Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau focuses on friendly relations between India and Canada. In a heartwarming gesture, he wished Tamilians in Canada and across the globe Happy Pongal.
In an official statement, he said:
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.
On October 8 last year, the Canadian Parliament had passed a bill declaring January to be Tamil Heritage Month. The move was aimed at recognising the contribution made by Tamilians living in Canada to the Canadian society. The motion had received 283 ‘Yeas’ from across party lines. Canada has a sizeable population of Indian immigrants who have contributed to the country’s progress for the past several years.
Last year on Independence Day, the Canadian premier had issued a statement stating that he would like to work together with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in strengthening ties between the two countries.
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
It is not the first time when Trudeau has extended a warm gesture towards India. Two years ago, he danced with Indians in Ottawa on the occasion of India’s Independence Day. The video had gone crazily viral, raking in around 28,000 shares on Facebook.
