CTYA’s Blog has started a new Feature on Fridays, Thulirkal. Thulirkal meaning bud reflects the young Tamil youth we will be featuring. These youth are the buds of our community, and are growing into strong, achieving young men and women! Each week we will feature a Tamil youth of the week. For more information or to suggest a youth to feature, please feel free to email us at blogs@ctya.org!
This week, we’ve brought you Arun Vigneswararajah!
Arun Vigneswararajah is currently completing his post-secondary education at the University of Toronto after transferring from Coker College, a school located in South Carolina. At the age of 18, Arun had the opportunity to attend school in the US and become the first Eelam Tamil to play soccer in the NCAA after receiving a scholarship. After transferring to U of T in September 2012, he continues to show his passion for soccer by playing on various teams such as Caledon FC in OSL and local Tamil team Jarvis FC. His passion for the game is reflected on and off the field throughout his years of playing and he is a strong supporter of the Eelam movement.
CTYA Blog Team: Thank you Arun for sitting down with us today. So, let’s get warmed up. Ok, now don’t think, just say what first comes to mind. 1, 2, 3…
Favourite Tamil Food? Mutton Rolls and the food they give at the temple at Piliyar Kovil in Brampton
Favourite Sports Team? Toronto Maple Leafs and FC Barcelona
Mom or Dad? Love them both equally, however there’s times where I favourite one more than the other!
Favourite Song? All-time – I’m a music head so got way too many to choose from. Right now – Blood on the Leaves by Kanye West from his newest album Yeezus.
Health or Wealth? Definitely health, what’s all the money in the world if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy it?
CTYA Blog Team: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Arun: I’m 19 years old and grew up in the GTA, the first 10 years in Toronto and last 10 years in Brampton. I am currently enrolled in the Management program at the University of Toronto. I come from a pretty big family; I have to two older sisters and a younger brother. I love to play soccer (clearly) and when I’m not playing soccer I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.
CTYA Blog Team: Having a national team of our own is truly a milestone for our community. You were one of the players who participated in the Viva World Cup Tournament representing Team Tamileelam in Kurdistan. It truly must have been an honour representing your country, tell us, how was this experience?
Arun: My experience in Kurdistan is definitely something I will remember for the rest of my life. From the second we stepped off the plane in Kurdistan we were greeted by workers from the airport whom were Eelam Tamils working abroad. The smiles on the faces of the workers when they saw the Eelam map on our jackets is something I will never forget. Our team was treated with a lot of respect and everyone was in love with our flag and jerseys.
CTYA Blog Team: How do you feel about participating in the upcoming Tynwald Hill International Football Tournament in the Isle of Man as part of Tamileelam F.A.?
Arun: I am very excited and looking forward to play for Eelam once again. I am truly honoured and blessed to have the opportunity to represent my country on the international stage. Having played in the Viva World Cup last year, I gained a lot of experience and know what to expect in the upcoming weeks. I am looking forward to playing with my Tamil brothers that are joining me from across Europe and I think we will do well.
CTYA Blog Team: Tamileelam F.A. was a dream come true for Tamils around the world. You all received a tremendous outpouring of support from Tamils around the world. What would you like to say to the international Tamil community who will be cheering for you guys?
Arun: I just wanted to say that Tamileelam F.A is proof that the fight for Eelam is not over. The Maveerarkal that have given up their lives for the cause over the past 30 years did so with a purpose. As a young Eelam Tamil I think it’s important to be proud of where we came from and not be afraid to show people who we are and where came from. This is a great opportunity to not only be proud of Eelam but also educate the public and raise awareness as to what this is really about, as people only know what the media tells them.
CTYA Blog Team: Anything else you would like to add?
Arun: I can confidently say that we are going to England with the mentality of winning and will play our best every game for the whole 90+ minutes regardless of the outcome.
CTYA Blog Team: Finish the sentence. “To me, Tamil youth are..”
Arun: To me, Tamil youth are the frontrunners for the building blocks of our future nation Eelam. Our parents brought us to this country to give us a better life but it is our duty (in my opinion) to make sure that we use the resources available in this great country to make sure we fight for what our ancestors and Maveerar have given up their lives for.
For more information or to suggest a youth to feature, please feel free to email us at blogs@ctya.org! Catch up with us next Friday where we’ll be bringing you another Talented Tamil youth story!
Tags: thulirkal
