Canadian Hartleyite	

Newsletter of the Past Pupils’ Association of Canada & USA	
Vol 6, No 1, April 2003	

Kalai Vilza on June 7th 2003 at Mississauga

In this issue...

Appreciation by Former Principal Balasingam	1
Reflections on Late Dr. N. Balakrishnan	1
Assistance to Thirunelvely Orphanage	2
Books for Hartley Library	2
News about Hartley	2
News from HCPPA Canada&USA	3
News from Branches	3
Principal’s Notes - 1956	4
Editorial	4

The Annual Kalai Vilza of the Association will be held at Glen Forest Secondary school, 3575 Field Gate Drive, Mississauga. As usual the program will start sharp at 6 PM. Mr. S. Sathyamoorthy will be the convener and he will be assisted by the Methodist Past Pupils’ Association representative. The programs are expected to be over by 9.30 PM.
Like last year, this year too the Kalai Vilza will be a joint venture by both Hartley and Methodist Past Pupils’ Associations. Judging by the subcommittee meetings that are taking place very often, it looks they are determined to make this event better than the excellent show put up last year by our two Associations.
All Hartleyites amd Methodist Past Pupils are in for a great show of Tamil culture both past and contemporary. We expect you all to come with your friends and families. We are making a special apeal to our membership in USA to come and enjoy the events .
Tickets can be had from any of the committee members . We give below the telephone number and e-mail of President, Secretary and Convener.
Dr. Shan A Shanmugavadivel 
416 293 0966, e-mail drashan@hotmail.com
V. Shamuganayagam
905 305 1958 e-mail vshan@sympatico.com
Mr. S. Sathyamoorthy
416 289 2788, e-mail sathi@sympatico.ca

DIRECTIONS FOR TORONTO RESIDENTS
Take 401 to DixieRd. In Mississauga go South on Dixie Rd to Burnhamthrope Rd. Turn left on Burbhanthrope Rd to go east Then turn right on Field Gate Drive.
Appreciation by Former Principal Balasingam
Former Principal of Hartley college who is now in USA has sent in an appreciation which is given below. Members will remember him as he visited Canada sometime back. He was Principal during the difficult years that Hartley passed through and it is his sense of duty as a past pupil and his determination that made Hartley survive those trying times. This is what he wrote:“ 
Bala with Atputhanathan at Sault ste MarieQuay in 1998
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”The loyalty of Past Pupils is really very great. I hope with all the expansion programs along with the creation of the PPA Trust , our college and the college square will blossom into a wonderful academic oasis to future generations in our homeland. All of you associated with this magnificent project will become great historical persons.”

Reflections on Late Dr. N. Balakrishnan

Balakrishnan or fondly called Bala both by friends and teachers is no more. Bala was born to be a research scientist as it was written all over him not only in his conversation but also in his thoughts and deeds.. My thoughts about him took me back to those days when as a young teacher he as my student of Biology in the pre university class and myself  saw something common other than the teacher student relationship. I was infused with the idea of research in the abundance of materials that lie in the shores of the coral fringed reef along the Point Pedro Coast. Bala and few other students went beyond the studies and joined me in my research. Later He enthusiastically took part in our Hydro Biological Surveys of Thondaimannar lagoon. I knew then that Bala and few others like Shanthikumar will one day be research scientists. Bala made my dream of him come true by obtaining doctorate in the Forestry.

I met him after nearly thirty years at his residence at Sault Ste Marie where Bala was a research officer at the Forestry Research station. Bala narrated many recollections of his student days at Hartley and how he was very keen about the Hydrobiological research. He said that he was so interested that he even faked some results to prove certain observations. But then I told him that what he faked had really been found to be true. This was about the spawning behaviour of prawns. This shows that Bala was able to predict some outcomes even in those young days. I honoured  Bala by inviting him as the chief guest at our Kalai Vilza in Toronto.

It was a sad day when I got a call from his recovery bed at Toronto General Hospital informing me of his by-pass surgery. The irony of fate was that not two weeks before, I too had undergone a surgery for another ailment at Toronto General. However I got my daughter to drive me and saw him. Bala recovered and was working in USA. We all met again at Dr Thangarooban’s residence when Miss Navaratnasingam visited Canada. Bala was one of my few favourite students and it was a sad day when I got a call recently  from his brother informing me that he had passed away due to stroke. On behalf of the Hartleyites of Canada and USA , we all went and bade farewell by placing a wreath. Our sympathies to his family especially to his two energetic daughters.  As for me his image will linger in my memory all my life.

M. Atputhanathan

Assistance to Thirunelvely Orphanage
Canada/USA PPA has been providing mid day meal to two schools in the Vanni area for the last three years. As a second project of similar nature, the committee decided to look into the possibility of helping the Thirunelveli Orphanage after Mr Mathavan, our committee member briefed the committee on the need for this institution. It should be noted that as a result of the long armed struggle for Liberation of Tamils of Eelam, there has been a glut of orphans in the Northern and Eastern part of Sri Lanka. The committee was briefed by Mr Vivekanandan who is currently coordinating assistance to the orphanage from people living in Toronto. Mr. Vivekananthan said that he himself was a resident of the orphanage during the period 1960 to -67. The orphanage currently takes care of 231 children, all of whom are under the age of 18. All the children attend the Muttuthamby Maha Vidyalayam. The assistance of Sri Lankan government through department of social services amounts to Rs 350.00 per child per month. This is inadequate even to feed them leave alone their mental and physical development. He said that help is needed in three field namely;
1. Facilities to enhance the educational and skills training opportunities for example providing computers, funds for training trade skills etc.
2. Additions to buildings to house various facilities.
3.Renovation to the present buildings.
The committee discussed the possibility of providing computers either new or used ones. Mr. Mathavan was asked to work out details and the mode of funding was left to be discussed at the May meeting. 
If members have any views on this project or any suggestions, please contact Mr. R. Mathavan, Tel: 905 472 8825, e-mail; rmathavan@rogers.com

Books for Hartley Library
The Association received a donation of 10 years volumes of Geographical magazines from the Sri Lankan Graduates Association of Canada. Mr. Atputhanathan and Mr. S Sivakumaran are taking steps to ship them to Hartley. 
The committee also decided to launch a project to collect books that will be of use to the students especially in the technical field but of contemporary information.. Members who have books to donate or who can give money for the purchase of books of any special kind ( may in memory of some one dear to them), please contact the convener Mr. N. Muruganandan who will be coordinating this project. As we get sufficient books we hope to ship them to Sri Lanka through the Common Trust in Colombo.
Mr. Muruganandan’s Telephone No. 416 695 3978, e-mail murugan@sympatico.ca

News about Hartley
PURCHASE OF LAND

Two lots adjoining the church in front of Hartley College has been purchased. UK branch paid fully for the first lot. For the other lot New South Wales branch, Australia, Victoria branch Australia and Colombo branch contributed the amount. This land is temporarily in the name of Point Pedro branch till the Hartley Trust is legalized.

It appears that main part of the land  is to be used for building an auditorium l and the financing is said to becoming from the government of Sri Lanka as promised by the present Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

HARTLEY STILL WITHOUT A PERMANENT PRINCIPAL

After the departure of the of the former Principal, it appears that no permanent principal has been appointed.  We hope that the College will get a devoted past pupil as a permanent Principal.

News from HCPPA Canada&USA
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IN USA

The committee decided to ask all committee members and members in USA to bring in the many Hartleyites who have not yet become members. It was decided to appeal to especially our convener Dr. Eswara to bring in at least a few new members for the start.
Please contact Dr. Eswara in New York if any one wants to join as members. Tel No: 718 448 4654, e-mail: Kiswara@aol.com, OR contact Mr. M. Atputhanathan Tel No: 416 439 7696 in Scarborough, Canada, e-mail: atput@interlog.com

ANNUAL CRICKET ENCOUNTER FOR JULY 1ST.

The annual cricket encounter between Hartley and Jaffna Hindu College is Schedule for Canada day, July 1st. Mr. Jeyaraman Tel No. 905 787 0136 and Mr. Mohan Tel No. 416 744 3421 will be coordinating this event.
We know that many look forward to this event especially on Canada Day. ..
ANNUAL JOINT PICNIC BY HARTLEY AND METHODIST

Members will remember the successful picnic last year. This year the date has been fixed as 19th of July in consultation with the Methodist. Conveners on Hartley side will be our energetic vice President Mr. S. Sivasothilingam Tel: 905 275 1821 and Mr. Paranthaman Tel. No.905 277 2774. Members will remember the excellent Picnic organised by Paranthaman. This year we can expect a better one especially because another dynamic Sivasothilingam is also there.

HARTLEY WEBSITE

The committee named the secretary Dr. V. Shanmuganayagam Tel No: 905 305 1958, e-mail vshan@sympatico.ca and Editor Mr. M. Atputhanathan, Tel; 416 439 7696, e-mail: atput@interlog.com to be the ones who will be coordinating with the webteam for all information inputs. 

HUDEC PROGRAM

Mr. Rajeswaran reports that he has received a communication from Fr. Jeyakumar after repeated E-mails. It appears from his reply that there has been quite a number of changes in the priorities of HUDEC. Rajeswaran , our convener says that he is not sure of what changes are going on and he has asked Fr. Jeyakumar to give more information.

STATUS OF OUR FUNDS WITH COLOMBO BRANCH AND POINT PEDRO BRANCH

President Dr. Shanmigavadivel wrote to Presidents of Colombo and Point Pedro to remit the interests that will be available in January of this year to the Hartley Trust as soon as the interests are available as this is the organization that is going to deal with all the funds for Hartley. He also told them that  the capital that we have with both these associations be transferred to the Trust as soon as the trust becomes legal. He sent this information in November last year, and said that he was happy to receive a reply from Colombo president Mr. Jeyarajah that he is prepared to transfer the capital to the Trust as soon as it is legal. But he said that Mr. Jeyarajah has indicated that he had transferred interests maturing in January of this year to Point Pedro. On the other hand Canada/USA branch has not received any reply from Mr. Nadarajasundaram, President of Point Pedro branch, in spite of the reminders .. 
Members will be aware that the interests that comes to about Rs 100 000 is meant to be used for sports activity, for development of Library, for four academic scholarships and for Best sportsman of the year in the four fields of sports.

Canada/USA branch is trying all avenues to see that the funds are transferred to the Trust so that the Trust will function efficiently.

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mr. S Vykunthan, Mr. Sivakumaran and Mr Mohan has indicated that due to other engagements they will not be able to give their best to the Hartley committee. The committee has appointed (under the provisions of the constitution) Mr. R. Rajeswaran and Mr Mathavan and they have accepted the post.
It may be worth repeating that Rajeswaran has consented to continue as convener of HUEC and related affairs and Mr Mathavan has consented to be the convener for orphanage project.

SCHEDULE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS

27th April 6:00 pm Dr. Thangaroobans’ residence
22nd June 6:pm Sivasothy’s residence
21st sept 6:00 pm Sathyamoorthy’s residence
19th Oct 6:00 pm Anandakrishnan’s redince
16th Nov. 5:00 PM Sivanandan’S residence

News from Branches
UK BRANCH

Mr. Ravindralingam who was entrusted with the responsibility of finalising the Hartley College Trust deed has been collecting the response from other branches . He informs the Editor that he will be submitting the final draft to Secretary Mr. Chella Pathmanathan this week (Week ending in April 12th)

NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH

MR. Elango, one of the founder member of NSW branch, Australia and one who represented both NSW branch and Victoria branch has informed that both branches have sent $2500.00 each to purchase the land adjoining the church for building the Auditorium and the Communication center.
He has also contributed valuable suggestion to improve the working of the Hartley Trust and some of them are being incorporated into the deed.

COLOMBO BRANCH

CORRECTION TO MR. MARK’S FUND
‘Colombo Hartleyite’ has corrected the amount that Canada/USA branch sent to late Mr. Mark’s family. It now reads as $ 1200 instead of the earlier report that it was $600. It may be noted that some of our members wondered about the earlier report.

SRI LANKAN ARMY MOVES OUT OF HARTLEY

According to ‘Colombo Hartleyite’ Sri Lankan Army which was occupying part of the College premises has now moved out but the buildings are in a dilapidated state .

POINT PEDRO BRANCH 

Our President Dr. Shanmugavadivel has received a document from Mr. Nadarajasundaram regarding his proposals for developing Hartley college. This document is to be discussed at the forthcoming committee meeting.

Principal’s Notes - 1956- Mr.K. Pooranampillai
  
We give below some extracts from the Principal’s Notes as found in the Hartley Miscellany of 1956. This may give you a glimpse of Hartley about 50 years ago.

1. The number on roll is 676 of which 144 is in the Primary section. The attendance continues to be good, it being 95% of the roll. We do not desire to increase the number of pupils.
2. The following teachers left us during the year: Mr. A.R.Joseph, Miss M. Poonan, Mr. W.R. Aruliah, Miss A. Vythilingam, Mr. M. Cooray and Mr. P.R. Ponnuthurai
We thank all these teachers for their services and wish them success and happiness in their new spheres of work. We thank also Messrs A. Kirubainayagam and Mr. V. Mahalingam and Mr. G. Thavaratnam who supplied for short periods.
3. During the year we welcomed to the staff Messrs S. Vadivelu, R.T. Krishnamoorthy, K.J.Selvanayagam, S.G. Deva, M. Atputhanathan, A. Navaratnam and Misses S. P. Duraiappah, G. K. Saravanamuttu.
4. Our examination Results: continue to be satisfactory. (1) At the 5th standard examination of Dec 1955 conducted by the Northern Province Teachers’ Association, 74 pupils passed, 12 in Grade A, 14 in in B--------

Editorial
HCPPA Canada became  HCPPA Canada & USA. Though Hartleyites from USA have been joining the Canadian branch, it was in 2002 we changed the name by  constitutional amendment. This year we also made a change of the date of AGM from second week to last week of November, coinciding with USA holiday so that more USA members could attend the Hartleyite Nite and AGM. This was done at the request of a USA member on a trial basis.
Membership continues to increase mainly the Life membership. But unfortunately many ordinary members have not renewed membership. But still we continue to send them the Newsletter provided we have their latest contact address so that they be kept informed of what is happening. There are many more who are there, and we do not have their contact. Occasionally we get complains from such members that they are not being kept informed of what is happening in the association. We even got a complain from someone who(name not given) identified himself as an old member saying that he has been ignored. How does the member expect us to know his contact if he has not given it.
We would very much like to send our newsletter giving all information to every Hartleyites even if they have defaulted in their payments provided they up date their contact. On the other hand Hartleyites who have for the last four or five years , not paid their membership cannot expect us to send them either the  Newsletter or any other information.   Having said these there are few members who by oversight or postal failure have not got the newsletter. We owe an apology in such cases. We will rectify any such mistakes as soon as  we come to know of it.
On the other hand we would plead with Hartleyites to become members and make our family strong and join us in our efforts to not only help Hartley college but also in our new endeavour to help the people of Elam, such as our project of feeding the Vanni Children, aid to the orphanage etc.
M. Atputhanathan
Editor

We apologize for any mistakes that might have crept in inadvertently