A Warm Welcome from Mr. Gary Anandasangaree

---

Acknowledgments and Highlights

The event began with a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests. Mr. Anandasangaree expressed his delight in joining the celebration and acknowledged the efforts of the Vaughan Tamil Heritage and Cultural Organization for organizing such a meaningful event. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the rich Tamil heritage.

         "I am absolutely delighted to join all of you here tonight for this incredible celebration 

         organized by the Vaughan Tamil Heritage and Cultural Organization," 

         said Mr. Anandasangaree.

Contributions to the Community

Mr. Anandasangaree took the opportunity to acknowledge his colleagues and friends, including Francesco Sorbara, who has been a significant figure in finance and a long-time collaborator. He also recognized Anna Roberts, Minister Steven Lee Chang, Associate Minister Vijay Thanigasalam, and members of the Vaughan City Council, including Mayor Steven Del Duca.

He particularly highlighted the contributions of Jason De Placido and Dinesh Kalsegraham, noting their work in addressing hate crimes and online harms within the community.

         "I want to thank Dinesh and Jason for your work and the service you provide to our 

         community," he said.

A Growing Community

As the celebration continued, Mr. Anandasangaree spoke about the growing Tamil community across Canada and the remarkable achievements of Tamil Canadians in various fields. He mentioned the national celebrations of Tamil Heritage Month in cities like Halifax, Sarnia, Windsor, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, and Alberta.

He also celebrated the appointment of Dr. Arun Ravindran to the Order of Canada, underscoring the significant contributions of the Tamil community to the country.

         "This community around Canada is growing, and we should be proud of the incredible 

         achievements of Tamil Canadians from every part of this country," 

         Mr. Anandasangaree noted.

Recognizing Future Leaders

The event also showcased the future potential of the Tamil community, with many young people from Vaughan pursuing careers as engineers, doctors, business people, and other professionals. Mr. Anandasangaree expressed his pride in seeing the younger generation taking their rightful place in Canadian society.

         "I see in this room the future potential of our community, and I am so proud to see many 

         young people from Vaughan who are going on to become leaders in various fields," he said.

A Token of Appreciation

In conclusion, Mr. Anandasangaree invited Mr. Anpalagan Kumarasamy to the stage to receive a token of appreciation for the work of the Vaughan Tamil Heritage and Cultural Organization. He extended his best wishes for the celebration and a prosperous New Year.

         "I want to acknowledge the work of the Vaughan Tamil Heritage and Cultural Organization 

         and wish all of you an incredible Thai Pongal and a Happy New Year," he concluded.

Conclusion

The Tamil Heritage Month celebration in Vaughan was a testament to the city's commitment to diversity and the vibrant Tamil community. The event not only honored the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil people but also highlighted the community's contributions to Canada's multicultural landscape. With continued support and recognition, the Tamil community in Vaughan and across Canada will undoubtedly continue to thrive and make significant strides in the years to come.