On Saturday(08) evening, the organization Journalists Without Borders held a memorial event to honor Mrs. Anandi Sooriyapragsam, a distinguished BBC Tamil journalist. The gathering attracted numerous journalists from various media outlets, reflecting the significant impact Mrs. Anandi had on the field of journalism. Among the attendees were representatives from the Daily Mail UK, India Today, and Mirror, as well as journalists from South India, all coming together to pay tribute to her legacy.
Mrs. Anandi’s journey in journalism began in the 1970s when the BBC launched its Tamil service. She made history as the first Sri Lankan woman to serve as an announcer, eventually rising to the roles of news producer and journalist. Her dedication and talent led her to become the head of the Tamil department, where she notably traveled to Sri Lanka to interview the LTTE’s supreme leader, Mr. Velupillai Prabakaran.
During the memorial, journalist Mr. Kannan(www.athirvu.in) emphasized the importance of the BBC Tamil service, highlighting its commitment to impartial reporting during a time when local media often displayed bias in their coverage of the Sri Lankan conflict.
n his heartfelt speech, Mr. Kannan lamented the loss of such an extraordinary journalist, stating that her absence would leave an irreplaceable void in the industry. The event was further graced by the presence of local dignitaries, including a Harrow councillor, the chairperson of Tamils for Labour, and the chairperson of the British Tamil Conservative Party. Together, they celebrated Mrs. Anandi’s remarkable contributions to journalism and her role in empowering Tamil women during a time when societal expectations were vastly different.
A senior member of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) delivered a speech during the event, during which he also shared a special tribute issued by Prime Minister Rudrakumar. It was observed that a significant number of Tamil activists and politicians were in attendance at this gathering.
