN UTILIZE IN YOUR ACADEMICS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF

YOUR LIFE?

The knowledge and skills I have gained through my extra-curricular activities have made a profound impact in my life. My work through ACTS showed me that I could make a difference in the community, be it on a small or large scale. Furthermore, working alongside other Ottawa Tamil students helped me realize how strong we are when we work as a team. Also, the challenge we met while putting an event together allowed me to build on my strengths, and discover and address my weaknesses.

Ushananthini Shanmugalingam

F [face-to-face]


@TYOCANADA

TAMIL YOUTH ARE EXCELLING IN A WIDE VARIETY OF FIELDS. AS AN

INDIVIDUAL WHO IS HIGHLY INVOLVED WITHIN THE TAMIL COMMU-

NITY, WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO

USE THEIR STRENGTHS AND SUCCESS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMU-

NITY?

It has always been important for me to be involved in my community and to contribute my skills to help others. If we combine all our strengths, we can bring our society to new heights. As Tamils living outside of Tamileelam, it is our responsibility to unite and work towards the betterment of our society. We should ensure that our rich history and culture is preserved and passed on from one generation to another.

YOU ARE A MENTOR TO HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE

STUDENTS. WHAT DOES THIS POSITION MEAN TO YOU, AND HOW DO

YOU WISH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THESE STUDENTS?

I discovered my passion for medical research while working under a neuroscientist who was inspiring and who continu-ally challenged me to excel in my studies. Now, as a mentor to other incoming students, I have the opportunity to share the knowledge I have received from my mentor. I believe that setting an example is the best way to help make a difference in their lives. Similar to my mentor, I want to encourage students to follow their passion and help them discover their inner interests.

WOULD YOU MIND SHINING SOME LIGHT ON SOME OF YOUR PERSON-

AL GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR GOALS TO

EMPOWER TAMIL PEOPLE?

I am planning to further my studies in neuroscience while preparing myself for a career in medicine. Also, I want to continue giving back to the community by working with other individuals on both local and international community outreach programs. One day, I hope to go back to Tamileelam and provide my medical service there.


@TYOCANADA

Paayaasam INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups of water• 1 cup of sago(savvarisi)• 1/2 cup sugar• 1/4 cup vermicelli (semiya)• Half tin of the condensed milk• Cardamom (powder or crushed)• Salt for taste or to enhance the sweet• Cashew nuts• Raisins

G [chef @ cheran]


@TYOCANADA

4

1

6

3

5

2

Add cashews and raisins.

Best served hot.

Boil 6 cups of water in a pot. Once the water comes to a boil add 1 cup of sago(savvarisi)

Once the sago and vermicelli slightly softens, add half a tin of the condensed milk to the pot and continue stirring

Add 1/4cup of vermicelli (semiya)Stir continuously until the water evaporates and the consistency of the water slowly begins to thicken

Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the mix and a pinch of salt for taste. Cardamom (powdered or crushed)

INSTRUCTIONS:


@TYOCANADA

Independence and freedom, this is what we strive for

Our Maveerars, this is what they have died for

This is the month where we remember

Those Maveerars who’ve fought so valiantly

They have given up everything, for us to be free

We represent the youth; the power is in our hands

Let people know of our cause, make them understand

The hardships, the struggle, the pains we’re forced to live with

Through telling our story, let us ensure it doesn’t turn to myth

The vision of Tamileelam is something I wake up to

As I go about my day, I see it in everything I view

When I tuck in for the night, I gaze upon the sky afar

And I see Thalaivar’s words, written in the stars

“The patterns of battle may change, but our battle ideal will never change”

These are words burned into me, like a phoenix’s flame

We must rise out of the fire, and focus on our aim

Tamileelam, give it to us, this is my plea

Our own independent state, is the change I want to see

Never Forget BY: ROSHANTH VASEEHARAN

H [youth reflections]


@TYOCANADA

A blank canvas, An unknown variable,A spark in the womb,

Ignited by the thirst for freedom,Unstopped by the tomb.

Who knew this fetus could become so honourable,Leaving scars of bravery,

A journey we’ve never seen, *slooww down*But his death, so memorable.

Walk a mile in one’s shoes,You’ll learn his story,

Walk a mile as a Maaveerar,You’re walking History.

Just a common man, … living as an ordinary,‘Til rules oppressed his people… turning him angry,For his peoples’ freedom… he left his normal life,Selfless, he decided to do something extraordinary.

Thoughts fluttering about in his head,As he fought, with freedom as his goal, till the red soil, his

deathbed.

(Thivakar’s verse as a Maaveerar)

Tick tick with the clock, Scared for the next tock.

Am I dead, boom. Look down, still hereSmell that, smell fear, I’m scared

Left right, devastation,What’s terror struck today.

What’s that, who’s that saying my name.No brother no, don’t leave me. No sister no, don’t leave me.No father no, don’t leave me.

No mother no, don’t leave me..Mom I’ll fight, this land, motherland,

This flesh, just flesh, this heart, I know I can.I’ll stand, mother… Yes mother I’ll stand

(End Verse)

He held his hand stiff over his heart,For freedom he and his comrades did fight

In our struggle for Eelam, their sacrifice was a big part,Stuck in the dark, Maaveerar were our light.

It wasn’t just him and his men,The women stepped up to fight and defend,

Their land and their home,They wanted land to call their own.

Shells, Bombs, Bullets,Shells, Bombs, Bullets,Shells, Bombs, Bullets,

Raining down,Destroying everything… in and around town,

Mercilessly slaughtering innocent folk,To our oppressors… this was just some joke.

Their laughs built up the rage and anger within our warriors,Their laughs built up the despair and fear within our people,

Until one day our brave men and women decided to fight back,Like Tigers drawing back, to pounce and attack.

Tamileelam is the answer to this toilsome test,They fought indomitably, with no notion of rest.

Bodies becoming one with Tamileelam’s soil,Souls ascending into the heavens,

Mindsets passed onto the next generation,Actions forever etched into our hearts.

…Though actions left deep incisions in our hearts forever,

It’s in OUR hands to make decisions, Be the change and make our existence, Something to

remember.

Maaveerar BY: VINSIA MAHARAJAH, AND A VERSE BY THIVAKAR ARUNTHAVARAJAH


@TYOCANADA

An outcast in their eyesDifferent language and race

Threatened by our livesCouldn’t share the same place

They slaughtered and killedAs we made pleas

They did not care to seeThat we were on bended knees

Limiting our rights,Indisputably clear

They tried to stunt our growthTo make us live in fear

Their minds had been madeThey could not let us be

They were on a rageTo erase our identity

Censoring mediaMurder in disguisePainting over truth

Drenched in their lies

Our brothers and sistersDisfigured by pain

Broken hearts and silent criesHeld down by chains

Their thoughts made us roamChanting truth of genocide

All across the worldStanding strong, side by side

Maaveerars fought for thisIt was a selfless choice

They sacrificed their livesTo give our people voice

November is not just a month on the calendar; it is a time

during the year that the Tamil community holds closely to their

hearts.

November is a time to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to

the many Maveerars who have selflessly given up their lives

for the struggle for Tamileelam and the liberation of the Tamil

people.

November – a month dedicated to brave heroes who have

fought for self-determination and for freedom.

Maveerar Naal is NOT just a day to reflect on the past and to

mourn the loss of our brave Maveerars. It is a day to recall that

although there is STILL a silent war back home, it is STILL a

day of HOPE. On this day, we remember and show the world

that our push for self-determination REMAINS strong! The

next generation, OUR generations, walks proudly asserting

that WE ARE FROM TAMILEELAM.

We raise our flag with pride saying that we are EELAM TAMILS.

Our Maaveerars took the first step, and now we take the next

as we join in solidarity with so many people all across the

world in our struggle for self-determination.

Resistance BY: ANONYMOUS

Recognize Tamileelam BY: LILLY VIJAYASEKAR

TYO - CANADA NOVEMBER 2012 53

@TYOCANADA

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 Tharchini. V

Designer Shiyamdev. S Writers Cajaani V.

Jonathan U. Laxana P.Saruja N.

Featured WritersLilly V.Roshanth V.Thivakar A.Ushananthini S.Vinsia M.

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

http://issuu.com/reach

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

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

REACH November 2012

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Transcript of REACH November 2012