Councillor Mike Layton’s Greetings for Thalaam 2014!

Dear Friends,

Re: Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition

As City Councillor for Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina, it gives me great pleasure to offer my support for Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition hosted by Canadian Tamil Youth Association (CYTA).

Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition both reflects and contributes to Toronto’s position as one of the world’s most eclectic and multicultural cities. This event is an amazing opportunity for youth to get involved and showcase their love for dance while showcasing their culture.

The CYTA is committed to empowering Canadian Tamil through participation in events such as Thaalam and the involvement of Tamil youth in such showcases allows the younger generations to uphold cultural values and heritage through artistic interpretations.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work being done by the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable festival and continued success for years to come.

Yours in community,

Mike Layton
City Councillor
Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina

Greetings from Member of Parliament, Mr. Patrick Brown on Thaalam 2014

Greetings from Member of Parliament, Mr. Patrick Brown on Thaalam 2014
I would like to extend my warmest regards to all attendees and talented teams participating in Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition. I commend the Arts and Culture Council of CTYA for organizing this tremendously successful annual event.
This event continues to build recognition and support each year as it displays the creative abilities of many Tamil students who remain truly passionate about dance. I applaud the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance for continuing to foster the art of dance among our youth.
Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable evening.
Kindest Regards,
Patrick Brown
Member of Parliament

Wishes from MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek!

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Government of Ontario, it is my privilege to welcome you to Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition hosted by the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance.

This event brings together talented young people and is a wonderful way for youths to express themselves. Dance is a captivating art form and is an excellent way to bring together the community.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many generous and wonderful volunteers from the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance for putting this event together. Without your tireless commitment, the event would not be a success.

I would like to wish the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance, and all who participate, a very successful event.

Sincerely,

Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP Oak Ridges-Markham

Wishes from Councillor Mary Fragedakis!

Dear Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance,

It is my pleasure to extend greetings to the guests, organizers and nominees of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance’s Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition.

This event provides Tamil youth with well-deserved recognition for their talent and drive, and encourages them to continue to strive for success in the future. I congratulate all the nominees being showcased at this year’s competition for the hard work each of them has done. Beyond having demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, I also applaud each of them for serving as exceptional role models for Canada’s younger generation.

I hope that everyone behind CTYA feels a sense of pride in their commitment to youth development and empowerment. In facilitating the participation of Tamil youth in broader Canadian society, Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance is making a significant contribution to the social and economic development of this country. Your work provides the tools and resources that our youth need to take advantage of the range of opportunities available to them. Furthermore, in hosting other events, such as soccer tournaments, a robotics competition, poetry slams and leadership workshops, CTYA is also motivating the youth community to overcome the obstacles and challenges they commonly face in pursuing their aspirations.

I know that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all of Canada’s youth have the opportunity to realize their full potential in society, but I am confident that the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance is playing an important role in making that happen.

Please accept my best wishes for a most enjoyable and inspirational evening.

Sincerely,

Mary Fragedakis

City Councillor

Ward 29, Toronto-Danforth

Thaalam Wishes from Bas Balkissoon, MPP!

Bas Balkissoon, MPP

Scarborough-Rouge River

A Personal Message from MPP Bas Balkissoon

I am pleased to offer my greetings to everyone attending Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition on March 22, 2014.

The Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA) provides Canadian Tamil youth with the forum to become outstanding leaders and citizens in our society. It is important to help youth build a strong foundation which is paramount to leading a productive, fulfilling life. I would like to thank CTYA for the work they do in helping to develop future leaders in the arts and culture.

This evening’s performance allows individuals to express themselves and their views through dance, allowing them to use their creativity and skills. I want to congratulate the youth taking part in this competition for their confidence and enthusiasm in displaying their talent to their supporters and members of the community. I wish each performer the best of luck and hope they surpass their expectations and goals.

On behalf of the Legislature of Ontario, please accept my best wishes for a successful and memorable celebration.

Sincerely,

Bas Balkissoon, MPP Queen’s Park, Toronto Scarborough-Rouge River

Greetings from MP Paul Calandra

March 22, 2014

Greetings,

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to all the participants in the Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition. Hosted by the Arts & Culture Council of Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA), this is a brilliant opportunity for our youth to showcase their many talents.

As Canadians, we are very blessed to live in a country that takes so much pride in our diverse culture, the CTYA is committed to empowering Canadian Tamil youth on their journey to becoming outstanding leaders and citizens in our society.

On behalf of the Government of Canada and as Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham I would like to wish you a fun and memorable day!

Sincerely,

Paul Calandra
Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham

Greetings from the Honourable Tim Uppal, P.C., M.P.!

Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Ministre d’État (Multiculturalisme)

Greetings from the Honourable Tim Uppal, P.C., M.P.

Warmest greetings, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, to all those attending the Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition organized by the Arts & Culture Council of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA).

Dance is an art form that transcends cultural boundaries and is a great medium for intercultural dialogue and understanding. We are privileged to live in a country where we can discover the beautiful traditions of our fellow Canadians and join them in their celebrations.

As Prime Minister Harper noted: “Canada today is an example of the world in our embrace of diversity, in the ability of Canadian federalism to preserve what distinguishes our communities while strengthening what unites us as a country.”

Canada’s Tamil community has long played an important part in the social, cultural and economic development of our nation, and the Thalaam Dance Competition provides an opportunity to share a glimpse of your rich history, customs and traditions – making our nation stronger and more prosperous.

I commend the organizers of this wonderful event for your dedication to Canadian Tamil youth and for your continued commitment to Canadian pluralism.

Best wishes to everyone attending the Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Tim Uppal, P.C., M.P. Minister of State for Multiculturalism

Thaalam best wishes from Hon. Judy A. Sgro!

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

– Marcus Garvey

To My Friends Attending the Thaalam Dance Competition:

On behalf of the Parliamentary Caucus of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Leader Justin Trudeau, I am pleased to add my name to the list of those extending best wishes as you celebrate the Thaalam Dance Competition.

It has been said that Canada is a nation of newcomers that, unlike any other place, celebrates and honours various religious and cultural traditions, languages and histories within our national mosaic. Without question, this proclivity gives the country tremendous strength, flavour and resilience and, in a real way, this freedom is the underpinning of your event today. You are part of the Canadian Family and the Thaalam Dance Competition is significant. As you visit with friends and family, and enjoy unique performances, remember to praise and honour your roots by showcasing the rich and accomplished cultural heritage of your forbearers both here and around the world. Doing this provides a remarkable opportunity for all Canadians to witness and enjoy the beauty and complexity of a culture that now finds a home here in Canada.

Today as you come together to celebrate, please know there are those of us in the Liberal Party who stand with you. May you continue to enjoy success and happiness in the years ahead and may the traditions of your ancestors be a legacy for your children.

Your friend always,

Hon. Judy A. Sgro, Privy Council, MP York West

Thaalam Wishes from Jagmeet Singh, MPP!

March 12, 2014

Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance Toronto, Ontario Canada

Dear Friends,

Congratulations to the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA) for organizing Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition. This dance competition will bring Ontarians together from across the province to watch as Tamil youth display their talent to supporters and to the greater community.

CTYA is a not-for-profit youth organization committed to empowering Canadian Tamil youth to become outstanding leaders and citizens in our society.

Ontario’s youth need to feel our support and we all need to work together to ensure our young people have positive alternatives to create safer communities and neighbourhoods we can all enjoy.

Thank you to CTYA for organizing events that empower youth by not only acknowledging their many accomplishments, but also by motivating the entire youth community to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Together, we can build a stronger and happier Ontario.

Wishing the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance and all the participants a successful event and many more to come!

Sincerely,

Jagmeet Singh, MPP Bramalea-Gore-Malton

Greetings from Councillor Jaye Robinson!

March 11, 2014

To the Coordinating Committee of Thaalam 2014,

It gives me great pleasure to extend greetings to everyone attending and participating in Thaalam: The Ultimate Gaana Competition in Toronto on March 22, 2014.

Thaalam allows Tamil students to showcase their talent and love for dance.

Thaalam 2014 would not be possible without hard work of the Arts and Culture Council of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA). The CTYA recognizes the importance of youth engagement and provides a variety of programs and services that allow Tamil youth to become outstanding leaders and citizens.

Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful event! Warm Regards,

Jaye Robinson
City Councillor
Ward 25 – Don Valley West