Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Premier Wynne Wishes for Top Talents 2013!By Admin - December 12th, 2013 |
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A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER Kathleen Wynne 2013TopTalents On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to extend warm greetings to everyone attending the Top Talents Awards Gala of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA). The success of Ontario’s young people is vital to the future of our province. Education — inside… |
Youth Icons – Saiesan Muthulingam!By Admin - December 12th, 2013 |
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Saiesan Muthulingam will be recognized as a Youth Icon at CTYA’s 4th Annual Top Talents Awards Gala & Dinner. Saiesan is well known for his talent in the field of music. Not only does he excel in singing, but he also plays many different instruments such as the guitar and keyboard. His hard work, dedication, and passion is inspirational to many Canadian Tamil Youth. |
Tamilyouth.ca wins Best Non-Profit Website Award!By Admin - December 8th, 2013 |
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CTYA’s Website www.ctya.org and www.tamilyouth.ca was awarded the Best Non Profit Website Award on Saturday at the Biztha Social Media Awards. The blog was designed as a place for Tamil youth in Canada to share their ideas, opinions and knowledge. Many youth have shared their stories, articles, poetry and artwork pertaining to Tamil culture and their lifestyle in general on the blog. The CTYA Blog was initiated in 2009 under the url www.ctya.org/blog. In 2013, the blog was redesigned by J11 Solutions with the url www.tamilyouth.ca. We are proud to have received this award recognizing the hard work of the writers and blog team. We would like to thank all the writers, contributers and designers for their hard work towards creating tamilyouth.ca! On behalf of the Blogs Teams, we would like to thank our amazing writers and readers for their contributions! |
Top Talents Awards Gala Tickets Available!By Admin - December 4th, 2013 |
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Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA) will be holding its 4th Annual Top Talents Awards Gala and Dinner on Saturday December 28th at the renowned Claireport Place Banquet and Convention Centre at 5:30 P.M. The youth community in Canada is one that is strong, vibrant and highly talented. In light of this, the Top Talents Award Gala is an event that is organized to recognize youth for their excellence in the categories of Arts, Academics, Athletics, and Achievements. CTYA will be presenting each winner with a $500 merit reward in hopes of motivating the youth in continuing his or her success. Our focus is not merely on acknowledging the many accomplishments of our youth, but through this event, we also encourage and motivate other individuals by demonstrating the various opportunities that are available to them in such a promising country. Imagine what could be accomplished by these youth if they were provided with the appropriate avenue, guidance, and support. The prospective achievements of these youth would be remarkable. When the talents and abilities of these youth are promoted and put to use, these individuals would surely be on the right path towards becoming outstanding leaders and citizens in our society. With highly talented applicants along with vibrant performances, it will surely be a night to remember. It’s a great way to celebrate the end of the year, network with talented people, and see amazing performances! You don’t want to miss out on this event. Get your tickets soon! Ticket Pricing and Contacts: General Tickets: $50 VIP Tickets: $100 Contact any of the following numbers for your tickets: CTYA: 647 470 2892 Scarborough: 647 997 8948 Toronto: 647 864 4842 North York/Vaughan: 647 448 3894 Mississauga/Brampton: 647 201 8537 |
We must never forget. The significance of our Maveerarkal and Kaarthikai Poo.By Editor - November 26th, 2013 |
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Written by: Mathusan Mahalingam The month of Karthaikai, November, marks great significance for us Eelam Tamils around the globe. November is a month dedicated to commemorating our Maveerarkal, and their selfless sacrifices for our nation. Every year, partaking in such events, brings me a sense of peace, hope and strength. Every year without fail, through such events, I am reminded again, of the humble, and selfless sacrifices of our brothers and sisters, and realize their undeniable love for our Motherland, Tamileelam. This month, the Kaarthikai Poo, is also worn proudly by many. The Kaarthikai Poo was designated as the Tamil Eelam National Flower in 2003. The Kaarthikai Poo contains the spectrum of colours of the Tamileelam National Flag – Red, and Yellow. Furthermore, in the month of November, this flower blooms throughout the Tamil homeland, in the north and the east. In English, the Karthikai Poo is known as the ‘Glorisa Lily’, or alternatively as the Flame Lily. Some of the properties of the flower itself are quite remarkable and inspirational. Unlike other flowers that quickly wither when cut and placed in flower within a few days, the Karthikai Poo can survive and endure for up to four weeks when cut and placed in water. But, what is most astounding of this flower, is that it symbolizes regeneration and rebirth. Once the flower has bloomed once, the growth tip of the bulb of the flower actually grows another fork tuber, producing another bulb, and another flower. The Kaarthikai Poo, in its properties, produces two other bulbs, and thus two new flowers from its seed. So from each flower, comes two new flowers. A powerful analogy can be drawn from this property to our Maveerarkal, who become seeds of revolution and hope in their passing, and thus, using the Kaarthikai Poo as a symbol, is truly powerful. Assigning specific flowers as state flowers, or national flowers is a tradition that has been practiced for many centuries, the assigning of flowers to symbolic significance began with the assigning of specific deities specific flowers. This tradition is carried out today, where nations, and states continue to assign flowers of significance to commemorate specific occasions, or to particular nations. This month especially, we must all come together at these events, and show our respect for our Maveerarkal, and we must all wear the Kaarthikai Poo proudly. If your school is organizing an event, go to it, show support and respect for our heroes. We must all educate our peers, and co-workers of their significance, and most of all, we must remember. They gave up their lives so we could be free, and we must never forget them, but instead, move their dreams forward. Source: “Bulbs and Summer Flowering: Gloriosa Lily.” Garden Express. 2011. Retrieved from http://www.gardenexpress.com.au/gloriosa-lily/. November 01, 2011. |
CTYA Welcomes Newly Elected Board of Directors!By Admin - November 18th, 2013 |
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On Sunday November 17th 2013, Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA) held its fourth Annual General Meeting. The meeting was initiated with a moment of silence, followed by elections for Council directors and Executives. Each nominee presented a speech to articulate why they should be elected for the position they were running for. The Chief Returning Officer supervised the election process. The audit reports were also presented and discussed. Furthermore, the events that took place during 2012-2013 by CTYA were reviewed, and the accomplishments for each of the five councils were then presented and discussed. Following that, upcoming events for this year were also looked at. There was great excitement over the upcoming year and the dynamic individuals who have joined the team to promote youth success. CTYA’s vision is to empower Canadian Tamil Youth to become outstanding leaders and citizens in our society. With much accomplishments and experience already under its belt, CTYA is on its way to greater success. NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL DIRECTORS FOR 2013/2014: Athletics Council Ramesh Kanagalingam Senthoori Sivagurunathan Apeeram Balasingam Education and Career Development Council Cajaani Velautham Ramanaa Srikandarajah Human Rights Advocacy Council Shagana Thangarajah Yalini Rajakulasingam Jenit Jeyakanthan Tamil Nation Development Council Arul Anantharajah Vice President – Finance Thivya Shanthakumar Vice President – External Meera Balasubramaniam President Chenthuran Ganesharajah CONTINUING EXECUTIVES DIRECTORS FOR 2013/2014: Vice President – Events Tharchini Vallepuram |
Canadian Students and Youth Groups Condemn CHOGM in ColomboBy Admin - November 14th, 2013 |
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Canadian Students and Youth Groups Thursday, November 14, 2013 Canadian Students and Youth Groups strongly condemn the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to take place in Colombo, Sri-Lanka. CHOGM has been a venue for world leaders to discuss global and Commonwealth issues including good governance, human rights, international peace and security and equality. Sri Lanka’s track records show complete dissent to the principles and values Commonwealth vows to uphold. The Sri-Lankan Government is accused of the most execrable war crimes and crimes against humanity of our recent history. As part of a systematic genocide, in 2009 the Sri-Lankan government wiped out the lives of over 140,000 Tamil civilians according to the Archbishop of Mannar, Rev. Rayappu Joseph. Tamils in the North-East continue to face rape, disappearance, coercive population control, and disenfranchisement. Regardless of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for the need of an international investigation in to the atrocities committed in 2009, there has been no action on the part of the Sri-Lankan Government towards accountability or justice. Countless calls for an independent investigation into the allegations of war crimes have been met with rejection and denial. Last week, a documentary, “No Fire Zone” was released by Britain’s Channel 4 News, which further showed evidence of war crimes committed by the Sri-Lankan Government and personnel. Despite having the video footage verified by external sources, Sri-Lanka has rejected this evidence as being fabricated. Furthermore, the Channel 4 reporters that arrived for Commonwealth have been systematically denied access to visiting the affected Tamil areas in the North and East. The decision taken by Commonwealth Heads of Governments to participate in this year’s CHOGM gathering whilst having knowledge of the human rights violations and crimes committed by the Sri-Lankan Government is abhorrent. Prime Minister Stephen Harper from Canada, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from India, and Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam from Mauritius have made the bold decision to boycott Colombo and their decision should be an example for other world leaders. Yet, we are deeply disappointed in the standards practiced by the British, Australian and other heads of governments in choosing to attend. The decision to host CHOGM in Sri-Lanka has sparked outrage from many NGOs and human rights activists who believe Sri-Lanka is not worthy of being a host. It is a disgrace that not only the Commonwealth chose to hold its meeting in a blood-stained island, it has chosen not to place Sri-Lanka’s allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity as an item of discussion at the meeting. Sweeping the allegations against Sri-Lanka under the rug and holding the CHOGM gathering in Colombo is equivalent to supporting injustice. The undersigned Canadian Students and Youth Groups call upon the remaining Commonwealth leaders to boycott CHOGM in Colombo and work towards establishing an independent investigation into the allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide committed by the Sri-Lankan State. |
Uncovering the TruthBy Admin - November 6th, 2013 |
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By: Athithan Kurukulasingam New evidence has surfaced surrounding the murder of LTTE News Reporter and singer Isaipriya also known to many as Shoba. The Sri Lankan government has been steadfast in their statements claiming that Isaipriya died in battle; however, this new piece of evidence uncovered by the Channel 4 team shines light into uncovering the real truth. Footage attained by Channel 4 show Isaipriya alive and unharmed in the custody of Sri Lankan soldiers. The footage then shows her bound and dead with visual signs of sexual torture. A woman who surrendered and was in the custody of soldiers clearly lived out the final moments of her life in pain, without humility and most importantly not with the level of dignity that is acceptable by any standard. There are clears signs of human rights violations that cannot be dismissed. The Sri Lankan government cannot just ignore this new piece of evidence; however, it isn’t difficult to pinpoint their next steps. From a historically standpoint, the government follows certain procedures when it comes to these matters. They acknowledge the fact that such evidence exists, they come out with an official statement saying that these new allegations are just that, allegations. They will say that it has been doctored, fabricated or somehow misinterpreted. This level of ownership is not acceptable by any standard but it’s the sad fate that we have to deal with. The murder of Isaipriya is a clear human rights violation and the government has to own up to it. The timing of this new video forces the hands of many political leaders around the world. The nearing commonwealth summit which features many world leaders is being hosted this year by Sri Lanka. Our own Prime Minister in a bold stand is boycotting the summit and has urged others to do so as well. The murder of Isaipriya and the human rights violations will force these leaders to make statements in lieu of the new evidence and it will also call on Sri Lanka to provide some sort of explanation that is acceptable in the eyes of the world. Sri Lankan officials have been caught doing what they have denied for so long and that is committing clear human rights violations. |
Our Prime Minister’s Curious Stand Against Sri LankaBy Admin - October 23rd, 2013 |
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Written By: Athithan Kurukulasingam Stephen Harper, the name usually dictates a flurry of negative comments and opinions over our sometimes overzealous leader. It can be argued that this sort of treatment is warranted and somewhat justified but for once lets stand up and applaud our leader. Mr. Harper has taken a firm stand in the throwing light at the atrocities perpetrated by Sri Lanka against its minority Tamils. Next month’s Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka will have one less member, and that is Canada. Mr. Harper has firmly stated that he will boycott the meeting. That official statement in itself could have been considered a great step forward in our efforts to unmask to the world the real truth behind the genocide; however, Mr. Harper went and took a further step and pointed out the reasons for his decision. “Canada is deeply concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka. The absence of accountability for the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian standards during and after the civil war is unacceptable. Canada noted with concern the impeachment of the Sri Lankan Chief Justice earlier this year, and we remain disturbed by ongoing reports of intimidation and incarceration of political leaders and journalists, harassment of minorities, reported disappearances, and allegations of extra judicial killings” (Harper, 2013). With that brief statement, Mr. Harper showed that he was serious and that his threats of skipping the summit starting from 2011 was coming to fruition. Mr. Harper’s absence at next month’s summit will also be noticed beyond the physical absence. Mr. Harper has also threatened to cut the purse strings to the commonwealth organization. Canada is the second largest contributor to the commonwealth rounding in at about $20 million dollars annually (Cheadle, 2013). Having such a large financial contributor to the Commonwealth suddenly drop funding would almost be a crippling act. This is a statement that should not be taken lightly by the rest of the member nations. However, as one would expect, Sri Lankan officials immediately came back with their fabricated response. I say fabricated because Sri Lankan officials are known to misconstrue statements and leave out key details in coming out with official statements and reports. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister G.L Peiris claims that Canada is totally isolated in their decision (Huffington Post, 2013). Mr. Harper states that “the Commonwealth must defend the basic principles of freedom, democracy, and respect for human dignity in order to remain relevant” (Canadian Press, 2013). In a comical twist, the Foreign Minister goes on to say that the Commonwealth is not an arena to pass on judgement. Apparently every country has problems and it is up to that government to resolve those issues in lieu of the aspirations of their people (Huffington Post, 2013). Once again Sri Lanka is a country that will solve all their problems internally and will not allow of outside intervention. This theme has become all too familiar. Necessary steps have to be taken by the international community to de-legitimatize the Sri Lankan government. Read more inside |
Thaalam initiates “Nerukku Ner” and enhances the platform for our dancers!By Admin - October 23rd, 2013 |
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Thaalam is proud to present Nerukku Ner- the dance battle in order to enhance the platform for our Tamil youth dancers. The Arts & Culture council of CTYA is thrilled to collaborate with Tamil One television channel to bring forth yet another great initiative, a dance battle for our Tamil youth to showcase the power of dance. Through Nerukku Ner, Tamil youth will have another avenue to represent and strengthen their knowledge of Tamil culture, history and arts while showcasing their talents and expressing their identity through dance. The Arts and Culture Council of CTYA strives to create an environment for youth that are inspiring and conducive of self-expression through the arts and culture. Among its key objectives are the improvement, re-orientation and expansion of programs that promote the arts and Tamil culture to Canadian Tamil youth and the broader Canadian community. Nerukku Ner will be a knockout style dance battle that will be held over a period of 12 to 14 weeks and will be aired on Tamil One television channel. Each team must consist of a minimum of 4 dancers to a maximum of 6 dancers. Tamil One is the proud sponsor of Nerukku Ner cash prizes. Champions will be awarded a $1000 cash prize and the Runner Up will be awarded a $500 cash prize. The Arts and Culture Council is currently accepting applications for teams to participate in the dance battle. Please send in the names of your team members, school/university/college names, phone numbers and email addresses to arts.culture@ctya.org before November 9th 2013. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. There will be auditions prior to final admittance to the battle and an orientation session will be held prior to commencement of the show. Are you ready to rise up to the challenge? A CTYA Initiative A Tamil One Production |
