by Gary Anandasangaree
SrikrishnanSubramaniam, or Sri Anna as he was affectionately known, has played a pivotal role over the past thirty plus years in Canada. He challenged us to be better, to do better, and usually gave his half smiling grunt when he agreed with you. His passing this week leaves a hole in the heart of many in Toronto’s Tamil-Canadian community, and as someone who looked up to Sri Anna for the past 25 years, I wanted to share with you my reflections on one of the kindest souls I have had the fortune of meeting.
Sri Anna was very proud of his Malaysian, Vaddukoddai, and Tamil roots. Since migrating to Canada, arriving in Toronto in 1989 with the love of his life, Yogarani, and their boys, Sanjeevan and Sathian, he was most proud of being a Canadian. For Sri Anna, Canadian Values and Freedoms were the core of who he was. Like many of his generation, he came to Canada with an Engineering Degree, and the drive to do something good in Canada. In 1992, along with his wife, he started Selvasegara Jewelers, a modest, but highly successful jewelry shop on the bustling Kennedy and Eglinton corridor, which in the 1990’s was the hub of the Tamil community. Selvasegara offered a unique blend of modern Jewelry to a growing Tamil population, who valued quality and honesty. As part of his service to his customers, he would pierce the ears of newborn children and bless them with a lifetime of happiness. Yogarani ran the day-to-day business and was his rock from the beginning. Sri Anna had the luxury to do the things he cared about.
Srikrishnan, an avid nature lover always had gardens and flowers around the house
Sri Anna was a founding member of the Canada-Ceylon Tamil Chamber of Commerce in 1991. While he was never President, the Chamber was his second home. He toiled for years, well after his retirement to ensure the Chamber served the needs of the business community. He mentored many young business people and supported and organized them to have a better work life balance. You may recall that he organized a group of retailers to close on Tuesdays. Many followed him, and that became the norm for his business. He would close for two weeks in July because he wanted the family to have quality time together. He became the voice for many retailers who had little leverage and support over customers who demanded 7 days a week service from often family run businesses. He fought for these values and principles at the Chamber. When Sri Anna took the microphone, he never held back his opinion. If there was something good, he would push to strive to do even better. He believed that the Chamber should be the center of the Tamil business community in Canada and must have an impact on new entrepreneurs who came after. He believed in data collection, and proper administration and above all a vision that would ensure that the Chamber supports the community. He invested a great deal of own finances and time to ensuring this over his life.
Srikrishnan, an avid nature lover always had gardens and flowers around the house
He supported many businesses as they started off, either as a partner or shareholder. Some of these enterprises are thriving today and behind the scenes Sri Anna was their anchor and source of strength. His generosity was renowned. I remember asking him for money for the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre when it was in its infancy. It was a difficult meeting. His questions were captivating and challenging with the goal of making us think. When it came to support the organization, he didn’t blink and cut a cheque. He repeated this throughout his time in business and many charitable endeavors.
His deep affection for the betterment of the Tamil community in Canada is coupled with his unwavering support for justice, and peace for Tamils in Sri Lanka. He would quietly but consistently be a source of strength for those working on aid programs and advocacy so that Tamils could live on the island in peace and dignity.
I have many fond memories of Sri Anna, but the one that I cherish is the advice he gave me, and one that I have repeated to anyone who is charging their own course in business. He came to my law office opening and sat with me after most people left. He looked and asked me if I take vacations. Truth be told, at the time, I rarely took time off, let alone vacations. He said, I have no doubt that you will succeed in law, but make sure you take two weeks off a year and go on vacations with your family. This is something that I have always done because he knew the sacrifice people in business make at the cost of family – and upon reflection – these are some of my fondest memories in my life. I suspect he told me this because, this was also the most important part of his life, and with Yogarani passing on so early in her life, it is something that he cherished always.
It is these personal connections with someone who I consider a mentor that I will cherish the most. I must admit that I am guilty of having a drink or two with him, even though he ought not to have. Despite his retirement, he came to our house to pierce my eldest daughters’ ears. He would captivate us in conversations. I remember a time that I went to his condo with my friend Arnold Chan when he was running for the nomination. What was supposed to be a ten-minute meeting became an hour long discussion because they both became immersed in deep engaging conversation. After my own election, Sri Anna would often call me just to tell me how and what our government is doing wrong. I would then ask why he didn’t call to tell me the good things our government is doing. He would say, everyone will tell you what’s good. With that, there are so many more memories of him that I cherish and value.
Srikrishnan, an avid nature lover always had gardens and flowers around the house
His family was his world. He loved both of his daughters-in-law, Roveena and Raju, almost as much as he did his two sons. Sanjeevan and Sathian are both incredible young men (not so young anymore) who have built beautiful lives of their own. He was always proud of them both, and unlike most fathers, he wouldn’t gloat, but he was always their rock. And in return, they took care of Sri Anna and ensured that his last years were filled with love which included meeting his twin grand-daughters Isa and Sia (Sathian& Raju). My deepest condolences to you all, and I know over time, I see Sri Anna through both of you every time I see you.
Sri Anna spoke truth to power and was never dogged by public opinion. Many people misunderstood this and were on the defensive. He ultimately pushed us to do and be better. Thank you, Sri Anna, for everything. We truly lost a gem in our community this week.
Gary Anandasangaree is Member of Parliament, Scarborough-Rouge Park, Canada
