Tributes

யாழ்ப்பாணம் - ஒஸ்ரேலியா மெல்போர்ன் நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸ் குணம் அண்ணா விடைபெற்றார்.

யாழ்ப்பாணம் என்றால் அங்கே பல அடையாளச்சின்னங்கள் எம் மனக்கண்ணில் எழும். அவை பாரம்பரியத்திற்குரியவையாகவும் நவீனத்துவமானவையாகவும் அமைந்துள்ளன.

1970கள் யாழ்ப்பாணம் பல்வேறு விதமான நவீன தொழில் நுட்பங்களை தம்மகத்தே உள்வாங்கிக் கொண்டிருந்த காலகட்டம்.

இசைப்பிரியர்களை மகிழ்வித்துவந்த இசைக்களஞ்சியமாக யாழ்ப்பாணத்தின் அடையாளங்களில் ஒன்றாகத் திகழ்ந்தது நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸ்.

யாழ்ப்பாணம் மணிக்கூட்டு வீதியில், யாழ்.பொது மருத்துவமனைக்குப் பின்புறமாக அமைந்திருந்தது.

அந்தக்காலகட்டத்தில் திரைப்படப்பாடல்கள் கேட்பதென்றால் இலங்கை வானொலி ஒன்றே வழியாக இருந்தது.

வானொலியில் ஒலிபரப்பாகும் பாடல்களைக் கேட்கும் இசைப் பிரியர்கள் மீண்டும் அப்பாடல்களைக் கேட்பதற்கு யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் பெரும் வரப்பிரசாதமாக அமைந்தது நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸ் நிறுவனம்.

தென்னிந்தியாவில் வெளிவரும் திரைப்படங்களின் பாடல்கள் 45RPM இசைத்தட்டுக்கள், LP இசைத்தட்டுக்கள் என்பவற்றில் வெளியாகும்.

அந்த இசைத்தட்டுக்களை யாழ்ப்பாண மக்கள் பார்க்கக்கூடியதாகவும், அதிலிருந்து பாடல்களை ஒலிப்பதிவு நாடாக்களில் பதிவு செய்து கொள்வதற்கும் வழி வகுத்தவர்கள், முன்னோடிகள்.

இசைப்பிரியர்களின் இசைத்தாகத்தைத் தீர்ப்பதில் பெரும்பணியாற்றியவர்கள்.

தினமும் மாலை வேளையில் ஒரு இசை இரசிகர் கூட்டம் நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸ் முன்பாகக் கூடி நிற்பார்கள்.

பாடல்கள்,நாதஸ்வரக்கச்சேரிகள்,வயலின், வீணை இசைக்கோலங்கள் எனப்பலவற்றை ஸ் ரீரியோ தொழில் நுட்பத்தில் இசைப்பிரியர்கள் தினமும் கேட்டு மகிழ்வார்கள்.

ஈழத்துப் பொப்பிசைப்பாடல்களையும் ஒலிபரப்பி மக்களை மகிழ்வித்தார்கள்.

கொழும்பிலிருந்து யாழ்ப்பாணத்துக்கு வருகை தரும் ஒவ்வொரு சந்தர்ப்பங்களிலும் பொப்பிசைச் சக்கரவர்த்தி ஏ.ஈ.மனோகரன் அவர்கள் நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸ் நிறுவனத்துக்கு நேரடியாக விஜயம் செய்வது வழக்கம்.

இதுபோல பொப்பிசைப்பிதா நித்தி கனகரட்ணம் அவர்கள், ‘அண்ண ரைற்’ கே.எஸ்.பாலச்சந்திரன் அவர்கள், எம்.பி.பரமேஸ் அவர்கள் எனப் பல கலைஞர்களின் அபிமானத்துக்குரிய நிறுவனம் நியூ விக்ரேஸ்.

யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் நடைபெறும் அத்தனை கலை நிகழ்ச்சிகளுக்கும் ஆதரவுக்கரம் கொடுக்கும் நிறுவனம்.

தொலைக்காட்சி இலங்கையில் அறிமுகமான வேளையில் அதனை முதன் முதலில் யாழ்ப்பாணத்துக்கு அறிமுகப்படுத்தியவர்கள் மாத்திரமல்ல, பாமரமக்களும் தொலைக்காட்சியைப் பார்த்துமகிழ உதவியவர்கள்.

சனசமூக நிலையங்கள், பொது அமைப்புகள் பலவற்றுக்கு இலவசமாக தொலைக்காட்சிப் பெட்டிகளை வழங்கியவர்கள்.

வீடியோ டெக், வீடியோ கமெரா என்பனவற்றை யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் அறிமுகப்படுத்தியவர்கள்.

யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் நடைபெற்ற கே.ஜே.ஜேசுதாஸ் - சுஜாதா(சிறுமி), ரி.எம்.சௌந்தரராஜன் ஆகியோரின் இசை நிகழ்ச்சிகளை இவர்களது வீடியோ கமெரா தான் படம்பிடித்தது.

யாழ்ப்பாணம் பி.எம்.சி ஒழுங்கையில் நான்கு மாடிகள் கொண்ட நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸ் ஒலி-ஒளிப்பதிவுக்கூடம் ஒன்று மிகவும் பிரமாண்டமாக அமைந்தது.

நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸ் யாழ் நகரில் அமைந்தமை யாழ்ப்பாணத்துக்குப் பெருமை சேர்த்தது.

மேல்மாடியில் திறந்த கலையரங்கமும் அமைந்திருந்தது.

இதன் ஆரம்ப விழாவில் பரமேஸ்-கோணேஸ் இசைத்தென்றல் நிகழ்ச்சி நடைபெற்றது.

நாட்டின் அசாதாரண சூழலால் புலம் பெயர்ந்து ஒஸ்ரேலியாவில் வாழ்ந்து வந்த காலகட்டத்தில் மெல்போர்னிலும் நியூ விக்ரேர்ஸை நிறுவியிருந்தவர்.

இவை மாத்திரமல்ல இன்னும் பல செயற்பாடுகளை யாழ் மண்ணில் மேற்கொண்ட வரலாற்றுக்குரியவர். நான்கு மாடியில் ஒலி-ஒளி கலைக்கூடத்தை அமைப்பதற்கு முன்னர் எம்மைப் போன்றோருடன் கலந்துரையாடினார். கலைஞர்களுக்கு என்ன தேவை என்பதைப்பற்றி ஆராய்ந்த வேளையில், ஓர் உயர் தர ஒலி-ஒளிப்பதிவுக்கூடத்தின் தேவையை அடியேனும் வலியுறுத்தியிருந்தேன்.

அனைத்தையும் கருத்தில் எடுத்துச் செயற்படுத்தியவர் எமது அன்புக்கும் அபிமானத்துக்கும் மரியாதைக்கும் உரிய குணம் அண்ணா என நாம் அழைத்து மகிழ்ந்த தேவசகாயம் ஆசிர்வாதம் அவர்கள் ஒஸ்ரேலியா மெல்போர்னில் ஏப்ரில் 2ம் திகதி காலமானார் என்ற செய்தி ஆழ்ந்த துயரத்தை ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ளது.

அவரை இழந்து தவிக்கும் மனைவி றெமி அக்கா, புதல்வர்கள், சகோதர சகோதரிகள், உற்றார், உறவினர், நண்பர்கள் துயரத்தில் நானும் பங்கெடுத்துக்கொள்கிறேன்.

- எஸ். கே. ராஜென்

அன்பு அறிவிப்பாளரின் இரங்கல் செய்தி...

‘பிறப்பவர் எல்லோரும் என்றோ ஓர் நாள் இறப்பது நிச்சயம்’

நாமும் இங்கு நிரந்தரமாய் தங்கப்போவதில்லையே…!

என்றாலும் எல்லோராலும் ‘குணம்’ அண்ணா என அன்போடு அழைக்கப்படும், யாழ்-நியூவிக்டர்ஸ் நிறுவனர் திரு. தேவசகாயம் ஆசிர்வாதம் அவர்களது இழப்புச்செய்தியை அவ்வாறு கடந்து போக இயலவில்லை. காரணம், ஈழத்துக் கலைஞர்கள் மற்றும் கலாரசிகர்களைப் பொறுத்தவரையில் யாழ் விக்டர் அன்ட் சன்ஸ் என்ற நிறுவனத்தையும் அதன் நீட்சியாகத் தொடர்ந்த “நியூவிக்டர்ஸ்” நிறுவனத்தையும் மறக்க முடியாது.

1970 முதல், சுமார் இரண்டு தசாப்தகாலம், திரு.குணம் அவர்களது-நியூ விக்டர்ஸ் நிறுவனம், யாழ்மண்ணின் பெருமைக்குரிய அடையாளங்களுள் ஒன்றாக திகழ்ந்து வந்ததை, எவராலும் மறுக்க முடியாது. ஈழத்துக் கலைகள் மற்றும் கலைஞர்களது வளர்ச்சியில் அந்நிறுவனம் ஆற்றிவந்த தொண்டுகளும், காலத்தால் மறக்க முடியாதவை.

அந்நாளிலே, யாழ் மண்ணில் இசை ரசிகர்கள், இசையின்பத்தை அனுபவிக்க இலங்கை வானொலியை அடுத்து நாடியது விக்டர் அன்ட் சன்ஸ் அதனை அடுத்து நியூவிக்டர்ஸ் நிறுவனங்களைத்தான். குறிப்பாக யாழ் மண்ணிலே புதிய புதிய தொழில் நுட்பங்களை அறிமுகப்படுத் தியதில் முன்னோடி நிறுவனமாக விளங்கியது திரு. குணம் அவர்கள் ஆரம்பித்த நியூ விக்டர்ஸ் நிறுவனமே என்பதை எல்லோருமே அறிவார்கள். இலங்கையில் தொலைகாட்சி அறிமுகமான வேளையில் தொலைக்காட்சிப் பெட்டிகளை யாழ்மண்ணுக்கு அறிமுகப்படுத்திய முன்னோடி நிறுவனமும் திரு.குணம் அவர்களது நியூ விக்டேர்ஸ் நிறுவனமே. அதுமட்டுமல்ல, வீடியோ ஒளிப்பதிவுக் கருவியை முதன் முதலில் ஈழத்தில் அறிமுகப்படுத்திய முன்னோடி, என்ற பெருமையும் திரு.குணம் அவர்களுக்கே உரியது. 77ன் பிற்பகுதியில் இசையரசர் டி.எம்.சௌந்தரராஜன் அவர்கள் யாழ் மண்ணில் இசை நிகழ்ச்சி நடத்த வந்திருந்தபோது, அந்நிகழ்வை முதன் முதலாக வீடியோவில் பதிவு செய்து ஆவணப்படுத்தி வரலாறு படைத்தது, நியூ விக்டர்ஸ் நிறுவனமே.

1980 ம் ஆண்டு, யாழ் திறந்தவெளி அரங்கிலே, ‘பத்ம விபூஷண்’ கே.ஜே.யேசுதாஸ் அவர்கள் அன்று குமரியாக இருந்த பாடகி சுஜாதாவோடு இசைநிகழ்ச்சி நடத்த வந்திருந்த போது, அந்நிகழ்ச்சியை தொகுத்து வழங்க நானும் நண்பர் கே.எஸ்.ராஜாவும் போயிருந்தோம். அந்த நிகழ்ச்சியை வீடியோவில் பதிவுசெய்ய, யாழ்- நியூ விக்டர்ஸ் நிறுவனத்தின் சார்பில், இதுபோன்ற நவீன கருவிகளைக் கையாள்வதில் விற்பன்னராய்த் திகழ்ந்த "நித்தி" என்று எல்லோராலும் அழைக்கப்பெறும் திரு நித்தியானந்தன் சகிதம், திரு குணம் அவர்கள், திறந்தவெளி அரங்குக்கு வந்திருந்தார். நான் கூட அப்போதுதான் முதன் முதலாக ஒரு வீடியோ ஒளிப்பதிவுக் கருவியைப் பார்த்து அதிசயித்தேன். என்னை அடுத்து நண்பர் கே.எஸ்.ராஜா, மேடையில் நிகழ்ச்சிகளைத் தொகுத்து வழங்கிய வேளைகளில், நானும் கூட திரு.குணம் அவர்களின் அனுமதியோடு, அந்த வீடியோக் கருவியின் மூலம் நிகழ்ச்சியைப் படமாக்கி மகிழ்ந்த நினைவு இன்னும் நெஞ்சில் பசுமையாக நிழலாடுகிறது.

தென்னிலங்கையில் இருந்தும்கூட யாழ்மண்ணுக்குச் சென்ற கலைஞர்கள், நியூ விக்டர்ஸ் நிறுவனம் சென்று திரு. குணம் அவர்களை சந்திக்காமல் திரும்புவதில்லை. அந்த அளவுக்கு கலைஞர்களை நேசித்துவந்தவர் என்பதால், அவரது நட்பு வட்டமும் பெருகியிருந்தது. 87ம் ஆண்டின் இறுதியில் யுத்தச்சூழலின் தீவிரம் காரணமாகத் தாயகத்தைப் பிரிந்து அவுஸ்திரேலியாவின், மெல்பேர்னில் புகலிடம் தேடவேண்டிய நிலைக்குத் தள்ளப்பட்டாலும், தன்னுடைய "நியூ விக்டர்ஸ் " சாம்ராஜ்ஜியத்தை அங்கும் நிறுவி தன் பணியத் தொடர்ந்தார். தாயகத்தில் இருந்தும் தமிழகத்திலிருந்தும் கலைஞர்கள் அவுஸ்திரேலியாவுக்கு வரும்போதெல்லாம், நேரில் சென்று தனது அன்பினைப் பகிர்ந்துகொள்ளும் பண்பு அங்கும் தொடர்ந்தது. நானும் கூட அங்கு சென்ற பல சந்தர்ப்பங்களில் அந்நிகழ்ச்சிகளுக்கு, தனது அன்புத்துணைவி "றெமி"அவர்களுடன் வருகை தந்து, நிகழ்ச்சி முடிவடையும் வரை காத்திருந்து நேரில் சந்தித்து, நட்பினைப் புதுப்பித்து மகிழ்வார். கடைசியாக "மெல்பேர்ன்" நகருக்குப் போயிருந்த வேளையிலும் கூட, சிறுது நோய்வாய்ப்பட்டிருந்த அவர், தனது உடல் நிலையையும் பொருட்படுத்தாமல், தனது அன்புத்துணைவியார் திருமதி. றெமி தேவசகாயம் அவர்களுடன் வந்து, ஏற்கனவே பதிவுசெய்து வைத்திருந்த கே.ஜெ.யேசுதாஸ் அவர்களது இசைநிகழ்ச்சியின் பிரதி ஒன்றிணைக் கையளித்துச் சென்றார்.

அதன் பின்னர் ஒண்றிரண்டுதடவை தொலை பேசியில், அவரது அன்புத்துணைவியாரோடு பேச நேர்ந்தபோதெல்லாம், தொலைபேசியூடாக பேசுவது யார் என அறிந்ததும் தானும் என்னோடு உரையாடவேண்டுமென்று வற்புறுத்தி, மிகவும் சிரமத்தோடு .என்னோடு, அன்பும் ஆவலும் மேலிடப் அவர் பேச முயற்சித்ததை இப்போது நினைத்துப் பார்க்கும்போதும் நெஞ்சம் நெகிழ்கிறது.

அவரது பிரிவால் துயருறும் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு எமது ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்கள். அந்த நல்ல மனிதரது ஆன்மா நற்பேறு அடைய எமது இதயங்கள் வேண்டும் பிரார்த்தனைகள்.

அன்புடன்,

B. H. அப்துல் ஹமீத்

I am very saddened by this news, you have always been such a kind spirit who always had time for everyone.

We will all miss you a lot.

Deepest condolences to all the family.

May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Many know Kunam mama as the iconic artist of the family, but for me, he was an entrepreneur who embraced technology. He relayed his enthusiasm for technology to me by providing me with many experiences. Not only did he do so much for his family and friends, but I believe he also did so much for the community, for Jaffna and the development of the country by bringing technology to Ceylon/Sri Lanka even before some other countries.

Some of my memories of my Kunam mama from 1979 to 1983 are:

• He drove me in his car to Jaffna New Market and organised the purchase of my first bike, which was a Raleigh Chopper. I was 12 and used to think of myself as the cool kid in town because of him.

• Getting me my first gadget, which was the Texas Instruments “Speak & Spell” from Singapore.

• He took me with him to Palali Airport to fly his radio-controlled model aeroplane. My first experience with radio-controlled planes. The noise of the aircraft is still embedded in my head.

• Kunam mama & Remy maami took me with them on a Lions Club trip which included a boat ride. This was my first trip on a boat. On this trip, I remember finding out how doctors, lawyers, other businessmen looked up to him. I was happy I had a famous & respected mama.

• Like many other Jaffna residents, my very first ever encounter with computer games was at the Arcade machine room at the New Victors Electronic Complex. I was so proud to be his nephew. I would take my classmates and show off by getting free credits added onto the machine by the employees.

• My first experience of video filming was when he allowed me to use his video camera which was a very expensive kit at the time. When I video even now, I think how will Kunam mama film this scene.

• He even sold the Nintendo Game & Watch, but unlike others who only got to play what they could buy, he would let me play with all of them that were on display. I would enjoy playing and showing it to customers who would then buy it after my demo.

• I remember going with him to pick someone up from Jaffna Railway station and whilst waiting for the train he allowed me to drive his A-40 Somerset car. It was my first driving lesson aged about 14.

• He resprayed the Somerset car on the drive of our house in BMC Lane, which was the first time I had seen how compressed air spray painting worked.

• He connected a cable from his shop to our house on the opposite side of the road about 400 meters down the lane. It was connected to the video recording room where they were recording new movies onto multiple videotapes (totally legal in Jaffna at the time). This allowed everyone in the house to watch the movies being recorded. I think this must have been the very first Cable TV service in the whole of Sri Lanka!

I believe all the amazing experiences Kunam mama gave me has helped me develop my knowledge.

There are many more simple memories that still brighten my day. But also, without Kunam mama, there wouldn’t be any Remy maami. Without Remy maami helping me in late 1983 to get new passports for me and my family, we would not have been able to migrate to the UK to join Appa. So I am thankful in many ways to Kunam mama.

When I stayed with him in August 1990 he took me with him to install a new washing machine. It was in Melbourne Harbor on a huge cargo container ship, he spoke to the Captain and got himself and me a tour of the ship, again my first and only experience on a container ship.

Even when I managed to visit him for the last time in November 2019, I can’t forget how energetic he still was to show me DVDs even under the strain of Parkinson’s. And when I told him, there was a DVD stuck inside and it will take time to open, he told me that he always leaves the screws off so he can easily remove the cover at any time!! I was flabbergasted to see even at that age he knew how to fix appliances quickly.

I have never met anyone else with his talent and varied experience, I will remember him forever. I admired him and wanted to be an entrepreneur like him but realised it was not as easy as he made it look. He made what he did look simple but his talents were amazing.

It has been great that I have been able to maintain a close relationship with Kunam mama by visiting him over the years and he got to meet my wife and children.

Kunam mama has left behind a great legacy.

I was proud to be your nephew and the nephew of the owner of 'New Victors'.

I will dearly miss you.

Love, Raju

அமரர் ‘ஆசீர்வாதம் தேவசகாயம்’ ( குணம் ) அவர்களுக்கு எமது இதய அஞ்சலி.....!

அன்பு உறவினனே குணம் அண்ணாவே...

ஆரத்தழுவி எம்மை பாசம் பொழிந்தவரே....

நேசம் கொண்டு எம்மில் நிலைத்து நின்றவரே....

துக்கம் நிறைய செய்து நெடும் தூரம் போனீரோ....?

எண்பது ஆண்டுகள் மண்ணக வாழ்க்கை - இன்று

ஏகனவன் கைகளில் விண்ணக வாழ்க்கை....

எண்ணரிய சேவை யாழ் மண்ணிலும் புரிந்து - நன்று

வாழ்ந்திட கண்டு நால்திசையும் பரந்து நின்றாய்....!

இசை என்ற உலகில் இமயமுன் பணியையா - அன்றும்

என்றும் சோர்ந்திடாது தொடர்ந்தீர் ஐயா...

எழுபதுகளின் நடு பகுதியில் தொடங்கி - இன்றைய

இளைஞர்கள் வரை அவரவர் செவிக்கு மகிழ்வூட்டினாய்.....!

யாழ் நகரின் மத்திய பகுதியில் நியூ விக்ட்ரஸ் - என்று

பார்ப்பவர் கேட்பவர் நாவில் நத்தனம் ஆடினாய்...

நவீன தொழில் நுட்பம் நாடறியும் போதே - யாழ்

நகரின் பட்டி தொட்டி யெங்கும் கொண்டு சென்றாய்....!

ஊர் அறியும் நாடறியும் உலகறியும் உங்கள் சேவை....!

இசை பிரியோர் உள்ளத்திலும் இல்லத்திலும்...

உயரிய இடம் பெற்றவரே....

இறைவனின் சன்னதியில்

நித்தியதில் இளைப்பாறுங்கள்......!

துயருடன்....

திரு. திருமதி. பெனடிற் குடும்பத்தாரின் சார்பில்,

கனடாவிலிருந்து,

டல்சி லக்கி

Our deepest condolences to Remy Aunty and family on the loss of uncle Kunam. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Dearest Remy Aunty, Suraj & Rohini, Sujen & Preeti, Sugu, Lauren, Noah, & Xavier.

Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our dearest Kunam mama, you always had the biggest smile to greet us and this we will always remember and miss.

Thanks Remy for letting me know that Aseervatham died on Good Friday, the day we commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Truly a blessed day to surrender his spirit to his Divine Creator and his Spiritual Mother Mary, whose blessings he sort always in prayer.

Aseervatham was definitely a beloved friend, a keen communicator and respected broadcaster and inspired artist who had always something positive to offer to all and the need to keep believing in oneself even when our health fails us as it did in his life.

When I did see him last year in February 2020, in the nursing home Remy directed me after 12 noon mass at ICC, I was over the moon when he displayed some his paintings 🖼 and the exhibition he had at the town hall.

I believe his heroic faith in God and his passionate creative love for innovation in life does capture his love for movies and the short videos of people shot and edited with great patience and clarity, remains as his gift for all times, for his family and friends.

Now his roots are deep in eternity and all those who have been in his circle of friendship are a great witness to his God filled hospitality in New Victors and beyond.

Thanks 🙏 for sharing this Good life with us and may his gentle and loving soul Rest In Peace.

I will keep Kunam in my thoughts and prayers at Holy Mass during this Octave of Easter. Be strong Remy, Suraj Sujen and Sugu and your families.

God bless you and comfort you in this very difficult time.

Rev. Fr. Gaetan (Former Parish Priest of Hawthorn Immaculate Conception Church, Melbourne, Australia)

Our deepest condolences to you and your family.

“BECAUSE SOME ONE WE LOVE IS IN HEAVEN, THERE IS A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN IN OUR HOME.”

We wish to give our deepest sympathies to Remy, Suraj, Suren, Sugu and all In -Laws. Especially to Kunam Annan’s siblings Kili Acca, Queen, Yogam, Mani, Theva and Jayaratnam.

Blood is thicker than water. Loosing a sibling is mourning forever.

Kunam annan made us feel proud by his tremendous achievements by opening NEW VICTORS. A four storey beautiful accomplishment.

Saying Good Bye isn’t for us. Instead we will say that we look forward to seeing him again.

His memories to be cherished for who he was in life.

May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.

Baba and family.

My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I will surely miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind person.

A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God, leaving sadness.

To my dearest Kunam Uncle,

I am deeply saddened by your loss. You were a shining light in this world who brought us so much love and joy when we were with you.

You touched the lives of so many people around you including mine through your love of art. You inspired me to paint and follow my passion.

You will be missed forever and always. The beautiful moments you shared with us all will always speak of the great person that you were. I will really miss the bright smile that would make our days.

As we mourn your death, we also celebrate your life. I pray that your soul rests in peace.

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

I was one of Kunam's childhood friends. We attended the same primary school and the secondary school.

I left Sri Lanka five decades ago and on my every return visit to Sri Lanka I always made it a point to visit Kunam and later on Kunam and Remi. After Kunam and Remi moved to Melbourne, I visited Kunam and Remi on my visits to Melbourne and enjoyed their kind hospitality.

Kunam was always soft-spoken, kind, courteous and very helpful.

I will always miss Kunam.

May his soul rest in peace.

Kunam mama!

A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God. He created so many beautiful memories. A life that we can truly celebrate even as we grieve.

We will never forget Kunam uncle’s loving smile, generous spirit and his passion for art. He inspired so many people including me through his excellency of art work. His beautiful memories live on forever in our hearts.

Our deepest condolences to Remi aunty and his entire family. It is our prayer that God will comfort Kunam mama’s whole family during this sad time. May he richly bless you as you mourn, and May the light of his presence be a continual source of consolation.

May uncle’s beautiful soul Rest In Peace!

We have unforgettable good memories about Kunam anna when living in Jaffna. This is an irreparable loss.

Remi Acca and children please accept our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies.

Dear Remi acca, Suraj & Rohini, Sujan & Preeti, Sugu, Lauren, Noah & Xavier,

We are so saddened by the news of Kunam annan’s demise. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May his soul Rest in Peace.

I still have the beautiful desk clock ⏰ on my study table, you both presented to me when I visited Australia for the first time. I will cherish it.

Thank you.

What an incredible soul Kunam uncle was. He leaves behind so many special memories and a legacy of love.

Rest In Peace Kunam uncle.💐💐

Uncle, you have inspired both of us.

Your determination and love for painting truly inspires us to follow our passion. You always encouraged Dorothy to do painting.

Deep love between Remi Aunty and yourself is so beautiful and amazing to witness.

We deeply miss you and will continue to cherish the wonderful memories we had whenever we come to visit you and will continue to admire the amazing paintings you have created and your clock collection.

RIP Kunam Anna

Our deepest condolences to your family during this tough time.

May your soul rest in perfect peace.

I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort.

I’ll never forget Kunam Anna’s loving smile and generous spirit. He was a great coach introducing all the technologies in 1980’s at New Victors, I am so grateful for his mentoring. Life won’t be the same without him. However, I know he will be resting in heaven peacefully.

Please accept our condolences for the loss of Kunam Anna. He will live on forever in our hearts. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.

With our love and deepest sympathy as we remember Kunam Anna

Dear friends and family,

It is an honor and privilege for us to pay tribute today to our dearest Kunam Anna.

Kunam Anna was remarkable in so many ways. He lived his life to the fullest and touched so many people during his time on earth with us, as evidenced by so many of you here today and those around the world who have sent in tributes.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. A wonderful businessman, who had brilliant vision and it could be said that anything he touched, turned to gold.

The Nalliah and Yogam families never thought of Kunam anna as a brother-in-law or a son-in-law, we all thought of him as our very own son and brother, affectionately calling him, our Kunam anna.

He was a very respectful and caring human being, who strove to honor. He supported, guided and most importantly protected his family and those who were around him. His unwavering loyalty and devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions - the anchor that defined and shaped his life. He was a cherished friend to all those who were lucky enough to have known him.

I am sure that many family members and many who have known him for decades will miss the friendship that Kunam Anna brought into their lives. He was a true Christian. He strove always to be the best he could be - family man, entrepreneur, brother, friend and a champion to others.

Dearest Kunam Anna, it is very hard to say goodbye, so we will just say, so long.

We will remember you through the many people still left behind whose lives you touched so positively. You may not realise it, but you leave an amazing legacy behind, three kind and brilliant children and two beautiful loving grandchildren, Noah and Xavier. They are your legacy. Through them you leave this world a better place than when you found it and for that you must be very proud.

We, Gnanam family and Charles family, will miss you, but we will always remember you with respect, admiration and love, always and always!

We do not want to say goodbye, but for the last time with a heavy heart, please accept a return flying kiss.

சீரும் திறமையும் சேர்ந்த குணமே!

உமது சேவையால் யாவரையும் சேர்த்தணைத்து வாழ்ந்தவரே!

பாசமுள்ள சோதரனாய், பண்புடைய நணபனுமாய், ஆசையுள்ள மாமாவாய் அன்பால் பிணைந்திருந்தீர்.

இவ்வுலகில் ஆசீர்வாதம் பெற்ற இனிய மகன் அவ்வுலகில் ஆண்டவரின் ஆசி பெற வேண்டுகின்றோம் 🙏🏽

A kind and warm-hearted gentleman, and a pioneer and industrious man in the field of electronics in Jaffna is no more.

Through his professionalism and dedication to music and video services, he made thousands of people happy, and they held him in very high esteem.

A battler to the end with unceasing love for his homeland now rests in peace.

My deepest condolences to his wife Remi, Suraj, Sujen, Sugu and his siblings, and all those who had been touched by his love and generosity.

May God grant him eternal rest.

God saw you getting tired,

and a cure was not to be,

So he put his arm around you

and whispered, "Come to me".

With tearful eyes we watched you,

and saw you fade away,

Although we love you dearly,

we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.

Rest in eternal peace Thottappa.🙏

You will be greatly missed.❤

Heartfelt condolences to Thottamma, Suraj, Sujen, Sugu families, relatives & friends.

May the Good Lord comfort and console you. May he ease your pain with the beautiful memories you shared & cherish.

Love & prayers,

Raji, Rajan & children.

Our beloved Kunam Mama, having grown up in Melbourne as one of your nieces amongst the Aseervatham cousins, I'm grateful recalling the special love and bond we all shared with you in our own ways.

Whether it was the warm smile and ceaseless joy you showed when you opened the front door of your home, or our memories of running around the Hawthorn New Victors shop while you tirelessly worked - you were our kind and endlessly loving Mama. Growing up, it was through you and the videos you'd make for us that my love of Tamil films and music grew. I would be so excited playing the VHS tapes you would send and I can still see the orange New Victors logo on the label. So much of our identity growing up was a part of the legacy you built.

We will miss your light, your art, and your presence but we know your love lives on. We still feel it and carry it with us each day. I know Periamma must be so happy to be reunited with you. I can see you both laughing together, your wide cheerful smiles. Till next we all meet.

We are saddened to learn the passing of Kunam Annan and our heartfelt condolences to Remi and the family. May Lord Jesus grant Kunam Annan eternal piece.

I am remembering our past golden life together in Naranthanai as well as my chat with you few years ago during my visit to your house in Melbourne.

Saverimuthu Linus Antony & Family

We are saddened to hear the demise of Mr Aseervatham.

Our deepest sympathies to his family , relatives, friends and loved ones.

May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time. Shall remember him in our prayers.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

Dr and Mrs Jeyaretnam

Our heartfelt condolences to Remy Acca and all the family members.

We are so sorry to hear the demise of Kunam Annan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. May the good Lord comfort and console the family.

May Kunam Annan’s beautiful soul rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. 🙏 love and prayers

Rajee,Jegan and family

Today we remember not only the person who died, but also the person who led an honorable life.

Our hearts filled with beautiful memories.

We may never fathom how difficult the loss is for you, please be assured that you are in our thoughts, and in our prayers.

Our deepest condolences. May his soul Rest in Peace.

Our hearts are filled with sadness and tears but our memories are filled with smiles and laughter of the good times we shared over the years

May the departed soul "Rest in peace ".

We know you are in a better place uncle.

Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this moment.

We are honored and blessed to have known this beautiful soul.

Condolences.

விக்டா் அண்ணா ஹோா்தோனில் கடை வைத்திருந்த போது அவரின் கடைக்கு நான் பலமுறை சென்றி௫௧்௧ின்றேன், இனிமையாகப் பழகுவாா்.

1993இல் நடந்த எங்கள் திருமணத்தை வீடியோவாக பதிவு பண்ணி தந்தாா்.

அவரின் ஆன்மா இறைவனின் பாதங்களில் இளைப்பாற இறைவனை வேண்டுகின்றோம்.

அக்கா ரெமிஜியா மற்றும் பிள்ளைகளுக்கும் எங்களின் ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்கள்.

சித்தரஞ்சன் மற்றும் சித்ரா

குணம் - Has 3 simple letters yet represents the powerful valued you lived by

அறிவு - A Pioneer in Innovative thinking in the field of electronics

நட்பு - A true friend who cherished friendships especially with (Emma)/Dada and Yogu uncle

இணைவு– A local community hero who connected the community through music

திறமை - Incredibly talented artist with relentless commitment to your work

தாழ்மை - A truly humble soft spoken uncle always with a smile

இனிமை -Sweet natured with your kind and gentle ways

அன்பு – An epitome of true love to his beautiful wife, our dearest (Remy) aunty and children

Our families have shared a bond since childhood but we know you have gone to join your best friends –(Emma)/Dada and Yogu uncle.

We will look up and know that you will all shine as stars from heaven above.

You will be deeply missed!

Deepest condolences, Sarojini, Tanu, Anu, Niro, Abby and families

Your life is a wonderful memory,

Your death is a lasting loss.

You were a gentle soul, so selfless and kind.

You wouldn't hurt another even in your mind.

You will always excuse another's fault.

We prayed and begged God, to give you more time with us,

but he wanted you in his beautiful rose garden.

You are in a better place , where there is no pain.

We know that you are with God , watching us from heaven.

We pray to God to give your family and us the strength to bear the pain of your loss.

We miss you Kunam Annan.

May God grant you eternal rest.

Deeply saddened and fondly remembered.

by Violet Benedict - Ligory

Our Dear Remy Anni, Suraj, Sujen, Sugu, family and friends,

We join our family and friends in mourning the passing of our loving Kunam Anne / Uncle while comforted by his achievements in his life and the ending of his sufferings.

Kunam Anne was a hardworking, devoted family man and a multi-talented man - Master Businessman, Master Craftsman, and a Master Motor Mechanic. He was a trend setter for Jaffna businessmen, many businessmen were his followers. He was loved by most people who knew him, but he was most loved by his love of his life Remy Anni. I witnessed and admired the genuine love that existed between the two as high school students. Remy Anni happened to be the sister of my best friend Dunstan.

Together they have gone through many trials and tribulations in their lives, especially the ugly side of the civil war, illness and uprooting of the family. We are glad they have successfully raised three good children who together with Remy Anni and their partners have helped to cope with his illness and provided two grandchildren for him to play with before departing this world.

Kunam Anne was not only a big brother for me but also was a great friend for me. He helped me to learn to ride a motorbike while I was a school boy. I stole his dad’s (PeriaAiya’s) motorbike rode whenever opportunity provided.

Let us be grateful for Kunam Anne's life. And celebrate his life.

With Love and tears,

Janen / Uncle, Vasantha / Auntie, Seeralan and Mayra

Words cannot sufficiently encapsulate a fitting tribute...

Even though you were well known in your community, you seemed very private and quiet;

Even though you grew up in an era of sternness, you demonstrated gentleness;

Even though the pace of the world hastened, you showed patience;

Even though the world accepted obsolescence, you could rehabilitate;

Even though vices surrounded, you showed virtue… Relished life; Tinkered gadgets; Sketched scenes; Observed innovated.

The man behind the camera, the solder & the brush…

Kindness to a generation of children & their children...

The best tributes aren’t scribed - they are lived: by endeavour & emulation of those characteristics & qualities.

Dearest Kunam Uncle,

Some of my earliest memories of you include being amazed by your many creative masterpieces (and wishing the artistic Aseervatham abilities would be passed on to me) and seeing your kind, smiling face in your living room with the impressive wall of clocks behind you.

We are forever grateful that the strong heart and determination that saw you become a successful businessman, dedicated husband, loving father, joyful grandfather and caring uncle allowed you to attend our wedding and celebrate with us on the anniversary of your marriage to Remy Aunty. We are so lucky to share such a special date with a couple whose love story will be remembered forever.

We are comforted by the knowledge that you are resting peacefully now, watching your 'nalla kunam' legacy live on through your family.

Lots of love,

Sahana and Rudra

Dear all,

I hope that my words about Kunam machan will help alleviate some of your grief. It’s important for us to remember that though we grieve, we must also celebrate his life.

Allow me to share some fond memories and personal attributes that made him a wonderful person - memories that personify Kunam machan and his life well lived.

As I look through the kaleidoscope of his life, I see the many valued and meaningful roles that he played.

'New Victors' and 'Kunam' are the trademarks of his achievements. Kunam machan established the New Victors business, a revolution in electrical, music and video retailing with great customer service.

Everyone was a satisfied customer. Even those who engaged in agriculture and fishing were always happy to buy their technical parts from New Victors. He had the expertise of turning the old into new. He continued the business in Melbourne also.

Not only did he entertain the public with sweet music and videos, he was one of the first to introduce video filming in a modern way. Many others tried to follow him, but failed to achieve his success.

The kaleidoscope turns again and I see Kunam machan, a man defiant and the champion of others even after coming to Melbourne, an unknown place for him. On top of that, he continued his passion for painting, drawing, copper plate pressing and many others. Many have seen his talented art works at his exhibitions.

He also collected hundreds of different types of clocks during his later years. These will be a memorial for years to come.

Even though he was ailing from Parkinson's Disease, he continued to show his talents until a few weeks before his departure.

He was able to enjoy life to the full extent because of his beloved wife Remy and the rest of the family's full support and prayers.

It is very hard to say goodbye and we don't want to. We will always remember that he touched so many people's lives, so positively. He leaves an amazing legacy behind.

Dear Kunam machan, we miss you and we will always remember you with respect, admiration and love, always, always!

Rest in Peace.

Thank you,

Jeyam Machan (R. J. Gnanapragasam)

It is with heavy hearts that we come to terms with the loss of a compassionate, loving and wonderful person, Kunam Maama.

I have fond memories of Kunam Maama from my early days. Kunam Maama and Remy Acca frequently visited my childhood home in Jaffna and would come to see my mother (Thangamalar Aunty) and father (Anthony Uncle).

Kunam Maama and Remy Acca always brought a vibrant joy to our home and they were very fond of my parents. I had the privilege and honor to be a bridesmaid at Kunam Maama and Remy Acca’s wedding.

Kunam maama was a successful entrepreneur and opened a video store, called 'New Victors' in Jaffna. I remember visiting his old New Victors store and being treated with great kindness. However, I am sad that I did not have the opportunity to attend the grand opening of his new store, as I was abroad at the time. Notably, I am happy my father was able to be present at that particular opening ceremony.

In 1999, Kunam Maama and Remy Acca visited and stayed with me in Canada for a few days. We had such a memorable and enjoyable time. Kunam Maama graciously offered to put his artistic talents to work by creating a beautiful 'Last Supper' mural made out of copper. However, after diligent searching across Toronto for the tools and materials to make this mural, we were unable to find these items. Kunam Maama did not want to disappoint us, so he said that he would go back to Australia and create this mural and have it sent back to Canada. True to his word, he had this mural sent to Canada a few weeks later after he had returned to Australia. To this day, the exquisite art piece hangs in my dining room. It’s a gentle reminder of his generosity and kind spirit.

I will always cherish the memories I’ve had with Kunam Maama. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to visit you in Australia. But I know you have lived a full and beautiful life with Remy Acca, Suraj, Sujen, Sugu and your grandchildren.

May your soul Rest In Peace.

Shiranee, Bala and Praveen

Dear Remy Acca & family, I have arranged for a mass to be celebrated for the soul of Kunam Annan. Remy Acca , You and your family are always in my prayers.

A Mass will be celebrated for the soul of Kunam Thevasagayam Aseervatham on 19th June 2021 at the National Shrine of Saint Jude, Faversham, Kent in England.

May Kunam Rest in Peace and rise in glory!

God Bless You & Love you all,

Violet Benedict -Ligory

Kunam Anna was my loving older brother.

We are 10 in the family, he is the 4^th child, and I am the 9^th child. Being 13 years older than me, I looked up to him for guidance. He always looked after my siblings and I, ensuring we had a good education and provided opportunities to help us through.

He was instrumental in getting me into St. Hendrie’s College and later into St John’s College by arranging admission forms and private tuition for my studies. Later, he took me to Colombo to get a visa for me to go to London for further studies.

When I returned to Jaffna, Kunam anna (and Remy anni) got me my first job at the Jaffna University campus.

This only begins to demonstrate the dedication Kunam anna showed us.

A couple of fond memories I have with Kunam anna include, going out for motor bike rides on his stylish motor bike, which sometimes I'd even take it without his permission! Even if he found out, I doubt he would have scolded me anyway.

I also lived and worked with Kunam anna in London where he taught me how to repair white goods. I later worked with him at his shop in Melbourne.

Whilst embarrassing for our wives and children, Kunam annan and I shared a common interest in playing with electronic helicopters (drones). It was my job to fly the helicopter into trees and break it, and kunam annan’s job to piece it back together and fix it for me. He was a master in his field of electronics.

Within our family, Kunam anna is famous for showing soft love to everyone.

He was such a kind-hearted person (Avalavu Kunam-aanavar)

As he is the only one in our family who married a girl through “love marriage” rather than “arranged marriage”, we all called him 'Kaathal Mannan' (King of Love) within our family.

He continued to share great love and lived up to demonstrate it with his children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

He will be truly missed by us.