The Toronto District School Board has recognized Tamil Heritage Month each January since 2016. It is also formally recognized by the Province of Ontario through the Tamil Heritage Month Act, 2014.
This year’s theme for Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB is Unity is Strength – Rise One, Rise All: ஒன்றுபட்டால் உண்டு வாழ்வு. This theme reflects the importance of supporting one another to achieve success, leading to happiness and prosperity for all. It was inspired by poet Bharathiyar, who emphasized collective upliftment with the words “ஒன்றுபட்டால் உண்டு வாழ்வு” (Ondrupattaal undu vaazhvu) – If we are united, there is life and prosperity.
Toronto is home to the largest Tamil population outside the South Asian subcontinent, with thousands of TDSB students and staff identifying as Tamil. Throughout January, we encourage everyone to explore various aspects of kinship, whether through family ties, friendships, or community connections.
To mark Tamil Heritage Month, educational opportunities will be offered to students to learn more about Tamil history, customs, and traditions. A celebration event featuring student performances and guest speakers will take place in January, and a video of the event will be shared for all to enjoy.
Recently, TDSB students were invited to submit artwork reflecting this year’s theme in a poster challenge. Three winning selections were chosen, and we are delighted to share them at the bottom of this post. Congratulations to the talented student artists!
For more information about Tamil Heritage Month, follow @TDSB_Tamil on X for updates and interesting facts about Tamil traditions.
