Mullivaikal Genocide Remembrance Held in Vaughan

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Vaughan, May 14, 2024

The Vaughan Tamils' Heritage and Cultural Organization (VTHCO) hosted a deeply moving event to mark the 15th anniversary of the Mullivaikal Genocide. Held at the Vellore Village Community Centre, the event drew over one hundred attendees, including families of Tamil martyrs, community members, and local dignitaries.

The ceremony began at 6:30 PM with Kannan Kumarasamy, the president of VTHCO, serving as the emcee. The event started with the lighting of the Public Flame, symbolizing the community's unity and remembrance. This was followed by the Canadian National Anthem and the raising of the Canadian flag by Skanda Singharaj, a respected senior member of the association.

Next, the Tamil Eelam National Flag was hoisted by Thakkan Damodaram, a significant figure in the Tamil community. The gathering then sang the Tamil National Anthem, reinforcing their cultural heritage and collective memory.

A poignant moment of silence was observed to honor the tens of thousands of lives lost in Mullivaikal 15 years ago. This silence was a powerful tribute to the victims and a reminder of the tragedy's enduring impact. Following the prayers, attendees participated in a flower-laying ceremony, placing flowers in memory of those who perished.

Members of the Vaughan Tamil Organization Committee took part in the lighting of the Public Flag, a symbolic act representing the light of hope and remembrance. Ranjan Indralingam then lit the Flyscreen, another symbolic gesture highlighting the community’s resilience and unity in the face of past atrocities.

The event's keynote speech was delivered by Kidnapillai Pratap, a survivor of the Mullivaikal Genocide. Pratap, still bearing the physical and emotional scars of the conflict, spoke passionately about the event's purpose. He highlighted the ongoing lack of justice and accountability for the war crimes committed and stressed the need for stronger actions by the Canadian government and the United Nations to ensure truth and justice for the victims. His words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom shared his call for justice.

In keeping with the theme of remembrance, the event concluded with the serving of Mullivaikal Kanchi, a symbolic dish representing unity and survival. This dish holds historical significance as it was the last meal served to those suffering during the genocide in Mullivaikal. Sharing this meal was a powerful act of solidarity and remembrance among the attendees.

The event concluded with a heartfelt thank you message from Sugania Sinathamby, the secretary of VTHCO. She expressed deep gratitude to all participants for their presence and support, acknowledging the community's collective efforts in keeping the memory of the Mullivaikal victims alive.

The Vaughan Tamils' Heritage and Cultural Organization has always stood firmly against the Mullivaikal Tamil Genocide and condemns the Sri Lankan government responsible for these atrocities. This memorial event served as a poignant reminder of the past and underscored the ongoing quest for justice and reconciliation. It brought together the Tamil community in Vaughan, reinforcing their shared history and commitment to ensuring that the tragic events of Mullivaikal are never forgotten.

• Lighting of the Public Flame: Symbolizing unity and remembrance.
• Raising of Flags: Canadian flag by Skanda Singharaj and Tamil Eelam National Flag by Thakkan Damodaram.
• Moment of Silence: Honoring the lives lost in the Mullivaikal Genocide.
• Flower-Laying Ceremony: A tribute to the victims.
• Keynote Speech: Delivered by Kidnapillai Pratap, a survivor of the genocide.
• Serving of Mullivaikal Kanchi: A dish symbolizing unity and survival.

The event emphasized the importance of remembering the past and advocating for justice. The community's resilience and unity were evident throughout the ceremony, and the shared meal was a touching conclusion to an evening of remembrance and solidarity.

The Vaughan Tamils' Heritage and Cultural Organization will continue to honor the memory of the Mullivaikal victims and work towards justice and reconciliation. This event was a testament to the strength and unity of the Tamil community in Vaughan and their commitment to ensuring that the tragic events of Mullivaikal are never forgotten. 

எங்கள் Vaughan தமிழ் அமைப்பு முன்ஏடுக்கும் 15 ஆம் ஆண்டு முள்ளிவாய்க்கால் இனப்படுகொலை நினைவேந்தல் நிகழ்வில் வருகை உங்கள் அனைவருக்கும் என் மாலை வணக்கம்.

• பொதுச்சுடர் ஏற்றல்: எங்கள் Vaughan தமிழ் அமைப்பு குழு உறுப்பினர்கள் பொதுச்சுடர் ஏற்றி, நாங்கள் இன்றைய நிகழ்வைத் தொடங்குவோம்.
• கனடா தேசியக்கொடி ஏற்றல்: எங்கள் மதிப்பிற்குரிய மூத்த சங்க உறுப்பினர்களில் ஒருவரான ஸ்கந்தா சிங்கராஜ் அவர்கள் கனடியக் கொடியை ஏற்றி வைப்பார்.
• தமிழீழ தேசியக்கொடி ஏற்றல்: தமிழ் ஈழத் தேசியக் கொடியை தக்கன் ஏற்றி வைப்பார்.
• அகவணக்கம்: போரில் இழந்த மாவீரர் மற்றும் பொதுமக்கள் அனைவரையும் நினைவுகூர இரண்டு நிமிடங்கள் அஞ்சலி செலுத்துவே ம்.
• ஈகைச்சுடர் ஏற்றல்: ரஞ்சன் இந்திரலிங்கம் ஈகைச்சுடர் ஏற்றி வைப்பார்.
• மலர் வணக்கம்: மலர் வணக்கம்.
• சிறப்புரை: சிறப்புரையை பிரபு நிகழ்த்துவார்.
• நன்றியுரை: Sugania Sinathamby.