2023–2025: Honouring the Past, Building the Future

### 2023–2025: Honouring the Past, Building the Future - **Patrons:** Balachandran Vinayagamoorthi, Erambamoorthy Sinnadurai, Vijayadevy Kanagasabai - **President:** Suresh Tharmalingam - **Vice President:** Kananathan Kandiah - **Secretary:** Thathees Sivasubramaniam - **Asst. Secretary:** Muralitharan Kathirgamanathan - **Treasurer:** Siva Gnanappiragasam - **Asst. Treasurer:** Sudharshan Muthucumaraswamy - **Committee Members:** Alagarajah Thambiah, Jegamathy Perakalathan, Muralitharan Ratnadurai, Sakthi Nadarajalingam, Suren Sarveswaran, Sivaraman Visakaperuman, Vasanthakumary Sarveswaran, Nanthakumar Kumaraveluppillai - **Sports Secretaries:** Muthukrishnan Kunathesan, Ranganathan Arulpragasam - **Editor:** Jeyakanthan Swaminathar - **Auditor:** Sivasubramaniam Kumarasamy The 2023–2025 executive committee of JVC OSA Canada, coinciding with the association’s 30th anniversary, was formed at the Annual General Meeting held during the Family Fun Day on July 9, 2023, at Milliken District Park in Scarborough. Following the presentation of the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports, a new executive committee was elected to carry forward the association’s mission. Mr. Sureshkumar (Suresh) Tharmalingam, a longtime contributor, returned to lead the organization as President. He had previously served as Assistant Secretary during the 2000–2002 term, as Vice President from 2011–2015, and most recently as an Advisor during the 2019– 2023 term. His enduring commitment over more than two decades brought both institutional memory and a forward-thinking vision to the role. Mr. Thatheewaran (Thathees) Sivasubramaniam, who had served as Editor during 2017–2019 and actively maintained the association’s website during the 2019–2023 term, was appointed Secretary — a natural progression for someone deeply involved in digital outreach and recordkeeping. Mr. Sivappiragasam(Siva) Gnanappiragasam, also a continuous member of the executive committee since 2000, was elected Treasurer. He had previously served as Editor from 2002–2003 and again from 2007–2015, consistently contributing to the preservation and promotion of the association’s message and memory. With a legacy of uninterrupted service across various roles over two decades, he brought exceptional continuity, experience, and dedication to the committee’s leadership. On August 14th, 2023, the Executive Committee hosted a meaningful gathering to honor Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam, an executive member of the J/Victoria College Old Students Association Chulipuram. While in Canada on personal matters, Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam was applauded for her selfless and devoted service to the college. But this event was far more than a simple tribute to Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam's individual contributions. It served as an interactive platform where she addressed the members of the JVC OSA Canada Executive Committee. Her articulate presentation covered an array of topics, including an inside look into the activities of the Victoria College Old Students Association, an honest evaluation of the current state of the college, and an emphasis on the essential role played by foreign old students Associations in supporting the institution. The ceremony was more than just a routine thank you. It gave off a feeling of togetherness and common goal that shows the deep values of J/Victoria College. By highlighting Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam's hard work, the event became a sign of the close ties that bind the college's alumni, no matter where they are in the world. The committee organized a special screening of the film “Sopana Sundari” in December 2023. This event served a dual purpose: raising funds for the association and bringing the community together for an evening of entertainment. The proceeds supported the ongoing operational costs and specific projects for the college. Building friendship and connection among North American alumni was another priority. The committee established an official North America JVC OSA Canada WhatsApp group as a read-only channel for sharing news and announcements with the wider alumni network. This initiative helped reconnect members across Canada and the USA, increasing awareness of OSA activities beyond the core Toronto-area membership. One of the notable contributions of this committee was its direct financial support to J/Victoria College in Sri Lanka. Responding to a request from the school’s administration at the beginning of 2024, OSA Canada agreed to fund the salary of a part-time Second Language teacher to address a staffing gap. The committee committed Rs. 15,000 LKR per month for one year (a total of LKR 180,000) toward this teacher’s salary, while also encouraging the college administration to expedite the hiring of a permanent teacher for the role. Though modest in amount, this timely support helped ensure continuity in the school’s language instruction and reflected the ongoing commitment of overseas alumni to the academic well-being of their alma mater. From the outset, the 2023–2025 committee focused on engaging the alumni community and expanding membership. They continued the tradition of organizing annual alumni gatherings: the Summer Family Picnic 2024 was successfully held on July 7, 2024, at Meadowvale Conservation Area Park in Mississauga. The event featured fun games, a barbecue, and a special guest appearance by Prof. Sinnathambi, former Economics teacher at Victoria College (1983–1988), who was warmly welcomed by attendees. Building on that success, plans were already laid for the 2025 picnic, scheduled at the same location on July 27, 2025. These events, along with the inaugural 2023 Family Fun Day, have provided informal and festive settings for old classmates, families, and friends to reconnect and celebrate their enduring Victorian spirit. The committee also introduced online membership applications, making it easier for alumni to join as new members. Both new and existing members were given the option to pay their fees conveniently through electronic transfer, streamlining the process and enhancing accessibility. A defining endeavor of the 2023–2025 committee was the planning and execution of JVC OSA Canada’s 30th Anniversary celebrations. Recognizing three decades of alumni camaraderie since the association’s founding in the 1990s, the committee aimed to commemorate this milestone in a grand yet meaningful way. Early in their term, President Suresh Tharmalingam prompted discussions on the anniversary’s significance – not only as a celebration, but as an opportunity to boost membership and honor the contributions of previous committees. It was decided that the 30th anniversary event would be a special gala separate from regular picnics, preferably an indoor evening program to accommodate a larger audience and formal program. By January 2025, the committee had drafted a detailed plan and budget for a 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner, targeting late April 2025 for the event. Mississauga was chosen as the ideal location, to attract alumni from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. As part of its commitment to supporting J/Victoria College’s modernization efforts, the 2023–2025 Executive Committee of JVC OSA Canada donated a digital smart board, valued at approximately CAD 3,850 (equivalent to LKR 793,100), to the college in early 2025. The donation was made in response to a request from the school administration, in anticipation of the college’s upcoming 150th anniversary celebrations. This contribution was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Vijayadevy Kanagasabai, a former student of Victoria College, the first female President of JVC OSA Canada (2007– 2009), and one of the current Patrons of the association. The equipment was formally handed over on April 7, 2025, during a special ceremony coordinated by the Victoria College Old Students Association – Chulipuram. Representing the Canadian branch, JVC OSA Canada Patron and senior member Mr. V. Balachandran participated in the event, reaffirming the strong and ongoing relationship between alumni in Canada and their alma mater. This meaningful gesture — supporting the integration of digital learning tools — reflects the 2023–2025 committee’s continued dedication to strengthening international alumni collaboration and enhancing the academic resources available to students at J/Victoria College.

2023–2025: Honouring the Past, Building the Future

2023–2025: Honouring the Past, Building the Future

Executive Committee Group Photo

  • Patrons: Balachandran Vinayagamoorthi, Erambamoorthy Sinnadurai, Vijayadevy Kanagasabai
  • President: Suresh Tharmalingam
  • Vice President: Kananathan Kandiah
  • Secretary: Thathees Sivasubramaniam
  • Asst. Secretary: Muralitharan Kathirgamanathan
  • Treasurer: Siva Gnanappiragasam
  • Asst. Treasurer: Sudharshan Muthucumaraswamy
  • Committee Members: Alagarajah Thambiah, Jegamathy Perakalathan, Muralitharan Ratnadurai, Sakthi Nadarajalingam, Suren Sarveswaran, Sivaraman Visakaperuman, Vasanthakumary Sarveswaran, Nanthakumar Kumaraveluppillai
  • Sports Secretaries: Muthukrishnan Kunathesan, Ranganathan Arulpragasam
  • Editor: Jeyakanthan Swaminathar
  • Auditor: Sivasubramaniam Kumarasamy

  • The 2023–2025 executive committee of JVC OSA Canada, coinciding with the association’s 30th anniversary, was formed at the Annual General Meeting held during the Family Fun Day on July 9, 2023, at Milliken District Park in Scarborough. Following the presentation of the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports, a new executive committee was elected to carry forward the association’s mission. Mr. Sureshkumar (Suresh) Tharmalingam, a longtime contributor, returned to lead the organization as President. He had previously served as Assistant Secretary during the 2000–2002 term, as Vice President from 2011–2015, and most recently as an Advisor during the 2019– 2023 term. His enduring commitment over more than two decades brought both institutional memory and a forward-thinking vision to the role. Mr. Thatheewaran (Thathees) Sivasubramaniam, who had served as Editor during 2017–2019 and actively maintained the association’s website during the 2019–2023 term, was appointed Secretary — a natural progression for someone deeply involved in digital outreach and recordkeeping. Mr. Sivappiragasam(Siva) Gnanappiragasam, also a continuous member of the executive committee since 2000, was elected Treasurer. He had previously served as Editor from 2002–2003 and again from 2007–2015, consistently contributing to the preservation and promotion of the association’s message and memory. With a legacy of uninterrupted service across various roles over two decades, he brought exceptional continuity, experience, and dedication to the committee’s leadership.

    On August 14th, 2023, the Executive Committee hosted a meaningful gathering to honor Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam, an executive member of the J/Victoria College Old Students Association Chulipuram. While in Canada on personal matters, Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam was applauded for her selfless and devoted service to the college. But this event was far more than a simple tribute to Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam's individual contributions. It served as an interactive platform where she addressed the members of the JVC OSA Canada Executive Committee. Her articulate presentation covered an array of topics, including an inside look into the activities of the Victoria College Old Students Association, an honest evaluation of the current state of the college, and an emphasis on the essential role played by foreign old students Associations in supporting the institution. The ceremony was more than just a routine thank you. It gave off a feeling of togetherness and common goal that shows the deep values of J/Victoria College. By highlighting Mrs. Punithavathy Sivasubramaniam's hard work, the event became a sign of the close ties that bind the college's alumni, no matter where they are in the world.

    The committee organized a special screening of the film “Sopana Sundari” in December 2023. This event served a dual purpose: raising funds for the association and bringing the community together for an evening of entertainment. The proceeds supported the ongoing operational costs and specific projects for the college.

    Building friendship and connection among North American alumni was another priority. The committee established an official North America JVC OSA Canada WhatsApp group as a read-only channel for sharing news and announcements with the wider alumni network. This initiative helped reconnect members across Canada and the USA, increasing awareness of OSA activities beyond the core Toronto-area membership.

    One of the notable contributions of this committee was its direct financial support to J/Victoria College in Sri Lanka. Responding to a request from the school’s administration at the beginning of 2024, OSA Canada agreed to fund the salary of a part-time Second Language teacher to address a staffing gap. The committee committed Rs. 15,000 LKR per month for one year (a total of LKR 180,000) toward this teacher’s salary, while also encouraging the college administration to expedite the hiring of a permanent teacher for the role. Though modest in amount, this timely support helped ensure continuity in the school’s language instruction and reflected the ongoing commitment of overseas alumni to the academic well-being of their alma mater.

    From the outset, the 2023–2025 committee focused on engaging the alumni community and expanding membership. They continued the tradition of organizing annual alumni gatherings: the Summer Family Picnic 2024 was successfully held on July 7, 2024, at Meadowvale Conservation Area Park in Mississauga. The event featured fun games, a barbecue, and a special guest appearance by Prof. Sinnathambi, former Economics teacher at Victoria College (1983–1988), who was warmly welcomed by attendees. Building on that success, plans were already laid for the 2025 picnic, scheduled at the same location on July 27, 2025. These events, along with the inaugural 2023 Family Fun Day, have provided informal and festive settings for old classmates, families, and friends to reconnect and celebrate their enduring Victorian spirit.

    The committee also introduced online membership applications, making it easier for alumni to join as new members. Both new and existing members were given the option to pay their fees conveniently through electronic transfer, streamlining the process and enhancing accessibility.

    A defining endeavor of the 2023–2025 committee was the planning and execution of JVC OSA Canada’s 30th Anniversary celebrations. Recognizing three decades of alumni camaraderie since the association’s founding in the 1990s, the committee aimed to commemorate this milestone in a grand yet meaningful way. Early in their term, President Suresh Tharmalingam prompted discussions on the anniversary’s significance – not only as a celebration, but as an opportunity to boost membership and honor the contributions of previous committees. It was decided that the 30th anniversary event would be a special gala separate from regular picnics, preferably an indoor evening program to accommodate a larger audience and formal program. By January 2025, the committee had drafted a detailed plan and budget for a 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner, targeting late April 2025 for the event. Mississauga was chosen as the ideal location, to attract alumni from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

    As part of its commitment to supporting J/Victoria College’s modernization efforts, the 2023–2025 Executive Committee of JVC OSA Canada donated a digital smart board, valued at approximately CAD 3,850 (equivalent to LKR 793,100), to the college in early 2025. The donation was made in response to a request from the school administration, in anticipation of the college’s upcoming 150th anniversary celebrations. This contribution was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Vijayadevy Kanagasabai, a former student of Victoria College, the first female President of JVC OSA Canada (2007– 2009), and one of the current Patrons of the association. The equipment was formally handed over on April 7, 2025, during a special ceremony coordinated by the Victoria College Old Students Association – Chulipuram. Representing the Canadian branch, JVC OSA Canada Patron and senior member Mr. V. Balachandran participated in the event, reaffirming the strong and ongoing relationship between alumni in Canada and their alma mater. This meaningful gesture — supporting the integration of digital learning tools — reflects the 2023–2025 committee’s continued dedication to strengthening international alumni collaboration and enhancing the academic resources available to students at J/Victoria College.

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