Brampton student Bairavi Kalatharan has been recognized for her writing skills.

Life can be difficult at any age, but allowing negative experiences to shape your continued growth has already led to positive outcomes for a Brampton student.

Bairavi Kalatharan of Bramalea Secondary School says she has gone through bullying, racism, and cultural discrimination in her young life. Still, she has used those experiences to shape the perspective on the world she lives in, which she has documented in an award-winning poetic essay.

Recently, Kalatharan and other students across the province were acknowledged by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) with a 2026 Student Achievement Award.

Kalatharan won the award in the Poetry and Prose category, French 9-12, for her thought-provoking poem, L’Unité est la Divinité.

Her poem highlights the importance of community, connection, and finding one’s voice, reflecting the strength of her growth, according to the OSSTF/FEESO. Part of the poem was written in Tamil, which describes her bullying experience, and in the colour PINK, symbolizing anti-bullying.

When translated, L’Unité est la Divinité is Unity is Divinity, and Kalatharan hopes that the message she conveys can inspire others to seek positive outcomes from negative situations.

“The reader can really reflect on their experience,” she says in the OSSTF/FEESO video that promotes student achievement. “How (they can use) anything that happened in their life, and how they can use it as a source of change.”

Daniela Lopez, support staff at Bramalea, said that Kalatharan is very deserving of the honour because of her ability to always look for the positive and her willingness to help others overcome their own obstacles.

The theme for this year’s awards was Together is Greater than One and included submissions in various categories that highlight the importance of collaboration, community, and collective strength, according to the OSSTF/FEESO.

“Ontario students continue to impress us with their creativity, insight, and ability to reflect the world around them,” said OSSTF/FEESO President, Martha Hradowy.


INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies

Last 30 Days: 32,549 Votes

All Time: 1,259,557 Votes

1153 VOTES
Are you worried you might lose your job in the next 6-12 months?

WIN A $100 GIFT CARD

Subscribe to INsauga’s daily email newsletter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.