tamilweek.com

By Saba-Thambi

April has been a good month for the Perth Tamil community playing host to three South Indian entertainers from Chennai. Perth is the capital city of Western Australia which inhabits approximately 1.9 million people. Due to the lower number of Tamil population in relation to the Eastern state counterparts, Sydney & Melbourne and the distance between the states discourage the entertainers who come to the Eastern states to visit Perth.

The month of April was exceptional in that the Tamil fans were first pleased to see Dr Padmashree Manorama, and Nahaisuvai Thendral Dindukkal I. Leonie at the Rixon Theatre, Penrhos College. It was the first visit to Australia for both of them and they were on their last lap of appearances on stage after visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Dr. Padmashree Manorama

Perth fans of Ms Manorama were delighted to see their comical actor in person. Knee surgery on her legs prior to the Australian tour did not deter the comedienne from visiting the four major capital cities.

According to Ms. Manorama, she has appeared in the silver screens for the last 52 years. She was introduced to the Tamil cinema via “maalaiyitta mangai” in 1958; however her debut was somewhat in a Sinhala film. The acclaimed actor is also proud of her achievement in acting with five South Indian Chief Ministers namely C.N Annadurai, NT Rama Rao, M. Karunanithi, MG Ramachandran and Ms Jayalalitha. This incredible accomplishment by Ms Manorama will be remembered forever. The comedienne commented that she never let her age to grow and instead she let her mind and heart to mature. Her tongue-in-cheek claim was that she is still twenty six!

The luminary actor’s talents were evident on stage as a vocalist, an eloquent speaker of Tamil literature and an outstanding mimic of the colloquial Jaffna Tamil and the diverse Chennai Tamil. One of her songs “dillikku rajahnalum paatti sollai thattathae.” was well received by the audience. Ms.Manorama’s roles in the cinema songs were re-enacted by the local dancers of Perth.

Dindukkal I. Leoni

Nahaichuvai Thendral I. Leoni also shared the stage with Dr. Padmashreee Manorama. I.Leoni chaired the patti-manram (debate) with two of his mates Mathukkoor Ramalingam and Piragatheesh as the debaters. The title chosen for the debate was “a family’s happiness is decided by a man’s mother or his wife? (Oru kudumbathin mahilchiyai theermaanipavar Annaiya aallathu manaiviya?)

Traditional patti-manram is enriched with Tamil literature and usually targets the educated. The beauty of Leoni’s patti-manram is that the audience do not have to be Tamil pundits to understand the verbal jousts, instead the lingo was simple and the puns and clichés were usually from the cinema and cinema songs. The late Kaviyarasu Kannathasan’s songs were liberally used to argue the points and were very much appreciated by the audience. The spectators’ laughter and rounds of applause were prominent from the start to the end. The winner of the debate was Ramalingam who argued for the wife.

Classical fusion with Rajhesh Vaidhya on Veena

Kim Beazley Theatre at the Murdoch University was packed with fans on the 16th of April to receive the Electric Veena maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya. RV was accompanied by the acclaimed musicians Karaikuruchi Mohan Raman on Mridangam, N Subramanian on Ghatam and the local artistes R. Vickneswaran of the Temple of Fine Arts on Tabla and Tal Cohen from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) on the keyboard.

Rajhesh has been to Perth a few times and he is most admired for his classical fusion music. Rajhesh’s performance attracts fans of carnatic music, western, classical fusion and movie melodies across all ages and cultures. Electro waves opened the evening with the classical varnam and then moved on to maestro’s own compositions. One of his lively compositions named “that was something” had a touch of James Bond music theme and was equally matched with the fingers of talented key board player Tal Cohen. Tal Cohen was very much new to the Indian carnatic music scene but he indeed executed it beautifully.

The musical genes running in the family was evident when Rajhesh’s young daughter Malavika charmed the audience with her vocals performing a bhajan. A percussion solo (thani aavarthanam) led by Mohan Raman on miridangam followed by tabla and Ghatam respectively was indeed a feast for the ears which concluded with the rhythmic clapping of the audience.

[Kakkai Siraginile by Rajhesh Vaidhya]

After the intermission Rajhesh played one of his favourites from the movie Titanic, sung by Celine Dion “my heart will go on” which was well received by the audience. He also fulfilled the requests from the audience and the most popular request, according to the master, was from KS Balachandar’s “manmathaleelai” movie called “manaivi amaivathellam..”

He also executed movie melodies as medleys from old Tamil songs, Hindi, AR Rahman’s compositions and new film songs. The audience were spellbound and thoroughly enjoyed the whole performance. There was something for everyone that night and once again he did satisfy the expectations of his Perth audience.

Appreciation

At this juncture, the Perth Tamil community appreciated the hard work of Ms Shaantha Jeyaraj of Palkalaikkalanjiyem in her endeavours to bring Dr. Padmashree Manorama and I.Leoni group to Australia and Ms Yasotha Ponnuthurai of Indian Eye in bringing Rajhesh Vaidya and his team to Perth.

Tradition bound Udappu

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Udappu” is situated between the Dutch Canal in the East, Indian Ocean in the West, Poonaipitty village in the North and Pinkatti village in the South. According to some reports, that there was a flood in this area earlier, and it was called “Udaippu” afterwards. Another report says that people were looking for pure water and sea side, while searching for such place they found “Udaippankarai”. Later, the name derived from “Udaippu” to “Udaippankarai” to “Udappu”, which is currently being called.

This is a traditional Tamil fishing hamlet, which is situated 150kilometers away from Sri Lanka’s commercial capital Colombo. A sandy stretch road which is about six kilometers off the Colombo to Puttlam main highway takes to Udappu. It is located on a tip of rectangular shape land between Mundal lake and the sea. Udappu’s current population is 15,000. It’s is believed that their ancestors came from Akka Madam and Thangachchi Madam in Rameshwaram in Southern India in 1630, and settled down in Udappu. This small fishing village has a very strong tradition and custom, which is being followed very strictly by the people of Udappu upto now. The fishing folk of this pristine coastal village has a different custom compared to the other fisher folk in the country. They still follow the same tradition which is being followed in Rameshwaram for weddings, funerals and temple festivals. Drama and theatre and folk songs play a major role while observing these traditions. The vibrant tradition keeps the families close to each other.

[Drawings of the seven boats. The drawings are placed on the wall of the Sri Veerapaththirakaali Amman temple]

It is said that due to some ethnic tension in 16th Century, 18 families from Udappu went to Aanai Vaasal and Karaiyaar Kudiyiruppu in Katpitty in 7 fishing boats. The portraits of these 7 fishing boats are drawn on the wall of Sri Veerapththirakaali Amman temple in Udappu. The fishing boats are identified as “Sinnadappan Thoni”, “Sinna Thoni, “Mugaanthiram Thoni”,“Kappanaa Thoni”, “Vaavaa Thoni”,and “Poththi Thoni”. And those 18 families are known as “Ampalakaaran”, “Sinnadappanpuram”, “Kathiran Sammaattipuram”, “Sinnaiyanpuram”, “Kaamapuram”, “Aavaththaaarpuram”, “Pachchaiyappanpuram”, “Seruvanththaarpuram”, “Moosaapuram”, “Paasamandaadi Kudumbam”, “Muththupillaipuram”, “Palliyar Kudumbam”, “Sittampuram”, “Sinnaandipuram”, “Kottaavaariyaar Kudumbam, and “Moovar Kudumbam”.

[calm and quiet place]

Most of them are fishermen, some do farming or small business such as owning a grocery shop or tailor shop or a telephone booth or an eating house. And some are vegetable sellers or meat sellers. The people of Udappu read and recite the Mahabharatham epic in Tamil. The “Aadi Vizha Mahotsavam” of the Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthaanam is based on the popular epic Mahabharatham, which lasts for 18 days. Dance and drama are performed during these days to attract the devotees and make them understand the epic better. The whole village comes alive during the festival. Udappu is usually known as a very calm and quiet place.

People of Udappu are very entertaining and hospitable. The first invitation that they always extend to a visitor is “Come to our house and have meals”. Then the conversation follows with several other invitations such as “Come and stay with us in our house”, “Please feel free to ask anything that you need”, “We have made these special curries for you, because you are a pure vegetarian”, “Please let us know when will you be here next time, so that we can make your stay comfortable”, “Take some fresh drum sticks and fresh Jasmine flowers with you when you return to your house in Colombo”. They do not show any difference between a visitor and a stranger, they treat both equally. It is a beauty of the people in Udappu that, the invitation is always extended wholeheartedly.

The men in Udappu say that “They have “Murattu Bhakthi” (pitiless or rough devotion) towards the Goddess”. They say that they are willing to go through any pain in order to fulfill her (Goddess’s) wishes. They gather in groups to carry out the rituals. Most of the men are fisher folks. They are known for their hard work and dedication. Women of Udappu are very passive and soft-spoken. Men and women of Udappu are very spiritual, and they observe the knit tradition very carefully. The people of Udappu are very proud of their more than 350 years old unique and elegant tradition. The people of Udappu insist that they neither belong to the North and East of Sri Lanka nor to the hill country. They always say that, they are different from the rest of the Tamil community in the country. They mostly worship Sri Thiraupathai Amman, Sri Kaali Amman and Sri Maari Amman. These three Goddesses are considered to be the Kula Theivam (Family Guardian Deities) of Udappu. A strict vegetarian regimen is observed during the time of the temple festival.

If a man marries outside Udappu, he will be detached from the family and community, and his mustache will be shaven completely to humiliate him. The custom is called “Meesai Kattal”. As a result hardly any men marry outside his village, and the entire population believes that they need to maintain the speciality. Men folks respect the women folks. The men extend their extra care and support to the women during the festival time, because they feel that men from outside visit Udappu during the festival, and the unique culture needs to maintained and protected, and there should not be any room left for misbehaviors and misconducts.

[Multi-ethnic market in Udappu]

There are 30 Muslim families currently living in Udappu. Sinhala traders from Aaraachchikattu, Aaandigama and Vijayakattupeththa come daily to the main market in Udappu to sell vegetables. They come very early in the morning in a lorry and return to their respective villages after the business. The primary vocation of Udappu was tobacco cultivation, the tobacco plants were affected due to some disease. Thereafter, the people of Udappu began to concentrate on prawn hatchery. There is a couple of medical doctors and engineers produced from Udappu.

[a busy alley in Udappu]

A couple of visitors from Jaffna shared their experiences while being in Udappu this year. Most of them said that, “We feel like Udappu is their second home next to Jaffna. And, we like to retire in Udappu”. It gives the similar feeling of being in Jaffna, surrounded by coconut and palmyrah trees, mild breeze with the sweet sound of the palm leaves, even though it is hot. The fences for the houses are woven neatly with either coconut or palmyrah leaves. The houses hardly have brick or cement walls. Most of the houses are shady and cool.

The people of Udappu like to remain different, while some of the young men left the village to seek employments in foreign countries. Some of them come annually during the festival time to take part in fire walking. This is when most of the match making takes place in Udappu!

Time for celebration and joy.

Related Pictorials on Udappu:

- “Paandavar Oorvalam”:

The scene of five Paandava Princes and their common wife Thiraupathai going into exile with Vyasa Munivar and an Anuman was depicted in drama form by the people of Udappu on 2nd of August 2009, the 15th day of the “Aadi Vizha Mahotsavam” of Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam.

- behind the scene: Getting ready for the colourful Udappu parade:

It was a Sunny Sunday, August 2nd 2009, in Udappu.

As time ticked on turning into a scroching hot day, performers and the make-up artists began to make their way to Sri Veerapaththirakaali Amman temple, situated right near the ocean.

Eleven Performing artists and four make-up artists gathered under one roof, to get ready for the elegant parade.

- Fire walking Festival:

Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam, Udappu, Sri Lanka
_____________________________________________
courtesy: HumanityAshore.org ~ Email:dushi.pillai@gmail.com

The students of the Fine Arts Society of the Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam known for their talents and commitment presented the unique story of “Kaaraikaal Ammaiyaar” as a ballet, at Kathiresan hall in Bambalapitty on July 26th 2008 at dusk.

For Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam, as a girls’ school, it is ideal to perform Kaaraikkaal Ammaiyaar’s story, and set her as a role model for the growing young generation.

The funds collected through the ballet will go towards in upgrading the education of information technology, multi media skills and English of more displaced children from North and East. Due to the conflict situation in the North and east, the children live with a sense of fear and need to have an education in a peaceful atmosphere.

[Bargavi Baskaran, as little Punithavathy; from childhood Punithavathy grew up in a religious atmosphere and worshiped Lord Siva diligently: "Kaaraikkaal Ammaiyaar"]

The Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam today, is the only private assisted Hindu school in Sri Lanka and with great difficulty, it presents imparting skills to these children who are already with the school from the conflict areas together with the children from Colombo, plantation areas and greater Colombo areas. More children are seeking admission, and the requirements need to be met.

In this endeavour, Kazhagam has joined hands with the California based Visions Learning Centre, and has formed a Kazhagam Visions Learning Center in the school premises. The students danced dedicated in this ballet to collect funds to give an opportunity to learn by the future students of the school.

See the Ballet in Pictures: Kaaraikkaal Ammaiyaar, embodiment of prayer and devotion ~ by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

by Meno Thiruchelvam

Ilavalai is a hamlet tucked away 16km from the Northern Capital towards north of the Jaffna Peninsula and 8km from the port town of Kankesanthurai. The local populace, basically a farming community, is rice cultivators, traditional growers of betel vines and grapevines bearing green and purple grapes, besides many species of plantains and a variety of vegetables from the rich red soil of the land. With this rural economic base the village is comfortably sustained. Villagers are predominantly Catholics by faith, there is a sizeable segment of Hindus as well, living in harmony down the ages. Outlaying the St. Henry’s enclave, beyond the expanse of lush green paddy fields half way to the seaside, there lay fishing villages dotted along the beach from Senthankulam to Valithundal, 1.6 km away to the right and to the left curving to Mathagal, 4 km from the St. Henry’s heartland. Inland environ encompasses Pandateruppu, Sillalai, Alaveddy and the adjacent Periyavillan are the town and villages within the ambit of 5 km radius to St. Henry’s. Most of the students are from these areas, daily cycling or bussing to the college from their homes.

In this picturesque village setting, nestled among the backdrop of palmyra and coconut palms, flanked by the majestic St. Anne’s church and the sprawling Holy Family Convent, there stands the colossal edifice: St. Henry’s College. Timelessly this institution remains yet as Ilavalai’s undisputed iconic heritage as the “A” Grade school over there. A hundred years ago, the Catholic clergy saw to the crying need of an English school for the boys of the village and its environs. Thus, the St. Henry’s came to be founded in the year 1907, named after King of Germany turned Saint Henry II (973- 1024) and then the Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Henry Joulain (1852-19 19) who took the Saint’s name as his. The man who founded St. Henry’s was Rev. Fr. Ligoury Rodrigo OMI, who hailed from Kurunegala, then in the Jaffna diocese. He had his total education in Jaffna from St. Martin’s little seminary to the big seminary through St. Patrick’s. With only two teachers, Fr. Rodrigo, the assistant parish priest of the adjacent St. Anne’s Church managed the affairs of the school for three years.

In 1910, the Bishop of Jaffna entrusted the Brothers of the Society of St. Joseph (SSJ) with an enormous task of housing, developing and managing St. Henry’s almost from the scratch. Rev. Bro. Felix (1910-1921) became the first principal and in 1917 the school was registered at the Ministry of Education as an approved English medium school. It was during the period of Rev. Bro. S. Philips (1921 — 1928) that the laboratory facilities were provided enabling science and agriculture subjects to be introduced into the curriculum and enabling children to excel in the ESLC examinations. Bros. M. Devasagayam (1928-32 and 1935-38) and E.I.Chrysostom (1933-35) were at the helm preparing students for Senior Cambridge and London Matriculations Examinations. This period saw that the college evinced talents in the sphere of sports, particularly in cricket and soccer, proving that they were second to none in the North.

In 1926 the school was elevated by the Department of Education to the status of college. A distinct shift came about then with the administration of the school changing hands from SSJ Brothers to the Oblate Fathers of the Jaffna Diocese in 1939. The Brothers’ saga thus ended; the priest, who came next was none other than the grand old man Very. Rev. Fr. Charles S. Mathews O.M.I. (1939-43) an Anglo Frenchman whose unbounded love and understanding of the students and teachers alike helped moulding the boys in the highest traditions of excellence and discipline. It was Fr. Mathews who enshrined the hearty motto for St. Henry’s: “Labor Omina Vincit Improbus”, meaning ‘Hard work conquers everything’ which inspires the Henrician students even today. In his footsteps, Rev. Fr. P.J. Jeevaratnam (1943-53) a graduate from the University of London held the same lofty ideals unswervingly for the decade that followed. Discipline, is yet another faculty that became synonymous with Fr. Jeevaratriam. He institutionalized and regimented discipline to the highest possible order at St. Henry’s College and it was widely known (those days that unruly elements from other Schools were sent to St. Henry’s for correction. He was pivotal for acquiring “A” Grade status for St. Henry’s in March 1951. He was a great visionary.

In 1945, when the then-Government of Ceylon introduced free education St. Henry’s was categorized as an assisted school like the majority of the schools in the island, but remained private and was administrated by His Lordship the Bishop of Jaffna. The two Bishops of Jaffna who served their stints as Rectors were Rt. Rev. Drs. J. Emilianuspillai (1949) and B. Deogupillai (1953-56).

After this eminent duo’s reign at St. Henry’s had a long list of educationists as Rectors of the college in the halcyon decades of 50s and 60s, in the chronological order — Rev. Fr. L. A. Singarayar (1956-63), Rev. Fr.J.F. Stanislaus (1963-68), Rev. Fr. Benjamin Alfred (1967-70) Rev. Fr. M.J. Mariampillai (1970-73) Rev.Fr. J.A. Francis (1973-76), Rev.Fr. Anton T. Rajanayagam 1976-89) Rev. Fr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam (1989-2002).

During Fr. L.A. Singarayar’s period many students gained entry into universities in the disciplines of medicine, engineering, arts and science. He also demonstrated his defiance against the takeover of private schools by the State in 1960; thus St. Henry’s chose to remain a private Catholic institution solely managed by the Bishop of Jaffna. Fr. J. A. Francis helped winning the coveted Singer Shield Cup beating St. Benedict’s to 3-1 and became All Island Champions in 1975 and had put St. Henry’s on the map of Sri Lai The saga of St. Henry’s football dominance continued until 1977.Again during Fr. Anton Rajanayagam’s rector-ship in 1977 St. Henry’s had won the ANCL Cup beating St. Patrick’s College 2-1 and became All Island Football Champions. The same year the College had to be handed over to the State due to severe financial constraints and Fr.Anton guarded the students and community against the atrocities of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) who came to the North in 1987 following the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord.

The Rector who followed next Fr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam, had to chart the course of St. Henry’s amidst of war, migration, displacements, evacuations and eventually exile; The rector moved St. Henry’s to Manipay then briefly to Mirusuvil during 1992 to 1996. On 13th May 1996 he brought St. Henry’s back to its traditional home of Ilavalai and re-grouped the students and folks alike, embarked on a massive rebuilding process following the weariness of war and hard times with enormous support from the Henrician OBA Groups of Colombo and overseas. He was the longest serving head of St. Henry’s and the founder of the Henrician Trust, thus leaving a legacy for posterity.

The incumbent energetic young Rector Rev. Fr. K. James Singarayar had taken the reins of St. Henry’s in 2002. At present its total strength is 558 students and 32 members of staff. He has the generous backing of the Old Henricians Community in organizing and uplifting the all important computer education and in guiding today’s students to greater heights, nurturing them into well groomed disciplined, formidable men of tomorrow.

[Picture Courtesy of : henricians.com]

[The Writer is Secretary-Henricians, Colombo (OBA), Sri Lanka]

The Bridgeteen Walk 2007: “Walk A Mile, Build A Smile”

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

St. Bridget’s Convent – Gently and Firmly – is the motto of the school.

It was started on February 1st 1902.The school has celebrated its centenary on February 1 st 2002. It started with 14 students 105 years ago, and now schooling more than 1,000 students.

St. Bridget’s Convent has produced many leaders and torchbearers in government, business, the professions, sports and the arts, serving in several communities in Sri Lanka and around the globe; world’s first Woman Prime Minister Late Mrs. Srimavo Bandaranaike and former President of Sri Lanka Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, to name a few.

The Bridgeteen Walk 2007 was held on June 17th 2007. The walk started after a Holy Mass. Past and present pupils have walked under this year’s theme “Walk A Mile, Build A Smile”. The walk was organized jointly by the School Development Society and the Past Pupils’ Association to raise funds to renovate the school auditorium.

A fun fair was held from morning till night at the NOMADS Grounds. The fun fair comprised of various games, comedy shows, magic shows, food stalls, trade stalls and exciting rides.

Logo of St. Bridget’s Convent.

Elephant, taking part in the walk.

Young Bridgeteens cheer during the walk.

‘Fake feet’ walk.

Foreign constructors enjoy watching the walk.

Two little Bridgeteens enjoy the elephants.

Western band of St. Bridget’s Convent.

The past and present pupils participated in the walk.

Face painting for the walk.

A baby elephant welcomes the participants.

Reverend Sisters of St. Bridget’s Convent at the walk.

The walk began in the morning from the Primary section.

Junior school students at the walk.

Scottish pipe band at the event.

Cane beaters at the walk.

Collegiate school prefects carry the four houses flags – Borgia, Coudert, Griaux and Melizan.

Kandyan dancers during the walk.

The annual Bridgeteen Walk ended at Collegiate school premises after walking through Cinnamon Gardens for two hours.

Collegiate Hewisi band during the walk.

Mask dance at the event.

Source: humanityashore

Contact: Dushi.Pillai@gmail.com

The Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 10th Annual Awards Gala Ceremony at the Hilton Suites Hotel in Toronto Markham on April 21, 2007.

CTCC has fostered entrepreneurship in the Canadian Tamil community for the last 16 years. The Awards Gala is symbolic of how members of the Tamil community are contributing immensely to the very fabric that makes up Canada’s multicultural society.

Several distinguished guests were in attendance. Federal Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, Hon. Monte Solberg, was the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honor included, Ontario Minster for Government Services Hon. Gerry Phillips, Ontario Conservative Opposition leader Hon. John Tory, and Ontario Minster for Children and Youth Services Hon. Mary Anne Chambers.

Mr. Logan Velumailum, President of the CTCC, welcomed everyone to the event:

“This is our sweet sixteen. This night is a celebration of fulfilled dreams and continuing aspirations. Stories of individual success fill this room in its entirety. We are gathered here today to celebrate your achievements. But equally, this night is to celebrate the Chamber, and all of you who make up this organization.”

[Hon. Minister Monte Solberg]

Hon. Minister Solberg brought greetings from the Prime Minister:

“He has asked that I bring greetings on his behalf to recognize not only the Tamil Chamber of Commerce 10th Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner, as important as that is. But he also asked that I bring greetings this evening to acknowledge the tremendous contribution the Tamil Community to this country, not only for the economic contribution you make to this country, but to the contribution you make as citizens, the cultural contribution you make that makes Canada such a great country.”

[Hon. Minister Gerry Phillips]

Hon. Minister Gerry Phillips shared his experiences with the Tamil Community: “One of the schools in my area is called L’Amaroueux Collegiate; probably the best honour you can get is to be valedictorian. 3 of the last 4 valedictorians in that school were from the Tamil community. My own staff I have 20 staff, and 4 of them are from the Tamil community. That’s 20 percent. Why do I hire them, because they are the best and brightest”.

[Hon. John Tory]

Hon. John Tory talked about his trip to Sri Lanka. He described the contribution of the Tamil business community to the greater Canadian economy: “You are through your efforts, through your excellence, creating jobs, creating employment and economic activity. That employment and economic activity creates money for the healthcare, and roads and services that the government provides”.

Since its inauguration, CTCC has awarded 46 winners in various categories. This year the Chamber recognized six entrepreneurs for service and contribution in the business world. The distinguished award-winning recipients for 2007 are:

Best Entrepreneur: Sinnadurai Jeyakumar, Sriram Sivagnanam and Sundaramoorthy Vinayagamoorthy, co-owners of Innovative Detailing Services Inc. sponsored by RBC and presented by Regional Vice President Lisa Gallacher.

Young Entrepreneur Award: Bharathy Matheeswaran, co-owner of Alankar Décor, sponsored by Scotiabank and presented by District Vice President Christine Williams.

Award of Excellence: Santha Panchalingam, owner of Santha’s Electrical and Plumbing Services, sponsored by ICICI Bank and presented by Vice President Retail Banking Rajesh Ramakrishnan.

Most Outstanding Professional Award: I. Francis Xavier, a renowned and celebrated human rights lawyer and activist, sponsored by CTCC and presented by The Scarborough Hospital Foundation Vice President Christine Williams and Hon. Mary Ann Chambers, Ontario Minister for Children and Youth Services.

Best Woman Entrepreneur Award: Logi Mariathasan, a highly regarded Bridal Consultant. Sponsored by TD Canada Trust and presented by Senior Vice President Jim Coccimiglio.

Most Outstanding Community Service Person: Dr. Pushpa and Frank Seevaratnam, co-founders of Home for Hope, which has helped rebuild the lives of many Tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka, sponsored by TD Canada Trust and presented by Senior Vice President Jim Coccimiglio.

[Logan Velumailum, President of the CTCC]

To see the photos from the event, visit: CTCC Photogallery

Photos By: Gnane Gnanendran

[Full Text of CTCC Press Release]