Page 56 - Memorial Book Thilaga Mylvaganam

Message from Balendra – friend of the family

Mrs Tilakawati Mylvaganam, well known to many in Sydney
and abroad, is sadly not with us anymore. Mrs Mylvaganam
lived her life to the fullest and touched so many people during
her time, enjoying well-earned respect from everyone.
Mylvaganam aunty was a warm, compassionate and vibrant
person who always went out of her way to help others – no
matter what. She was a proud and dignified woman who had a
passion for life.

My family and I had the good fortune of knowing Mylvaganam
aunty from the time we came to Australia. My association with
her grew in strength from Homebush Tamil School, Saiva
Manram and other community activities. Mr and Mrs
Mylvaganam also assisted me in my election to Auburn Council

in 1999. During this time, I also found out that Mrs
Mylvaganam’s father and my grandmother are relatives and
came from the same village of North Sandilipay.

Another connection that I found out was that “Tilaki”
Mylvaganam and my mother in law, Mrs Pavalam
Kanagalingam, were classmates from Vembadi Girls school for
several years. They were also good family friends and
continued their friendship from 1940 onwards. My mother in
law, who lives in England had continued to keep in contact
with her childhood friend, “Tilaki” throughout the years. Every
time Pavalam came to Sydney, Tilaki and a few other Vembadi
girls had a gala time. The last time they met was at my house
when I brought Mylvaganam aunty from the nursing home
along with two other Vembadi friends. Since aunty’s demise the
numerous phone calls my wife Jeyanthi and I have had from

Late Mrs. Tilakavati Mylvaganam 48