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Table of Contents
Letter from the Editor 3
about cantyd: how we lead
Letter from the Board 6
About CanTYD 7
Mission Statement 7
Our Vision 7
CanTYD in School Programs 7
Programs & Services 8-11
Staff Profiles 12-14
CanTYD Events
Annual General Meeting 15
Ammavum Nanum Parent Cafe 16
Spotlight 2010: A Dazzling Evening 17
Youth Forum 18
Walkathon 19
awards of excellence 2010
awards of excellence: to inspire
Awards of Excellence Programme 22
Award Recipients 23-28
Voices of Youth
Inner Battle 29
Save My Soul 29
Deception 30
When I 31
The Human Mind 32-36
A Brave Heart 36
I Remember 37
our supporters: a way to cooperate
Awards of Excellence Sponsors 40-44
The Directions Magazine Team directions magazine

Editor: Contributors Continued: Printer:

Senthuran Vettivelupillai Thiviya Manoharan PrintFast
Co-Editor: Allen Marshall 4-2085 Lawrence Avenue East
Kirunthuja Srikanth Cindujan Rajaratnam Toronto, ON M1R 2Z4
Design & Layout: Abiramy Sriskandarajah 416.752.3278
Darsan Sivanantharajah Vijay Anthony Thambirajah
Contributors: Jessica Thyriar
Jeyapratha Amirthalingam Kathyiga Ulaganathan
Vithieyah Atputharajah
Kesavan Ganeshalingam

Directions Magazine (DM) is a publication of the Canadian

Tamil Youth Development Centre. We would appreciate your
input on this publication. Please send us your comments and CanTYD Directions Magazine
suggestions to our office or to dm@cantyd.org. 705 Progress Avenue, Unit 40
Toronto, ON M1H 2X1
We are always seeking articles, essays, commentary, poetry, 416.431.4100
art work etc. Please feel free to forward your submissions to
the above address. We reserve the right to refuse publication
of submissions deemed libelous or prejudiced on account of
gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disabiliity.

© 2010 Directions Magazine.

All rights reserved.

2
Letter from the Editor
While there are rich and poor in every society, I firmly believe
that Canada is the most egalitarian country in the world today.
Any man or woman with talent and dedication can aspire to
his or her dreams.
As Tamils, our parents came from a society with limited
opportunities. One’s path in life was largely dictated by
birthright. The ambitions of the talented are often shackled
by the encumbrances of caste, creed, familial duty and
grinding poverty. Many hold a fatalistic outlook, believing that
one’s destiny is pre-determined by the stars. Astrology and
superstitious dogma govern society – it dictates the path you
pursue, whom you marry. A man is judged as the person he was
born, and not the person he has made himself to be.
These notions are all antithetical to the ideals of
the society we call home today, Canada.
A truly just society ensures that every man and woman has
the opportunity to fulfill his or her aspirations. The greatness
of Canada as a nation is that we have successfully melded
the dynamism of free market capitalism with an excellent
social infrastructure mitigating its vices. Moreover, our society
accords equal opportunity for all, setting aside the prejudices
and superstitions that stifle much of the world.
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awards of excellence 2010
The success of Canada is in large part due to its immigrant
ethos. It was courageous pioneers who tamed and transformed
a cold, barren wilderness into the country that is today the
envy of the world. And in that spirit today, a quarter-million
new Canadians wash ashore every year, calling this country
their new home. It is because they view see Canada as an ideal
society, and we welcome those willing to share our ideals.
And at a time when several hundred of our kin – men, women,
and children alike – endured many months traversing oceans
in cramped rusty ships and endure still more months detained
in solitary confinement, we must recognize the struggles and
sacrifices those less fortunate must make only to have a chance
at opportunity. And we must realize how privileged we are.
There are many young Tamil-Canadians excelling in a wide
variety of endeavours. CanTYD’s Directions Magazine serves
to highlight the achievements of these exemplary youth in
academics, athletics, the arts, and community service. And
like the young men and women profiled in this magazine, let
us all strive for excellence. Let us all embrace the immense
opportunities before us. Let us show that Tamils are a good,
reputable people. And let us contribute to this country, and do
this nation proud. After all, our country has done a lot for us.
Now it is time for us to ask what we can do for our country.
Senthuran Vettivelupillai - Editor, Directions Magazine
lead
about cantyd: how we lead
Letter from the Board
Since 1999, we have come together as a
community to celebrate the success of our
exceptional young people.
Tonight, as we recognize our award
winners, it is a reminder to us all that
perseverance, hard work, and dedication
is the foundation for success. At CanTYD,
our volunteers, staff and board members
embrace these principles, and continue to
instill these key values in our youth.
We have come a long way. And, as we
move forward, it is important to reflect on
our past. Over the last 12 years, CanTYD
has played a vital role in strengthening and
empowering our youth and the community
to reach remarkable heights, and in
ensuring that our youth are empowered to
succeed.
CanTYD was established at a time when
there was a great need to address growing
gang violence in our community. With
this vision for positive change, with the
leadership of individuals, with the support
of volunteers and their many hours of
work, and with the immense support of our
business community, CanTYD has been
successful in guiding our youth in the right
path.
The result today is that many of our youth
are pursuing post-secondary education.
Many who once found an attachment to
turf have now found an attachment to
academics.
Our strength as a community is determined
by our ability to stand together. We have
stood together in the past to tackle issues
that are close to you and I. We continue to
stand together as a community today in the
face of new emerging issues.
Today we are faced with additional
challenges. Substance abuse, domestic
violence, youth at risk, mental health
issues, and barriers to educational and
employment opportunities are impacting
our families.These are complex issues.
They are by no means unique to the Tamil
community. However, these issues need to
be addressed within our culture and within
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directions magazine
our community. Our parents need to be
engaged, our media needs to take a keen
interest in informing the community, and
we need to work in partnership with other
communities that share the same concerns.
It requires a collective effect to address
these issues. As we move forward, CanTYD
will strengthen its ties with partners and
stakeholders, including the City of Toronto,
United Way of Toronto, Malvern Family
Resource Centre, For Youth Initiative, and
others to create address these complex
issues that impact our youth in Toronto.
We would like to take this opportunity
to thank CanTYD’s dedicated team of
volunteers, supporters, staff and board
members. Together, we have accomplished
a lot over 12 years. And together, we will
continue to do so. It’s time to renew our
commitment and build an even stronger
Tamil community, a stronger Toronto, and
a stronger Canada.
Thiva Paramsothy
Chair, Board of Directors
About CanTYD awards of excellence 2010

The Canadian Tamil Youth Development (CanTYD) Centre Our Vision

was formed in 1998 to address the need to develop and
empower youth, and foster a positive image of Tamil youth
within the mainstream and local communities. As a non-profit
organization, CanTYD provides services to youth, parents, and
other stakeholders throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Mission Statement
We are committed to empowering and developing Tamil
youth by utilizing the principles of research, education,
partnership, advocacy, assistance, and empowerment.
• Recognize and acknowledge the voices of young people
• Create alternative avenues for the self-expression of youth
• Assist newcomers in their integration with Canadian society
• Foster relationships through role models to inspire young
people towards positive life choices
• Provide opportunities and training for young people to
develop personally and professionally
• Empower youth to address and overcome barriers to their
success

CanTYD in School Programs

School School Board Outreach Selvy’s Circle Drop-ins Project Thamil
Albert Campbell C.I. TDSB v v v

Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School TCDSB v v v

R.H. King Academy TDSB v v v

Stephen Leacock C.I. TDSB v v v

Winston Churchill C.I. TDSB v v v v

Woburn C.I. TDSB v v v

School School Board Outreach Basketball Healthy Communities Fund

Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School TCDSB v v v

7
Our Approach
To date, the organization has initiated a variety of programs,
projects, and services that are based on the principles of our
mission statement.
Research
A survey of high school Tamil students as well as interviews
of youth was conducted and culminated in a paper entitled
Toronto Tamil Youth: The Realities, released in 2000. Since
then, the organization has actively researched challenges
faced by youth and resolutions through on-going outreach
efforts.
Education
Education programs are developed and delivered to youth,
parents, school boards, and community partners to raise
awareness of challenges faced by Tamil youth.
Partnership
CanTYD works actively with school boards, funders, non-
profit organizations, and community organizations to learn
and provide services to youth.
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directions magazine
Cooperating with the community, both youth and parents,
CanTYD is constantly working to evolve our programs and
delivering effective support to those who can benefit the most.
Advocacy
CanTYD advocates as the voice of Tamil youth, raising
community concerns, publicly discussing youth issues, and
gaining the support of government and school board officials
on policy issues that affect youth.
Assistance
Staff members and volunteers provide outreach services
at various schools within the GTA. In addition, CanTYD
connects the community to existing resources available to
serve their needs.
Empowerment
CanTYD creates an environment that is conducive to self-
directed growth by keeping youth at the forefront of all
initiatives. The organization strives to provide youth with
the tools and services necessary to overcome obstacles and
pursue their dreams.
Programs & Services awards of excellence 2010

Ammavum Nanum Parent Cafe Youth Council

A new initiative of CanTYD’s Selvy’s Circle for young
women, Ammavum Nanum aims to foster stronger
relationships between mothers and daughters. Sponsored
by the Youth Challenge Fund, this project incorporates
planning sessions and café sessions, and discusses relevant
issues faced by daughters and mothers in society. Supervised
by mentors, the goal is to conduct a large-scale conference
with exemplary mother-daughter relationships serving as
panelists at the event.
Selvy’s Circle
Selvy’s Circle is a project geared towards young women that
seeks to create a positive and therapeutic environment to
address their goals, concerns, and issues. Through regular
seminars, discussions, workshops, and socials, participants are
left with a positive experience in identifying and overcoming
the barriers faced by women both socially and culturally. Parent Council
CanTYD currently hosts this program at Albert Campbell
Collegiate Institute, Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School,
R.H. King Academy, Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute,
Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute, and Woburn
Collegiate Institute.
The CanTYD Youth Council (CYC) was formed to engage
youth in developing a grassroots strategy for the organization.
It is comprised of youth representing several high schools
in the GTA, and serves as a vital link between youth
and CanTYD to promote mutual
respect, and in ensuring that
the voices of youth are heard.
Each member of the Youth
Council serves as a CanTYD
representative of their school,
thereby linking CanTYD
with the greater community.
The aim is to engage youth in
positive activitie creating strong
leaders in the community.
Parent Council consists of parents whose kids attend our
drop-ins at the high schools serviced by CanTYD. Parent
Council meetings are held bi-weekly, discussing issues
pertinent to today’s youth and strategies for parents to
address these issues. The aim is to form a council that will
run independently with the support of CanTYD staff, and to
conduct a major Parent Forum in upcoming years.

9
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.
11
CanTYD Staff Profiles
Thavappiriya
Thavakugathasalingam
(Priya)
Interm Program Coordinator &
Youth Outreach Worker
Motivated by the desire to mentor
youth in a positive direction, Priya
joined CanTYD in January 2010 as a
Selvy’s Circle Youth Outreach Worker. She eventually took on
the role of Volunteer Coordinator, managing volunteers and
Project Empowerment, and is currently CanTYD’s Interim
Program Coordinator, overseeing outreaching aspects and
volunteers. A testament to her charitable spirit, Priya has
volunteered at numerous community organizations, among
them the Bendale Acres Seniors home, Sick Kids Children’s
Hospital, and Scarborough Grace Hospital. Priya is an avid
soccer player, having played on school teams since Grade 6 and
continuing onto university. She holds a Hon. Bachelor of Life
Sciences from the University of Toronto with a double major
in Neuroscience and Health Studies.
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directions magazine
Keerthana Kamalavasan
Operational Support Coordinator
Inspired by the achievements of Tamil
youth at the Awards of Excellence,
Keerthana joined CanTYD’s
Youth Council in November 2007.
She assisted with the publication
of Directions Magazine and helped
organize the Awards of Excellence in 2008.
As the Operational Support Coordinator, Keerthana oversees
the various committees of CanTYD, ensuring a solid
organizational structure during staff and volunteer transitions.
A former Awards of Excellence recipient, Keerthana is
motivated to ensure that all youth get the opportunity to
fulfill their potential, just as she had recognized hers through
CanTYD. Keerthana is also involved with the Young Liberals
of Canada and War Child Canada. Keerthana is currently
pursuing a B.A. in Political Science, International Development,
and French Studies at York University.
CanTYD Staff Profiles
Sathees Mathivanan
Youth Outreach Worker &
Volunteer Coordinator
Sathees joined CanTYD in August
2009 in an effort to guide youth in
overcoming challenges and barriers to
reach their goals. As a Youth Outreach
Worker, Sathees heads classroom
workshops at Albert Campbell CI, Jean
Vanier CSS, Winston Churchill CI, and Woburn CI, and
supervises the Healthy Living/Basketball Drop-in. Sathees has
volunteered at Youth Assisting Youth and the Ontario Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. An animal lover,
Sathees enjoys playing basketball and admits to an obsession
with watches. Sathees holds a B.A. in Justice Studies from the
University of Guelph-Humber.
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awards of excellence 2010
Thurkasiney Sri Rangan
Youth Outreach Worker
Upon deciding to become a social
worker, Thurka joined CanTYD and
completed her co-op placement with
the organization. As a Selvy’s Circle
Youth Outreach Worker, Thurka
hosts drop-ins at Albert Campbell
CI, R.H. King Academy, Woburn CI,
and Winston Churchill CI, where she engages with female
students through workshops, informal discussions, and one-
on-one mentoring. Thurka also hosts Ammavum Nanum, a
mother-daughter cafe held monthly. Prior to joining CanTYD,
Thurka volunteered at Centenary Hospital and the South Asian
Women’s Center. An avid reader, Thurka also practices Indian
carnatic music, and has a strong passion for Bharathanatyam.
Thurka holds a diploma in the Community Worker Program
from George Brown College and will be pursuing a Bachelor
of Social Work degree.
CanTYD Staff Profiles directions magazine

Nikila Vijayakanthan
Youth Outreach Worker &
Events Coordinator

As a student with a desire to get

involved with community work, Nikila
joined CanTYD in May 2007. As
CanTYD’s Events Coordinator, Nikila
has organized several events, including
Spotlight and the Awards of Excellence. In
addition to her role as CanTYD’s Events Coordinator, Nikila
serves as a Youth Outreach Worker for R.H. King Academy,
where she mentors, motivates and guides youth towards
realizing their full potential. Nikila has also served as President
of the Tamil Youth of Malvern Committee at the Malvern
Family Resource Centre. Nikila’s goal is to ensure that each
and every youth has his or her voice heard. She is currently
pursuing a B.A. with a double major in City Studies and
Human Geography at the University of Toronto.

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CanTYD Events awards of excellence 2010

Annual General Meeting the opportunity to discuss CanTYD’s accomplishments,

CanTYD’s Annual General Meeting was hosted at the challenges, priorities and outlook for the upcoming years.
Scarborough Civic Centre, Council Chambers, on June The Board of Directors discussed CanTYD’s achievements
23. Held at the end of the fiscal period on a yearly basis, in the past year, as well as CanTYD’s goals for the future,
the purpose of the Annual General Meeting is to elect new and passed on their knowledge to a new Board of Directors
members to the Board of Directors, and inform CanTYD’s who will continue their wonderful work. Parents provided
membership on matters related to programming and finance. their feedback on what they sought to see implemented in
the programs catering to youth.
Over the past year, CanTYD has come a long way with
respect to engaging with more community members, re- Overall, the Annual General Meeting was a tremendous
evaluating the programs and services CanTYD provides, success. The support and attendance of the parents and
and empowering its staff and volunteers. CanTYD hosted members who attended was greatly appreciated, and with the
an engaging and interactive AGM in which members had continued support and generosity of the Tamil community,
CanTYD will thrive and continue to make a significant
difference in the upcoming years.
Board of Directors
Member Board Role Executive Role Joined CanTYD/Board
Thiva Paramsothy Chair, Board of Directors Chair 2003 / 2006
Darsan Sivanantharajah Director of Marketing & Public Relations Vice-Chair 2003 / 2010
Shajee Kathirgamanathan Director of Alumni, Membership & Volunteers Secretary 2008 / 2010
Sujeether Kumareswaren Director of Finance Treasurer 2008 / 2010
Shanthy Logeswaran Director of Administration 2001 / 2010
Senthuran Vettivelupillai Director of Communications 2008 / 2009
Thevananth Sivagnanalingam Director of Fundraising 2008 / 2009
Sri Guggan Sri-Skandarajah Director of Human Resources 1997 / 2006
Karthiga Thayananthan Director of Programs and Services 2008 / 2010
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CanTYD Events directions magazine

Ammavum Nanum Parent Cafe
Over the years, CanTYD’s
Selvy’s Circle has implemented
projects and conducted girl-
focused groups to allow
female youth the opportunity
to have open discussions about
personal issues and challenges, both at home and within
the community. This year, Selvy’s Circle undertook a new
initiative to focus on the relationships between mothers and
daughters – an essential part of any young woman’s personal
development. Thus, the mother-daughter Parent Cafe
(Ammavum Nanum) was formed.
Held on a monthly basis, the Parent Cafe serves as a means
for female youth and their mothers to have a group setting in
which where they are free to have an open dialogue regarding
the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life. It allows for an
opportunity for both mother and daughter to understand
issues from each other’s viewpoints. Moreover, the Parent Cafe
serves as a lead-up to the Women’s Leadership Conference to
be held next year.
The Parent Cafe, run by dedicated volunteers and staff, has
tackled issues such as Education and Self-Image, and has
received numerous positive appraisals from mothers and
daughters alike. The number of attendants has increased
since the inaugural cafe, and mentors expect its popularity
to grow.
Ammavum Nanum has proven to be a tremendous success,
with the end result of both mothers and daughters perceiving
a better understanding of one another. The mentors of Selvy’s
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.

16
CanTYD Events
Spotlight 2010: A Dazzling Evening
On Friday, July 16, CanTYD hosted its annual Spotlight
talent show at the Fairview Library theatre in North York.
Though in just its third year, Spotlight once again proved
to be a tremendous success in showcasing the creative and
artistic talents of Tamil-Canadian youth.
As an organization dedicated to servicing and empowering
youth, CanTYD put together a stage for Tamil-Canadian
youth to showcase their talents in varying artistic forms. The
evening was replete with a wide array of great performances,
including several dance performances in Bharatanatyam,
Bollywood, ballet, and hip hop styles, a singing performance
by Roveena, rap performances by Pran da Man, Freedom
Records, and CanTYD’s own Crooked Stage, as well as a
hilarious but thought-provoking drama performance by
CanTYD’s Medai Konal team.
Spotlight 2010 was only made possible through the diligence
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awards of excellence 2010
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
2010 to come together. The majority of the talent and the
MCs for Spotlight 2010 were youth that we work with or
have worked with in the past.”
Spotlight 2010 showcased that what can be considered a
hobby for some can evolve into a great passion for others.
Without a doubt, CanTYD’s annual Spotlight talent show
was a successful evening, as evidenced by great feats of
dedication and confidence by its performers, explosive
performances, and tremendous feedback from the audience.
Says Nikila,
“it’s the foundation of many more epic Spotlights
CanTYD will produce into the future.”
CanTYD Events directions magazine

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

CanTYD’s Youth Council was responsible for preparing

discussions for three different topics that youth currently face.
Members of the Youth Council collaborated with another
and tackled several challenges confronted by youth – among
them homosexuality, gender, and identity issues. The Youth
Council also prepared workshops for guests who attended
the event. The workshops consisted of icebreaker games,
discussions of the topic, possible resolutions, closing remarks,
and a Q&A session.
Under the successful direction of CanTYD’s Youth Council,
the Youth Forum ran smoothly and was a tremendous
success. Approximately 40 youth attended the event. On
the day of the event, the youth mingled, helped themselves
to refreshments, and were then sorted into groups. After
the introduction of the event, the workshops began as each
pair from the Youth Council conducted their workshop and
discussed their topics of concern. The event also included
guest speakers pertaining to the topic.

With the success of this year’s Youth Forum, CanTYD intends

to host similar such events well into the future. Future plans
include possible partnerships with like-minded community
organizations in order to spread the word to a larger network
of youth.

18
CanTYD Events
Walkathon
Although CanTYD has functioned as an organization
for nearly 12 years, there are still many who are unaware
of the programs and services CanTYD offers to the local
community. On Sunday, September 12, CanTYD hosted
its annual Walkathon fundraiser to address this need. The
aim of Walkathon was to raise money and awareness about
CanTYD to the both the Tamil and mainstream communities.
As is typical of most of CanTYD’s events, planning for
Walkathon began well in advance. A date was set, and
Morningside Park was decided upon for the venue as in
previous years. The venue was processed by putting in a
permit through City of Toronto’s Parks and Recreation
division. Then, the Walkathon pledge form process began.
Each board member, staff, and core volunteer received
a pledge form and was asked to raise money to support
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awards of excellence 2010
CanTYD’s Walkathon. With the logistics now out of the
way, the fun and games began! This included preparing for
the BBQ and the group activities and games that were to be
played at the Walkathon.
About 30 guests attended the Walkathon. The day began
with discussions of what the guests knew of CanTYD, how
they were interested in getting involved with CanTYD, and
why they came out to support the Walkathon fundraiser. A
speech was then given on the significance of events such as
Walkathon, and finally the Walkathon itself began! Upon
completing the walk, the guests took a break with a sumptuous
BBQ lunch, and guests and volunteers alike munched on
burgers and hot dogs while discussing new strategic plans for
CanTYD’s future fundraising events.
inspire
awards of excellence: to inspire
Awards of Excellence Programme directions magazine

Opening Greeting Awards Presentation Greetings from Sponsor Presentation

Overall Achievement TD Bank Financial Group Visual Arts Award Recipient’s Piece
National Anthem and
Thamil Thai Vaalthu Greetings from Sponsor Performance Award Presentation
CanTYD’s Youth Council Royal Bank of Canada Stand-Up Comedian Uniquely Distinguished Effort
Most Improved
Lighting of the Performance Parent Council Address Community Contribution
Ceremonial Lamp CanTYD’s Medai Konal Rajani Shanmugarajah
CanTYD’s Parent Council Drama Team Performance
Performance CanTYD’s Medai Konal
Performance Performance CanTYD’s Medai Drama Team
Classical Dance Spoken Word Konal Dance Team
Directors’ Address
Welcome Speech Moving Forward Embracing the Future Thiva Paramsothy
Darsan Sivanantharajah Deluxshne Muhundarajah Roshana Sukumaran Chair, Board of Directors
Director of Marketing Program Facilitator Volunteer Youth Council President
& Public Relations Program Coordinator’s
Performance Award Presentation Address
Performance LLS Jr. Dance Performing Arts Thavappiriya
Musical Visual Arts Thavakugathasalingam
Award Presentation Athletic Achievement
Reflecting on the Past Academic Achievement Closing Remarks
Sri Guggan Sri-Skandarajah

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Award Winners awards of excellence 2010

Nivedha Ramalingam Thrmiga Sathiyamoorthy

Performing Arts Grade 10 Overall Achievement

Abirami Shanmugaratnam
Milani Sivapragasam Grade 11 Overall Achievement &
Community Contribution Athletic Achievement

Sujan Subendran Hares Sivanrupan

Grade 10 Academic Achievement Grade 12 Overall Achievement

Thenujah Magendran
Grade 11 Academic Achievement & Tharshan Vigneswaran
Visual Arts Most Improved Student

Sarah Antony Bavithira Tharmananthan

Grade 12 Academic Achievement Uniquely Distinguished Effort

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Award Winners directions magazine

Nivedha Ramalingam Milani Sivapragasam

Performing Arts Community Contribution
Pine Ridge Secondary School Bayview Glen School

Nivedha has studied the art of A community leader and scholar,

Bharathanatyam since the age of 5,
and has completed her Arangetram
and Level 6 exams. Nivedha is a
graduate of the prestigious Annamalai
University where she received the
Kalaimamani title, and is currently
a performing artist and teacher within the society. Nivedha
launched Bharathalaya Dance Academy, where she has been
teaching children for over 5 years, and has performed for diverse
communities across Canada. The driving force behind her success
is her mother, who passed on her expertise in classical dance, and
her father and brother, who have supported her passion for carnatic
arts. Nivedha also credits her guru, Smt. Uma Anand, for her
wisdom, and her classical music teacher, Mrs. Anandavishvanath.
Nivedha is inspired by the encouragement of her family, friends,
fellow dancers and fans.
“I push myself daily by setting goals and after
meeting them, set new standards.”
Milani has performed exemplary
volunteer work while maintaining
a stellar academic record. Milani’s
notable activities include coordinating
the World Vision 30-Hour Famine at
her school, leading a holiday hamper
program for needy families in the GTA, and undertaking a project
with local NGOs on the US-Mexico border to study the plight of
migrants. For her efforts, Milani received the Lieutenant Governor’s
Community Volunteer Award from the Ministry of Citizenship and
Immigration. Milani has also demonstrated academic excellence,
attaining an average above 95% all through high school and the
Top of Grade distinction, and was elected Valedictorian of her
graduating class. Milani attributes her success to her father, who in
imparting his values and wisdom, fostered a sense of responsibility
within her. Milani is pursuing a Bachelor of Science at the
University of Western Ontario.
“The beauties of the world are best seen by
those who strive to reach them.”

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Award Winners awards of excellence 2010

Sujan Subendran Thenujah Magendran

Grade 10 Academic Achievement
Maple High School
Sujan ranked in the Honour Roll for
attaining an academic average above
85%, and received the Certificate
of Distinction in the University of
Waterloo Math Contest. In addition,
Sujan has received recognition for his
volunteer work at the International
Languages Program of York Region District School Board and his
volunteer efforts at the Helping Hands Ambassador Club, where
he guides ESL students in getting acquainted with their new school
setting. Sujan cites his parents as the main reason for his success, and
credits them for doing all that they can to realize his full potential.
Sujan’s plans for the future include his Helping Hands project to
increase HIV/AIDS awareness among high school students and
teachers. Sujan is an aspiring information systems manager.
“Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, but raise the
bar a little higher each time you succeed.”
Grade 11 Academic
Achievement & Visual Arts
Bur Oak Secondary School
A caring and confident young
woman, Thenujah has demonstrated
excellence in both academic and
artistic endeavours. Thenujah placed
in the honour roll in every semester
throughout high school, was the
valedictorian of the graduating class of her elementary school,
and the recipient of the Ontario Principals Award. In addition,
Thenujah achieved the rank of distinction in her carnatic vocal
music examinations, and was the recipient of several awards in
speech contests as well as essay-writing contests. Thenujah is driven
to strive for excellence through the motivation of her family and
friends, and credits her mother’s constant encouragement for
much of her success. Thenujah aspires to a career in biomedical
engineering.
“The difference between the impossible and the possible
lies in a person’s determination.” - Tommy Lasorda

25
Award Winners directions magazine

Sarah Antony Thrmiga Sathiyamoorthy

Grade 12 Academic Achievement
St. Joseph Morrow Park
Catholic Secondary School
A gifted young scholar, Sarah’s
notable achievements include the
John Lorimer Memorial Scholarship
and McMaster University President’s
Award & Entrance Scholarship, the
Governor General Academic Bronze
Medalist Award and the McCann Award for the top average in
her high school, awards in English, Calculus, Advanced Functions,
Data Management, Biology, and Chemistry for the top mark in
each course, the Science Award for exemplary work in all areas
of science, and distinction in the University of Toronto’s Biology
competition and the University of Waterloo’s Math contest. Sarah
is motivated by the desire to embrace all opportunities for success,
and to make both her family and the Tamil community proud.
Sarah credits her success to her parents, whom she cites as role
models, and the support of her extended family. Sarah is pursuing
a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at McMaster University, with
the aim of entering medical school.
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney
Grade 10 Overall Achievement
Bur Oak Secondary School
Thrmiga has received recognition
for excellence in academic and co-
curricular endeavours. Thrmiga’s
awards include the Top Average
Award in her grade, the Top Vocal
Award, the Civics Award, and the OBA
Award for excellence in leadership.
Additionally, she served as the Executive Choir Representative of
her student council, currently serves as the Ontario Zone Youth
Representative of the Canadian Red Cross, was the runner-up
to the Student Trustee position with York Region District School
Board, placed 2nd in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Remembrance
Day essay contest, and holds a brown slash in Kung Fu martial arts.
Thrmiga attributes her success to her supportive family, including
her mother who chauffeured her from event to event, and her
grandparents for pampering her with delicious meals. Thrmiga
aspires to a degree in politics at Queen’s University, with the aim of
becoming an official with the United Nations.
“Not everyone needs talent to succeed, however they most
certainly need hard work and determination to succeed.”

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Award Winners awards of excellence 2010

Abirami Shanmugaratnam Hares Sivanrupan

Grade 11 Overall Achievement &
Athletic Achievement
Pope John Paul II
Catholic Secondary School
Abi has achieved excellence both
in the classroom and on the field.
While enrolled in the rigorous
IB program, Abi has maintained an
academic average above 90%. In
addition, Abi was awarded the Female Athlete of the Year award
at her high school. The versatile athlete has been involved in cross-
country, badminton, track and field, soccer and rugby teams, and
represented Ontario at the national level in netball. Abi is an active
young leader in her community, and has been engaged in global
issues including a leadership role in the Development and Peace
campaign, policy conferences in Montreal, and a social justice trip
to Mexico. Abi credits her parents for their constant support, and
cites Martin Luther King as a role model. An aspiring kinesiologist,
Abi’s ambitions include helping other young athletes pursue sports
at a competitive level, and becoming a strong leader for advocacy
in social justice.
Grade 12 Overall Achievement
Middlefield Collegiate Institute
Ambitious and passionate, Hares has
demonstrated excellence in academic
and community endeavours. With an
academic average above 90%, Hares
also lead his school’s food drive, and
organized a successful school cultural
show, Unified Beatz, promoting
themes such as unity and preserving culture. Hares has completed
the Grade 8 Piano exam with the Royal Conservatory of Music,
and is an accomplished miruthangist with the Kalaikovil Academy
of Fine Arts. His awards include the Middlefield Collegiate Institute
Seniors’ Community Award, the York Region Citizenship Award
for Tamil Students, and the Markham Arya Samaj Scholarship for
Leadership, Community Service and Academic Excellence. Hares
credits his family who preached success and the importance of
giving back to the community, and is inspired by the leadership and
passion of basketball star Kobe Bryant. Hares is pursuing a BBA at
the Schulich School of Business at York University with the aim of
becoming a successful entrepreneur.

“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

27
Award Winners directions magazine

Tharshan Vigneswaran Bavithira Tharmananthan

Most Improved Student Uniquely Distinguished Effort
Milliken Mills High School Rick Hansen Secondary School

Overcoming significant adversity on Motivated, determined and confident,

his path to success, Tharshan attained
a 90% academic average in Grade
12, and received the President’s
Scholarship from the University
of Waterloo. As a young man who
actively seeks challenges, Tharshan is
motivated by the desire to counter harmful stereotypes of young
Tamil males. And while most would cite a specific role model as a
source of inspiration, Tharshan believes that anyone who is able
to confront and surmount significant obstacles to achieve success is
worthy of the title of a role model. Tharshan is pursuing a Bachelor
of Accounting and Financial Management at the University of
Waterloo.
“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going
beyond them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke
Bavi has achieved academic excellence
despite confronting numerous
personal challenges. Bavi’s notable
accomplishments include the Ontario
Top Scholar designation, the Governor
General Award & Medal, the
Mathematics Department Award, Business Department Award,
Responsiveness Award, Stewardship Award and Metacurricular
Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top Scholarship.
Despite personal hardships, including coping with a mother
diagnosed with cancer and subsequent rehabilitation, Bavi was able
to overcome tremendous stress and obstacles on her path to success.
Bavi credits the constant encouragement of her mother and sister
as her two primary inspirations. Bavi is pursuing a Bachelor
of Science in Biotechnology & Chartered Accountancy at the
University of Waterloo, and aspires to be a Chartered Accountant
in the biotechology sector.

“Adversities are a branch of life and we select the way we respond

to them. They will be senseless, unfair, painful, and beyond our
control to prevent, but they teach us much about ourselves and
others, bringing us close to our own emotional expressions.”
28
Voices of Youth
Inner Battle
by Jessica Thyriar
Sometimes in life you realize that you
cannot conquer every battle. And then you
think, “but ever since I was little I’ve been
told I can do whatever I put my mind too”!
So why is it that you give all your might
to make something or do something, and
sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
You put all your energy into creating
something, or solving a problem or even
changing something and you fail! Why
are you told from the get-go that you can
have whatever you want? How can you
hold yourself up high and think that you’ll
achieve it, when there is a possibility that
you are bound to fail?
I believe that the answer is within you.
You create these internal conflicts which
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
these internal conflicts, and make peace
within ourselves; the faster we will be able
to make peace with all around us.
The answer lies within each one of us for our
conflicts or issues, it’s our choice whether we
listen to it or not. This is because we pave
the future, and God just watches over us to
make sure he is with us every step of the
way. So before you blame anyone for your
sorrows, or your mistakes, or your failures;
realize that they wouldn’t have happened if
it weren’t for you.
Jessica Thyriar is a student at York University.
Artwork by Jeyapratha Amirthalingam
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awards of excellence 2010
Save My Soul
by Thiviya Manoharan
When will you yank my heart out
And distance it from me?
My heart is unfit to beat.
When will you claw my eyes out
And bury them in the dark?
My eyes are burning from deceit.
When will you slither into my ears
And block out all the noise?
My ears are weary from listening.
When will you rip me limb from limb
And save my soul?
Let my glorious departure arise — glistening.
Thiviya Manoharan is a 1st year student at York
University majoring in English and Professional
Writing. She is an aspiring journalist.
Voices of Youth
Deception
by Allen Marshall
The name is deception, but hey, don’t wear
it out...all have fallen for me at one point or
other no doubt?
Haha...how easy it is for meee to...well,
decieeeeeve, and have you belieeeeeve...
what I want you to....see.
“You’re in control” and “all the cards you
hold” or so I let you believe while I pick at
your insides, and create my black hole...
hahaha..
Once I’m caught, it’s too late for you to
plot you’re revenge for I already got what I
sought...your trust..and your heart..
And once I am through, I leave you bloody
broken and bruised! You lay on all fours
when you once walked proudly on in your
shoes on two’s...
DECEPTION...has a ring to it no? Out
your tongue it rrrroles out and flooows and
pooours into the canal past the ear lobes...
Deception, lies, a devil in disguise,
all these names for me piled mountains and
mountains high..
But hey, hey, wait, no hard feeling right? Oh
C’mon, don’t be so uptight! If you weren’t
an idiot, I wouldn’t have lasted a second in
your sight!
Oh but I forgot, I’m the best! I’ve put young
and old to the test..Deception is my name,
and well..you know the rest...
Oh but don’t hate me! Use me! And then
you’ll see! The power that comes from
not, you, or me but we! For we can change
ANYONE’S destiny...
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directions magazine
Make the Christian hate the Jew!
Say Muslims harbor terrorist groups!
Make freedom fighters into guerrillas and
turn the world into your petting zoo!!!
I’ve been at it for many a years, with the
help from many a peers, and now we hold
the world in our palms, and GOD WHO?!
WE ARE THE OVERSEERS!!!
So are you in? Deception is my name and I
guarantee a win! Ignorance is not bliss, it’s
an awful sin..so come get enlightened on
how the world in run and how it has always
been....
Don’t believe everything you hear or see for
that matter. Always ask questions! Never be
afraid to express your thoughts. It is said that
truth is often far more scarier than fiction...
so let me ask you this; what is truth?
Allen Marshall is a 3rd year student at
York University.
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

31
Voices of Youth
The Human Mind
by Vijay Anthony Thambirajah
My interest to learn martial arts started when I
was about 5 years old. I was going through a burro
in my house and I found a magazine with a picture
of a man wearing a yellow suit holding something in
his hand. When I questioned the elders in the family
about the magazine, they told me that it belonged to
my uncle who was learning karate and the man on the
magazine cover was Bruce Lee who was the best at it.
It was only Shotokan karate that made its way to Sri
Lanka and everyone who wanted to learn martial arts
learned it. Like monkey see monkey do, I wanted to
do what my uncle was doing; but my mother said I had
to wait till I was older. After that the war started and all
of our lives changed. When my dad sponsored me to
come to Canada at the age of nine, I remember boasting
to my cousin that I will be learning karate upon the arrival
in Canada. When I arrived here, me being the only son
and my dad being over protective, he never let me join. Years were
passing by and I forgot all about wanting to learn karate.
I had somewhat of a lonely and depressing childhood, as I was
getting older there was an empty feeling that started to grow within
me. My parents’ ignorance about my depression started to irritate
me. Like every teenager I started my rebellion with a cigarette, then
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directions magazine
added alcohol and marijuana. In grade 12, for one entire year all I
did was get high or get drunk and skip classes.
In high school, students group themselves with the crowd they fit in
with. My group just happened to be the gangster type since
the other students did not do the things I was doing.
The next year I was given a warning that I was going
to be kicked out of school if my grades did not improve
so I started attending classes. One day when I went to
smoke, I met one of my classmates, Mashkar, whom
I now I consider as my brother. I borrowed his lighter
and when I cracked a joke about not giving it back to him,
he did something weird to my hand and got me down on one
knee within two seconds. I was amazed! We started talking and
I found out that he was learning kung-fu. I mentioned my interest
in martial arts to him and he started teaching me what he knew.
At lunch time, smoke breaks, and whenever we met, all we did was
train or discuss about martial arts. With his influence, I managed to
bring my grades up and barely made it into university.
When I came to Brock, the first task was to search for a place where
I can learn kung-fu, but since there was a karate dojo right across
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
off him and I started learning karate. I also started learning ju-jitsu,
kobudo, tai chi, and kendo which was all offered in the same dojo.
At the dojo, I associated with some noble men who served their
country as soldiers and police officers. After that my dignity in the
Voices of Youth
society meant something to me, I could not imagine myself being
accused as a man who was not civilized enough to respect law and
order. I quit marijuana and started living by rules and regulations.
This created conflicts between me and those who did not respect
rules and regulations. So I simply stopped associating with
them to save me and them the trouble of getting in
a conflict. Even though karate started making a
difference in my life, I was still searching for the
perfect style that suited me. One day I made
an immature comment in my ju-jitsu class, a
senior classmate said, “It is not the art that
makes the artist; it is the artist that makes the
art.” It took me six years to realize that.
The society where I come from does not
really encourage arts. It is a society that
believed that education is the only source that
will provide a good life for someone. At that time I
was too immature to realize that martial art was also
an education. I never saw myself reaching a level where
I will be able to address myself as a martial artist. I just wanted to
get the black belt as an achievement and make some memories to
be able to look back and say that I did all this when I was young.
I was not that focused in school much either. Due to my lonely
depression, I never really looked far into life. I was enjoying the
temporary escapes by engaging in activities that took worries off
my mind. As I was wasting my time, something new happened in
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awards of excellence 2010
my life; I fell in love. Now that I had something to look forward to
in life, I started studying trying to create a career for myself and
become stabilized in life; but since I enjoyed spending time with her,
I started missing karate classes. I did not stop completely, I was just
not that focused as before.
Two years down the road the relationship kind of
started falling apart on me and my grades started
to slide again. After another two years, on
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 shocking news
came to me. I was able to find out the exact
date because that is when I started writing
journals again. It seemed that the person I
was in love with was trying hard to get rid of
me for the past two years. I being an idiot,
who wanted to live my life by principles and
culture, never got the message. “A star that can
shine on its own will never use the dimness of others
to make itself look brighter.” So I am not going to go
into details. When I thought back about all the events
that took place, my mind went into shock, causing me to imagine
and make assumptions about things. This started creating conflict
between me and my friends. My self-confidence also started fading
away. When you do a job that requires to wear the national flag on
your shoulder, you are somewhat representing the country. I did
not want to work as an unconfident security guard.
Voices of Youth
So I quit my job in Toronto and came to stay full time in
St. Catharines. I started exploring martial arts philosophy and
began to write my own philosophies to give me courage. I tattooed
the symbol below as a reminder to myself that I should not degrade
myself to get even with others.
I do not know if it is time or the burdens that we face in our lives
that make us feel old, but sometimes I do feel like a very old man.
I still have goals and ambitions in life. First I must complete my
degree at Brock. I have wasted too much time here to leave without
it. My major is economics, but I no longer can see myself working
with numbers after all I have been through. In the old days when
you had something to say to society, you traveled around preaching
people. In Shakespeare’s time, he managed to create a stage and
bring the audience to him. Today, if you wish to share something
with the society, you would have to make a movie about it. I enjoy
dancing, martial arts and I became somewhat of a writer after
having spend so my time alone in my imaginary world. With all
this in my mind, I thought I might target the Indian movie industry.
I am familiar with the culture and language; and the money I can
make there will make me a very stable man. I also need to train
a bit more to conquer my fears. We can never predict or control
the outcome of anything, but in knowing that I am capable of
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
their lives just because we are afraid. My father held me back from
martial arts for very long time because he was afraid. I do not want
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directions magazine
to do the same thing to someone else. A lot of woman nowadays
enjoy going to clubs, but it seems somewhat of a scary environment
for me. It is dark, where we are surrounded by strangers and it
is not a place where I will be able to put up a fight, because I am
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
had no hesitation or consideration about their surroundings, while
I took everything into consideration. I do think that I would have
won that fight, but at least I would have put up a fight if I did not
hesitate. This is the reason why good people often become victims,
because we think. If I can train myself to respond without thinking
then it will no longer be me who fights, it will be the training. In
the nightmares, that traumatized me the biggest challenge was that
I was always out numbered. I woke up so many days crying if there
is no one to fight in the side of the good guys. In Sri Lanka, where I
lived a young lady rarely walks alone on the street. We did not have
officers in uniforms to show up to help us when we needed them the
most and sometimes it is those officers that we had to be afraid of.
A female is often accompanied by a male with the thought that no
other male is likely to approach a female. Having grown up with
that mentality, I would now say that when a man takes a woman
out, he must be willing to do what is necessary to assure her safe
return.
In the society that I come from, when a man introduces a woman to
his family, his family will start judging her character by her clothing,
who she associates with, and how she associates with them.
Voices of Youth
When a woman introduces a man to her family, her family would
judge a man’s stability by looking at who he is in society and what
does for a living. They judge a woman’s character, because she is
considered as the soul of the family. They judge a man’s stability,
because he is considered as the provider and protector of the family.
This may sound like an undeveloped society, but there are good
and bad to everything in life. In a developed society, sometimes the
husband and wife are so systematic with each other, in the fear that
the other person will leave them so they keep their emotions bottled
up. Sometimes the bottle explodes destroying the relationship
sometimes it implodes destroying the person. In the undeveloped
society where divorce and breakups are not that familiar and
where a marriage is considered as a one way ticket, the husband
and wife selfishly express themselves to one another. Sometimes
there is rumble and tumble, but in time they grow into one another
such that they know one another as they know themselves. Time
is changing and so are people. People from my generation are not
only introducing divorce, but all sort of things. I just hope that once
I am stabilized, God will bless me with a woman who will make the
commitment to evolve with me in a way where I will be able to see
her view of life and she can see mine.
When we were kids, we used to believe the stories that our parents
told us, stories about princes and princesses and the happily ever
after. It is our innocence and our curiosity towards life that allowed
us to believe such things. After you have been in a couple of
relationships, if someone ever told you the story about soul mates,
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awards of excellence 2010
you would think that it was nonsense. Every time you commit
yourself to someone and things fall apart on you, part of you is
lost with that relationship. You can only lose so much before you
completely lose interest in relationships. Sometimes a little bit of
innocence is good and too much knowledge is bad. If you had
a casual sex relationship with ten different partners before you
married the eleventh one that you emotionally bonded with, you
now posses the knowledge to make a judgment about which one of
the eleven partners satisfied you the most. If any of the previous ten
seem to have satisfied you more than the person you married, you
are now unsatisfied with you marriage. I decided to save whatever
that was left of me for my wife. The only problem
is that I kind of forget how I feel towards others
and how others feel toward me if I do not
maintain constant communication
with them. I guess after having
someone continue a relationship
with me for two years after they had
stopped loving me, I kind of got used to
leaving people’s feeling toward me
as uncertain until they declare it. Love
and respect is not something to ask for,
it is something to be earned. Even
when we have earned it, it is still the
option of others to give it to us.
With my new gift, I really am
capable of giving that option.
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,
& diid you thiink ii wouldnt beliieve iin love after you?
aha pleease you were just a test to me,
& ii passed iit well.
And oh just remember,
no regretsz,
just lessonsz learned.
Abiramy Sriskandarajah is a Grade 11 student at Albert Campbell CI.
Her ambition is to become a psychologist.
I Remember
by Kathiyga Ulaganathan
I remember my grade twelve prom night.
I remember the nerve wracking stress I was going through just to
buy a fine-looking dress
I remember spending loads of cash on my prom just to make sure
I looked my best.
I remember all the beautiful colored eye-catching dresses worn by
all beautiful ladies.
I remember the sexy pricy cars many of us girls pulled up in.
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
with my friends whom have become my family throughout my high
school years.
I remember the guy I’ve been crushing on for so long finally asked
me to prom.
I remember drinking two bottles of beer in merely five minutes
which later drove me up the wall.
I remember holding the diploma in front of my parents who
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
separate ways after our after party promising to see each other
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 the day I was joyfully awaiting to walk out of high
school after prom so I can think back to all the sweet and sour
memories I had.
I remember the sad goodbyes everyone exchanged to each other
with bouquets of tears as we
all went our separate ways.
Kathiyga Ulaganathan is a 1st
year student at the University of
Toronto Scarborough studying
Management.
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

Proud to support the

Canadian Tamil Youth
Development Centre
Awards of Excellence 2010

40
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We’re working together with the Canadian Tamil

Youth Development Centre to make a
difference in our communities.

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 We grow as a community,
when we invest in our youth.

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