Through a generous donation of $25,000, Mithuran Manogaran (BBA 2016 UTSC) has established the Manogaran Family Management and International Business Admission Scholarship at U of T Scarborough.
This scholarship is designed to support an undergraduate student entering the Management and International Business program, prioritizing those with demonstrated financial need.
-
What inspired the creation of the Manogaran Family Management and International Business Admission Scholarship at UTSC?
The inspiration comes from a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back to the community that raised us. We've been incredibly fortunate to witness and be a part of success stories within the Tamil Canadian community, stories of resilience and hard work in the face of adversity. Establishing this scholarship is our way of supporting the next generation, making education more accessible, and honouring the sacrifices of those who paved the way for us.
-
What do you hope the scholarship achieves for students?
Our main goal is to make higher education more accessible and less burdensome for students financially. We believe that by providing this scholarship annually, we can help at least one student each year to focus more on their studies and less on their financial constraints. It's a step towards empowering them to pursue their dreams without being held back by economic barriers.
-
Why was it important for you to have the scholarship named after the Manogaran Family?
Naming the scholarship after the Manogaran Family serves as a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and contributions of not just our family but the entire Tamil diaspora. It's a symbol of our collective journey from our homeland to new countries, striving for success while maintaining our cultural identity and values. It's a message to the Tamil Canadian community, and indeed all immigrant communities, that their stories of sacrifice and resilience are recognized and celebrated.
The message is simple: giving back to your community is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It's not just about the financial support but about inspiring hope, fostering dreams, and building a stronger, more compassionate society. If you're in a position to help, I urge you to take that step.
-
You mentioned Scarborough as the best place in the world for you. Can you elaborate on what makes Scarborough so special to you and your family?
Scarborough is more than just a place; it's a vibrant, multicultural community that embodies the spirit of diversity and inclusion. It's a place where immigrants from all walks of life have come together to build a life, contribute to the community, and support each other. For my family and me, Scarborough represents home, hope, and the endless possibilities that arise when people unite to build something greater than themselves. It's a testament to the strength and beauty of our immigrant heritage.
-
Did you have role models that inspire your philanthropic journey?
Every Tamil Canadian, and actually every Tamil family, has had a success story of how they had to move away from their home country and provide for their family in another country. Being a diasporic community, every Tamil family has its heroes and heroines that sacrifice to help us get to this level that we can give back to a community. They inspire me endlessly to give back.
-
What message do you hope to convey to others who are in a position to give back to their communities?
The message is simple: giving back to your community is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It's not just about the financial support but about inspiring hope, fostering dreams, and building a stronger, more compassionate society. If you're in a position to help, I urge you to take that step. Whether it's through scholarships, mentorship, or any form of support, your contribution can make a profound difference. Let's work together to create a better future, one step at a time.
-
Looking towards the future, what are your hopes for the impact of the Manogaran Family Scholarship?
Our hope is that the scholarship not only eases the financial burden on students but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for others to contribute to their communities. We dream of a future where every student has the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial barriers, and where giving back becomes a universal value upheld by all. Ultimately, we want to inspire a cycle of generosity that continues to uplift future generations.
About the Donor
Mithuran Manogaran is the Vice President of Business Development at Bay Street Group Inc., as well as the Founder and President of Hillside Real Estate in Toronto, Ontario. Through his real estate practice, Mithuran aims to contribute to the growth of communities in Scarborough and beyond