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Table of Contents awards of excellence 2010
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Letter from the Editor awards of excellence 2010
While there are rich and poor in every society, I firmly believe The success of Canada is in large part due to its immigrant
that Canada is the most egalitarian country in the world today. ethos. It was courageous pioneers who tamed and transformed
Any man or woman with talent and dedication can aspire to a cold, barren wilderness into the country that is today the
his or her dreams. envy of the world. And in that spirit today, a quarter-million
new Canadians wash ashore every year, calling this country
As Tamils, our parents came from a society with limited their new home. It is because they view see Canada as an ideal
opportunities. One’s path in life was largely dictated by society, and we welcome those willing to share our ideals.
birthright. The ambitions of the talented are often shackled
by the encumbrances of caste, creed, familial duty and And at a time when several hundred of our kin – men, women,
grinding poverty. Many hold a fatalistic outlook, believing that and children alike – endured many months traversing oceans
one’s destiny is pre-determined by the stars. Astrology and in cramped rusty ships and endure still more months detained
superstitious dogma govern society – it dictates the path you in solitary confinement, we must recognize the struggles and
pursue, whom you marry. A man is judged as the person he was sacrifices those less fortunate must make only to have a chance
born, and not the person he has made himself to be. at opportunity. And we must realize how privileged we are.
These notions are all antithetical to the ideals of There are many young Tamil-Canadians excelling in a wide
the society we call home today, Canada. variety of endeavours. CanTYD’s Directions Magazine serves
to highlight the achievements of these exemplary youth in
A truly just society ensures that every man and woman has academics, athletics, the arts, and community service. And
the opportunity to fulfill his or her aspirations. The greatness like the young men and women profiled in this magazine, let
of Canada as a nation is that we have successfully melded us all strive for excellence. Let us all embrace the immense
the dynamism of free market capitalism with an excellent opportunities before us. Let us show that Tamils are a good,
social infrastructure mitigating its vices. Moreover, our society reputable people. And let us contribute to this country, and do
accords equal opportunity for all, setting aside the prejudices this nation proud. After all, our country has done a lot for us.
and superstitions that stifle much of the world. Now it is time for us to ask what we can do for our country.
Since 1999, we have come together as a work, and with the immense support of our our community. Our parents need to be
community to celebrate the success of our business community, CanTYD has been engaged, our media needs to take a keen
exceptional young people. successful in guiding our youth in the right interest in informing the community, and
path. we need to work in partnership with other
Tonight, as we recognize our award communities that share the same concerns.
winners, it is a reminder to us all that The result today is that many of our youth
perseverance, hard work, and dedication are pursuing post-secondary education. It requires a collective effect to address
is the foundation for success. At CanTYD, Many who once found an attachment to these issues. As we move forward, CanTYD
our volunteers, staff and board members turf have now found an attachment to will strengthen its ties with partners and
embrace these principles, and continue to academics. stakeholders, including the City of Toronto,
instill these key values in our youth. United Way of Toronto, Malvern Family
Our strength as a community is determined Resource Centre, For Youth Initiative, and
We have come a long way. And, as we by our ability to stand together. We have others to create address these complex
move forward, it is important to reflect on stood together in the past to tackle issues issues that impact our youth in Toronto.
our past. Over the last 12 years, CanTYD that are close to you and I. We continue to
has played a vital role in strengthening and stand together as a community today in the We would like to take this opportunity
empowering our youth and the community face of new emerging issues. to thank CanTYD’s dedicated team of
to reach remarkable heights, and in volunteers, supporters, staff and board
ensuring that our youth are empowered to Today we are faced with additional members. Together, we have accomplished
succeed. challenges. Substance abuse, domestic a lot over 12 years. And together, we will
violence, youth at risk, mental health continue to do so. It’s time to renew our
CanTYD was established at a time when issues, and barriers to educational and commitment and build an even stronger
there was a great need to address growing employment opportunities are impacting Tamil community, a stronger Toronto, and
gang violence in our community. With our families.These are complex issues. a stronger Canada.
this vision for positive change, with the They are by no means unique to the Tamil
leadership of individuals, with the support community. However, these issues need to Thiva Paramsothy
of volunteers and their many hours of be addressed within our culture and within Chair, Board of Directors
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About CanTYD awards of excellence 2010
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Our Approach directions magazine
To date, the organization has initiated a variety of programs, Cooperating with the community, both youth and parents,
projects, and services that are based on the principles of our CanTYD is constantly working to evolve our programs and
mission statement. delivering effective support to those who can benefit the most.
Research Advocacy
A survey of high school Tamil students as well as interviews CanTYD advocates as the voice of Tamil youth, raising
of youth was conducted and culminated in a paper entitled community concerns, publicly discussing youth issues, and
Toronto Tamil Youth: The Realities, released in 2000. Since gaining the support of government and school board officials
then, the organization has actively researched challenges on policy issues that affect youth.
faced by youth and resolutions through on-going outreach
efforts.
Assistance
Staff members and volunteers provide outreach services
Education at various schools within the GTA. In addition, CanTYD
Education programs are developed and delivered to youth, connects the community to existing resources available to
parents, school boards, and community partners to raise serve their needs.
awareness of challenges faced by Tamil youth.
Partnership Empowerment
CanTYD creates an environment that is conducive to self-
CanTYD works actively with school boards, funders, non- directed growth by keeping youth at the forefront of all
profit organizations, and community organizations to learn initiatives. The organization strives to provide youth with
and provide services to youth. the tools and services necessary to overcome obstacles and
pursue their dreams.
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Programs & Services awards of excellence 2010
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Programs & Services directions magazine
Project T.H.A.M.I.L.
Project THAMIL (Tamils Helping and Motivating to Inspire
Leadership) aims to identify strengths in individuals through
diverse and creative programs. The success of Project
THAMIL lies in its effective incorporation of these different
components – youth projects, one-on-one mentorship,
and workshops. Since 1998, the initiatives of the program
have resulted in positive outcomes, including increased
attendance in class, safer school environments, and increased
communication between parents and students. CanTYD’s
efforts with grassroots outreach, conflict mediation, and crisis Project Empowerment
support have been recognized and sought by community Project Empowerment targets youth who are involved with
partners. CanTYD currently hosts this program at Albert the criminal justice system or who display disruptive social
Campbell Collegiate Institute, Jean Vanier Catholic behaviour. This program provides one-on-one support to
Secondary School, R.H. King Academy, Stephen Leacock allow for an open dialogue between youth and outreach
Collegiate Institute, Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute, workers to pursue healthy solutions. This project, also
and Woburn Collegiate Institute. partnered with Operation Springboard, helps troubled youth
get back on the right path through providing an outlet for
Tutoring Program youth to give back to the community and acquire new skills.
Partnership with University of Toronto Department of
Student Life, the volunteer tutoring program takes place at Basketball Drop-Ins
the CanTYD office on Monday and Thursday afternoon. This is a recreational drop-in hosted by CanTYD at various
This program is conducted by the Tamil Students Association high schools after school hours. The drop-in is supervised by
of the University of Toronto Scarborough, and supervised staff, and youth are provided with a healthy snack and drink.
by CanTYD to address the academic needs of high school The drop-in is funded by the Ministry of Health under the
students. Health Communities Fund (HCF), promoting healthy living.
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Programs & Services awards of excellence 2010
Medai Konal
Medai Konal is a performance team that promotes youth
expression, creativity, and originality through theatrical arts.
The title Medai Konal (Crooked Stage) – is rooted in the
notion that the stage, as with life, is viewed from all angles
forming different perspectives. Through this program, youth
Volunteer Program
CanTYD’s volunteer program consists of volunteers ranging
in age from 13-25 who commit their time towards CanTYD
events, programs, councils, committees and sub-committees.
All of these programs are volunteer-based with the support
of staff and board members. Furthermore, this program
provides youth the required 40 volunteer hours for secondary
school graduation.
participate in various forms of art including stage and film
Youth Transition Program performances, dance, music, improvisation, and stand-up
The Youth Transition Program aims to ease the transition for comedy, as well as directing and producing theatrical features.
Grade 8 students entering high school. Through workshops, The forms of expression used within this program include
program facilitators coach students on tackling the academic videography, dance, music, creative writing, dramatic arts,
and social challenges associated with a new high school and visual arts. The program is seeking to collaborate with
environment. This program was conducted from March a local television network and conduct an ongoing seasonal
2010 to August 2010 in Markham. show.
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CanTYD Staff Profiles directions magazine
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CanTYD Staff Profiles awards of excellence 2010
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CanTYD Staff Profiles directions magazine
Nikila Vijayakanthan
Youth Outreach Worker &
Events Coordinator
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CanTYD Events awards of excellence 2010
Ammavum Nanum Parent Cafe the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life. It allows for an
Over the years, CanTYD’s opportunity for both mother and daughter to understand
Selvy’s Circle has implemented issues from each other’s viewpoints. Moreover, the Parent Cafe
projects and conducted girl- serves as a lead-up to the Women’s Leadership Conference to
focused groups to allow be held next year.
female youth the opportunity
to have open discussions about The Parent Cafe, run by dedicated volunteers and staff, has
personal issues and challenges, both at home and within tackled issues such as Education and Self-Image, and has
the community. This year, Selvy’s Circle undertook a new received numerous positive appraisals from mothers and
initiative to focus on the relationships between mothers and daughters alike. The number of attendants has increased
daughters – an essential part of any young woman’s personal since the inaugural cafe, and mentors expect its popularity
development. Thus, the mother-daughter Parent Cafe to grow.
(Ammavum Nanum) was formed.
Ammavum Nanum has proven to be a tremendous success,
Held on a monthly basis, the Parent Cafe serves as a means with the end result of both mothers and daughters perceiving
for female youth and their mothers to have a group setting in a better understanding of one another. The mentors of Selvy’s
which where they are free to have an open dialogue regarding Circle intend to continue to engage with female youth and
mothers alike through workshops and informal discussions,
and appreciate the tremendous support they have received
from the staff of CanTYD.
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CanTYD Events awards of excellence 2010
Spotlight 2010: A Dazzling Evening and dedication of CanTYD’s staff and volunteers. As
CanTYD’s Events Coordinator, Nikila Vijayakanthan worked
tirelessly behind the scenes in putting the show together by
making calls, tracking tickets, promoting the event, and most
importantly finding the talent to be showcased on stage. With
the support of CanTYD staff and volunteers, Spotlight was
a talent show showcasing the creative artistic expressions and
talents of Tamil-Canadian youth to a captive audience. Says
Nikila, “It took a lot of effort and endless hours for Spotlight
On Friday, July 16, CanTYD hosted its annual Spotlight 2010 to come together. The majority of the talent and the
talent show at the Fairview Library theatre in North York. MCs for Spotlight 2010 were youth that we work with or
Though in just its third year, Spotlight once again proved have worked with in the past.”
to be a tremendous success in showcasing the creative and
artistic talents of Tamil-Canadian youth.
Youth Forum
In January 2010, CanTYD hosted its annual Youth Forum.
The purpose of this event was to discuss, tackle, and resolve
the main ongoing issues and challenges faced by youth in
the Tamil community. In an effort to gain the support of
mainstream communities, CanTYD partnered with the York
Regional Police to host the event. YRP assisted CanTYD by
providing space for the Youth Forum as well as promoting the
event to people within their network
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CanTYD Events awards of excellence 2010
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inspire
awards of excellence: to inspire
Awards of Excellence Programme directions magazine
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Award Winners awards of excellence 2010
Abirami Shanmugaratnam
Milani Sivapragasam Grade 11 Overall Achievement &
Community Contribution Athletic Achievement
Thenujah Magendran
Grade 11 Academic Achievement & Tharshan Vigneswaran
Visual Arts Most Improved Student
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Award Winners directions magazine
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Award Winners awards of excellence 2010
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Award Winners directions magazine
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Award Winners awards of excellence 2010
“You truly do not know your full potential until you try – and even “Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would
if you fail, you should try and try again. This is true success.” happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan
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Award Winners directions magazine
Inner Battle these internal conflicts, and make peace Save My Soul
by Jessica Thyriar within ourselves; the faster we will be able by Thiviya Manoharan
to make peace with all around us.
Sometimes in life you realize that you When will you yank my heart out
cannot conquer every battle. And then you The answer lies within each one of us for our And distance it from me?
think, “but ever since I was little I’ve been conflicts or issues, it’s our choice whether we My heart is unfit to beat.
told I can do whatever I put my mind too”! listen to it or not. This is because we pave
So why is it that you give all your might the future, and God just watches over us to When will you claw my eyes out
to make something or do something, and make sure he is with us every step of the And bury them in the dark?
sometimes it just doesn’t happen. way. So before you blame anyone for your My eyes are burning from deceit.
sorrows, or your mistakes, or your failures; When will you slither into my ears
You put all your energy into creating realize that they wouldn’t have happened if And block out all the noise?
something, or solving a problem or even it weren’t for you. My ears are weary from listening.
changing something and you fail! Why
are you told from the get-go that you can Jessica Thyriar is a student at York University. When will you rip me limb from limb
have whatever you want? How can you And save my soul?
hold yourself up high and think that you’ll
achieve it, when there is a possibility that Let my glorious departure arise — glistening.
you are bound to fail?
Thiviya Manoharan is a 1st year student at York
I believe that the answer is within you. University majoring in English and Professional
You create these internal conflicts which Writing. She is an aspiring journalist.
reflect on how you run your life, and then
this causes tension with the other parts of
your life. My best friend once told me “what
consumes your mind, consumes your life”
and that’s the truth. The sooner we solve Artwork by Jeyapratha Amirthalingam
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Voices of Youth directions magazine
Deception
by Allen Marshall
The name is deception, but hey, don’t wear DECEPTION...has a ring to it no? Out Make the Christian hate the Jew!
it out...all have fallen for me at one point or your tongue it rrrroles out and flooows and Say Muslims harbor terrorist groups!
other no doubt? pooours into the canal past the ear lobes... Make freedom fighters into guerrillas and
turn the world into your petting zoo!!!
Haha...how easy it is for meee to...well, Deception, lies, a devil in disguise,
decieeeeeve, and have you belieeeeeve... all these names for me piled mountains and I’ve been at it for many a years, with the
what I want you to....see. mountains high.. help from many a peers, and now we hold
the world in our palms, and GOD WHO?!
“You’re in control” and “all the cards you But hey, hey, wait, no hard feeling right? Oh WE ARE THE OVERSEERS!!!
hold” or so I let you believe while I pick at C’mon, don’t be so uptight! If you weren’t
your insides, and create my black hole... an idiot, I wouldn’t have lasted a second in So are you in? Deception is my name and I
hahaha.. your sight! guarantee a win! Ignorance is not bliss, it’s
an awful sin..so come get enlightened on
Once I’m caught, it’s too late for you to Oh but I forgot, I’m the best! I’ve put young how the world in run and how it has always
plot you’re revenge for I already got what I and old to the test..Deception is my name, been....
sought...your trust..and your heart.. and well..you know the rest...
Don’t believe everything you hear or see for
And once I am through, I leave you bloody Oh but don’t hate me! Use me! And then that matter. Always ask questions! Never be
broken and bruised! You lay on all fours you’ll see! The power that comes from afraid to express your thoughts. It is said that
when you once walked proudly on in your not, you, or me but we! For we can change truth is often far more scarier than fiction...
shoes on two’s... ANYONE’S destiny... so let me ask you this; what is truth?
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Voices of Youth awards of excellence 2010
When I
by Kesavan Ganeshalingam
When I’m hungry, I eat Some people are unable to sleep because
When I’m thirsty, I drink they are working near 24h shifts, if they have
When I’m tired, I sleep the pleasure to sleep at all, its minimum and
When I’m feeling thoughtful, I think. probably on a nice rodent infested, dirty
cement floor.
Everyone has to wake up and realize that
they have life pretty easy, you think you Some people would whole heartedly grasp
have it pretty hard, huh? Well there’s always the chance to be actually be given the
going be that handful of people that have it chance to think for
a lot worse than you do, it’s unimaginably themselves, but is freedom really free?
unbearable for the average person to
understand...I don’t blame you. A message to all you ungrateful people who
take your lives for granted, that means ME
Some people when they’re hungry, they and YOU!
don’t have enough food to provide their
family so they decide to skip breakfast, Kesavan Ganeshalingam is a Grade 12 student at
lunch and dinner...just a couple times. Middlefield Collegiate Institute. He is an aspiring
entrepreneur.
Some people don’t have sufficient water to
drink so they are forced to drink whatever
gets them through the day without dying...
anything.
Artwork by Vithieyah Atputharajah
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Voices of Youth directions magazine
The Human Mind added alcohol and marijuana. In grade 12, for one entire year all I
by Vijay Anthony Thambirajah did was get high or get drunk and skip classes.
In high school, students group themselves with the crowd they fit in
My interest to learn martial arts started when I with. My group just happened to be the gangster type since
was about 5 years old. I was going through a burro the other students did not do the things I was doing.
in my house and I found a magazine with a picture The next year I was given a warning that I was going
of a man wearing a yellow suit holding something in to be kicked out of school if my grades did not improve
his hand. When I questioned the elders in the family so I started attending classes. One day when I went to
about the magazine, they told me that it belonged to smoke, I met one of my classmates, Mashkar, whom
my uncle who was learning karate and the man on the I now I consider as my brother. I borrowed his lighter
magazine cover was Bruce Lee who was the best at it. and when I cracked a joke about not giving it back to him,
It was only Shotokan karate that made its way to Sri he did something weird to my hand and got me down on one
Lanka and everyone who wanted to learn martial arts knee within two seconds. I was amazed! We started talking and
learned it. Like monkey see monkey do, I wanted to I found out that he was learning kung-fu. I mentioned my interest
do what my uncle was doing; but my mother said I had in martial arts to him and he started teaching me what he knew.
to wait till I was older. After that the war started and all At lunch time, smoke breaks, and whenever we met, all we did was
of our lives changed. When my dad sponsored me to train or discuss about martial arts. With his influence, I managed to
come to Canada at the age of nine, I remember boasting bring my grades up and barely made it into university.
to my cousin that I will be learning karate upon the arrival
in Canada. When I arrived here, me being the only son When I came to Brock, the first task was to search for a place where
and my dad being over protective, he never let me join. Years were I can learn kung-fu, but since there was a karate dojo right across
passing by and I forgot all about wanting to learn karate. the street from me, I settled for karate. I lied to my dad that I was
doing a fitness program called tai chi to get the monthly payment
I had somewhat of a lonely and depressing childhood, as I was off him and I started learning karate. I also started learning ju-jitsu,
getting older there was an empty feeling that started to grow within kobudo, tai chi, and kendo which was all offered in the same dojo.
me. My parents’ ignorance about my depression started to irritate At the dojo, I associated with some noble men who served their
me. Like every teenager I started my rebellion with a cigarette, then country as soldiers and police officers. After that my dignity in the
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Voices of Youth awards of excellence 2010
society meant something to me, I could not imagine myself being my life; I fell in love. Now that I had something to look forward to
accused as a man who was not civilized enough to respect law and in life, I started studying trying to create a career for myself and
order. I quit marijuana and started living by rules and regulations. become stabilized in life; but since I enjoyed spending time with her,
This created conflicts between me and those who did not respect I started missing karate classes. I did not stop completely, I was just
rules and regulations. So I simply stopped associating with not that focused as before.
them to save me and them the trouble of getting in
a conflict. Even though karate started making a Two years down the road the relationship kind of
difference in my life, I was still searching for the started falling apart on me and my grades started
perfect style that suited me. One day I made to slide again. After another two years, on
an immature comment in my ju-jitsu class, a Wednesday, February 21, 2007 shocking news
senior classmate said, “It is not the art that came to me. I was able to find out the exact
makes the artist; it is the artist that makes the date because that is when I started writing
art.” It took me six years to realize that. journals again. It seemed that the person I
was in love with was trying hard to get rid of
The society where I come from does not me for the past two years. I being an idiot,
really encourage arts. It is a society that who wanted to live my life by principles and
believed that education is the only source that culture, never got the message. “A star that can
will provide a good life for someone. At that time I shine on its own will never use the dimness of others
was too immature to realize that martial art was also to make itself look brighter.” So I am not going to go
an education. I never saw myself reaching a level where into details. When I thought back about all the events
I will be able to address myself as a martial artist. I just wanted to that took place, my mind went into shock, causing me to imagine
get the black belt as an achievement and make some memories to and make assumptions about things. This started creating conflict
be able to look back and say that I did all this when I was young. between me and my friends. My self-confidence also started fading
I was not that focused in school much either. Due to my lonely away. When you do a job that requires to wear the national flag on
depression, I never really looked far into life. I was enjoying the your shoulder, you are somewhat representing the country. I did
temporary escapes by engaging in activities that took worries off not want to work as an unconfident security guard.
my mind. As I was wasting my time, something new happened in
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Voices of Youth directions magazine
So I quit my job in Toronto and came to stay full time in to do the same thing to someone else. A lot of woman nowadays
St. Catharines. I started exploring martial arts philosophy and enjoy going to clubs, but it seems somewhat of a scary environment
began to write my own philosophies to give me courage. I tattooed for me. It is dark, where we are surrounded by strangers and it
the symbol below as a reminder to myself that I should not degrade is not a place where I will be able to put up a fight, because I am
myself to get even with others. concerned about the safety of others. This is the similar situation
that happened to me when I got beat up inside the bus. My attackers
I do not know if it is time or the burdens that we face in our lives had no hesitation or consideration about their surroundings, while
that make us feel old, but sometimes I do feel like a very old man. I took everything into consideration. I do think that I would have
I still have goals and ambitions in life. First I must complete my won that fight, but at least I would have put up a fight if I did not
degree at Brock. I have wasted too much time here to leave without hesitate. This is the reason why good people often become victims,
it. My major is economics, but I no longer can see myself working because we think. If I can train myself to respond without thinking
with numbers after all I have been through. In the old days when then it will no longer be me who fights, it will be the training. In
you had something to say to society, you traveled around preaching the nightmares, that traumatized me the biggest challenge was that
people. In Shakespeare’s time, he managed to create a stage and I was always out numbered. I woke up so many days crying if there
bring the audience to him. Today, if you wish to share something is no one to fight in the side of the good guys. In Sri Lanka, where I
with the society, you would have to make a movie about it. I enjoy lived a young lady rarely walks alone on the street. We did not have
dancing, martial arts and I became somewhat of a writer after officers in uniforms to show up to help us when we needed them the
having spend so my time alone in my imaginary world. With all most and sometimes it is those officers that we had to be afraid of.
this in my mind, I thought I might target the Indian movie industry. A female is often accompanied by a male with the thought that no
I am familiar with the culture and language; and the money I can other male is likely to approach a female. Having grown up with
make there will make me a very stable man. I also need to train that mentality, I would now say that when a man takes a woman
a bit more to conquer my fears. We can never predict or control out, he must be willing to do what is necessary to assure her safe
the outcome of anything, but in knowing that I am capable of return.
responding if my loved ones were ever caught in a situation, I will
be able to live peacefully. We should not stop others from living In the society that I come from, when a man introduces a woman to
their lives just because we are afraid. My father held me back from his family, his family will start judging her character by her clothing,
martial arts for very long time because he was afraid. I do not want who she associates with, and how she associates with them.
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Voices of Youth awards of excellence 2010
When a woman introduces a man to her family, her family would you would think that it was nonsense. Every time you commit
judge a man’s stability by looking at who he is in society and what yourself to someone and things fall apart on you, part of you is
does for a living. They judge a woman’s character, because she is lost with that relationship. You can only lose so much before you
considered as the soul of the family. They judge a man’s stability, completely lose interest in relationships. Sometimes a little bit of
because he is considered as the provider and protector of the family. innocence is good and too much knowledge is bad. If you had
This may sound like an undeveloped society, but there are good a casual sex relationship with ten different partners before you
and bad to everything in life. In a developed society, sometimes the married the eleventh one that you emotionally bonded with, you
husband and wife are so systematic with each other, in the fear that now posses the knowledge to make a judgment about which one of
the other person will leave them so they keep their emotions bottled the eleven partners satisfied you the most. If any of the previous ten
up. Sometimes the bottle explodes destroying the relationship seem to have satisfied you more than the person you married, you
sometimes it implodes destroying the person. In the undeveloped are now unsatisfied with you marriage. I decided to save whatever
society where divorce and breakups are not that familiar and that was left of me for my wife. The only problem
where a marriage is considered as a one way ticket, the husband is that I kind of forget how I feel towards others
and wife selfishly express themselves to one another. Sometimes and how others feel toward me if I do not
there is rumble and tumble, but in time they grow into one another maintain constant communication
such that they know one another as they know themselves. Time with them. I guess after having
is changing and so are people. People from my generation are not someone continue a relationship
only introducing divorce, but all sort of things. I just hope that once with me for two years after they had
I am stabilized, God will bless me with a woman who will make the stopped loving me, I kind of got used to
commitment to evolve with me in a way where I will be able to see leaving people’s feeling toward me
her view of life and she can see mine. as uncertain until they declare it. Love
and respect is not something to ask for,
When we were kids, we used to believe the stories that our parents it is something to be earned. Even
told us, stories about princes and princesses and the happily ever when we have earned it, it is still the
after. It is our innocence and our curiosity towards life that allowed option of others to give it to us.
us to believe such things. After you have been in a couple of With my new gift, I really am
relationships, if someone ever told you the story about soul mates, capable of giving that option.
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Voices of Youth directions magazine
When I help others, I do not remember it long enough to feel bad Somewhere iin between all the miind games,
about them not having any gratitude. That is how I like it now, liies & seductiion ii fell for youu,
because we should not really expect anything in return for the good somewhere iin between all the broken promiisesz,
deeds we do. The only certainty of this world is its uncertainty. Life maniipulatiion & heartaches ii got over you,
does not always go in the direction we want it to. but ii guess ii fiibbed a few tiimes too,
remember all those tiimes ii swore ii needed you?
Bruce Lee’s words about self-confidence was, well consiider them liies,
“Life’s battle don’t always go to cause baby here ii am wiithout you and ii surviived.
The fastest or the strongest
But sooner or later the man Baby diid you thiink ii would fall apart wiithout yaa ?
Who wins is the man well hunny bunsz diidnt you thiink wrong,
Who thinks he can” baby boy ii thiink iits tiime ii stopped playiing niice,
& let out the real me.
Vijay Anthony Thambiraja is a student at Brock University, expected to graduate
with a degree in Economics. His lifetime goal is to expand the above excerpt to Boy, the girl that you wiith now dont know,
a book. that all those Romeo liines you’ve been telliin her,
have been saiid to me as well,
bet she feels speciial just liike ii once diid,
A Brave Heart but now ii feel proud cause ii aiint wiith a waste fool,
by Abiramy Sriskandarajah & ii feel piitty for your girl,
cause she don’t know anythiin she gonna go through.
Been through so much iin a small world,
never knew love could be so cruel, You thought ii would never get over you,
all those tiimes when you said you loved me, but boy ii proved you wrong,
ii beliieved you, and iin the end you decieved me. cause you aiint worth my love or affection,
you thought ii would criinge when ii see you,
but ii always have my head up high no matter what.
36
Voices of Youth awards of excellence 2010
I’m not gonna fiind love iimma let love fiind me, with my friends whom have become my family throughout my high
& diid you thiink ii wouldnt beliieve iin love after you? school years.
aha pleease you were just a test to me, I remember the guy I’ve been crushing on for so long finally asked
& ii passed iit well. me to prom.
I remember drinking two bottles of beer in merely five minutes
And oh just remember, which later drove me up the wall.
no regretsz, I remember holding the diploma in front of my parents who
just lessonsz learned. tearfully looked at me and the diploma as if it was a classy antique.
I remember holding on to my best friends hand as we parted our
Abiramy Sriskandarajah is a Grade 11 student at Albert Campbell CI. separate ways after our after party promising to see each other
Her ambition is to become a psychologist. throughout our university life.
I remember sitting in my grade eleven class thinking about all the
plans I had for prom being half shattered and half in place.
I Remember I remember the day I was joyfully awaiting to walk out of high
by Kathiyga Ulaganathan school after prom so I can think back to all the sweet and sour
memories I had.
I remember my grade twelve prom night. I remember the sad goodbyes everyone exchanged to each other
I remember the nerve wracking stress I was going through just to with bouquets of tears as we
buy a fine-looking dress all went our separate ways.
I remember spending loads of cash on my prom just to make sure
I looked my best. Kathiyga Ulaganathan is a 1st
I remember all the beautiful colored eye-catching dresses worn by year student at the University of
all beautiful ladies. Toronto Scarborough studying
I remember the sexy pricy cars many of us girls pulled up in. Management.
I remember the beautiful elegant scenery as I was driving up in my
luxurious BMW.
I remember the joyful mood I was in as I was posing for pictures Artwork by Cindujan Rajaratnam
37
cooperate
our supporters: a way to cooperate
Awards of Excellence Sponsors directions magazine
On behalf of the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre, community, from individual donors to the business sector, helps
I would like to thank all the sponsors who kindly showed their to ensure that CanTYD will continue to offer the programs and
support for our 11th Annual Awards of Excellence. services that have built this incredible organization.
This year, we raised over $15,000 to help cover the scholarships Please join me in sending a sincere thanks to all the sponsors
awarded to our exceptional award winners, as well as the who have provided financial support, access to resources, and
printing costs of the Directions Magazine that you hold in your spent time to understand the CanTYD story.
hands.
In-kind donations, including tonight’s catering and the filming Darsan Sivanantharajah
services, demonstrate the commitment of the community Director of Marketing & Public Relations
in showcasing their investment in youth. Support from the
40
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