For Immediate Release
October 25, 2023
Markham, Canada – It is with heartfelt gratitude that the Maheswary Nadarajah Tamil Rights Reference Library accepts the generous donation of Dr. Winston Panchacharam’s personal collection.
Dr. Panchacharam, born on December 11, 1940, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and departed from us at the age of 75 on November 19, 2016, leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his years. His family, in a gesture of immense generosity, has contributed his extensive collection of archival materials and books focusing on the Eelam Tamil struggle to our library.
Beyond his role as an Attending Anesthesiologist for four decades at New York Presbyterian Queens in Flushing, New York, Dr. Panchacharam was a multifaceted individual. He was not only a gifted musician but also a respected community leader, a staunch defender of human rights, and a prominent voice for Eelam Tamils. Driven by his passion for justice, he founded and presided over key organizations such as Amutham Music, Ilankai Tamil Sangam, and the International Tamil Center USA. His dedication to the Tamil cause was unwavering, as he tirelessly worked to raise awareness about the genocide inflicted upon the Tamil people.
Dr. Panchacharam’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his grassroots community efforts, notably in the organization of Eelam conferences in Nanuet, New York, from the 1970s through three decades. Alongside fellow community leaders, he protested against the actions of the Sri Lankan government, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Tamil activism. The archival material now housed in our library serves as a testament to his tireless work, featuring newspaper clippings and articles from renowned media outlets such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Among his remarkable contributions is a limited-edition book he authored in 2008 titled “Genocide in Sri Lanka.” This comprehensive work, spanning over 180 pages, presents compelling evidence concerning the genocide committed against Tamil people in the North and East of Sri Lanka. A copy of this invaluable book is part of the collection made accessible to the public within the Tamil Rights Reference Library.
Dr. Panchacharam also possessed an extraordinary assortment of documents detailing the evolution of the Eelam struggle for liberation, reaching back to the early 1970s. We are honored that this extensive material will find a home within our library, where it will be meticulously archived, preserved, and made available for public viewing.
The Tamil Rights Group and the Nadarajah Family are deeply honored by the trust bestowed upon us by his daughter, Arabhi Panchacharam. We are committed to ensuring that Dr. Panchacharam’s legacy endures through the pages of the artifacts they have contributed to our library. This remarkable collection will serve as an invaluable resource for generations to come.
With deepest appreciation,
Maheswary Nadarajah Tamil Rights Reference Library
For all enquiries: Katpana Nagendra, General Secretary and Spokesperson | [email protected] | + 1 (778) 870-5824
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