Toronto/Chennai: “Iniya Pongal Nalvazhthukkal.” Not something your average Canadian Prime Minister would say.
But the incumbent PM Justin Trudeau has been known for springing surprises.
"Today, Tamils in Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate Thai Pongal. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the new year. Friends and families will come together to give thanks for a prosperous harvest and a season of good fortune. It is a time for joy, celebration, and community...I encourage everybody to reflect on the strong heritage of Canada's Tamil community. Our nation is stronger and richer because of the contributions of Tamil-Canadians," he said in the video statement, shared on the Twitter handle of the Canadian PM.
He added, "On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating Thai Pongal a joyful festival."
Happy Thai Pongal to Tamils celebrating! Joyeux Thaï Pongal aux tamouls qui célèbrent! Iniya Pongal Nalvazhthukkal: pic.twitter.com/AT8YE4t3AB
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 14, 2017
The Canadian parliament, in October 2016, had also voted to designate January as the Tamil Heritage month, as recognition of the contribution of the Tamil-Canadians to the country and the cultural richness of Tamil language.
The motion was passed with 283 votes in favour of the Tamil Heritage month, and January was selected since Pongal, the festival of new harvest, is celebrated in this month.
