In Loving Memory of Aarthi Suguness
Aarthi was fiercely committed to Tamil rights and to a safe homeland for Tamils: Tamil Eelam. Aarthi visited Eelam and was moved by the community’s struggles there, committing herself to championing Tamils’ struggle for freedom however she could. She was always thinking of others’ comfort and needs.
Aarthi was one of PEARL’s founding members and was an integral part of our team for many years. Aarthi was an artist and used her creative talents to advance our work. For example, Aarthi designed and made t-shirts to spread awareness about the Tamil struggle, such as with the Tamil alphabet, karthikai poo (the national flower of Tamil Eelam), and excerpts from the 1977 Vadukkodai Resolution that sparked the campaign for Tamil Eelam.
Aarthi joined PEARL’s Advocacy Days and protests on Capitol Hill, pushing policymakers to address Sri Lanka’s human rights violations.
She was always willing to assist with any project–no matter how big or small, even helping staff PEARL’s booth at a community event in Toronto in August 2023. She even handed out PEARL’s business cards at the restaurant she worked at in Sarasota.
Aarthi was a fearless advocate and would stand up to educate people who did not understand the history and politics of Eelam. Aarthi was truly one-of-a-kind. The PEARL family will miss her deeply and will carry her memory and legacy forward in our work.
To contribute to PEARL’s work in Aarthi’s honor, please click below
