Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Paneer leaves Oulu

Tuesday morning, at 0615, I went to the Oulu Railway Station to say goodbye to Subramaniam Paneerselvam, who in the short time he was in Oulu, made many waves.

This young lad from a small village in Tamilnadu near Villipuram, made his mark amongst many in the community in Oulu by his very simplicity.

He confessed to me that he did not even have a bank account in India as his earnings were so low that there was no money to open a bank account.

But considering the work this young boy has been doing, he is worth more than a tonne of gold.

Subramaniam Paneerselvam and Matti Ylitalo, Oulu Railway Station 31st January 2006
Subramaniam Paneerselvam and Matti Ylitalo, Oulu Railway Station 31st January 2006

Besides me, Matti Ylitalo, the person who is in charge of the Young People's Centre in Puolivälikangas, where Paneer did his work programme ,was there to see him off.

I was happy to wish a friend "Bon Votyage" to a new life based on his experience gained in Oulu. This is phrase Paneer must have learnt from his French friend, Anais, and one he will be using when he visits France soon after his wedding later this year.

God speed, Paneer.

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