Monsoon Journal

This time around during last year, Tamils were gathering in large num- bers in major cities around the globe, calling attention to the plight of their kith and kin in a dire humanitarian catastrophe. They highlighted the Tamils’ are brutally subjugated, their homes and livelihood bombed to oblivion and their quest for self determination and nationhood suppressed by Sri Lanka in an escalated military onslaught under the fig leaf of a “humanitarian opera- tion”.

The Government of Sri Lanka dis- regarded calls from many countries and UN to allow a humanitarian corri- dor to safeguard the civilians during this catastrophic situation. The day 19th of May 2009 is being called an “end of the war” by Sri Lanka but free access of media and transparent aid delivery to the war affected North-East still remain behind an iron curtain.

Recently France 24 network aired a documentary, “Tamils on Probation,” in which the reporter finds Sri Lanka military officers in civil uniform mixed in the camps for Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) preventing media and other NGOs getting the truth in the limelight. The documentary also shows how the Tamils are evicted from the Eastern littoral in deprivation of their livelihoods and majority Sinhalese fishermen are settled in lieu with new houses built on development/humani- tarian aid.

The paramilitary run administra- tion conducts political rallies with peo- ple within barbed wires surrounded by armed military and people being com- pelled to applaud, which France 24 calls “Sri Lankan Democracy”. The administration, according to France24 employs 1,000 people to spy on the general population and where- abouts of about 5,000 abducted is still unknown. Against this horrific aftermath of the war - continued internment of refugees, hundreds needing recon- structive orthopaedic surgery and held under incommunicado detentions - Tamils around the world will be mark- ing the passing of this first anniversary of “May 19th.” Tamil News portal www.PuthinapPalakai.com (meaning Tamil News Board), has called on Tamils to declare this day along with other tributes and candlelight vigils to those perished together as “The Day of The Oppressed Nations,” since it stands in history as how the world waited and watched a “Nation and its People” being crushed for rallying in a quest for self determination and free- dom. The News portal also points out that coincidentally, (as it being the case of “coincidence being closest to the truth,”) The United Nations will also be observing “The Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non- Self-Governing Territories” a week later (May 25-Jun 1) from “May 19th.” The United Nations list of “Non- Self-Governing Territories” is a list of countries (mostly in the Caribbean and the Pacific) that, according to the United Nations, are non-decolonized. The United Nations continues to be on the sidelines without invoking any of the strong measures such as “Responsibility to Protect”. According to several new revelations including by former UN staff, 45,000 Tamil civilians were massacred within few months in 2009. The UN today witnesses addi- tional escalated measures by Government of Sri Lanka to further colonize and change the demograph- ics of Tamils’ ancestral homeland.

“When people feel that their suf- fering is not acknowledged and recog- nized by the international community, they tend to develop grudges, and they remember this. And they are scarred by that experience. One sobering lesson is that, when Nations feel historic grudge, it can come back to haunt history generations later; these grudges come back to the sur- face, and they can re-ignite in new conflicts,” said Tom Gjelten, Correspondent at the National Public Radio in Washington DC, in respond- ing to a question recently about non- intervention by the world powers to stop the Tamil civilians’ deaths in Sri Lanka.

The Monsoon Journal joins PuthinapPalakai.com in the call to declare the “May 19th” in solidarity with people and nations around the globe whose plight is not being heard and their freedom and liberties being suppressed brutally. The Charter of the United Nations, in Chapter XI, article 73, in its declara- tion regarding non-self governing ter- ritories seeks, -to ensure, with due respect for the culture of the peoples concerned, their political, economic, social, and educational advancement, their just treatment, and their protection against abuses; -to develop self-government, to take due account of the political aspi- rations of the peoples, and to assist them in the progressive development of their free political institutions, according to the particular circum- stances of each territory and its peo- ples and their varying stages of advancement; The week of observation – “The Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories” that follows “May 19th” and the aspects it focuses on makes it that Tamils too deserve this same limelight from the United Nations, just as those in the UN list of “Non-Self-Governing Territories” are getting.

St. Valentines Day shortened to Valentines Day is commonly celebrated on February 14 and has been a tradition, particularly in North America for countless years. Many people criticize Valentines Day as a commercial holiday where couples artificially materialize their love for one another spending too much money on one another. Chocolate, flowers, jewellery and greeting cards are the most common gifts given on Valentines Day. But is it just a gimmick? Are we really supposed to empty our wallets for this Hallmark Holiday in order to show and prove to our partner how much we really care about them? Although Valentines Day is a commercialized holiday, maybe it’s an excuse to give and receive presents and be showered with love for one extra day out of the year. Maybe there are some posi- tive actions taken during this day that would not normally be taken out during the year.

For instance it may be a chance for husbands and boyfriends to be extra romantic to their wife or girlfriend. And an opportunity to spend some quality time with another that may not be possible in some busy relation- ships with clashing schedules. But then you get the critics that say everyday should be Valentines Day and you should shower your partner with love and affection throughout the year. Of course husbands and wives, and girlfriends and boyfriends show their partner how much they care for them through- out the year, but is one extra day out of the year really a day to argue over?

Maybe the $1000 necklace is overdoing the occasion, and instead an evening out would be sufficient. Yes, this is a greeting card holiday but do we truly understand the value that Valentines Day is trying to show us, that loving our partner every- day and showing that you do is the key behind the holiday. Maybe the overpriced gifts are pushing it, but an intimate day spent with a loved one is nothing to argue over. Not only does February hold Valentines Day but it is also Heart Month with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Heart Month is a wide campaign that raises awareness and funds to Heart and Stroke patients and all Canadians. Heart and Stroke Foundation with their volunteers apply life- saving knowledge, education and advocacy that generate real results. Keeping the heart healthy and cared for are both important and help to live a long healthy life. I wish you all a Happy Valentines Day and Happy Heart Month! - Krishni Loganathan, BA (Hons)

Full Text of Press Release The Tamil American Peace Initiative (TAPI), a group of Tamil Americans dedicated to peaceful change in Sri Lanka, called on Sri Lanka’s newly reelected President Mahinda Rajapaksa to a forge a new path and create the condi- tions to repair the deep divide between the people of the island. TAPI deplored the conditions that led to a disappointing turnout among Tamil voters - reportedly as low as 20 percent - in the January 26 presidential election. It noted that election monitors criticized abuses of state power and resources to help the incum- bent in the run up to the vote. Concerns about security, the con- tinued illegal internment of Tamils, restrictions on freedom of movement, problems with identity cards, denial of transport to polling stations set up in remote locations, decades of displace- ment, and other factors also con- tributed to low Tamil turnout, the group said.

These conditions create skep- ticism among Tamils in Sri Lanka that Rajapaksa’s new government will sincerely pursue policies that will lead to lasting peace and rec- onciliation, TAPI said. The group urged the govern- ment — and the international community — to reach out to the Tamil population and help its com- munities, which have been devas- tated by decades of warfare and oppression. The list of needs is long: resettling displaced Tamils and rebuilding their homes, schools and hospitals; demining and demilitarizing in the North- East; establishing a general amnesty for suspected former rebels; restoring fishing rights and land ownership; investing in infra- structure projects; mandating fair compensation for war victims and survivors: authorizing justice to the perpetrators of war crimes; ending programs to change the demographics of the North-East; and developing economic and jobs programs

. TAPI called on the government to rededicate itself to democracy and the rule of law, and to respect the human and civil rights of all its citizens. It called for the govern- ment to allow international observers to monitor the return of Tamils to their homes, and for the press, political parties, and NGOs to be able to operate without fear of intimidation in all parts of the island. “Only by working to restore Tamil rights can the President expect the Tamils to accept that he is in fact a democratic leader and that his government legiti- mately represents them,” Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, a TAPI spokesman, said.

“He must begin this work now. The international community is watching.” About TAPI The Tamil American Peace Initiative (TAPI) was formed by a group of Tamil Americans to help bring lasting peace, justice, democracy, and economic devel- opment to Sri Lanka; to focus attention on the destruction of Tamil communities and culture caused by 30 years of war; and to demand an end to the continuing oppression of Tamils on the island.

More than 100 front line work- ers from the social sector gath- ered at the Scarborough Civic Centre on Jan 28th for a unique day-long conference aimed at bet- ter understanding and helping Tamil families across the Greater Toronto Area. The workshop was among the first of its kind in help- ing everyone from psychologists to social workers to counsellors better target the diverse needs of the 300,000-strong Tamil Canadian community. “As the Tamil population increases, there is a greater need to provide cultural sensitive serv- ices that help our community members with the challenges they face in Canada,” said Piragal Thiru, a speaker at the event and the Regional Chapters Coordinator for the Canadian Tamil Congress.

“In order to do that, such work- shops are critical in educating the mainstream front line workers about Tamil history and culture and give them a background understanding of the community so they could serve them better.” “Furthermore, this workshop will help more and more main- stream people have an apprecia- tion for Tamil Canadians in terms of our history and society.” Mr. Thiru spoke in detail about the history and culture of Tamils from Eelam and the impact of the civil war on the Tamil Canadian community. The day-long event was held to also mark Tamil Heritage month, which strives to celebrate the history of Tamil Canadians and our contribution to the social, cul- tural, political and economic strength of Canada. The month is also meant to educate Canadians of all backgrounds about the lan- guage, traditions and history of the Tamils and to highlight the achievements of Tamils in various fields both in the past and the present. The event was co-sponsored by the Canadian Tamil Congress, Scarborough Addiction Services Partnership, YouthLink and CanTYD.

It’s that time again, the holiday season is upon us with Christmas shopping and party planning to organ- ize. Numerous questions are running through many people’s head like what should I buy my neighbour for Christmas or where will the holiday dinner be this year. This is a stressful time for countless people trying to manage their busy schedules, but this is also a special time of the year, where many friends and families get together over the holiday season. Friends and families that may have not seen each other throughout the year because of one reason or anoth- er, whom gather together and share memories of the past and stories of their present lives. An opportunity to forget about the deadlines at work, or the stressful drives to work in rush hour traffic is not put into focus during the holiday season. Whether you cele- brate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or none in specific, but still take part enjoying the holiday season, the fes- tivities are all ahead of us and the year coming to a close.

Although this has definitely been a challenging year for many, conditions have been looking brighter in the past couple of months, and predictions of a positive future have been forecasted. The repeated theme of the current year has been recession, recession, recession. Reasons why several peo- ple were let go from their jobs after working for countless years with the company, why companies took a more conservative approach in their spend- ing, and why many companies are not even hosting a Christmas party all in an effort to save money. The 2009 year was filled with many ups and downs for the Canadian community and as the year comes to an end we are all looking for a new start. A fresh new beginning to commence the New Year, with new goals and objectives to set that will allow us all to achieve the targets that we have placed for our- selves.

The month of December allows us all to reflect on the past year, and look forward to the New Year ahead of us. It is now an opportunity to begin with a new plan or alter the previous one in an effort to live a productive, success- ful, happy and healthy lifestyle. On behalf of Monsoon Journal I wish you all a cheerful holiday season, and a prosperous and healthy New Year!
Krishni Loganathan, BA (Hons)

The Ilankai Tamil Sangam’s 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on November 14, 2009 at Chutney Manor, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, USA with about three hundred attendees.
The event started with a minute of silence observed in memory of all who were killed in the genocide in the Tamil homeland and then a song trib- ute remembering the events of May 2009. This song titled “eppadith thaanguvatho, eppadith thoongu- vatho” (how shall we bear the pain, how can we go to sleep) written by Varna Rameswaran set the tone for the events to follow.

Many organizations and speakers took part in the event. Members of PEARL gave an update on the geno- cide convention in Washington DC that they had attended. United States Political Action Council (USTPAC) members updated on the advocacy efforts in the US and the ongoing boy- cott campaign. Tamils Against Genocide (TAG) then gave an update of their initiatives on Sri Lanka war crimes.

The morning program continued with many more discussions on topics such as “Aligning Tamil interests with the US’s national interests” and “Harnessing India’s support to the Tamils.” The need for continued engagement with stake holders in Tamil Nadu and Delhi and engaging think tanks were emphasized during the discussion.
Tamil Americans should liaise with Indian Associations in the US and make them lobby for Tamil cause with Indian authorities. Also, the need to do good for our adopted homeland and the ancestral homeland were elaborated. Strategies to move from the issue of the internment camps to peace in Eelam were discussed, with the need to always bring conversation about solutions.

In the afternoon, Sangam invited Mr. V. Rudrakumaran to speak on the rationale for organizing transnational Tamil Solidarity to advance Tamil Struggle.
Ahilan Rajadeva was elected as the new President of Ilankai Tamil Sangam at the Annual General Meeting.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Ambassador Arthur ‘Gene’ Dewey who was the US mem- ber of the IIGEP (International Independent Group of Eminent Persons) and a former deputy Asst. Secretary of State for Migration, Human Rights and Refugees. It was well received by the attendees. He called on the Sri Lankan President to “tear down the barbed wire.”

His full speech can be read at: http://www.sangam.org/2009/11/AG M_2009.php?uid=3749.
Sangam also honored Mr. Kannan Sreekantha from the ‘Break the Silence USA’ Team for their aspiring walk from Chicago to Washington, DC. The BTS group who originally walked from Toronto to Chicago earlier this year did so to bring awareness to the continuous suffering of the people in the Tamil Eelam region of Sri Lanka. Finally, the evening ended with a melodious concert by the popular music group, ‘Jersey Rhythms’. They had also accompanied singers for two Eelam songs earlier in the evening. Karaikudi Chettinad Restaurant is looking for 2 waiters, full-time or part-time, Day/Evening.

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is cel- ebrated every year on November 14. The Monson Journal joins the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) on marking the day and reiter- ates the importance of prevention, seeking care and treatment for that is often called one of the “silent killer” diseases and highlights the excerpts from www.worlddiabetesday.org about this annual event: “World Diabetes Day is a cam- paign that features a new theme cho- sen by the International Diabetes Federation each year to address issues facing the global diabetes community.

While the themed campaigns last the whole year, the day itself is celebrated on November 14, to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922. Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. The campaign slogan for 2009 is “Understand Diabetes and Take Control”. Diabetes is difficult. The dis- ease imposes life-long demands on the 285 million people now living with diabetes and their families.

People with diabetes must deliver 95% of their own care, so it is of paramount importance that they receive ongoing, high-quality diabetes education that is tailored to their needs and delivered by skilled health professionals. In addition, IDF estimates that over 344 million people worldwide are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in the many cases by helping and encouraging those at risk to maintain a healthy weight and take regular exercise.

The key messages for everyone are: -Know the diabetes risks and know the warning signs -Know how to respond to diabetes and who to turn to -Know how to manage diabetes and take control -Where is it celebrated? Each year World Diabetes Day is centred on a theme related to dia- betes. Topics covered in the past have included diabetes and human rights, diabetes and lifestyle, and the costs of diabetes.

Themes for 2009-2013 is Diabetes Education and Prevention. According to the IDF, The warning signs of diabetes include: Frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, weight loss , tiredness lack of interest and concen- tration , vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu), a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet , blurred vision , frequent infec- tions, slow-healing wounds; however these can be mild or absent in people with type 2 diabetes. If you show these signs, seek medical attention, says the International Diabetes Fede- ration. The IDF further says, there are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes. They include:

Obesity and overweight, Lack of exercise, Previously identified glucose intolerance Unhealthy diet, Increased age, High blood pressure and high cholesterol, A family history of dia- betes, A history of gestational dia- betes, Ethnicity - higher rates of dia- betes have been reported in Asians, Hispanics, Indigenous peoples (USA, Canada, Australia) and African Americans. And - if you think you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, get tested!