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In Memory of

Sangarapillai Kanapathypillai (August 20, 1929-December 13, 2013)

Retired Director, General Treasury, Sri Lanka

Lord Ganapati on the Gopuram of Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam

"If one daily worship the feet of Lord Ganapati with flowers who has coral like body

and a divine trunk, one will be blessed with silver tongue, good thoughts, imperishable

wealth, due to the direct vision if Goddess of wealth - Lakshmi & good health"

- Auvaiyaar (c. 1st and 2nd century CE) - Lady Legend Amidst Siddhars

45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355, USA

“Dol

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in f

or P

app

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by

Ava

nd

hi

THANK YOUWe thank all of you for the heartfelt sympathies and messages of condo-lences on the passing of our beloved husband/father. Your time in thinking about us during our great loss goes far in bringing solace. We thank and appreciate all the helping hands for assisting in his well being and providing comfort to us in numerous ways since the time of his passing on December 13. 2013. Your presence is greatly appreciated during the visitation at the hospital, funeral home on December 16th, cremation on December 17th and 31st Day Memorial on January 12, 2014.Mrs. Neelambikai Ammal Kanapathypillai (Wife)Children: Balakumaran, Baheerathy, Sivasakthy and ThirukumaranDaughters & Sons-in-law: Shiranee, Kumar Sriskanda, K. Sivarajah and Nalene Grandchildren: Harshini, Varun, Anushini, Vishalini, Praveen, Harrish, Danesh and Amarnath Great-Granddaughter: Avandhi.

579 Highglen Avenue, Markham ON L3S 4N4

(905) 472-0843

ed;wp etpyy;

mkuu; jpU. r. fzgjpg;gps;is mtu;fspd; kuzr; nra;jp Nfl;L vkJ

,y;yj;jpw;Fk; itj;jparhiyf;Fk; te;JjtpAk; MWjYk;

$wpatu;fSf;Fk;> ntspehLfspypUe;J njhlu;Gnfhz;l cwtpdu;fs;>

ez;gu;fs; midtUf;Fk; fzdp %yk; mDjhgr; nra;jpfs;

mDg;gpatu;fSf;Fk; kw;Wk; kyu;tisak; mDg;gpatu;fSf;Fk; -

fhiyAk;> khiyAk; jtwhky; tPl;bw;F te;J filrp epkplk; tiu

Nrit Gupe;j midtUf;Fk; ,Wjpf; fpupiaapy; fye;J

nfhz;ltu;fSf;Fk; kw;Wk; gy topfspYk; cjtp Gupe;j

midtUf;Fk; vkJ kdkhu;e;j ed;wpiaAk; tzf;fj;ijAk;

njuptpj;Jf; nfhs;fpNwhk;.

mkuu;. r. fzgjpg;gps;is

FLk;gj;jhu;.

[ 1 ]

Njhw;wk;: 20.08.1929

kiwT: 13.12.2013

jpU. rq;fug;gps;is fzgjpg;gps;is

ntz;ghMz;ljhk; tp[ajdpy; fhu;fhyf; fhu;j;jpifapUgj;njl;by;

kpd;Dk; nts;spjdpy; guzpNahL $ba G+u;tgf;f - Jthjrpapy;

khf;fk; efupdpy; kiwe;jNj kl;Ltpy; tlf;fpy;

Njhd;wpa fzgjpg;gps;is vDk; Fytpsf;F.

mkuj;Jtr; rpwg;GIe;njhopy; GupAk; jpy;iyf;$j;jdpd; jpUthjpiuj; jpUntk;ghit Ie;jhk; ehs;>

nts;spf;fpoikAk; guzpAk; $ba khiy Neukjpy; Mz;ltd; mUis toq;Fk;

ey;Nyhiuapy; mkuu; rq;fug;gps;is fzgjpg;gps;is eypNtJkpd;wp

ew;fjpaile;jhnud;why;> mJ mtUf;Ff; fpilj;j mUe;jtg;gadd;Nwh!

[ 2 ]

cyf epajpcyfj;ijr; rpU\;bj;J [PtNfhbfis cz;lhf;fpa gpukd; Ntfkhf

tsu;e;Jnfhz;Nl NghFk; g+ghuj;ijf; fz;L ,jw;F vd;d nra;tnjd;W

ftiyg;gl;lhd;. xU topAk; Njhd;whky; cyfj;jpw;F ,J ngUk; ehrk;

nra;tJNghy; njd;gl;lJ. mjd; gpd; cUj;jpud; te;J cyfk; mope;J

NghFnkd Ntz;bf; nfhs;s gpukd; jd;Dila Nfhgj;ijalf;fpf;

nfhz;lhd;. mlq;fpa Nfhghf;fpdp kuznkd;fpw rhe;j cUtq;nfhz;L

cyfj;jpy; gpwg;Gk;> ,wg;Gk; rkkhtjw;F top nra;jJ. mg;gbNa tpahjpAk;>

tpgj;Jkhf kf;fs; tho;f;ifapy; kuzk; ,d;wpaikahj xU ghfkhf

,aq;fp tUfpwJ. cyfpy; kpfTk; Nkd;ik ngw;W> rfy nrsghf;fpaKk;

kq;fsKk; mile;jtu;fs; ahtUNk ,jw;F tpjptpyf;fy;y.

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epiwe;J tsu;fpwNjh me;j clk;gpy; fz;zPu; fz;fSf;Fg; gf;fj;jpNyNa

epw;fpwJ. fz;zPu; ntWk; jz;zPupd; xU gFjpay;y. mJ xU

khngUk;khag; nghUs;. fz;zPupNy ntspr;rk; gpwf;fpwJ. cwT> ghrk;

ahTk; ,Wfg;gpizf;fg;gLfpwJ. ehk; rpupf;Fk; NghJ gj;Jg; Ngu; eLtpw;

rpupf;fyhk;. Mdhy; mOk; NghJ jdpahfj;jhd; moNtz;Lk;. fz;zPu;

vt;tsT tUfpd;Njh mt;tsT ed;ikAz;L. mjdhy; mOfpwtu;fs;

ghf;fparhypfs;. cz;ikia ntspg;gLj;jp ek;gitf;f fz;zPu; ,iwtd;

[ 3 ]

];jhdj;ijailfpwJ.

ek;ik cUthf;fpa FLk;gj;jpYs;s Kjpatu; ,we;J tpl;lhYk; mtU-

ila Md;kh xU Mz;Lf;F tPl;bNyNa nja;tk; Nghy ,Uf;Fnkd;gJ

Kd;Ndhu; fUj;J. mjdhy;jhd; Kg;gJ ehl;fs; tiu NfhtpYf;Fr;

nry;yhky; gz;biffs; nfhz;lhlhky; ,Uf;fpNwhk;. Kg;gJ ehl;fspd;

gpd;du; NfhtpYf;Fr; nry;yyhnkd;Wk; Gz;zpa ];jyq;fl;Fr; nry;yf;

$lhnjd;Wk; ju;k rh];jpu E}y; cWjpg;gLj;jpapUf;fpwJ.

kdpjdpd; Kf;fpakhd flikfspy; ek; Kd;NdhUf;Fr; nra;Ak; rpuhu;j;jk;

(gpjpu; fld;) kpf Kf;fpak;. mtu;fspd; Mrpjhd; Fyk; tho top nra;fpwJ.

,jpy; mf;fiw nfhz;L jtwhJ rpuhu;j;jk; nra;J tuNtz;Lk;.

g+i[aiwapy; Rthkpg;glq;fSld; ek;Kd;Ndhu; glq;fisAk; Nru;j;J

khl;lf;$lhJ. Kd;Ndhu;fs; ekf;Fj; nja;tkhf epd;W topfhl;Lgtu;fs;.

mtu;fsJ glq;fisj; nja;tg; glq;fSld; Nru;j;J itg;gjhy;

g+i[aiwapd; ,iw rf;jp Fiwe;J tpLfpd;wnjd;J ekJ Kd;Ndhu; mw-

pTiu. MfNt ePj;jhu; glq;fis Ntwhf tljpir Nehf;fp khl;LtJ jhd;

rpwe;jJ. mtu;fspd; epidT ehl;fspy; khj;jpuk; topgl;Lg; g+i[ nra;jhw;

NghJkhdJ. nja;tq;fl;Fk;> Kd;NdhUf;Fk; jdpj;jdpahfg; g+i[ nra;a

Ntz;Lk;. nja;tq;fl;Fj; jpdKk; g+i[ nra;a Ntz;Lk;.

,d;iwa #o;epiyapy; mjw;Nfw;wgb VNjDk; xU tifapy;

FLk;gj;jpYs;s Ntu;fs;> tpOJfs;> gpQ;Rfs;> g+f;fs; vd ahtw;iwAk;

xd;W $l;b me;j kfpo;r;rpapidj; jtwtplhky; mDgtpf;fNtz;Lk;. ,J

FLk;gj;jpd; midtupdJk; flikahFk;. ,J md;Gk;> ghrKk; ngUf top

tFf;Fk;.

vJ ele;jNjh mJ ed;whfNt ele;jJ.

vJ elf;fpwNjh mJTk; ed;whfNt elf;fpwJ.

vJ elf;ftpUf;fpwNjh mJTk; ed;whfNt elf;Fk;.

flik Kbe;J NghdJk; kdk; %u;j;jp ,y;yhj Nfhtpiyg; Nghy

ntwpr;Nrhbg; NghfpwJ. flik Kbe;j gpd; tho;tpd; fjp ,JNt MFk;.

fliknad;gJ capUf;F capu; jUk; ,ufrpak;. “flikiar; nra;j gyid

vjpu;ghu;f;fhNj” vd;W fPijAk; nrhy;fpwJ.

[ 4 ]

tpehafu;; tzf;fk;

Rf;yhk; gujuk; tp\;Zk;

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g;u]d;d tjdk; j;ahNaj;

]u;t tpf;Ndhg rhe;jNa

K\pf th `dNkhjf `];j

]hku `u;z tpyk;gpf ]{j;u

thkd &g kN`];tu Gj;u

tpf;d tpdhaf ghj ek];Nj

flTs; tho;j;J

thf;Fz;lhk; ey;y kdKz;lhk; khkyuhs;

Nehf;Fz;lhk; NkdpDlq;fhJ - G+f;nfhz;L

Jg;ghu; jpUNkdp Jk;gpf;ifahd; ghjk;

jg;ghky; rhu;thu; jkf;F

[ 5 ]

gQ;r Guhzk;

Njthuk;

rq;fepjp gJkepjp apuz;Le; je;J

juzpnahL thdhsj; jUtNuDk;

kq;Fth utu; nry;y kjpg;Ngh ky;Nyh

khNjtu;f; Nffhe;j uy;yh uhfpy;

mq;fnkyhq; Fiw e;jOF njhO Nehauh

ahtupj;Jj; jpd;W oYk; GiyaNuDk;

fq;ifthu; rilf;fue;jhu;f; fd;;guhfpy;

mtu;fz;Bu; ehk; tzq;Fq; flTshNu

jpUthrfk;

ahNd ngha; ngad;ndQ;Rk;

ngha; nad; dd;Gk; ngha;

ahdhy; tpidNa dOjh

Yd;idg; ngwyhNk

NjNd aKNj fUk;gpd;

nwdpNt jpj;jpf;Fk;

khNd aUsh abNa

Did te;JWkhNw

jpUtpirg;gh

ieahjkdj;jpdid ietpg;ghdpj;njUNt

Iah ePAyhg; Nghe;jtd;W Kjypd;Wtiu

ifahuj; njhOjUtp fz;zhur; nrhupe;jhYk;

nra;ahNah tUs; Nfhilj;jpiu Nghf;fpa Re;juNd

[ 6 ]

jpUg;gy;yhz;L

ghYf;Fg;ghyfd; Ntz;baOjplg; ghw;flyPe;j gpuhd;

khYf;Fr; rf;fu kd;wUs; nra;jtd; kd;dpa jpy;iyjd;Ds;

Mtpf;F ke;jzu; tho;fpd;w rpw;wk;gyNk aplkhfg;

ghypj;J el;lk; gapy ty;yhDf;Nf gy;yhz;L $WJNk

Guhzk;

jz;zspntz; FilNte;jd; nray; fz;L jupahJ

kz;ztu;fz; kio nghope;jhu; thdtu;g+ kio nrhupe;jhu;

mz;zytd; fz;nzjpNu mzptPjp kotpilNky;

tpz;ztu;fs; njho epd;whd; tPjptplq;fg; ngUkhd;

jpUg;Gfo;

ruzfk yhyaj;ij mu epkp\Neukl;by;

jtKiwjp ahdk; itf;f mwpahj

rlfrl%lkl;b gttpidap Nyrdpj;j

jkpad;kpb ahy;kaf;fk; cWNtNdh

fUizGup ahjpUg;g njdFiwap Ntis nrg;G

fapiykiy ehju; ngw;w FkNuhNd

flfGa kPJuj;d kzpazpnghd; khiynrr;ir

fkOkz khu;flg;gk; mzpNthNd

jUzkpij ahkpFe;j fdkJW ePs; rTf;a

rfynry;t Nahfkpf;f ngUtho;T

jfikrpt QhdKj;jp gufjpA eP nfhLj;J

cjtp Gupa NtZ nea;j;j tbNtNy

mUzjs ghjgj;k kJ epjKNk Jjpf;f

mupa jkpo; jhdspj;j kapy;tPuh

mjprak; mNeJKw;w goepkiy kPJjpj;j

mofjpU Ntufj;jpd KUNfhNd

[ 7 ]

mgpuhkp me;jhjp

Mj;jhis vq;fs; mgpuhk ty;ypia mz;lnky;yhk;

g+j;jhis khJsk;g+ epwj;jhisg; Gtpalq;ff;

fhj;jhs Iq;fiz ghrhq; FrKk; fUk;Gk; mq;if

Nru;j;jhis Kf;fz;zpiaj; njhOthu;f; nfhUjPq;fpy;iyNa

[ 8 ]

cs;sk; moF ,tUf;F!

nja;t Fzk; ,tu; kdJf;F!

ngw;w jha; jid kf kwe;jhYk;

gps;isiag; ngWk; jha; kwe;jhYk;

cw;w Njfj;ij capu; kwe;jhYk;

fw;w neQ;rfk; fiy kwe;jhYk;

fz;fs; epd;wpikg;gJ kwe;jhYk;

ew;wtj;jtu; cs;spUe; Njhq;Fk;

ekrpthaj;ij ehd; kwNtd;! - jpUtUl;gh.

kl;Ltpy; tlf;F irtj;Jf;Fk;> jkpOf;Fk; gq;fspg;G gy nra;j mwpQu;

ngUkf;fisj; je;j ,lk;. ey;y Mrpupau;fisAk;> gz;bju;fisAk; Qhd

rpj;ju;fisAk; tsur; nra;Ak; tskhd kdk; cs;s kdpju;fs; trpf;Fk;

fpuhkk;. gz;bjkzp rp. fzgjpg;gps;is> ciuahrpupau; k.f. Ntw;gps;is

,UtUk; ,q;F gpwe;J gyupd; kdq;fis tsk; ngwr; nra;j ,U

fy;tpkhd;fs;. ,t;t+upy; rq;fug;gps;is fw;gfk; jk;gjpaupd; Kjy; kfdhf

fzgjpg;gps;is gpwe;jhu;. ehDk; ‘gg;gh’ vd ,tiu miog;gJ tof;fk;.

gg;ghtpd; je;ijahu; rq;fug;gps;is> thj;jpahu; vd fw;wtu;fshYk;>

Guhz tpj;jfu; vd Md;kPfthjpfshYk;> mk;khd; vd cwtpduhYk;

mwpag;gLgtu;. fy;tj;J rptd; Nfhtpy;> gz;bj;jiyr;rp mk;kd; Nfhtpy;

kw;Wk; nry;yg;gps;isahu; Nfhtpypy; ,tupd; gpugy;akhd gpurq;fk;>

nrhw;nghopTfs; Nghd;wd Cu; kf;fs; gyUk; Nfl;lJ. ciu Mrpupau; k.f.

Ntw;gps;is mtu;fshy; Muk;gpf;fg;gl;l re;jpu nksyPr tpj;jpahrhiyapy;

jdJ Muk;gf;fy;tpia fzgjpg;gps;is mtu;fSf;F je;ijahu; njhlf;fp

itj;jhu;.

mz;ikapy; ehd; mtiuf; fz;lNj filrpahf mtiur; re;jpj;jjhfp

tpl;lNghJ - gg;gh fjpiuapy; ,Ue;jhu;. kpfTk; ,jkhf mkUk; ti-

fapy; mf;fjpiu tbtikf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. tpUk;gpa NghJ fhiy

epyj;jpy; itg;gjw;Fk; rw;W gpd; Nehf;fp rha;e;J Xa;T vLf;Fk; tifa-

pYk; mjd; mbg;ghfk; tbtikf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. Cupy; cs;s rha;kidf;

fjpiuapypUe;J rw;W NtWgl;lJ. epkyd; thUk; thUk; vdr; rpupj;jhu;.

[ 9 ]

mtupd; fz;fspd; Nehf;F vd;id jhf;fpaJ. [Ptfhe;jkhf ,Ue;jJ. gy

fhyq;fspd; gpd; mtiug;ghu;g;gJ cWj;jyhf ,Ue;jJ. mtupd; rpupg;G

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J}uj;jpy; jpUke;jpug; Gj;jfk; tpsf;f ciuAld; ,Ue;jJ. tpUk;gpa

Neuq;fspy; gbg;Ngd; vd;W $wpdhu;. vdJ ngupag;gh tpehaf%u;j;jpAld;

rhtfr;Nrup ,e;Jf;fy;Y}upapy; gbj;jjhfr; nrhd;dhu;. 1950 fspy; nfhOk;gpy;

cs;s xU rhg;ghl;L filiar; nrhy;yp mjpy; nte;jaf; Fok;G vt;tsT

Urpahf ,Uf;Fk; vd;gijr; nrhd;dhu;. mtu; nrhd;d RitNa ehf;fpy;

ckpo; ePiur; Ruf;fr; nra;jJ. kl;Ltpypy; cs;s gyiug; Nghy; mtUk;

kuf;fwp czT khj;jpuk; cz;gtu;. ,g;gTk; cztpy; vt;tsT

fl;Lghlhf ,Uf;fpwhu; vdr; nrhy;yp khkp tpae;jhu;. vdJ kr;rhs; xU ehs;

mtupd; tPl;by; jq;fp epd;W Nguhjidg; gy;fiyf; fofj;Jf;Fr; nrd;wtu;.

mtiug; gw;wpf; Nfl;lhu;. `up\; Kd;du; fijg;gJ FiwT ,g;g epiwaf;

fijg;ghu; vd nrhy;ypg; g+upj;jhu;. vdJ kidtpapd; Rfq;fis Nfl;L

mwpe;J nfhz;lhu;. vdJ je;ijahu; Gz;zpak; nra;jtu; vdr; nrhd;dhu;.

jd; mYty;fis $lj; jhd; nra;a KbahjpUe;jhu;. fhy;fs; tPq;fp

,Ue;jd.

khkp gg;ghTld; fUj;J xUkpj;J Mjuthf tho;e;J ,d;gk; fz;ltu;

Nfhyk; khwpapUe;jhu;. Fzk; khwhjpUe;jhu;. mtupd; capu; typ nrhy;y

KbahjJ. czu Ntz;baJ. me;je;j kUe;Jfis me;je;j Neuj;Jf;F

nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk;. Ntis jtwhJ czT nfhLg;ghu;. $g;gpl;l

Nghnjy;yhk; Xbte;jhu;. gg;gh typapy; Jbj;j nghOnjy;yhk; $bj;Jbj;jhu;.

,uTfspy; vj;jid jlit foptfw;w ifj;jhq;fyhf mioj;J nrd;whu;.

jhfj;Jf;F jz;zPu; nfhLj;jhu; clk;G typf;F xj;jzKk; nfhLj;jhu;.

,j;jid NritfisAk; khkp nra;jtiuapy; gg;gh nfhLj;J itj;jtu;.

gg;gh typj;jNghJ epj;jpiu ,y;yhky; ,Ue;jhu;. khkp typahj NghJk;

epj;jpiu ,y;yhjpUe;jhu;. gg;gh grpj;j NghJ rhg;gpl;lhu; khkp grpj;jhYk;

rhg;gpl ,ayhjpUe;jhu;. jdpj;jpUe;J jhd; ghu;j;jhu;. gg;ghtpd; capuhf ,tu;

,Ue;jhu; vd;gJ mtu; Nfhyk; fhl;Lk; cz;ik.

gg;ghtpd; nrhj;J gps;isfs; ghyFkhud;> gfPujp> rptrf;jp> jpUf;Fkhud;.

,e;jg; ngau;fs; vj;jid mofhapUf;fpd;wd. me;jg; ngau; #l;ba gg;ghtpd;

cs;sj;jpd; moF mitahapUe;jd. ,e;jg; ngau;fspd; gpufhrk; mJ mtu;

Fzj;jpd; miytbtk;. vz;zj;jhYk;> nrayhYk; mLj;jtiu tUj;jhj

[ 10 ]

,tu; gz;G gps;isfspd; tskhd tho;Tf;F ,tu; Nru;j;J itj;j mUs;

epjpak;.

gg;gh fl;bypy; gLf;fg; Nghtjhf nrhd;dhu;. gf;fj;jpy; epd;w cjtpah-

sUk;> khkpAk; mtu; tpUk;gp Nfl;lij epiwthfr; nra;jdu;. jpwe;jtha;

%ltpy;iy> tpopj;j fz; ,ikf;ftpy;iy gg;gh mDgtpj;jJ ‘kuzk;’

vd;gij mwpahj khkp mUfpy; mOJ nfhz;bUe;jhu;.

Ntz;lhj gFjp vy;yhk; fopj;J fy;ypy; flTisf; fhzyhk;.

jd;dplk; cs;s xU nghUis itj;J ehSk; FJfypf;Fk; Foe;ij

kdij Mde;jkhf itj;jpUf;f ghlk; nrhy;Yk;. tho;ehs; KOtJk;

Mde;jkhfTk; FJfypj;Jk; tho;e;j gg;ghTf;F vg;nghOJNk rpupj;j

Kfk;. mlf;fkhd Nghf;F. myl;bf;nfhs;shj Nehf;F. mikjpahd Ngr;R.

mutizj;Jr; nry;Yk; gz;G. ,iw epiyapy; ,Ue;J capu; ngw;W cly;

vLj;J Gyd; topNa gutpa Mj;kh...

vd; capu; eP

capUf;Fj; Jiz eP

ey;top eP top elj;Jk; FUTk; eP

cwT eP el;G eP

tho;it cUthf;fp

je;j jiytd;

mUl;ngUk; N[hjp

mUl;ngUk; N[hjp

jdpg;ngUk; fUiz.

- ,. epkyd;

[ 11 ]

flikfs; nfhLikfshf khwpa Jau;

gpzp> %g;G> rhf;fhL> ,it %d;wpy; ,Ue;Jk; kdpj ,dk; tpLgl Kbahj

tifapy; tho;tpy; ve;jtpj mu;j;jKk; ,y;iy vd;Wjhd; Gj;jgfthd;

Jwtwk; GFe;jhu;.

kuzk; epr;rak; [ddk; epr;rakpy;iy. ,e;j epr;rakpy;yhj [ddj;ij

vz;zp kdpjd; re;Njh\g;gLfpwhd;. Mdhy; tho;tpy; kpfTk; epr;rakhd

xNu tplakhd kuzj;ij vz;zp kdpjd; fyq;Ffpwhd;.

Mz;lhz;L NjhWk; mOJ Guz;lhYk;> khz;Nlhu; jpUk;gp tuhu;>

,Ug;gpDk; Gyk;gy; epw;gjpy;iy. ,t;thwhf kuzj;ijg; gw;wp gy ti-

fahd rpe;jidfs; vOtJz;L.

vd;idg; ngw;W vLj;j vdJ nja;tq;fSf;F mLj;jgbahf> Vd; <L

,izahf vd;W $lr; nrhy;YksTf;F> vd; tho;tpy; FWf;fWj;jtu;

mz;ikapy; rptgjkile;j mkuu; rq;fug;gps;is fzgjpg;gps;is Mthu;.

1977> ijkhjk; 17k; jpfjp jpq;fs; fhiy vd; tho;tpy; epr;rakhf ehd;

kwf;f Kbah> kwf;f $lhj ehshFk;. nfhOk;G rl;lf;fy;Y}up thrypy;>

,uz;lhk; Mz;L rpNu\;l khztdhf fdp\;l khzt> khztp-

fis tuNtw;f ,sik KWf;Fld; thrypy; fhj;jpUe;j vd; fz;fSf;F

md;iwa jpdj;jd;W vdJ tUq;fhy khkdhupd; tUif> vd;id

mtiur; rw;Wr; rPz;bg; ghu;f;f nra;jJ. vj;jidNah gy ngw;Nwhu;fs;

mq;F me;j Neuj;jpy; gpurd;dkhfp ,Ug;gpDk; Fwpg;ghf ,tiu Nehf;fp

kl;Lk; vd;id efu;e;jpaJ> vdJ Fynja;thkd kl;Lefu; = tPufj;jpg;

gps;isahuh? my;yJ mtu; tzq;Fk; fy;tay; Ntjtdg; gps;isahuh

vd;W vdf;F ,d;Wtiu njupahJ.

vkJ Kjy; re;jpg;gpNyNa vq;fSf;Fs; xU <LghL Vw;gl;lij ,UtUk;

czu;e;Njhk;. mtiu mZfpa gpd;jhd; mtupd; mUfpy; epd;w mtuJ

kfis> mjhtJ vdJ gpw;fhy kidtpia ehd; ftdpj;jJ vd;gJ

ahuhYk; Vw;Wf; nfhs;sKbahj xU cz;ik vd;W vdf;F kl;Lk;jhd;;

njupAk;.

[ 12 ]

ij jpq;fs; 17k; jpfjp 1977k; Mz;L Muk;gkhd mtUlhd vkJ

Kjy; re;jpg;G mLj;jLj;j khjq;fspy; njhlu Ntz;ba xU epiyia

Vw;gLj;jpaJ mtUil kfs; kPJ ehd; nfhz;l fhjy;. vdf;Fs; ,d;Dk;

epiy nfhs;Sk; vkJ Kjy; re;jpg;G> xU rdpf;fpoik fhiy mtUila

fe;Njhupy; ,lk; ngw;wJ. vdJ je;ijahu; Nfhtpypy; Guhzk; ghLgtu;

vd;W nrhy;ypj;jhd; Ngr;irj; njhlq;fpdhu; vdJ tUq;fhy khkdhu;.

mij kpfg; ngUikahf vdf;F vLj;Jf; $wpaJ vdf;F ed;whfg; gpbj;jJ.

irt rkaj;jpy; ,j;jifa gpd;dzp nfhz;ltUf;F Kd;dhy; irtj;jpd;

mupr;RtbNa njupahj ehd; rw;Wf; $dpf;FWfpf; nfhz;Nld;. ,Ug;gpDk;

irtk; vdf;F #dpak; vd;whYk; vdJ mg;ghTk; kl;Lefu; = tPufj;jpg;

gps;isahu; Myaj;jpd; tz;zf;fu; vd;W $wpitj;J vd;id ehNd

Rjhfupj;Jf; nfhz;Nld;.

md;wpy; ,Ue;J njhlq;fpa vkJ re;jpg;G ve;jtpj jlq;fYkpd;wp tpupe;J

tsu;e;J> ,Wjpapy; 2013 khu;fop nts;spf;fpoik 13k; jpfjp Kw;Wg;ngw;wJ.

vdJ je;ijahUk;> khkdhUk; mtutu; Fzhjpraq;fspy; ,U JUtq;fs;

vd;Nw nrhy;yyhk;. vdJ je;ij xU tplhf;nfhz;lu; vd;why; vdJ khkh

vjpYNk gpbg;gw;wtu;. tpl;Lf; nfhLg;gijNa tho;f;ifahf nfhz;ltu;.

filrp thu;j;ij jd; thu;j;ijahfNt ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W tpUk;gpatu;

vd;idg; ngw;W vLj;jtu;. Mdhy; ehd; VjhtJ nrhd;dhy; kw;wtu; kdJ

Gz;gl;L tpLNkh vd;W gae;jtu; vd; kidtpiag; ngw;W vLj;jtu;.

,t;thW gy cjhuzq;fs; nrhy;yyhk;. Mdhy; mtu;fs; ,UtUk;

re;jpf;Fk; Nghjy;yhk; xUtiu kw;wtu; kdjhu Nerpj;jYk;> Gfo;e;J

nfhz;lJk; xU Mr;rupaNk!

“flik> fz;zpak;> fl;Lg;ghL> Neu;ik> nra;Ak; njhopNy nja;tk; vd;W

gy Fzhjpaq;fis nfhz;ltu; cdJ khkdhu;. Mifahy; mtu; kdJ

Gz;gLk; tifapy; xU ehSk; ele;JtplhNj”> vd;W vdJ mg;gh vdf;F

mbf;fb $Wthu;. Kd;Nfhgk; nfhz;l cd;id vd;d nrhy;ypj;jhd;

rkhspf;fpwhu;fNsh vd;W vdJ mg;gh Mjq;fg;gl;l ehl;fSk; cz;L.

,q;F vd; kdij njhl;ltplak; vd;dntd;why;> jdJ jpUthiaj; jpwe;J

,tu; “ey;y kdpjd;” vd;W vdJ je;ijahu; $wpa xNu xU [Ptd; vdJ

khkdhu; kl;Lk;jhd; vd;W nrhd;dhy; mJ kpifahfhJ.

[ 13 ]

xU ey;y gps;isia ngw;W vLj;J> mtiu vdf;F kidtpahf

jhiu thu;j;Jf; nfhLj;J> gpd;dhu; mjd; %yk; ehd; ed; kf;fisAk;>

Ngug;gps;isiaAk; ngw;W vLf;f Muk;g topNfhypahf ,Ue;j cq;fSf;F

vt;thW ehd; ifkhW nra;Ntd; vd;W Vq;fpa ehl;fs; Kbtila

Kd;dNu> ePq;fs; rptgjk; mile;jJ nfhLik!

mjdpDk; nfhLik cq;fis kuzg; gLf;ifapy; ghu;f;Fk; ghtj;ij ehd;

nra;jJ!

mjdpDk; nfhLik> cq;fs; rptpifia ehDk; Rkf;f ePq;fs; top

gz;zpaJ. rpy flikfs; nfhLikfshf khwpahJ ehd; nra;j ghtNkh>

ahdwpNad; guhguNd!

fle;j 36 tUlq;fshf vd;Dld; gupr;rakhfp gpd;du; vdJ ngw;Nwhu;>

rNfhjuu;fSlDk; gupr;rakhfp vq;fs; vy;Nyhu; kdjpYk; ePq;fhj

,lk;ngw;w vdJ khkdhu; mkuu; fzgjpg;gps;is mtu;fis ehDk; vdJ

rNfhjuu;fSk; ,iwtdb mtu; Nru tho;j;jp tzq;FfpNwhk;.

Fkhu; =];fe;jh + rNfhjuu;fs;

jhkiuf;Nfzp> kl;lf;fsg;G

[ 14 ]

Translation by Rev Dr G.U. Pope:

Thirukurall - by ThiruvalluvarWho shares domestic life, by household virtues graced,Shall, mid the Gods, in heaven who dwell, be placed.He who on earth has lived in the conjugal state as he should live, will be placed among the Gods who dwell in heaven.

[ 15 ]

Memories of PappaMy earliest memories of Pappa are hazy, faded snapshots – a brief moment

at a sun-fi lled, sea-side Colombo park, or sitting with the newspaper together in our Dehiwala house. Later: Pappa giving me math lessons in my uncle’s home in Scarborough and instilling in me a confi dence in my own abilities that carried me through 20 years of formal education. There were visits, too many to mention, at the home they shared with my aunt and uncle in Markham – tea and coffee, bis-cuits, laughter, a feeling of being loved without reservation.

And then there were the years when I was away, through university, then medi-cal school, then more training. There were a few moments on the phone together – “How are you keeping, Harshi?” When I was pregnant, I presented him and my grandmother a picture frame for a new baby, their great-grandchild. Months later, he helped me wrap sweets to give away at my baby shower.

This past summer, as he grew more frail, every outing became momentous. At my family’s cottage in Balsam Lake, he walked from the house to the fi eld, wanting to look at the crops himself. It took him a long time to do it, with stops for a rest along the way. My brother drove him back in the car. I don’t think he walked that distance ever again.

I don’t know where Pappa found the strength to carry himself in the way that he did. I cannot recall him raising his voice at me, even once. I don’t know what ex-periences or memories he considered signifi cant in his own life. But, he had many titles and roles and the only one I knew him as was ‘grandfather’. He was a model that I was lucky to have. I hope I can live in a manner he would be proud of – dig-nifi ed and dutiful, while taking care of my family, working hard in my profession, and raising a daughter the way he and my grandmother raised their four children. And in doing so, I carry on his memory.

- Harshi

Harshini Sriskanda:

HOMAGE

From Grandchildren

[ 16 ]

Letter to PappaDear Pappa,I wasn’t going to contribute to this volume initially. I didn’t really feel worthy.

Indeed, I had a very different experience of your death than most of those present at the funeral. I don’t have pictures of you carrying me as a child. I don’t have pic-tures with you as a confi dent and thoughtful young man. My grief doesn’t compare to Harshi’s or your other grandchildren, and doesn’t compare to mami’s or your other children. It also certainly comes nowhere close to Amma’s overwhelming emotion – a sadness barely palpable to me, because her love for you is older than the years I have been alive. I must confess that I neither knew what to say nor how to comfort her. So, I resorted to gently rubbing her back in silence, and hoped oth-ers had the right words to whisper to her in between sobs.

When I say that I had a very different experience of your death, I don’t mean to say that I will not miss you. It’s just different. I did not know my grandparents – all four of them died when I was either too young to remember them or too selfi sh to understand the value of family. You and Amma were the only grandparents I had, and I was happy to share you, albeit in a second-hand kind of way, with Harshi and others. I enjoyed the conversations we used to have at the dinner table – too few in retrospect – about your time in Colombo, the discrimination you experienced, and your thoughts on Tamil politics.

Hearing your perspective was always a treat for me, because it added life to a period I only read about.

Towards the end, the diffi culty with which you carried on a normal conversation were all signs that the Pappa we knew had already faded into the background. For someone like yourself, who prided himself on self-reliance and independence, I can imagine how diffi cult it must have been to be dependent on others.

This is why I was initially happy when I heard that you had passed away. It sounds weird to hear, I know. But, towards the end of your life I got the distinct impression that you were ready to move on. You often wavered between wanting to stay and watch Avandhi grow, to having had enough. So, while I knew how big of a loss it would be for your family, and while I knew it saddened you to no end knowing that you would not be around to see Avandhi grow into a young woman, I also knew that you were growing tired and weary of your time here. And so, I was happy for you – at least a little. And over time, perhaps it will be this happiness that comes to fi ll the void that you have left behind.

Goodbye Pappa. You will be missed. – Amar

Amarnath Amarasingam:

[ 17 ]

Forever gratefulDear Pappa,I have not forgotten and will likely never forget the many memories we shared

together from 1991 to December 2013 while we lived in Canada. I still remember sitting at the dining table in apartment 810 at 1580 Sandhurst

Circle for my weekly math lesson from you. I remember you teaching me there is 6 zeroes in a million - a couple weeks later at a family gathering you would ask me - “Aiyah, how many zeroes in a million?!”. Years later when I took a business course in high school you would help me with basic principles of accounting and work-ing with balance sheets. You were always there as my go-to person for math and accounting related questions. Even in your later years you would want to know all the fi nancial details of soybean farming. I would want to tell you just so I could ask if you had any creative accounting practices to avoid paying excessive amounts in tax. Yes, I still remember you telling me that trying to avoid tax is a risky business. I also remember asking you if my dog Shirah could be declared as a dependant for tax purposes - you just gave me your usual smile and laugh. I miss seeing you smile and laugh like that.

When I began my B.A. at Windsor you were there every step of the way to make sure I would pursue a law degree after graduating. When I fi nished at Wind-sor in 2010 you were excited to see the degree and it wasn’t too long afterwards you asked me “so when are you applying to law school?”.

I certainly hope I made you proud by pursuing a law degree. When I made the decision to move to England you were probably the most excited out of every-one. While I was there we would talk once a week about how courses were going and how living in England was like. When I came back for Christmas vacation we would talk about constitutional law, the law of evidence and the law of trusts & equity, which you said you found very interesting and which I found boring and diffi cult.

Pappa, you and Amma were always there for me no matter what. I am forever grateful to have had your blessings and support throughout my life. Thinking about you forever and always.

Love,Varun

Varun Sriskanda:

[ 18 ]

We will continue to learn from you in the years to come…

My name is Anushi, and I am one of Mr. Kanapathypillai’s granddaughters. I am here to share a few words about my grandfather, who, as most of you know, we have always affectionately called “Pappa”.

I have been lucky because for most of my life, Pappa has lived right across the hall from me. Pappa and my grandmother, who we call Amma, moved in with me and my parents when I was two years old, and lived with us ever since.

Like many grandparents, Pappa was always full of stories. I would like to share with you what I have learned about him over the years. As a child, he was remark-ably clever. If you asked him, just months ago, he could still happily recount the high scores he achieved on all his major exams. He loved to sing, and it was in the assembly lines at school, chanting thevarams, where he fi rst crossed paths with my grandmother.

At home, he was a deeply respected older brother to four siblings. The younger generation of our family was lucky to catch a glimpse of this earlier in the year, when Pappa’s youngest brother visited from Australia. The brothers had not seen each other in over twenty years. On the day Pappa’s brother arrived, you could feel the excitement. I remember my cousin Praveen and I racing behind Pappa’s brother as he raced his way toward Pappa’s room for the fi rst time. We were so eager to see the look on Pappa’s face. Of course, he lit up instantly, and his brother was barely able to sit down – they were both so happy to see each other.

Pappa was also an incredibly devoted husband. I always knew this, but it really struck me some years back, when we threw a surprise party for his fi ftieth anniver-sary with Amma. Shortly after we garlanded the happy couple, Pappa treated us to a heartfelt speech. He told us – openly, passionately and in front of no small crowd – about just how much he loved our grandmother. He admitted that as a young man working in Sri Lanka, when he travelled from Jaffna to Colombo without Amma, little traces of her around the house would make him weep when he missed her. Nothing has changed from those days, and as time passed, it became increasingly rare to see Pappa without Amma by his side. He was an equally dedicated father, my mother has told me, chasing every last mosquito out of her room at night so she could study comfortably as a child.

Over the past few days, I have been thinking about my own relationship with Pappa. One of the most special things about our bond is how much we enjoyed

Anushini Sivarajah:

[ 19 ]

learning from each other. When I was in high school, we would spend our morn-ings dividing up our favourite sections of the newspaper. He always made sure I read the world news. Once, as a gift, he presented me with a dictionary, and he quickly became one of its most frequent users. He often stopped by my room to discuss with me the new words he had heard on TV or had seen in the newspaper. He would tell me what he thought these words meant – and he was usually right – but would still insist that we look them up together. It was so important to him to understand things correctly and precisely. I loved that about him, and strived to be the same.

Over the years, I have faced decisions that are little more serious than choos-ing the right section of the newspaper to read, and Pappa has always been fi ercely in support of keeping me happy. I am thankful to have had someone as good and wise as Pappa by my side. He brought great warmth to our lives, and no day at home was complete without paying a visit to his room. My sister Vishalini, who was unable to join us today, asked me to share a few words about this. She wrote, “some of my best memories were defi nitely as a child, when Pappa would babysit me, before I started going to school. I would always feel so comfortable going to his room to talk to him. When I was very young, he always made me laugh during these visits. When I was older, he would teach me – math, spelling, and many other things – and when I was even older, these visits were the best thing to have after coming home for weekends from Hamilton.”

Ever since I can remember, Pappa and Amma have played an important role in raising me, my sister and our cousins – Harshi, Varun, Praveen, Harrish and Danesh. Maybe it’s selfi sh, but Pappa, I wish we could have kept you for a few more years. There is so much more that I wish you could have seen us achieve. Your excitement, your curiosity and your interest in our lives has always been one of our greatest blessings. We already miss you so much. You have taught us the most beautiful lessons about love through your roles as a husband, father, grandfa-ther and brother – and though you have had to leave us, we will continue to learn from you in the years to come. I am grateful to have known you this well and for this long. I love you Pappa. Rest in peace.

- Anushi

(Text was read by Anushi on Monday, December 16, 2013 during the visitation hours at Highland Funeral Home)

[ 20 ]

I cannot completely believe it…Before I started going to school, Amma and Pappa—my grandparents—would

baby-sit me during the day while my parents were at work and while my sister was at school. They would also baby-sit my younger cousin Praveen, and so Amma and Pappa would split up to take turns baby-sitting each of us at our own houses. When Pappa baby-sat me, we would often sit upstairs in his room and would talk, read and laugh together. Of course, I was very attached to both Amma and Pappa, but I have a very distinct memory of quietly going up to my parents’ room one evening and watching Pappa leave to go to Praveen’s house for baby-sitting. I was sad to watch him go even though I knew I would see him again the next day.

I am fortunate in that I have lived in the same house as Pappa since I was born. For as long as I can remember, he was always there. As a child, I would go to his room to ask him for help with my math homework when I just could not fi gure out how to do two-digit multiplication problems. He explained the concepts and patiently sat with me, despite my tears and slowness, until I understood how to do the problems on my own. I was also there to help him whenever he needed my assistance, whether it was looking up a word in the dictionary, performing a google search to fi nd out about something he read in the paper, or bringing the lunch Amma prepared for him upstairs during the days he could not walk to the kitchen. I have been able to share my successes and failures with him, and received warm praises or words of encouragement. I have been lucky enough to talk to Pappa ev-eryday before I went to university. After I went away for school, I was still lucky to see and talk to him each day I was home. I had always assumed that Pappa would be there, and now that he is gone, I cannot completely believe it. Sometimes I fi nd myself thinking that he’s in his room, sleeping or watching the news.

Sometimes I fi nd myself thinking he’s out visiting my aunts and uncles, and that he’ll be home soon. At times like these, I think back to when I would watch Pappa leave through my parents’ bedroom window, clinging on to the thought that he would be back the next day in order to stop myself from feeling sad.

Pappa, I hope we may see each other sometime soon. I miss you.

- Vish

Vishalini Sivarajah:

[ 21 ]

P A P P A I called him Pappa and his absence brings tears,

As we contemplate our new life, it instills fears,

He always was able to bring the family together,

We will remember his kind-hearted soul forever,

Husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather he has played his part,

Pappa you will always hold a special place in my heart,

We will all miss your jubilant smile,

You’re compassion and persistence never went out of style,

You enjoyed to see you’re grandchildren’s success,

Even met Avandhi, you’re great-granddaughter princess,

I would always enjoy our one -on -one discussion,

But usually it ended with an inquiry into my academic position,

If I was given an opportunity or a magical wish,

I would wish for you to be here to share with you’re family one last Christmas,

Pappa I know you will be watching over all of us everyday,

You’re loved ones will need you’re protection every step of the way,

We come to the grim understanding that it was you’re time to go,

Just know that me, Praveen and everyone else will miss you and love you so.

- Praveen

Praveen Balakumaran:

[ 22 ]

Deeply heartfelt attitude shall be present throughout my lifetime…

Accounting for my own circumstantial upbringing that largely took place in the US, specifi cally New Jersey, Pappa and I have nevertheless developed an enduringly infl uential relationship. Ideally, as one of his grandsons, there has been a recogniz-able bond that has been present since my birth. On special occasions, my immedi-ate family and I would take trips to Canada where we were able to visit a majority of my relatives, especially Amma and Pappa. These regular visits were great as it exposed me to Pappa’s unique and optimistic character. From my perspective, Pappa was a calmingly kind and wise person who displayed loving affection for my brother Danesh and myself. It was nice during those periods as we were able to stay at Pappa’s house to further brighten his surroundings joyously. His recurring curi-ousness of my own affairs and activities back in New Jersey had always presented the quality time we shared together. Overall, our interactions had defi nitely illumi-nated much of Pappa’s appreciation and appraisal for my well-being and aspirations for the future.

Our conversations were even highlighted by his everlastingly warm smile and sly eagerness to instill motivation for me to better myself in academics and volunteer-ism. Our long-distance relationship had vitally transcended our face-to-face ties as well. It was always amusing to regularly hear his distinct voice over the phone where he had always delivered enthusiastic birthday calls. In addition, I knew he would never hesitate to pickup the phone from his Markham home to gain assur-ance about my own affairs even if I was absent from Canada.

However, our relationship had somewhat changed in a positive light where I had individually decided to enroll in a university within Canada. A crucial aspect of that decision had stemmed from my willingness to be closer to Pappa and the rest of my family for better communication. I knew that moving to Canada for my college education had allowed for greater happiness from Pappa to ensure our familial bond. It had also opened numerous opportunities for me to see him more through my school breaks, which I had enjoyed. I remember Pappa had always con-tained meaningful gestures that indicated his proudness of my progress in political science. Through my father, it was inspiring to learn of his tenure as a prominent public servant back in Sri Lanka. It was astounding to hear his work in the Sri

Harrish Thirukumaran:

[ 23 ]

Lankan Treasury that placed him on trips to both Japan and India. I found it really neat to discover that and link it with my concentration in public administration. In a sense, Pappa’s own accomplishments have encouraged my adamant determination to uphold his words of advice to properly direct my academic future.

Sitting with him in his room silently or making small talk had in my view always radiated a cherishing environment I hope to keep forever. From my own hidden memory, I wish to remember that Pappa had a vivid admiration for my being as a boy and striven to see the best out of me. Pappa, I know a simple description can never capture your own personality and characteristics, but your deeply heartfelt attitude shall be present throughout my lifetime. I’ll miss you Pappa.

- Harrish

(Baby Ganapati on front cover – drawn by Harrish, during Elementary School years in Dayton, NJ, USA)

[ 24 ]

Looking Over Us As the cold Canadian air blows past me these days when I walk up the porch steps of Uncle Sivarajah household,the only ideas fl owing through my head are about what occurred in my life the past few months for Pappa always asked.

He often calls me to his room to ask me what happened in New Jersey and how my grades are,although he already knew that I was doing well and he knows in the future I will go far.

Anytime he would tell me something factual or anything in general I would always respond with “I know,”so from that he’ll say that I knew “everything,” and my knowledge would continue to grow.

Pappa was a very profound man through his words,as he often made everyone else around him chirp about their newfound knowledge they learned from him like birds.

I remember a recurring statement he said to me was that he always wanted to see me enter college,as I wanted him to see me too and for him to see me expand my knowledge.

Even though he is not here today in his physical presence,I know that he will be watching me from somewhere telling me to do the right things in essence

- Danesh

Danesh Thirukumaran:

[ 25 ]

Sweet compassion of PappaPappa, Though this dayComes in the life of any soul on this earth, it can never be perfectly timed or

one prepare and be satisfi ed that they’ve spoken the last word to their loved one.Pappa, and it is extremely hard to accept that we will not see you anymore. You

your self did not want to leave us, not because of it as being afraid of the inevi-table, but as you fabulously enjoyed our successes, milestones and then in gather-ings in which everyone loved your company - along with us our friends and their families you didn’t want to miss them and it will not be the same without you.

Pappa you never considered your ‘job’ is done though you have tremendously fulfi lled your mission on earth - as the eldest son of our Appappa Sangarapillai Vaathiyyar and Appachi Katpagam, and as brother to Siththappa Sinnathamby, periyaththai Sinnappillai, Appu - Shanmugam and Kunjaththai Umaiyammai.

And as loving husband to Amma and therein how anyone would want to model their marital bliss.

As our Pappa to all of your children and grandchildren and great granddaughter Avandhi

You did not consider that your job in these roles as done and you continued to take active and keen interest in many forms in enduring the pattern of goodness for everyone of us is here to stay.

We shall miss your physical presence in every way.Pappa, As kid I think the fi rst paying of respect for a departed soul I attended was in

Kalvayal, for Manikkappacchi, my cousin and childhood pal Gnanan’s grandma.When going from Colombo by train I was thinking that perhaps this news of

the passing away is not true, and remember that Yarl Devi journey still. I felt this way when Ammama left us as well. But since departing from Sri Lanka I never was able to pay respect to several close relatives who left us.

Being unable to do so is terrible loss and often it has become the norm to many of us.

Pappa, for you though am here I very much regret that I wasn’t fortune and

From Youngest of the children:

K. Thirukumaran:

[ 26 ]

didn’t choose the path to be on the vicinity for the past 15 years. This adding on top that I spent less time than Annnan and my sisters as last of your children.

Pappa My friend Jegan T. Sathyaligam emailing condolence wrote to me that you are

“very calm and peaceful person.” PappaAs far back I can remember I don’t recall a time that you even raised your voice

at me, which I do almost weekly if not daily to my own sons due to largely from my inabilities in coping with daily routines. I crawl down only in thinking how you have been to me, even in times wen I was your “problem child” as far as the goal of securing a higher education is concerned.

Having done the GCE OLs exceptionally well for which you were very pleased, I fl unked the ALs badly. My physics and mathematics teacher Mrs. Narendran Madam whom I liked very much repeatedly told you in parent teacher meetings that I am never in the class, but busy organizing events and so forth. You’d come home after the meeting and not be mad at me, but I remember your facial expres-sion in sadness as to why I do this to myself without considering my future.

My school years at DS Senanayake college and time with friends and neighbors - at First lane who also attended DS - Nira, Nishanth and Nidharshan are excep-tional ones.

Pappa, I thank you for giving me all these choices.As studying in an developing school there needed extra contributions on your

part than in a normal government funded school. You participated in many ‘shra-madana’ (means ‘a gift of labor’) and to fork up special building fund appeals made by the school. Amma says that you recalled vivid memories of my time in DS when my principal Alles sir passed away few days ago on the 28th of November.

When I passed the grade 5 scholarship examination and had the option for automatic admission to schools such as Royal College, where such extra parental participation in building the school would have been not needed but because I decided that I wanted to stay at DS, Pappa fully supported it as well.

Your admiration for DS and interactions about it with your friends and col-leagues at your offi ce may have even prompted them to overlook other leading Colombo schools when they were admitting their children to school - Pappa, I remember of your friend Mr Dharmesena. Same with your friend Mr Chandradasa who used to come to our house and also enjoy Amma prepared sumptuous rice and curries while talking to me about DS.

Pappa you paved the way for me to pursue to my likings while in Colombo and then also to depart to US in Sept 1984 for higher studies. My AL results not helping and while looking for higher learning opportunities abroad, Pappa guided to many things if they are to my liking. Ranging from a Technical apprenticeship to

[ 27 ]

Teaching English. But I chose to work for a Tamil daily newspaper which is also a motivation Pappa instilled in me throughout my entire childhood.

Pappa and Amma brought their roots of devotion and hospitality from their pristine surroundings of Madduvil Notth and Kalvayal to Dehiwela and Markham. Pappa’s ancestral home where his youngest sister Umaiyammai - Kunjaththai now lives sits on the tip of the greens of Mudhaliya Vayal. They indulged in utmost hospitality at home, at festivals at their “Sweet gracing” deity Panayadi Pillaiyaar or at the lemonade stands of Pandithalaichchi Amman especially during Panguni Thingall to quench the thirst of devotees and festival goers. The mouth watering freshly harvested Madduvil Kaththirikkai, Payaththam parruppu curry and red rice is everyday staple that will draw anyone to Pappa’s house in Madduvil North.

It is from this house Pappa left hours before crack of dawn to catch a train to Colombo Appappa told me, as they both chose Pappa entering the Ceylon clerical service in 1950 after completing English matriculation and gaining a class at the entrance exam.

37 years later Pappa retired as a Director at The General Treasury of Sri Lanka while he topped in Sri Lanka Government Accountant Service. His perseverance took him to many positions in his career such as member of the boards of The River Valleys Development Board and Ceylon Electricity Board. The positions took him in offi cial Ministry capacity to other countries such as Japan.

Though Pappa came to Canada in his retirement years, he studied Canadian Taxation and worked at H & R Block for almost another decade. He took pride in being a taxpayer in his new home country and enjoyed taking the public transport from Markham, to get to work at the H & R Block offi ces in the Morningside and Kingston area, a lot of times on cold winter days like today. In addition, until the year 2010 Pappa also took care of the accounting books at Sriskanda Law Offi ce.

Pappa, you wanted us to do of these more but set the bar high for success for all of us. And you were proud seeing your eldest granddaughter Harshini as physi-cian and in marital bliss with Amar and then Avandhi for you to pamper as your fi rst great-grandchild.

Pappa has taken exceptional care of all grandchildren - Harshini, Varun, Anushini, Vishalini, Praveen, Harrish and Danesh and in showering his love to Avandhi.

Their promising ways in academics and sports are matters Pappa you wanted to see and cherish.

Pappa, my close friend in consoling me after hearing you departing, wrote to me -

“He was a kind, gentleman typical of the Tamil public servants of a bygone era and fi tted the description of “grass not getting crushed when he walks””.

[ 28 ]

Pappa,Though I had the opportunity to live near you for the last 23 years in Ontario,

I chose to work in NYC. Having to live and work under temporary visa in the US may be risky in terms of my future long-term welfare you’d caution me.

As I was out during 15 of those 23 years, I missed many gatherings and events with you Pappa.

Which - Nesan Annachchi, Elder brother of my fi rst brother in law writing on my Facebook wall called is his “family’s privilege in knowing you for the past 30 years”.

And in talking to this way here - two of your grandchildren are not right here at this moment - Praveen is taking fi nal exams in his sophomore year and Vishalini is on her way back after semester long volunteering in Africa. They however are the only two grand children who have been privileged to be near you since their arrival on this earth - Vish in the same house and Praveen in the same neighborhood.

And Amma - if not for the past year or so I wouldn’t have known that you had a fi fth child - as Pappa required more and more of your time and attention, the number of times you’d call me kept declining. In the times since Appu Chithappah visited and went back to Brisbane this summer, the calls - weeks went by without them. Now you please call me again Amma.

For me when I get back to New Jersey, I can think that you are still here in Markham, and water my eyes anytime when I listen to your favorite signer Pithukuli Murugadas’s singing - “Maaninam pirintha pin vaaduthal pole, mayanghi uzhalum siru mainthan en mele..Ean innum thayavillaiya Muruga” or even the song from the 1952 blockbuster Parasakthi - “O Rasikkum seemane Vaa jolikkum udai anninthu kallikkum nadanam purivome”

A condolence message that received, from A Tamil American elder Dr Na-galigam Ethirveerasingam - whom you told me that you are only well aware as a distinguished athlete but I too never met personally today emailed me from Jaffna. I had interacted in forums that he’s been active since May 2009 and he said -

“My deepest condolence on the passing of your father. He has lived a full life. Irrespective of age, you are refl ecting your life with him from the time you were aware of yourself. “

Pappa - I take this and shall say “until we meet again”, but be assured that we will all live up to your expectations.

And in the words of the lady legend sidhar Auvaiyar’s words “May joyous com-passion be with all from the Sweetly gracing lord Pillaiyar” you worshiped.

- Thiru(Text was read by Thiru on Monday, December 16, 2013 during the visitation hours at

Highland Funeral Home)

[ 29 ]

In Memoriam online:For Pappa – Sangarapillai Kanapathypillai

http://pappa29.tumblr.com/

Renderings of Hymnsby Appappa (Pappa’s father)

Sinnathamby Sangarapillai (1902-1988)http://katpagam.tumblr.com/

Also on:http://www.youtube.com/user/KatpagamChannel

“Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” - Charles Dickens (1812-1870) Novelist

Display on 57th Street, NY, NY 10019

[ 30 ]

This isn’t goodbye...

Kanapathipillai has touched many a hearts and lives. He gave so much of himself to everyone, not because of anything else, but because he knew that was the way to live life. He gave hope to everyone during their toughest times, includ-ing me, during my trials I have found comfort in his kind eyes and powerful words. I cannot tell how thankful I am for the bond that ran between us. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. You gave me a forever within the numbered days and I will carry all our memories together with me wherever I go. I am well aware that mere fancy words will never be enough to describe the man he was, and all that is deep down in my heart can never be worded instead they can only be felt, reminisced and cher-ished. You will continue to be in my memories forever.

So my dear friend from all of us here today…….this isn’t goodbye, it’s just a different kind of hello.

I would like to convey my sympathies to his family, friends and everyone who’s here today.

- S.Kanagasabai

From Friends

By S. Kanagasabai:

[ 31 ]

Sangarapillai Kanapathypillai : A Gentleman who was Gentle and Genteel.

I was very sorry to hear that Mr.Sangarapillai Kanapathypillai had passed away peacefully on December 13th last year. The news of his departure did not shock me as I was aware that his health had been deteriorating through conversations from his son and my close friend Thirukumaran.

‘‘Pappa’’ as his children called him had been a regular feature of our conversa-tions over the years. In recent times as his state of health declined talking about Pappa-as I too referred to him-became almost a constant topic in our near daily telephone conversations.

I fi rst met Thiru in 1988 while both of us were in the USA.I came to know other members of his family after I moved to Canada in 1989. I used to visit the homes of Thirukumaran, his brother Balakumaran and his sisters Baheerathy and Sivasakthy frequently in the early nineties of the last century.

I was a bachelor then and was treated with great friendship and hospitality at their homes during those days. I would often meet both parents on those occasions.

Conversing with Mr.Kanapathypillai was both interesting and informative. He had a commendable track record as a senior offi cial in the public service for several decades. His vast knowledge of the past and the experiences he had undergone enabled him to relate several illuminating and amusing anecdotes. He had a quiet sense of humour.

Yet he never imposed himself or tried to monopolise discussions and would politely contribute to the conversations only when asked. I used to enjoy hearing him talk about men and matters he had encountered during his 37 years of public service and learnt a lot.

Entering the portals of Govt clerical service fi rst and then moving on to Govt Accountancy corridors, Mr.Kanapathypillai’s gradual ascension within the Bureau-cratic structure was impressive.

He worked in many Government ministries such as Labour, Health and Finance and retired as Director of the Treasury. He also served on the boards of River Valleys Development and Ceylon Electricity as the Finance ministry representative. Though the greater part of his working life was spent in Colombo the period of work he enjoyed most was his stint at Ratnapura.

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj:

[ 32 ]

Mr.Kanapathypillai was also an avid reader of my writings in both English and Tamil. After the Tamil weekly that I edited in Canada ceased publication I focused on English writing. Thiru would give him print-outs of some articles. After reading he always provided some related input on those.

My personal interaction with Mr.Kanapathypillai began decreasing in later years. Thiru had relocated to the USA. Bala, Bahee and Siva relocated from Scarborough to Markham. But as stated earlier ‘‘Pappa’’ was very often a topic of conversation for Thiru and myself. Thiru would relate something interesting and/or informative that his father had told him. At times I would ask Thiru about his father’s views on a particular issue. In that way I would get glimpses of his thoughts and views.

Memories of my own father’s days as a Govt servant and of relatives and oth-ers like Mr.Kanapathypillai remind me at times of the halcyon days of the Tamil public servants. They were steeped in the British colonial tradition and possessed a tremendous sense of duty and discipline that seems unimaginable in the current Sri Lankan context. They discharged their duties with effi ciency, integrity and loyalty shunning publicity and frivolity.

Many of them joined the Govt service in the lower rungs and then steadily went up the ladder through dedication, perseverance and hard work. They rose from the ranks to the top. They were not bees fl itting from fl ower to fl ower in search of pol-len but fi rmly planted seeds growing over the years into fruit-bearing trees.

This pattern of stable career growth may seem archaic in the present era where career growth basically depends on mobility and not stability. Another notable aspect of these personnel was their wide and deep knowledge of a number of mat-ters that were totally unrelated to their work.

In that sense Mr. Kanapathypillai was a typical representative of the Tamil Govt servants of a bygone era. He was a kind, honourable gentleman who was gentle and genteel in his ways, speech, deeds and demeanour.

There is a saying in Tamil about good people who tread so softly and gently that even grass does not get crushed underfoot.

Sangarapillai Kanapathypillai was such a man!May his soul break away from the cycle of rebirths and fi nd eternal bliss with

the almighty.

- D.B.S.Jeyaraj

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THANK YOUWe thank all of you for the heartfelt sympathies and messages of condo-lences on the passing of our beloved husband/father. Your time in thinking about us during our great loss goes far in bringing solace. We thank and appreciate all the helping hands for assisting in his well being and providing comfort to us in numerous ways since the time of his passing on December 13. 2013. Your presence is greatly appreciated during the visitation at the hospital, funeral home on December 16th, cremation on December 17th and 31st Day Memorial on January 12, 2014.Mrs. Neelambikai Ammal Kanapathypillai (Wife)Children: Balakumaran, Baheerathy, Sivasakthy and ThirukumaranDaughters & Sons-in-law: Shiranee, Kumar Sriskanda, K. Sivarajah and Nalene Grandchildren: Harshini, Varun, Anushini, Vishalini, Praveen, Harrish, Danesh and Amarnath Great-Granddaughter: Avandhi.

579 Highglen Avenue, Markham ON L3S 4N4

(905) 472-0843

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In Memory of

Sangarapillai Kanapathypillai (August 20, 1929-December 13, 2013)

Retired Director, General Treasury, Sri Lanka

Lord Ganapati on the Gopuram of Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam

"If one daily worship the feet of Lord Ganapati with flowers who has coral like body

and a divine trunk, one will be blessed with silver tongue, good thoughts, imperishable

wealth, due to the direct vision if Goddess of wealth - Lakshmi & good health"

- Auvaiyaar (c. 1st and 2nd century CE) - Lady Legend Amidst Siddhars

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