COMMUNITY

Mother jailed for children’s deaths

Michelle Shephard of the Toronto Star reports on how a mother tried to take own life by joining daughter, son in car trunk.

In the minutes before she killed her children, Jasotha Mahendriran wrote a suicide note, propped open her front door with one of her children's shoes so police could easily enter her home hours later, and gave her daughter and son Children's Tylenol.

Ingesting 20 prescription sleeping pills herself, she then opened the trunk of her Honda parked in her Scarborough driveway, lay beside her children and closed the door to seal the trunk, believing they'd die and join her husband in the afterlife.

Sajeev and Shyami did die, their tiny bodies already stiff when police found them last summer, but their 32-year-old unconscious mother was still breathing. Jasotha pleaded guilty to her crime yesterday and was sentenced to two years less a day in jail.

When first arrested last July, homicide detectives charged the mother with two counts of first-degree murder, an offence that carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

But through an agreement reached between her lawyers and crown prosecutor Robert Clark, Jasotha was able to plead guilty to two counts of manslaughter and a greatly reduced sentence, to be served in a provincial rather than federal institution.

"This is a case that calls for compassion, not condemnation," Jasotha's lawyer, Sid Freeman, said outside court. "The hardest sentence that she's going to be serving is after she's released from custody because she has to live in her own community, carrying around the burden of the fact that she has taken the lives of her beloved children."

When asked if she had any comments before sentencing, the diminutive Jasotha bowed her head and said: "I'm sorry. I'm very sad, I'm so sorry for what happened." Sitting in the rows behind her were nine relatives who vowed their support of Jasotha, even as they still mourn the loss of 5-year-old Shyami and 3-year-old Sajeev.

Before reading out her sentence, Mr. Justice David Watt of the Superior Court of Justice called Jasotha "a young mother overcome by what must have seemed like unceasing misfortune." The misfortune began when her husband Mahendriran Thiyagarajah died in a work-related accident on Aug. 22, 2000, one day before their 10th wedding anniversary. He had just taken the new job with regular hours, so he could spend more time with his family, when he fell off a ladder and broke his neck.

Although emotionally devastated, Jasotha received a substantial financial settlement from her husband's company and was continually supported by relatives and friends.
"She was so depressed for a year," her sister-in-law Visa Yokeswaran said. "She couldn't even talk, just cry and cry, but still try to be loving to her children."

Just days before she died, doctors told her that her daughter Shyami had a rare disease that would affect the growth of half her body and cause facial disfigurements. Jasotha became further distraught when her brother had an accident. It was the last "psychological blow," Free-man said.

Last July 16, she took a piece of paper and wrote "come to me" and on a second piece wrote "don't come to me." She mixed the papers in a bowl and chose one. It said "come to me." Jasotha believed it was a message from her husband, and she decided to kill her children and commit suicide.

Before killing the children, she laid out clothes on their beds, asking relatives to bury them in these outfits. They were the same clothes they wore at their father's funeral. In addition to a suicide note left in an envelope addressed to police, she wrote various cheques, giving away her money and trying to return the settlement she received.

When Jasotha recovered physically and was charged with the homicides last summer, she was kept in the psychiatric ward of a Scarborough hospital - shackled to her bed by one arm and one leg - before being transferred to the Metro Toronto West Detention Centre. Although time in pre-sentencing custody is usually subtracted from a sentence, Freeman said Jasotha's time would not be counted.

There was little mention of the victims yesterday in court, their stories only told later by relatives.
"They were just so wonderful, so loving," Jasotha's sister-in-law said.
"They were loved by everyone, always playing around, always hugging each other. Look at the picture you have, that's what they were like. Happy and always hugging."

Imperial College hosts “The Rhythm of life”

Kirushanthi Rajanayagamm, Secretary of Imperial College Tamil Society , describes their most recent cultural event held in support of their fellow students in the University of Jaffna.

In a show of camaraderie, The Tamil students of Imperial College put on an entertaining show entailing a blend of Tamil and Western culture in aid of the students in Jaffna University medical campus. Thaalam, as the event was called, was a combination of music, dance, theatre and a fashion show.

Thaalam certainly captured the rhythm of life for people of all walks of life as it had an audience of four hundred from university students to parents. This number doesn't include of course the audience the show will attract when it is broadcasted on Deepam TV.

The show contained Bharathanatyam pieces for classical music as well as pop music. The musical fusion was much more than classical instruments and classical singing it included a blend of south Indian, north Indian and Western music.

The comedy sketch was a piece called "Blind marriage". Similar to Blind Date only this time the bachelor chosen has to marry the girl. This humorous piece struck a cord with the audience as this sketch dealt with many real life issues that left you thinking "Is it life imitating art or art imitating life?"

The fashion show was not a typical catwalk but a show of splendid clothes displayed in style to choreographed dances.

The profit of nearly two thousand pounds from the show this year is going to the students of Jaffna University. The effort earned a note of gratitude from the Head of department of surgery at Jaffna General Hospital.

"We are ever so delighted and thrilled by your wish to support us. Life in the medical faculty and life in Jaffna are as a whole always beset with ups and downs. Life as a whole still goes on here only because of love, care and prayers of many like you living abroad. We are speechless to hear that students abroad are making great efforts to stage a cultural event in aid of us… The money you raise will be utilised to make life of medical students here more comfortable and meaningful, providing them with much needed resources and facilities," he said in his letter to the students.

It is common knowledge that most students back home dream of going to university. However in reality it is not always possible, even for those pupils who gain outstanding grades. If the students manage to overcome all the hurdles, the current situation back home is not helping with the education, as there are problems with lack of facilities, lack of lecturers and many restrictions imposed on students. As university students, we have decided to form a link between the students of Jaffna, and Imperial College Tamil society so that we can be of support to them. This also enables students from the UK to appreciate the background of our homeland and help the students in our country.

The Imperial College Tamil Society was founded in 1993 and has since then grown into the vibrant and active university society. The majority of our members are Tamils, either British born or from Sri Lanka. There are also many Tamils from other countries all over the world as well as people from other cultures. Our society is managed by an enthusiastic small committee who, with the aid of the university made this annual show possible. The society was formed with the long-term objective of promoting Tamil culture among students. Tamil Society provides a social forum for young Tamils within our university, as well other universities to interact, appreciate and learn from the rich culture derived from the traditions of Southern India and Sri Lanka, which we hope to uphold.

Thaalam is mainly the product of students who are studying full-time in a wide variety of courses yet they have taken time out from their intense studies and have dedicated their evenings and weekends to this worthy cause. The Tamil students at IC are very satisfied with their efforts to date and hope for further support from the Tamil community in the future.

Siblings hold flute & violin arangetrams

Senthooran and Sivakami Rajamanoharan held their Flute and Violin Arangetram on 18th November 2001 at Beck Theatre, Hayes, UK. Both disciples of Pitchaiappah Gnanavarathan, they have been learning the instruments under his guidance for the past six years.

Both Senthooran and Sivakamy (pictured in the centre below) were highly commended by their Guru, who says "their keen ability to grasp the fine essence of this art with dedication has inspired me to teach them more advanced lessons". The Arangetram was dedicated in memory of "the valiant [who] remained in our land, vowing to protect it, sacrificing their lives."
The guru, Mr Gnanavarathan comes from the family of renowned musicians in Sri Lanka. He is the son of Kalasoori T.V. Pitchaiappah, who was not only his father but was also his Guru in teaching him music and violin. Mr Gnanavarathan further learnt flute from his father's brother, Sangeetha Vidwan V. Vinayagamoorthy.

The skill of the Rajamonoharen children was demonstrated two years ago when Senthooran, Sivakami and their younger sister Sopakiavathy combined to perform their Bharathanatya debut in London. This performance coming within two years of that is a sign of their hard work and determination to master the Tamil Musical instruments, says the Chief guest.

The Arangetram consisted of Varnam, 'Vinayaha', 'Entharo', 'Marivera', 'Manaviyalahim', 'Sarasvathy', 'Ragam ThalamPallavi', and after the intermission continued with 'Sinnachiri Kiliye', 'Thunpam Nerkaiyil', 'Eazling Thrupathiyil', 'Kaattinile Varum', Thillana and concluded with 'Aarumugam Aarumugam'.

Accompanying Sentho-oran and Sivakami were Mr Somasundara Desigar playing the miruthangam, Mr R N Prakash on the gadam and Mr K Sithambaranathan on morsing.
The chief guests at the function were Pathmashri Dr N Ramani, the head of Ramani's Academy of Flute in Chennai, and his wife Mrs Kamachi Ramani. He highly commended the Rajamanoh-aren family for the dedication and devotion that they have shown in providing their children the opportunity to learn the ancient Tamil arts.

The special guests were Mr A C Tarcisius, who wrote a poem to commend the efforts of the debutants and Mrs Vimala Tarcisius. The Guest of Honour was Mrs Marsha M Elms, head teacher of Kenrick School, who said "I am confident that your performance will be superb and will be the culmination of the hard work and talent that you already display in school".

Tamil refugee in visa dilemma

A Tamil man, trying to get a visa to visit his dying father in India, has been given some hope of being able to make the journey by the Home Office, reported the UK's Wembley Observer regional newspaper.

Sinnathurai Elangainathan was told by officials in the department that he will be issued with a letter, which confirms that he was given permission to stay in the United Kingdom over two years ago after fleeing persecution in Sri Lanka, the newspaper reported on Thursday.

Even if the 39 year old does receive his visa in the next week it could take up to 3 months for him to obtain a visa. He fears he may not be allowed back into the United Kingdom without it.
Tory councilor Jim O'Sullivan set up a meeting between Mr Elangainathan and Brent Council's asylum team to get his case hurried along.

Healthy Living

Meningitis often causes a great deal of alarm to all. It is an infection that all should be vigilant for so as to prevent severe complications and even death, writes Dr Shiamala Suntharalingam, General Practioner

What is it?

Meningitis is the inflammation of a layer surrounding our brains called the meninges.

What causes it?

It can be caused by an infection either bacterial or viral, by drugs, malignant cells and blood following a bleed in the brain.

What are the symptoms?

A person with meningitis ca present in many ways but the classical presentation is a severe headache, photophobia (intolerance of light) and vomiting, with fever, tiredness, and rigors (shivers).

Neck stiffness is a late sign.

What about the rash?

The rash that occurs which is a non-blanching rash that quickly spreads occurs in Meningococcal septicaemia. This is where the bacteria has spread to the blood stream causing a severe infection. This can be fatal if not treated quickly.

What types of infections cause meningitis?

Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and even TB.

How do we catch the infection?

It is often caught from persons who are already infected with either the virus, bacteria or TB. The meningocooci bacteria that causes most infections in adults is carried in our nose and mouth and many of us are well with it. Pneumococci is the bacteria that causes most cases in the elderly and it can occur if they have a severe pneumonia.
The bacteria then spreads to the brain by the blood stream. Direct spread of the infection can occur with an infection occurring in the middle ear or following a head injury.

How is Meningitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis often depends on the clinical features and a high suspicion by the medical team seeing the patient. Definitive diagnosis is by taking a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain. This is done by lumbar puncture. A needle is passed into the spine in the lower back where a tap of the fluid can be taken. This fluid is then sent to the microbiology laboratory for analysis and is grown in culture to identify the organism causing the infection.

How is it treated?

Viral meningitis is not dangerous and often lasts 4-10 days. Rest, painkillers are often all that is required.
Bacterial meningitis is serious and requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Often a GP visiting a child or adult who he/she suspects has meningitis will give the antibiotics intramuscularly.
TB meningitis can also be fatal and also requires anti-TB medication. Patients will often continue TB treatment and be followed up for 6months.

What about Children?

Different infections are known to be common in the varrying age groups. In neonates (new born) the commonest organism is E.Coli, group B streptococcus.
In preschool children the commonest is Haemophillus influenzae type B is the commonest and this is why they are given the Hib vaccine at 2,3 and 4months of age.

How do you know a child has meningitis?
Are there problems after an infection?

Yes there can be problems that develop even after an infection has been treated and a person/ child is well. In children they may develop hearing problems and because of this they are often followed up by the paediatrians for many months and have their hearing checked. A rear complication is hydrocephalus, which is a build up of fluid around the brain as the draining tube is blocked. This can be treated by putting an artificial tube from the brain in to the peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen). This tube is tunnelled under the skin and is not noticeable.

What about people who have been in contact with a patient?

Contacts from the household are treated with prophylactic antibiotics as are all "kissing" contacts within the previous 10 days.

How can we prevent meningitis?

Over the past few years the Department of health has increased its vaccination programme to prevent the infection and its fatalities.
There has been a programme to vaccinate all children with the meningitis C Vaccine. This has recently been extended to include the 20-24 age group. The meningitis C vaccine does not protect against meningococcal B disease which is now responsible for almost all childhood cases.

Take home message:

Always be vigilant if a young adults or child is unwell with vague symptoms of headache, temperature, vomiting and malaise. Always take them to a doctor to be checked. Often as GP's, once we have checked a child we would encourage parents to return if the child worsens as illnesses can develop slowly and not present with the classical features immediately.
During the night it is prudent to look in on your ill child several times and check them, as it is so often that at night while a child is a asleep that an illness gets worse.

MIOT is now on the internet

The Medical Institute Of Tamils is now on the internet and can be found at www.miot.org.uk. They have focused on the needs of the Tamil community both in the UK and around the world. They provide information and advice on health issue in both English and Tamil.
There is also a section where Tamil consultants in various specialties and Tamil General Practitioners could be approached during working hours for advice by Tamil community regarding their physical or emotional problems.

MIOT hopes to expand the website to establish site for Personal Development Plan (PDP) and Practice Personal Development Plan (PPDP) for doctors. The organization is always looking to welcome more Doctors to join our organization to make it work better for our Ta-mil community both in our homeland and world over.

Medical Institute of Tamils (MIOT)
Thamil House
720, Romford Road,
London,
E12 6BT
United Kingdom
Fax: +44 (0)1708 725 388
admin@miot.org.uk
www.miot.org.uk