The evening was graced by the presence of Vaughan's Mayor, Steven Del Duca, who delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion within the community. Accompanied by Vaughan City Councillor Adriano Volpentesta, Mayor Del Duca expressed his pride and joy in celebrating Tamil culture alongside the community.
"Good evening everyone. It’s truly an honor to be here with all of you tonight. I’m thrilled to
stand alongside my dear friend, Councillor Adriano Volpentesta, to celebrate Tamil Heritage
Month and Thai Pongal," Mayor Del Duca began.
Recognizing Tamil Heritage Month
Reflecting on the previous year's inaugural celebration of Tamil Heritage Month and Thai Pongal at Vaughan City Hall, Mayor Del Duca highlighted the significance of these festivities. He lauded the efforts of the Vaughan Tamils Heritage and Cultural Organization for organizing the event and showcasing the vibrant Tamil culture.
"This is an incredible example of how our city values diversity—not just as a slogan, but as a
fundamental part of our community," he said.
A Growing Community
Mayor Del Duca acknowledged the growing Tamil population in Vaughan, currently estimated at around 2000 individuals, and expressed his hopes for its continued expansion.
"I look forward to the day when that number is 5000 or 10,000 or 20,000. We are determined
to ensure the Tamil community continues to grow, not just in numbers but in strength and
prominence," he said.
Continuing the Celebration
The mayor reminded everyone about the upcoming celebrations at Vaughan City Hall, promising that Tamil Heritage Month and Thai Pongal would be celebrated every year.
"I made a promise last year that we would celebrate Tamil Heritage Month and Thai Pongal
every single year at Vaughan City Hall, and we’re going to be doing that this Monday night," he
announced.
A Night of Unity and Joy
The celebration was filled with traditional Tamil music, dance, and food, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. The event highlighted the rich heritage of the Tamil community and their significant contributions to the cultural mosaic of Vaughan.
A Closing Note of Gratitude
Mayor Del Duca concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for making the celebration a success.
"On behalf of myself, Councillor Adriano Volpentesta, all of Vaughan City Council, and the more
than 300,000 residents of this incredible city, I wish you all the best for this celebration. Thank
you for enriching our community. Happy Tamil Heritage Month and Happy Pongal!"
Conclusion
The Pongal Festival 2024 in Vaughan was a testament to the city's commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive community. With leaders like Mayor Steven Del Duca and dedicated organizations like the Vaughan Tamils Heritage and Cultural Organization, the Tamil community continues to thrive and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Vaughan.
Copyright © 2024 VaughanTamils - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.