Hello!

My name is Rahul Balasundaram, and I am an emerging Eelam Tamil journalist based in Tiohtià:ke, colonially known as Montreal. I cover interconnected issues related to migration, displacement, climate justice, humanitarian and foreign affairs, and sustainable development. I am particularly committed to pursuing community-centred and public-interest journalism that puts people first and challenges the status quo. My work has been published in outlets such as Shado Magazine, The Leveller, The Link, Starfish Canada, Climate Refugees, and Tamil Guardian.

I have previously worked in research, policy and programming roles in various non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and the public sector. These organizations include the Canadian Council for Refugees, Asylum Access, the Migration Policy Institute, Grand Challenges Canada, the Public Policy Forum, the International Development Research Centre, Global Affairs Canada, and the Mission of Canada to the European Union.

I am currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Journalism at Concordia University. I hold an MA in Immigration and Settlement Studies from the Toronto Metropolitan University, where my Major Research Paper focused on Canada's role in global climate mobility by exploring the interconnectedness of climate displacement, border securitization, and climate justice. Before that, I completed my undergraduate studies in International Development at the University of Ottawa. 

I was born and raised in Eelam (the ancient Tamil name for the island of "Sri Lanka") and migrated to Scarborough at the age of ten. My lived experience of migration guides my engagement in community building and solidarity work. I am an avid football (soccer) enthusiast, and I enjoy reading and exploring the city and outdoors in my spare time.

I would love to network with fellow journalists, researchers, professionals, graduates and students. Please feel free to reach out if you have any opportunities or interest in collaborating!