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[[Image:Wosm-sweden-nsf.gif|thumb|right|130px|The emblem of the NSF Scouts in Sweden]]'''Nykterhetsrörelsens Scoutförbund''' (NSF), ''The Temperance Guide and Scout Association'' is a [[scouting]] organization in [[Sweden]] with 5,000 members.
'''Velupillai Prabhakaran'''(''Tamil வேலுப்பிள்ளை பிரபாகரன்'') (sometimes spelled ''Velupillai Pirapaharan'') (born [[November 26]], [[1954]]; [[Valvettithurai]], [[Sri Lanka]]) is the leader of the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE), an independence movement and a rebel militia fighting for [[Tamil people|Tamil]] self-rule in North-East [[Sri Lanka]]. LTTE is banned as a terrorist organization in several countries including USA, Britain, India, Australia and Malaysia. In [[1972]], at the age of 18, he founded an organization named ''Tamil New Tigers'' (''TNT''). In [[1975]], after becoming heavily involved in the Tamil protest movement, he was accused of assassinating the mayor of [[Jaffna]], [[Alfred Duraiappah]]. On [[May 5]], [[1976]], the TNT was renamed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), commonly known as the ''Tamil Tigers''.
== External links link== ▼He is regarded as a "national leader" by some Sri Lankan Tamils. However, he is considered a terrorist by [[Sri Lanka]], [[India]], [[United States]], and [[United Kingdom]]. [[India]] seeks his extradition over his alleged role in the assassination of Indian Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]].
*[http://www.nsf.scout.se/ NSF.Scout.se] (official site - non-English)
[[Category: TamilScouting Eelamin Sweden]] ▼== Cult of personality ==
[[Category:Scouting organizations and associations in Sweden]]
Known by many Tamils as "Thambi" (English: "Little Brother"), Prabhakaran has allowed and promoted himself as the object of a [[cult of personality]]. The cult is built around several factors. First, he is considered as a historical emergence along the [[Cholas|“Great Chola Emperors”]]. He is often described as a marvel to be born after one thousand years. Thus, he was inserted into a powerful [[Metanarrative|grand narrative]] for the [[Tamil people|Tamils]].
[[Category:Scouting organizations and associations in Scandinavia]]
Second, he is described as a strong and action oriented [[Personality|personality]] among the weak and “[[Babbling|babbling]]” [[Moderate|moderates]]. By his [[Violence|violent]] and rash actions Prabhakaran produced the impression that others were “just talk” and only he is capable of action. Also, he promoted himself as an exceptionally disciplined individual, and LTTE cadres were expected to follow strict [[Discipline|disciplinary]] and moral codes. However, he seldom broke the codes, and changes and exceptions were made to the codes after such incidents. For instance, the LTTE cadres were expected not to have sexual relations or marry during their service as cadres. But Prabhakaran had an affair and married [[Mathivathani Erambu]]. Overall, he is an action oriented and disciplined personality and that contributed to his [[mystique]]. He used these otherwise positive attributes of personal character to [[justify]] any [[violence]], [[murder]], and [[war]].
A third factor contributing to his cult of personality is the attribution of all success and most important initiatives by the LTTE to him. All the major victories at the war scene are announced as strategized and executed by him. Thus, he created an image that Tamils were depended on him. He became to be perceived as irreplaceable for the Sri Lanka Tamil community.
Fourth, countless songs, stories, pictures, and other [[propaganda]] items are produce to support his image as the one and only [[leader]]. No other leader is promoted as second in command. Most artistic or media creations are expected to pay homage to him.
Although, cult of personality can be attributed to leaders such as [[Mahatma Gandhi|Gandhi]] and [[John F. Kennedy]], the term is usually used in reference to a leader who willfully pursues a [[Totalitarianism|totalitarian]] control, and that is the case with Prabhakaran. By allowing himself to be worshiped as a semi-God (“Sun God” or Suriya Thevan), and by allowing a perception among Tamils that if he is to perish there will be a total [[collapse]] or annihilation of the Tamil people, he has furthered his image as the only worthy leader. Moreover, any serious contenders to leadership within LTTE such as Uma Makeswaran, Mathiah or Karuna have been systematically eliminated without open deliberations, whatever their crimes may be. Perhaps, the most important element pointing to a totalitarian character is how the [[law]] system in the defacto Tamil Eelam is set up. According to the “Tamileelam Justice” department website[http://www.eelamjudicial.org/English.htm] “laws are submitted to the National leader and when accepted and proclaimed by him, become laws binding in all persons in Tamileelam.” Clearly, the statement indicates that while LTTE members and civilians have laws produced by LTTE to follow, the final and supreme [[authority]] of Tamil Eelam laws is Prabhakaran, thus he presents himself as an [[Despotism|absolute]] ruler.
== Philosophy and Ideology of Prabhakaran ==
Prabhakaran has not expressed an all encompassing systematic [[philosophy]] or [[ideology]]. He joined the [[Tamil nationalist movement]] in his youth and quickly established himself as a strong willed [[militant]] leader by founding LTTE. His rare interviews, his annual [[Tamil Eelam Heroes Day]] speeches, and the policies and actions of the LTTE can be taken as indicators of Prabhakaran’s philosophy and ideology. The following are important areas when considering philosophy and ideology of Prabhakaran.
=== Caste ===
Tamil society is structured along [[caste]] lines, and the upper [[Vellala caste]] strives to maintain its leadership and privilege position by intra marrying, and by [[Discrimination|discriminating]] against low cast members. As a member of low [[Karaiyar caste]], Prabhakaran rise to leadership has meant that LTTE was able to break or transcend the caste structure. LTTE strongly opposes caste, and its leadership consistently has members from all castes, with a strong presence of lower castes. Moreover, LTTE aligns it self with low cast political forces of [[Tamil Nadu]], such as[[ Dalit Panthers |Dalit Panthers (DP)]], [[Pattali Makkal Katchi|Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK)]], and [[Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)]]. However, LTTE does not antagonize the upper castes, and does not use caste as its orientation framework, rather it uses Tamil nationalism to delegitimize caste. Prabhakaran’s contribution to deligitimization of caste within Sri Lankan Tamil society is instrumental.
=== Women Rights ===
Women in traditional Sri Lankan Tamil society were treated as [[Submissive|subservient]] to men, and were not given [[Equal opportunity|equal opportunities]] to pursue non traditional careers. Prabhakaran allowed women to join the movement and to fight in the battlefield. Also, LTTE outlawed [[dowry]]. He has consistently stated that equal rights and opportunities should be given to women. In his International Women's Day address, on 8 March 1996, he empowers tamil women saying, "For the awakening of a nation and the salvation of womanhood, the Thamileelam revolutionary woman has transformed herself into a tigress! Fierce and fiery, she has taken up arms to fight injustice."
However, critics contend that Prabhakaran uses women as weapon folder, women in LTTE are segregated, and do not have any real power.
=== Religion ===
Prabhakaran is born a [[Hindu]], and admirer of Tamil Hindu war god [[Murugan]]. However, religion is not a factor in his philosophy or ideology. All LTTE ceremonies are [[secular]], rooted in ancient Tamil customs, or seek to incorporate multi religious elements. For instance, Hindus traditionally [[Cremation|cremate]] their dead, but LTTE fighters are buried, according to the old Tamil custom of burying the warriors. Also, LTTE has an overwhelming support of the minority [[Sri Lankan Tamil Christians]] and the [[Church]], and a number of leading LTTE officers are Christians. Prabhakaran named his son Charles Anthony, a Christian name, after one of his most trusted associates, Charles Lucas Anthony, alias Seelan, who was killed in 1983.
=== Tamil Nationalism ===
Prabhakaran’s source of inspiration and direction is [[Tamil Nationalism|Tamil nationalism]]. His stated and ultimate ideal is to get [[Tamil Eelam]] recognized as a [[nation]]. All his activities are directed towards that single minded goal.
=== Militarism, Violence, and Terrorism ===
Prabhakaran is the instrumental force behind the [[militarization]] of the Tamil community. He argues that he chose military means only after observing that [[Nonviolence|non–violence]] means have been ineffectual or expirated. However, he was the [[catalyst]] in forcing the Tamil community to abandon non-violence. His violent break up of the students' sit ins, terrorist acts such as murder of Jaffana mayor [[Alfred Duraiappah]], and violent campaigns that generated harsh Sinhalese reactions are examples of he catalyzing the Tamil militant movement. He does not consider using violence or terrorism in self defense or to promote his end goals as unjustified, if political means are not available. Thus, LTTE has attacked Sinhalese villages, holy Buddhist religious sites, and killed political leaders such as Rajiv Gandhi.
=== Economic System ===
In the interview to Anita Prathap in 1984 Prabhakaran stated that his ideological commitment is to “[[revolutionary socialism]]”. However, in his media conference in 2002 his ideologue Anton Balasingham forcefully stated that their current economic policy is “[[market economy]]” or [[capitalism]]. All the logos, symbols, and media products of the LTTE are [[Copyright|copyrighted]]. LTTE or its insiders have setup companies such as hotels, export firms, and media outlets that cater to Sri Lanka Tamil [[Diaspora]] in an explicitly commercial way.
=== Environment ===
Prabhakaran has famously stated that “Nature is my friend, life my philosopher, and history my guide”. LTTE has important camps in jungles, and Prabhakaran himself is said to reside in safe houses in jungles. Also, Tamil population is largely farmers and fishers who depend on their environment for sustenance. Thus, the natural environment is of military, economic, and psyche value to LTTE and to Prabhakaran.
LTTE has a sustainable attitude towards the environment. LTTE has set up mechanisms to monitor environment, and vigorously implements environmental regulations. One such policy is banning the use of plastic bags for packaging, because plastic is a non-degradable material.
=== Innovation, Improvisation, Technology, Education ===
Prabhakaran has consistently shown his inclination to innovate and improvise militarily, politically, as well as economically. He considers [[technology]] as the equalizing factor in the war against a numerically and financially superior Sri Lankan army, thus always strives to stay ahead of the technological curve. He is the major architect of the defacto Tamil Eelam state administrative structures. Although, he disdains “theorists”, he supports the popular Tamils desire for education.
=== Globalization ===
Prabhakaran has operated in India, primarily in Tamil Nadu prior to 1990s. Since his return to Sri Lanka, he has not traveled aboard. However, LTTE operates internationally, and Tamil Diaspora is spread globally. Prabhakaran has not expressed any particular views about globalization, except to note that he weighs the international dynamics heavily in his decision making. LTTE as an organization seeks legitimization from the international community, yet finds itself hampered by the restrictions that substantial engagement seems to bring.
Prabhakaran has carefully avoided antagonizing the Tamil diaspora, on the contrary, he has used them systematically to raise funds, supplies and moral support. He communicates and controls the diaspora through LTTE’s international offices or front organizations.
== Quotes by Prabhakaran ==
* "Nature is my friend, Life my philosopher and History my guide."
* "seythu mudi, illai seththu madi" - Do or die
* "I always give less importance to speech, Only after growing up in action that we should begin speaking."
* "Tamil Eelam will be a socialist state. By socialism I mean an egalitarian society where human freedom and individual liberties will be guaranteed, where all forms of oppression and exploitation will be abolished. It will be a free society where our people will have maximum opportunity to develop their economy and promote their culture. Tamil Eelam will be a neutral state, committed to non-alignment and friendly to India." [http://www.sangam.org/articles/view2/?uid=685]
== References ==
:* M.R.Narayan Swamy. (2003). ''Inside an Elusive Mind - Prabhakaran''. USA: Literate World, Inc.
:* ''Prabhakaran - A Leader for All Seasons - Glimpses of the Man behind the Leader''[http://www.tamilnation.org/books/Eelam/seasons.htm]
:* Rajan Hoole. (2001) 'The Arrogance of power ', UTHR(J), Colombo.
:* [http://sangam.org/Sabaratnam/index.htm Pirapaharan by T. Sabaratnam]
:* [http://www.sangam.org/PIRABAKARAN/ The Pirabakaran Phenomenon by Sachi Sri Kantha]
:* [http://www.tamilnation.org/ltte/vp/index.htm Velupillai Pirabaharan - www.tamilnation.org]
:* [http://www.eelamweb.com/leader/ "Tamil National Leader: Hon. Veluppillai Prabhakaran" - www.eelamweb.com]
:* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/212361.stm The enigma of Prabhakaran - BBC Profile]
:* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1922478.stm BBC Reclusive Tamil rebel leader faces public (2002)]
:* [http://www.tamilcanadian.com/pageview.php?ID=213&SID=36 BBC interview with Mr.V.Pirapaharan (27.04.95)]
:* [http://www.tamilcanadian.com/pageview.php?ID=229&SID=36 BBC interview with Mr.V.Pirapaharan (13.09.94)]
:* [http://www.sangam.org/articles/view2/?uid=685 The First Interview]
[[Category:Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]]
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[[Category:Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:1954 births|Prabhakaran, Velupillai]]
[[Category:Living people|Prabhakaran, Velupillai]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan politicians|Prabhakaran, Velupillai]]
[[Category:Sri Lankans|Prabhakaran, Velupillai]]
[[Category:Tamil people|Prabhakaran, Velupillai]]
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