Executive Board
Murugesu Amirthalingam
DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Nallur, Sri Lanka. Educated in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Electronic engineer by profession. Serving the Thamil community in South Florida for the last forty years.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
~ C.S. Lewis
Anujah Balachanthiran
PRESIDENTBA Psychology
MPH Behavioral Health Sciences.
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and raised in the U.S. since the age of 5. Resides in Fort Myers, Florida. Trained in Indian classical dance (Bharatanatyam). Motivated to bring awareness of the rich Thamil cultural heritage to the South Florida community.
“Living a life of selfless service brings one closer to the true Self.”
Karthiha Kunasekaran
VICE-PRESIDENTBSc Computer Science
MSc Computer Science
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka; experienced both prosperity and hardships and moved to India. Married to Kuna; lived in Italy before moving to the paradise of Key West, and has two daughters. Working as a teacher, trained Montessorian, holds a Florida Professional Teaching certification and director’s credentials, and extends her passion as a Field Consultant and Coach. Long-term vision is to spread the joy and richness of the Thamil language and culture to the young generation.
“யாமறிந்த மொழிகளிலே தமிழ்மொழி போல் இனிதாவது எங்கும் காணோம்.”
~ மகாகவி பாரதி
“Among all the languages we know, we do not see anywhere any as sweet as Thamil.”
~ Mahakavi Bharathi
Umma Kannayan
SECRETARYPhD Organizational Leadership
Born and raised in Singapore. Draws inspiration from her Sri Lankan grandparents’ cultural influence during her childhood, and actively promotes and preserves her Sri Lankan heritage. Eager to reconnect with relatives in Sri Lanka and envisions making a positive impact on her community. Believes in empowering the younger generation for the community’s sustained success, showcasing a commitment to cultural preservation and community development.
“Never think of who is doing better or worse than you. The only question is, are you doing your best?”
~ Sadhguru
Roshan Jeyakumar
TREASURERMD
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada. Relocated to South Florida three years ago to pursue a medical residency in family medicine. Motivated by belief in the significance of preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions for posterity, thus pursued involvement in Ilankai Thamil Manram Florida. With a deep reverence for his heritage, endeavors to imbue its values within his family and the wider community. Outside of his professional pursuits, maintains an active lifestyle, indulging in his passion for basketball and regular gym sessions to uphold a healthy way of life, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and well-being.
“You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction.”
~ Bhagavad Gita 2:7
Angela Anthony
ASSISTANT SECRETARYBA History, Criminology
JD
Born and raised in South Florida. Attended University of Miami and University of Florida Law School. Holds Florida Bar license. Freelance tutor/proofreader. Plays violin and piano. Brings a western perspective to Thamil culture and strives to integrate the two.
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
~ Desmond Tutu
Murugesu Thiravialingam
ASSISTANT TREASURERBS Electrical Engineering
MS Computer Engineering
Born in Nallur, Jaffna. Studied in Senguntha Hindu College until 10th grade. High school at Stanly College. Completed degrees at Florida Atlantic University. Currently working as a Principal Software Engineer. Fan of Thamil historical novels. Favorite author is Sandilyan. Favorite hobby is reading and watching sci-fi stories.
“யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர்.
தீதும் நன்றும் பிறர்தர வாரா.”
~ கணியன் பூங்குன்றனார்
“Any town is my town and any man is my kinsman. Good and evil come not from others.”
~ Kaniyan Pungundranar