Written by Bavina Thirunavukarasu
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Canadian Tamil Professionals Association (CTPA) hosted Paalam launch at Computek College in Ajax. This gathering brought together professionals and students to reflect on the importance of mentorship, the impact of early influences, and how meaningful relationships can shape personal and professional growth.
The event centered on an engaging panel discussion featuring four accomplished Tamil professionals from diverse fields, each sharing their journey and perspective on mentorship.
MEET THE PANELISTS
Prashanth Ketheeswaran – Software Engineer, Meta
- A UofT Computer Science graduate, Prashanth began his career at Zynga and now works at Meta in New York, specializing in full-stack development.
Saumijah Asokan – Medical Student, University of Toronto
- In her third year of medical school, Saumijah is passionate about supporting Tamil youth in healthcare while balancing her interests in painting, thrifting, and travel.
Lavania Rajah – Associate, Torkin Manes LLP
- A former CBC journalist turned corporate lawyer, Lavania practices in mergers & acquisitions and sports law while also leading advocacy at the Tamil Bar Association.
Ashwin Vadivelu – Senior Director, EllisDon Community Builders
- Ashwin leads strategy for affordable housing projects across Canada, bringing expertise in infrastructure, finance, and social impact.
THE POWER OF EARLY INFLUENCE
Sometimes, it’s the words or people we encounter early in life that inspire us the most.
“It’s surprising how the most unexpected people in your life can become your mentor.”
– Prashanth
For Saumijah, it was a professor who sparked creative thinking and fueled her passion for healthcare. For Lavania, it was her parents who became her first mentors, teaching resourcefulness, confidence, and the value of networks. Ashwin found guidance through CTPA’s Paalam mentorship program, which provided the tools to navigate challenges and ask tough questions. These stories show that mentorship isn’t always a formal structure, it can appear unexpectedly and in ways you might never anticipate.
BUILDING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Who your mentor is goes beyond a title, it’s about building real, authentic relationships and actively engaging with those who can guide you. Opportunities show up in different ways: some obvious, others subtle and easy to miss.
“Always shoot your shot; most people are willing to help, we just have to try.”
– Saumijah
Taking that first step can be all it takes to open doors you never imagined and to build relationships that shape your growth and future.
ADVICE FOR SEEKING A MENTOR
“A mentor should challenge you to find your answer to your question.”
– Lavania
Mentorship isn’t always about receiving immediate answers; it’s about being guided to discover them on your own. There’s no single shortcut to success, but with the right mentor, you gain the support and encouragement to grow, make thoughtful decisions, and navigate a path that’s truly your own.
THE POWER OF WHO YOU ARE
Identity can shape not only who you are but also how you choose and connect with a mentor. Your background, experiences, and perspective can completely influence the guidance you seek and the lessons you take away.
“My identity is my driving force, a reminder to always be grateful for the opportunities I have through my education.”
– Ashwin
Sometimes your identity can shape not just who you are, but how you grow.
THE POWER OF TEN MINS: SPEED MENTORING WORKSHOP
The power of ten minutes can go far, bringing together curiosity, energy, and connection. Paalam Launch concluded with an inspiring Speed Mentoring Workshop, where just ten-minute rotations sparked meaningful conversations and lasting insights. The session brought together eight accomplished mentors from diverse fields including engineering, healthcare, sciences, and business, who shared not only their expertise but also their stories and genuine passion for mentorship. This event did more than facilitate mentor–mentee exchanges; it cultivated a vibrant sense of community, where new friendships and professional networks began to form. It marks a powerful beginning for Paalam, a reflection of the impact that comes from bringing people together to share knowledge, experiences, and opportunities that will continue to grow long after.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
“Sometimes you have to step outside the four walls of your comfort zone to grow.”
Just like having a flashlight in the dark, it’s comforting to know support is available if you choose to use it. Success is never a straight path, there will always be bumps along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and find a mentor who can offer guidance, new perspectives, and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Mentorship isn’t just about advice, it’s about empowerment, building confidence, and creating a supportive community where you feel safe to push yourself and go above and beyond.
