Canadian Tamil Congress Celebrates 12th Annual Thai Pongal Dinner
The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) hosted its 12th annual Thai Pongal Dinner on January 19th, 2019 at the Hilton Suites in Markham. Attended by approximately 850 (over 800) people, the event showcased achievements of Tamils, arts and culture and highlighted CTC’s activities in 2018, including the Tamil Street Festival.
The dinner was attended by several politicians, public officials including Ontario Minister Rod Phillips, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt, Toronto Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson, Markham Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Principal of University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus Wisdom Tettey members of parliament, members of provincial parliament, municipal councillors, professionals, members of law enforcement officials, media, business leaders, Tamil community leaders and leaders from various Asian communities.
The Leaders for Change Award was presented to world-class composer D. Imman for his contribution to Tamil music and the opportunities he has provided to Tamils around the world including Canada to showcase their talent. It should be noted he has composed the Tamil Anthem “Enghum Tamil, Ethilum Tamil” for the University of Toronto Tamil Chair on a pro bono basis and personally attended the Gala to release it bringing world attention to this endeavour. This year’s “Service Excellence Award” was presented to Dr. Brenda Beck for her outstanding contribution to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus to support the Tamil studies.
Dr. Vadivelu Santhakumar, president of CTC in his address, referring to the 10th year May remembrance said “I call upon all Tamils in Canada and around the globe to redouble their effort to bring justice to those who were responsible for this carnage, peace and prosperity to our people”,
The event also featured captivating dance performances by the students of Jenani Kumar (Shilompoli Shethra Dance Academy) and by Iswarya Prabakar. In addition, youth members of Centre for Leadership and Innovation (CFLI) made an outstanding presentation on Toronto Tamil Chair.
An event of this magnitude is only possible with the sponsorship and support of major sponsors, advertisers and well-wishers. The Canadian Tamil Congress expresses its sincere appreciation to our sponsors, volunteers, members and friends for their generosity, and looks forward to their continued support.