October 2024 Newsletter | Muraly Srinarayanathas

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2024

I'm proud to share that I completed my third run in the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon this month! This year's marathon was my most challenging yet, but it continues to be a journey of personal growth and resilience. Crossing the finish line with my family cheering me on made it even more special and memorable. I'm also incredibly proud of Sandra Smart, my EA, for joining me in this effort—she took on the 21km walk and helped raise funds for HealthPartners Canada. Sandra is a true inspiration, showing that age is not a limit but an opportunity to keep pushing forward. Gulnar Kuramaeva, one of the ECA instructors at Computek College and on the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge, also joined our efforts and participated in the 5K race - achieving her personal best time.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us and donated to help us raise funds for HealthPartners Canada; your generosity means the world. Together, Sandra, Gulnar?and I raised over $10,000. I'm thrilled to announce that the Srinarayanathas Foundation will match all donations, bringing total contributions to over $20,000! HealthPartners Canada plays a vital role in strengthening our healthcare system, and I'm grateful for the chance to support their mission.

This marathon has become a meaningful annual challenge for me, and I'm deeply thankful for the volunteers and organizers who make the TCS Charity Challenge possible each year. It's an honour to be a part of it, and I'm already looking forward to taking on the challenge again next year! Thank you all again for your incredible support.

Travels to India & The UAE

This month, I embarked on a four-week journey across India and the Middle East, marking my first return to India in nearly 20 years. The transformation here is incredible. My previous visits focused on the Tamil Nadu region, where I distributed cosmetics and spices, but this time, I've come to reconnect with old friends and to expand my network and connections to India as we're looking to establish Computek College training centres?here. It has been exciting to witness a thriving India brimming with a young, dynamic population with immense potential. So far, I've travelled to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in the south, where we're looking to open an office.?

While in Chennai, I had the pleasure of being introduced to renowned Indian fashion designer Vivek Karunakaran. His unique blend of traditional Indian elements in contemporary designs is truly inspiring. I find his creations to be a beautiful representation of Indian fashion. Vivek has been named on GQ's Best Dressed list for 2023 and 2024, and it was a privilege to share a wonderful evening with him and his wife, filled with engaging conversation.I deeply value travel for the chance to explore new places, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and connect with remarkable people. This trip has been no exception. I’m now in?Dubai and looking forward to all it has to offer next!

Century Initiative – Growing Smarter Framework

As a new board member of the Century Initiative (CI), I am proud of the organization’s commitment to immigration as a cornerstone of a thriving Canadian economy. Recently, the Canadian government announced substantial cuts to permanent resident (PR) targets—the largest reduction in over 25 years. These cuts impact economic-class PR immigrants who are critical to our economy, from healthcare and construction to STEM and the green economy. Reducing this flow of talent risks deepening workforce shortages across essential sectors, with lasting consequences for Canada’s economic stability.

Environics Institute’s public opinion research shows that public frustration is rooted not in immigration itself, but in the lack of a cohesive, forward-looking plan to tackle challenges in housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and the economy. While cutting PR targets may offer temporary relief in the face of current pressures, it fails to address the fundamental issues at play. This moment calls for thoughtful, evidence-based planning. We can build a stronger, more inclusive nation by welcoming new Canadians as part of a comprehensive national growth strategy. For further insights, read Growing Smarter – A Call for a National Growth Framework.

Goodness Gift Boxes

Over the past few years, I've had the joy of sending Goodness Gift boxes to partners, stakeholders, suppliers and many others, which I believe makes a truly meaningful gift—one that reflects a genuine commitment to community support. As a socially conscious enterprise, Goodness Gift curates high-quality, purposeful gifts while providing employment to autistic individuals. Their mission? To address autism unemployment head-on by creating an inclusive and supportive workplace by shifting the focus from limitations to the unique talents and perspectives that autistic individuals bring to the workforce when equipped to succeed.

If you’re in need of good holiday gift ideas, I highly recommend Goodness Gift boxes. Thoughtful and quality?products are put together with care in each box and representing the skills and?dedication of autistic team members. Each gift carries?a special story of empowerment, creativity, and social impact. The Goodness Gift?box is more than just a thoughtful gesture, it's?a gift with purpose and heart, which I truly appreciate.?

3 Magazine Subscriptions

We’re just one month away from releasing 3 magazine’s second issue! After the incredible reception of our first issue, I’m thrilled about the powerful stories and captivating editorials in the December issue. 3 magazine explores our diverse world, the various interwoven cultures we embrace, the languages we speak, and the vast places we call home. It reminds us that identity isn’t confined to a single culture or location—it’s a rich mosaic shaped by our experiences, relationships, and journeys.

3 magazine prioritizes stories that resonate across borders, celebrating people who live beyond boundaries and embracing the perspectives of third culture individuals. I invite you to subscribe and support our mission. If you are interested in contributing relevant stories or exploring partnership opportunities, please reach out. Let’s continue to celebrate and gain a better understanding of the beauty of our rich diversity and living beyond borders!

Subscribe to 3 magazine here.?

Potential article submissions and partnership opportunities can be emailed to Dara Chau at [email protected]

Check Out My October Blog Posts!