This story recounts the experience of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee in the detention center in Brooklyn, New York. Ilango, a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee, fled Sri Lanka after the country's worst communal riots, known as Black July '83, to seek refuge in Canada. On his way, he was stranded in New York and ended up in the detention center.
This short novel vividly describes his experience there. It was first published as a serial in Thayagam, a Canadian Tamil newspaper, and later published by Sneha Publishers in Tamil Nadu, India, and Magudam Publishers in Sri Lanka.
This English translation was done by the well-known writer and translator Latha Ramakrishnan.
A Canadian Tamil writer - 'Sharing knowledge with everyone'
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
America : A novel about a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee's detention center experience in New York. Kindle Edition by V.N. Giritharan
An Immigrant : A Novel of a Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee's Survival in New York Kindle Edition by V.N. Giritharan
This novel describes a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee's survival in New York. Ilango, a Tamil refugee, fled Sri Lanka after the worst communal riots, known as Black July '83, to seek refuge in Canada. On the way, he was stranded in America. Initially, he was detained at the Brooklyn Detention Center in New York.
The writer, V. N. Giritharan, wrote a short novel, America, which described Ilango's detention ordeal. After his release from the detention center, he stayed in New York before eventually moving to Canada.
This novel portrays his struggle for survival in New York and is considered a sequel to America, his first novel.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Friday, September 13, 2024
V. N. Giritharan's Song: "You Made Me Feel Love!"
V. N. Giritharan's Song: "You Made Me Feel Love!" - English translation of the Tamil song written by V.N.Giritharan. Music & Voice: AI SUNO | Artwork: AI
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUWeFIBBsek
You Made Me Feel Love!
You walked in dancing, and I lost myself.
You sang, and I spread my wings, thinking of you.
How, through your gaze, did such feelings
Unfold like a canvas, a wonder of creation.
They now reside deep within my heart.
I realized this with your unexpected arrival.
You walked in dancing, and I lost myself.
You sang, and I spread my wings, thinking of you.
Every moment is filled with thoughts of you.
Whether I rise or fall, it's your memory that stays.
You plowed the fields of my heart,
And with your charm, made me restless.
You walked in dancing, and I lost myself.
You sang, and I spread my wings, thinking of you.
You made me feel the emotion called love.
Because of that, my dear, you’ve settled in my heart.
You made me realize a heart that does not live for itself.
And I would say, my love, this is enough for me.
You walked in dancing, and I lost myself.
You sang, and I spread my wings, thinking of you.
Song: The Great Tree That Doesn't Wither in Life's Storm
English translation of the Tamil song written by V.N.Giritharan:
Music & Vocals: AI SUNO Art: AI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4dQTN3nn0g
Song: The Great Tree That Doesn't Wither in Life's Storm by V.N.Giritharan:
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
Life is a vast river full of whirlpools.
In the swirling heart, I will stand firm.
What’s the use of breaking down?
What’s the benefit of falling, swept away?
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
As long as I live, I will create joy.
If a great obstacle arises, I will face it.
I will not retreat to the sidelines.
I will confront it. I will swim against the current and keep moving forward.
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
We only live once here.
In our life, let’s realize the good.
I won’t be shaken by mirages.
I will recognize the illusion and keep walking.
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
Relentless effort is the only necessity.
That alone is the solid foundation for growth.
I will journey with this truth in my heart.
A time of great prosperity is sure to greet me.
I am the great tree that doesn’t wither in life’s storm.
I am the unwavering, strong tree that never bows down.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Poem: Wake up, super human! By V.N.Giritharan
- Composed and sung by AI SUNO. | Art ny AI -
This is the translation of my Tamil poem written in the eighties, later published in Thayagam (Canada) and in e-magazines Pathivukal and Thinnai. It is also included in my first anthology of poems published by Mangai Pathippagam.
Poem: Wake up, super human! By V.N.Giritharan
Concrete! Concrete! Concrete!
Walls! Radiating heat and burning with intensity,
The smooth, deceptive white surfaces.
Sidewalks of cement that wear a mocking grin.
Spaces lie entranced, embraced by fearless pillars.
In the filtration of air currents,
Flowing warm rays.
In the playful laughter of frost droplets,
The chill sweeps through,
Amid the sweetness of dreams about meadows,
Underneath the blue canvas,
Lie the sorrowful memories
Of the cold earth mother.
Friday, June 28, 2024
Poem: Ontario Science Centre: The Cool Breeze of the Concrete Jungle!
- Recently, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure, Kinga Surma, abruptly closed the Ontario Science Centre without any prior notice due to the condition of the roof. This poem reflects the impact of that closure. -
You are not just a land mark.
You are not just an architectural marvel.
You are an experience intertwined
With the lives of the people,
You are an emotional mosaic.
You have been a mentor to us.
You have been a friend to us.
You have been a magician showing us wonders.
You have been an artist bringing us joy.
You are the cool breeze
In the heat-emitting concrete jungle.
Poem: Prisoners of Spacetime! By V.N. Giritaran
In the vastness of spacetime, Kannamma, I marvel at your tender heart. In the vastness of spacetime, Kannamma, I long to take flight, even f...
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When I think about English, I think about the late A.S. Kanagaratnam, known as 'ASK.' His house was located at Senior Lane, Jaffna. ...
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V. N. Giritharan's Song: " You Made Me Feel Love! " - English translation of the Tamil song written by V.N.Giritharan. Music ...
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In our childhood and teenage years, one of our entertainments was watching film cutouts erected in front of the Jaffna movie theatres. Many ...