2007–2009: Strengthening Community Ties

### 2007–2009: Strengthening Community Ties - **Patron:** K. Sivasubramaniam - **President:** K. Vijayadevy - **Vice President:** V. Muthukumarasooriyar - **Secretary:** V. Balachandran - **Asst. Secretary:** K. Sivalogam - **Treasurer:** M. Sudharshan - **Asst. Treasurer:** S. Jeyakanthan - **Sports Secretaries:** M. Rajakumar, K. Kala - **Editor:** G. Sivappiragasam - **Auditor:** M. Tharahan - **Advisors:** R. Balasubramanian, T. Alagarajah, T. Shanmugananthan, K. Sivaarulrasa, R. Muralitharan, S. Thulakanathan - **Committee Members:** N. Raveendran, V. Suntharalingam, K. Mukunthan, T. Sureshkumar, A. Ranganathan, S. Erampamoorthy, S. Vasanthy The 2007–2009 executive committee took office with Ms. K. Vijayadevy Kanagasabai as President— notably the first female President of JVC OSA Canada—bringing her extensive experience as a former secretary to the role. Patron K. Sivasubramaniam continued in his longstanding role. Mr. K. Muthukumarasooriyar continued his service, now as Vice President. Mr. V. Balachandran served another term as Secretary, ensuring consistency in administration, while Mr. M. Sudharshan remained Treasurer for a further term. In September 2007, the committee organized a trip to the 30,000 Islands, creating a memorable experience for participants and their families. The event not only strengthened community ties but also generated net proceeds of $2,460, which supported subsequent association activities. In January 2008, as part of the school’s Fine Arts program, a practical Bharatanatyam demonstration was produced on a CD and introduced. Building on that, the Association used funds from its administrative budget to provide a valuable resource, which earned praise from the local community. In March 2008, a 125th-anniversary commemorative book was published by the school and sent to the Association for local distribution. The Association provided partial sponsorship, contributing $1,142, which helped ensure wider circulation among alumni who had not yet seen it, reinforcing the link to the college’s storied past. In October 2008, an autumn excursion was organized: alumni and families enjoyed a ride on the Credit Valley Explorer Train through the scenic fall foliage. While primarily a social outing, events like these kept the diaspora network active and supportive. Throughout this term, scholarship and student support programs remained active. In 2007, Mr. R. Balasubramaniyam of Mississauga donated C$2,300 to the University Entrance Students Motivation Fund in memory of the late Mr. Kumar. In late 2008 and 2009, additional contributions were made to the Term Scholarship Fund. In October 2008, an alumna, Mrs. Jeya of Scarborough, donated C$1,000 in memory of Mr. Sellappah. In October 2009, Mr. T. Alagarajah (by then an active past president) contributed C$1,000 in memory of Mr. Thambiah. These donations were promptly transferred to the school’s scholarship accounts. In early 2009, OSA Canada provided funds for urgent facility upgrades at Victoria College. Notably, in March 2009, the association sponsored the installation of new flooring (tiles) in a recently constructed school building as well as equipment for the school cricket team. For these improvements, approximately Rs 150,000 was allocated for the floor tiles and Rs 45,270 for cricket gear and uniforms. This totaled around C$1,667 + C$503 respectively at the 2009 exchange rate. These contributions improved the learning environment (a clean, tiled floor for classrooms) and bolstered student morale through sports during a difficult time. In mid 2009, through coordination with the principal and local OSA, the 2007–09 committee identified pressing needs and sent a special financial assistance designated for a "Special Need Program" at the school. A sum of approximately C$1,021 was transferred to aid this program. Throughout their tenure, the 2007–2009 Executive Committee navigated significant challenges while upholding JVC OSA Canada’s commitment to its alma mater. Their leadership fostered community engagement through memorable events, supported critical school upgrades, and expanded scholarship programs. Despite the turbulent backdrop in Sri Lanka, this committee demonstrated resilience and unity, setting a precedent for future executive teams to continue strengthening the bonds between alumni and their beloved Victoria College.

2007–2009: Strengthening Community Ties

  • Patron: K. Sivasubramaniam
  • President: K. Vijayadevy
  • Vice President: V. Muthukumarasooriyar
  • Secretary: V. Balachandran
  • Asst. Secretary: K. Sivalogam
  • Treasurer: M. Sudharshan
  • Asst. Treasurer: S. Jeyakanthan
  • Sports Secretaries: M. Rajakumar, K. Kala
  • Editor: G. Sivappiragasam
  • Auditor: M. Tharahan
  • Advisors: R. Balasubramanian, T. Alagarajah, T. Shanmugananthan, K. Sivaarulrasa, R. Muralitharan, S. Thulakanathan
  • Committee Members: N. Raveendran, V. Suntharalingam, K. Mukunthan, T. Sureshkumar, A. Ranganathan, S. Erampamoorthy, S. Vasanthy

  • The 2007–2009 executive committee took office with Ms. K. Vijayadevy Kanagasabai as President— notably the first female President of JVC OSA Canada—bringing her extensive experience as a former secretary to the role. Patron K. Sivasubramaniam continued in his longstanding role. Mr. K. Muthukumarasooriyar continued his service, now as Vice President. Mr. V. Balachandran served another term as Secretary, ensuring consistency in administration, while Mr. M. Sudharshan remained Treasurer for a further term.

    In September 2007, the committee organized a trip to the 30,000 Islands, creating a memorable experience for participants and their families. The event not only strengthened community ties but also generated net proceeds of $2,460, which supported subsequent association activities.

    In January 2008, as part of the school’s Fine Arts program, a practical Bharatanatyam demonstration was produced on a CD and introduced. Building on that, the Association used funds from its administrative budget to provide a valuable resource, which earned praise from the local community.

    In March 2008, a 125th-anniversary commemorative book was published by the school and sent to the Association for local distribution. The Association provided partial sponsorship, contributing $1,142, which helped ensure wider circulation among alumni who had not yet seen it, reinforcing the link to the college’s storied past.

    In October 2008, an autumn excursion was organized: alumni and families enjoyed a ride on the Credit Valley Explorer Train through the scenic fall foliage. While primarily a social outing, events like these kept the diaspora network active and supportive.

    Throughout this term, scholarship and student support programs remained active. In 2007, Mr. R. Balasubramaniyam of Mississauga donated C$2,300 to the University Entrance Students Motivation Fund in memory of the late Mr. Kumar. In late 2008 and 2009, additional contributions were made to the Term Scholarship Fund. In October 2008, an alumna, Mrs. Jeya of Scarborough, donated C$1,000 in memory of Mr. Sellappah. In October 2009, Mr. T. Alagarajah (by then an active past president) contributed C$1,000 in memory of Mr. Thambiah. These donations were promptly transferred to the school’s scholarship accounts.

    In early 2009, OSA Canada provided funds for urgent facility upgrades at Victoria College. Notably, in March 2009, the association sponsored the installation of new flooring (tiles) in a recently constructed school building as well as equipment for the school cricket team. For these improvements, approximately Rs 150,000 was allocated for the floor tiles and Rs 45,270 for cricket gear and uniforms. This totaled around C$1,667 + C$503 respectively at the 2009 exchange rate. These contributions improved the learning environment (a clean, tiled floor for classrooms) and bolstered student morale through sports during a difficult time.

    In mid 2009, through coordination with the principal and local OSA, the 2007–09 committee identified pressing needs and sent a special financial assistance designated for a "Special Need Program" at the school. A sum of approximately C$1,021 was transferred to aid this program.

    Throughout their tenure, the 2007–2009 Executive Committee navigated significant challenges while upholding JVC OSA Canada’s commitment to its alma mater. Their leadership fostered community engagement through memorable events, supported critical school upgrades, and expanded scholarship programs. Despite the turbulent backdrop in Sri Lanka, this committee demonstrated resilience and unity, setting a precedent for future executive teams to continue strengthening the bonds between alumni and their beloved Victoria College.

    ***
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