Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB – January 2021
 
Tamil Heritage Month is recognized nationally since October 2016, provincially since March 2004 and by the Toronto District School Board since January 2016.    The month of January was chosen as it coincides with one of the most important celebrations for Canadians of Tamil heritage, the Thai Pongal harvest festival. Millions of Tamil people around the world irrespective of their religion celebrate Thai Pongal and offer thanks for an abundant harvest.      
 
This year, the chosen theme selected by the volunteer planning committee is உண்மை - உரிமை – ஒற்றுமை: Truth - Rights – Unity.   Unmai (உண்மை) recognizes that our lived experiences are our truths and these truths shape our understanding of the world around us. Urimai (உரிமை) examines our right to flourish and shine. Otrumai (ஒற்றுமை) emphasizes our shared lived experiences with other marginalized communities and our shared humanity.  
 
Toronto has the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members heritage identified as Tamil.  The importance of building awareness, creating a strong self identity and understanding one's own roots and rights are important objectives of the Tamil Heritage Month volunteer planning committee.    
 
A poster challenge is currently underway, and we will be posting the two winning designs that reflect this year’s theme in early January.    We are proud to share with you the attached power point that will provide you with information about the Tamil Heritage Month.