CTC 7th Annual Thai Pongal Gala a Huge Success!

The Canadian Tamil Congress’ (CTC’s) 7th annual Pongal Dinner was celebrated on January 18th, 2014 at the Hilton Toronto Markham Suites Conference Centre. Tickets were sold out well in advance and the nearly 1000 attendees were treated to an evening of Tamil Canadian arts, culture, and an outline of CTC’s impressive achievements in 2013.

The much anticipated CTC dinner drew Federal Citizenship and Immigration Minister Hon. Chris Alexander, Ontario Premier Hon. Kathleen Wynne, , Parliamentary Assistant to the Prime Minister M.P. Paul Calandra, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, John Tory, York Region Police Chief Eric Jolliffe, as well as numerous other MPs and MPPs, Consul General for India in Toronto Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, U.S. Consulate General Vice Consul in Toronto Mr. David Swalley, academics, members of law enforcement, and business and community leaders gracing the occasion.

Federal Liberal leader Mr. Justin Trudeau was the chief guest, with keynote address delivered by Mr. C.V.K. Sivagnanam, Chairman of Northern Provincial Council in Sri Lanka. Ontario PC and Official Opposition Leader Mr. Tim Hudak made the announcement on the initiative to reintroduce the bill in Ontario to declare January as Tamil Heritage Month. Greetings from all three levels of government were also read at the event.

As in the past, the “Leaders for Change” award honouring the unique contribution of an individual who, through his or her exceptional vision, perseverance and commitment has redefined or strengthened the need for change in our society, was awarded. This year’s recipient was Professor Craig Scott, M.P. and founding member of the Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice.

This year’s “Service Excellence Award” was awarded to the Sri Lanka based “Uthayan” Newspaper for its courageous reporting and commitment to journalism in spite of intimidation by various forces including the Sri Lankan government. Uthayan is a pillar of remarkable journalism in an environment clouded with a complete disrespect for free, accurate and responsible press. Mr. E. Saravanapavan, Managing Director of Uthayan newspaper Jaffna and a TNA, MP received the award on behalf of Uthayan Newspaper.

As in the past 4 years, in 2013 CTC once again raised money through its annual walk-a-thon for a Canadian charity. With the cheque for $65,000 presented to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, CTC has raised over a quarter of a million dollars for five charities in the past five years.

CTC spokespeople also reminded everyone of the need for Tamils to unite and emphasized the need for huge commitment, finances and hard work in March in Geneva during the UNHRC session.

The event would not have been complete without the captivating performances of the students of Niro Dance Creations and Centre for Leadership and Innovation (CFLI).

Last but not least, the event would not have been financially successful without the sponsorship and support of our major sponsors, table sponsors, advertisers and well-wishers. The Canadian Tamil Congress would like to thank its sponsors, volunteers, members and friends for their generous support, and would like to remind our supporters to always support our contributors.

For event photograph please refer to:

http://www.cholancreations.com/Events/CTC-Gala-2014/i-2fwrRG5
http://www.imaginedigitally.com/
http://images.biztha.com/LatestEvent/CTC-Thai-Pongal-2014/36132744_gh4M2D#!i=3029883957&k=Jqbs57M
http://www.ninaivukal.com/Portfolio/CTC/CTC-Gala-Night-2014/i-Q3LhJG7
https://www.facebook.com/tamil.mirror.5/media_set?set=a.570672219688313.1073742007.100002366197348&type=1
http://gallery.seithy.com/CTC2014019DINNERPONGALSEITHYCOM/