Monsoon Journal

October 15, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper celebrates Diwali

Filed under: Front Page — admin @ 11:12 am

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has highlighted the Indo-Canadian community ’s contributions to Canada during a Diwali celebration held on Oct 8th on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.  “Diwali, or the  ‘Festival of Lights, ‘ illuminates the universal hope of all people for the renewal of life and the triumph of good over evil, ” said the Prime Minister.  “This is a journey that resonates with all Canadians and binds us together in our faith, dreams and aspirations for the future. ”

The Prime Minister noted   that the growing Indo-Canadian commu- nity is at the forefront of Canada ’s quest to build an even better country for generations to come. From coast to coast to coast our country has been and continues to be immeasur- ably enriched by your contributions. “  “Just as the Indo-Canadian com- munity is growing ever larger, Canada ’s relationship with India is growing ever stronger, ” said the Prime Minister.  “Since our Govern- ment came to office nearly four years ago, we ‘ve been working tirelessly to build stronger, better relations with India. ”

Canada and India have been working together on a number of agreements to enhance trade and investment. The Harper Government has opened new trade offices in Hyderabad, Calcutta and Ahmedabad in addition to its Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Chandigarh and New Delhi offices.

Obama Humbled by Winning

Filed under: Front Page — admin @ 11:11 am

U.S. President Barack Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, less than nine months into his presidency. Even the administration was surprised by the news. Mr. Obama says he is both sur-prised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjorn Jagland says, Mr. Obama has captured the world ’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. Jagland also credits Mr.Obama with creating  “a new climate in international politics, ” by emphasiz-ing multilateral diplomacy.

“His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world ’s popula-tion, ” he said. Around the world, messages of congratulations began to pour in - from Nobel Laureates Mikhail Gorbachev and Wangari Mathaii, who ‘ve both won the Peace Prize. Critics of this year ’s announce-ment say it appears Mr. Obama won the Nobel Prize more for his rhetorical aspirations than concrete achieve-ments.

(Some information for this report was provided by VOA news)

Tamil Nadu born Dr Venkatraman Ramakrishnan Wins 2009 Nobel Prize For Chemistry

Filed under: Front Page — admin @ 11:10 am

Dr Venkatraman Ramakrishnan of the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology has won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome. Dr Ramakrishnan shares the prize with Thomas A.Steitz of Yale University and Ada E. Yonath of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

Commenting after the award being announced, Dr Ramakrishnan said:

”I have to say that I am deeply indebted to all of the brilliant associ-ates, students and post docs who worked in my lab as science is a high-ly collaborative enterprise.  The  MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and the University of Utah supported this work  and  the  collegiate atmosphere there made it all possible. The idea of supporting  long term  basic  research like that at LMB does lead to break-throughs,  the  ribosome  is  already starting  to  show  its  medical  impor-tance.”

Venkatraman  Ramakrishnan  was born   to   C.V.   Ramakrishnan   and Rajalakshmi in Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, India in 1952.

Dr Ramakrishnan earned his B.Sc. in   physics   (1971)   from   Baroda University  in  India  and  his  Ph.D.  in physics  (1976)  from  Ohio  University. He   moved   into   biology   at   the University  of  California,  San  Diego, where he took a year of classes, then conducted research with Dr Mauricio Montal, a membrane biochemist.

Ramakrishnan  will  be  awarded the  Nobel  Prize  along  with  one-third of the total prize money of 10 million Swedish  kronor  ($1.4  million),  in  a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10.  Thus,  he  became  the  seventh Indian  or  person  of  Indian  origin  to win the Nobel Prize. Tamil Nadu born Dr Venkatraman Ramakrishnan Wins 2009 Nobel Prize For Chemistry Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

Members of the Tamil-Canadian Community Meet with Conservative Ministers and MP’s

Filed under: Canada news — admin @ 11:10 am

(Toronto,  ON) -  Conservative Ministers,  Minister  of  Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, the  Hon.  Jason  Kenney,  Minister of  International  Cooperation,  the Hon. Bev Oda, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Americas, the Hon. Peter   Kent   and   Oak   Ridges-Markham  Member  of  Parliament, Paul Calandra, met with members of the Tamil-Canadian community at a roundtable during early part of September.

This  roundtable  was  held  to facilitate an open dialogue between Tamil-Canadians and their federal representatives, regarding the recent situation in Sri Lanka, and its aftermath.

During  the  meeting,  Minister Oda discussed her recent summer visit to Sri Lanka to meet with Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance, and to  visit  internally  displaced  per-sons  (IDP)  camps.  Minister  Oda observed  that  the  living  conditions in the camps were poor, and that  there  was  a  general  lack  of sensitivity towards the people living  in  them.  However,  she  also observed  a  genuine  effort  from management  within  the  camps, as well as the distribution of basic necessities,  such  as  food  and water.  After reviewing the lists of the internally displaced people living  in  the  camps,  Minister  Oda stated  that  she  was  satisfied,  as there was evidence that some of the  families  were  leaving  the camps   and   being   resettled. Minister  Oda  requested  that  this process  be  carried  out  expeditiously, given the fast approaching monsoon season.

Minister  Kent  discussed  the ‘opening of gates ‘ for more political involvement, but also stressed that the realities of these challenges are enormous because the Sri  Lankan  government  does  not wish to be criticized. Minister Kent also  noted  that  Canada   ’s aid to the Red Cross has increased  to $22 million dollars.

Compared to 2008, the federal government has accepted and accelerated more family reunification applications for Tamils in Sri Lanka. This is because the Ministry has placed more officials in Colombo to process these applications.    “We  are  processing 25% more this year than last year in terms of issuing  visas,   ’said Minister Kenney. “There are logistical problems for people travelling from the North to the embassy and the Ministry is aware of this, and it is the hope that soon the officials will be able to conduct interviews in the North.”

The  Government  of  Canada acknowledges  that  the  events which have unfolded this past year were extremely tragic. However,  the  Canadian  government  has  admitted  that  dealing with the often stubborn, Colombo government, has not been an easy task.

“Our Conservative government is focusing on delivering real results; all the Liberals can do is issue “feel good” statements, “said  Kenney. “We are committed to  speeding  up  family  reunification  for  Tamils  with  family  in Canada,  have  delivered  aid  to help  the  Tamil  people  and  have spoken up to ensure the respect of freedoms and human rights in Sri Lanka”.

MP  Calandra  has  been  working  tirelessly  with  the  Tamil Canadian  community  and  should be commended for his leadership in engaging members of this group during such difficult times. MP  Calandra  is  positive  that  this dialogue will continue, and will be the government of Canada   ’s lead on issues of concern for this com-munity.

This roundtable represented a continuation of steps towards reengaging  dialogue  with  Tamil Canadians  and  listening  to  their individual  concerns.  A  possible Tamil  Canadian  Town-Hall  meeting  will  be  held  regarding  these issues in the future, and a Tamil lobby day on the Hill is currently under consideration.

REALIZING SAVINGS IS ALL ABOUT KNOWING YOU ARE IN CONTROL

Filed under: Canada news — admin @ 11:09 am

With  many  Canadians  feelingmore  optimistic  about  the  eco-nomic  outlook,  many  recognizethe importance  of  having  thesecurity of savings or a nest egg. Whether it be for a particular pur-chase or in case of an emergency,having  a  savings  plan,  even  if starting  out  small,  can  provide peace of mind.

Knowing where to start is the key. According to Max Thompson, head  of  GICs  &  Savings  at  RBC, you  will  be  amazed  at  what  you can  accomplish  with  the  right motivation and advice.

A  great  place  to  start,  and also an important part of saving, is knowing your spending habits. It   ’s  important  to  identify  all  of your  expenses,  and  assess  how much  you   ‘re  actually  spending. There  are  lots  of  moving  parts, and  it  can  seem  overwhelming, but you have choices. You are the one  in  control  of  your  spending, and in many areas you have discretion about whether, when and how much you spend.

While   some   expenses   are fixed such as a mortgage or rent payment, daycare or car loan, we all have freedom over many other expenses  like  coffee,  lunches, entertainment  and  clothes.  It   ’s important  to  take  control  of  the spending that we do have control over.  Finally, understanding your spending habits leads to a better understanding of how to live with-in your means. It makes you realize  where  your  income  is  going and enables you to start making smart  decisions  that  suit  your needs and wants.

Some  may  think  that  saving means making sacrifices and for going of any entertainment or joy. But this is not the case.  It   ’s about making  choices.  You ‘ll  be  surprised how much those daily coffees  or  frequent  dinners  out  can add up.

One  way  to  ensure  that  you make  a  wise  financial  choice  in good and volatile times is to pay for  a  purchase  with  money  you have set aside specifically for that reason. Some of us may be saving for a special item such as a vacation,  the  latest  electronics gadget or a car, or you may just want to have an emergency fund. No matter what your goal may be, it   ’s important to have a plan.

“It’s not that difficult to save money, it just takes discipline and determining what works for you,” said Thompson. “If you’ve got a savings plan to help you focus, you’re well on your way.”

Thompson offers six simple tips to save wisely:

From the Publisher’s Desk … Happy Deepavli - Diwali

Filed under: Publisher Desk — admin @ 11:08 am

By: Krishni Loganathan, BA (Hons) Deepavali or Diwali is celebrated as the festival of lights, usually cele- brated in the month of October or November, this year many people celebrate on October 17, 2009.

Diwali bears significance in the Hindu culture as well as among millions of people, particularly of South Asian heritage including Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains, the only part that differs are the legends connected to the festival for each of the religions.

The way to identify when Diwali begins is when the moon does not rise and there is darkness all around. The symbolism of light brings hope and positive energy and the victory of good over evil. Light is spread in every corner to try to destroy the reign of darkness, on the night of Diwali.

Diwali’s meaning for the festival is revealed in the name as lighting the diyas in many South Asian cultures, which are small clay pots filled with oil which also signifies “the festival of lights”, as people illuminate their home and premises with diyas and colourful lights.

During the celebrations people of all age groups put on new clothing and participate in various activities such as attending religious events, lighting crackers, and social gatherings to exchange greetings and sharing sweets with loved ones.

Like the celebration of Thanksgiving, people are thankful for their blessings and join with family and friends in this joyous occasion marked with fireworks and light displays; presentation of flowers; sharing of sweets; wearing of new clothes; and, worship.

Deepavali/Diwali is predominantly a festival filled with spiritualism and religious activities, such as worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh, Lord Chitragupta and Govardhan Parvat, and many other dainties.

Diwali is a time when the faithful light diyas, signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. While the story behind Diwali varies, its essence is the same, to rejoice in the inner light, the underlying reality of all things.

Many people recognize the celebration of Diwali as festivals are held all over the world.

In a statement by the Honourable Jim Karygiannis, M.P., Scarborough-Agincourt he offers his best wishes to those of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths as they celebrate Diwali - the Festival of Lights.

In a greetings message marking the occasion, Prime Minister of Canada Hon. Stephen Harper says,

“Diwali, or the    ‘Festival of Lights, ‘illuminates the universal hope of all people for the renewal of life and the triumph of good over evil; this is a journey that resonates with all Canadians and binds us together in our faith, dreams and aspirations for the future.”

The Monsoon Journal joins in wishing everyone a Happy Deepavali - Diwali.

Pat McNeil wins 2009 Howard Sokolowski Award Local community hospital supporter honoured at signature golf tournament

Filed under: Monsoon Newsline — admin @ 11:05 am

Local community hospital supporter honoured at signature golf tournament

The Rouge Valley Health System Foundation is pleased to announce that Pat McNeil has been awarded the 2009 Howard Sokolowski Award for his years of work supporting healthcare in the community. The award is presented annually at the Mayors ‘ Charity Golf Classic to recognize an individual, group or company within the business community who has devoted their time, resources and leadership to benefit Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital campus, as well as embracing the goal of improving healthcare in west Durham and acting as an advocate in order to further this goal.

Pat is Senior Vice President, Generation Development at Ontario Power Generation, responsible for overseeing and integrating generation development activities across OPG ’s nuclear, hydroelectric and fossil generation business units. Recently retired from the Foundation ’s board of directors, he held the position of Chair from 2005 until 2007. He is now beginning a second year of service on the board of the hospital.

“Through his leadership on the Vital Signs Campaign, he helped to secure corporate and individual donations to fund the new Emergency Department and other redevelopment at Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering, ” said John Wiersma, Foundation Chair, at this year ’s Mayors ‘ Charity Golf Classic held on September 10.

Created in 2001, this award honours Howard Sokolowski, former CEO of Tribute Communities, and his long and distinguished history of volunteer service for Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering. Each year, Edward Falkenberg, a local Durham artist, creates a unique work of art for the Award, and this year ’s piece was called  “Kaboom. ”

This year ’s Mayors ‘ Charity Golf Classic tournament raised $181,663, bringing the 14-year total to over $2 million. Proceeds will support the massive Redevelopment project at Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital campus, which includes a brand new Emergency Department opening later this year.

Rouge Valley Health System Foundation - Enhancing care in the community The Rouge Valley Health System Foundation ’s mission is to partner with the community to invest in superior healthcare at Rouge Valley Health System. The Foundation raises funds to support the purchase of leading-edge medical equipment and support major capital expansion projects.

Toronto Film Opens Canada Images Program at Vancouver International Film Festival

Filed under: Monsoon Newsline — admin @ 11:04 am

The Canadian Tamil Congress congratulates the crew and cast of 1999 for being selected to open the Vancouver International Film Festival’s Canada

Images Program. The film will debut at VIFF on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. The premiere will mark the first time a film made by Tamil Canadians has been shown at an international film festival.

“The selection of 1999 into VIFF represents a milestone for Tamil Canadians, we are thrilled the crew and cast made a movie that tells a rare and powerful story,” said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress.

1999 was directed by Toronto filmmaker Lenin M. Sivam and featured a local crew of actors. It offers a rarely seen look at the violence which had once affected Toronto ’s Tamil community and made countless headlines during the 1990s. The Toronto release date will be announced shortly.

“It’s a testament to Lenin M. Sivam ’s talent and passion for moviemaking that this movie, with its bare-bones budget and its group of volunteer actors, has made it all the way into an international film festival,” said Poopalapillai. “We strongly believe there are many more success stories that are yet to come out from our Tamil Canadian artistic community.”

For more information, please contact the Canadian Tamil Congress at 416.240.0078 or info@canadiantamilcongress.ca.

Government giving Canada a strong principled voice on international stage, Obhrai tells Parliament

Filed under: Monsoon Newsline — admin @ 11:03 am

(Ottawa) Deepak Obhrai, M.P. for Calgary East and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement in the House of Commons:

“Last week our Minister of Foreign Affairs led Canada at the United Nations General Assembly and proudly spoke on important issues for Canadians.

The minister strongly asserted Canada\’s foreign policy priorities: economic recovery, UN reform, human rights, climate change and terrorism. Our focus was clear and our priorities continue to project our values, Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Leading by example our government stands up for those unjustly detained in the world\’s most oppressive regimes. Leading by example our government stands up for Canadians.

This government is finally giving Canada a strong principled voice on the international stage.

This government will continue to be a leader in principled foreign policy as we prepare to host the G20 next year.

At home and abroad, Canadians know that they can count on this government.” For more information, contact Ashley McArthur at (613) 947-4566

Tamil Community hosts Education Expo

Filed under: Monsoon Newsline — admin @ 11:03 am

Education Expo in the Canadian Tamil Community is to be held in Markham on Oct 30th and 31st. The Expo titled  “Katka Kasadara ” will be bringing educators and  community members together to create awareness about education issues, to share useful information and to celebrate excellence in education in Tamil community.

With the support of many community organizations and activists, the Education Expo for the Tamil community in the GTA is being organized, said Neethan Shan, Trustee for York Region Board of Education. The Expo will be for Tamil students and their parents of students in JK to Grade 12. It will have information on Education such as course selection, safe schools, ESL, special needs, university/college admissions, EQAO, opportunities in the education field, assessment and evaluation, services available through social services etc. Its expected to attract about 1000 people (including both parents and students) attend the Expo.

In the evening of Oct 30th, there will be a 3 hour program where about 10 people/organization who have contributed to the field of Education within the Canadian Tamil community will be honoured. The evening program also will feature speeches and performances. It will be a celebration of Canadian Tamils  ‘ success in education.

The next day, on Saturday, Oct 31st, there will be an expo of information booths, seminars, panels etc. on over 20 topics related to education of students from JK to 12.

Various Tamil social services and community organizations have already joined as partners including Markham Tamil Organization, Canadian Tamil Alumni Association, Tamil Academy of Culture and Technology and Tamil Canadian Graduates Association.

Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress