British Tamils celebrate Thai Pongal

British Tamils gathered in London on Monday for an evening filled with an array of performances to celebrate Thai Pongal and mark Tamil Heritage Month. 

Guests filled the iconic Church House in Westminster, which hosted the first UN Security Council in 1946, to watch dance and musical performances depicting the richness of Tamil culture and to hear from British parliamentarians who praised the Tamil community for their contributions to the UK. 

The 'Voice of Freedom' group opened the event by playing the Parai, an ancient Tamil instrument. This was followed by a moment of silence dedicated to the tens of thousands of Tamils who have sacrificed their lives in the struggle for liberation. 

Speaking at the event, Elliot Colburn, MP for Carshalton and Wallington and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPGT) thanked the Tamil community who work in the NHS and public sector for going “above and beyond” in their work. He also told the crowd that it is a time for “sombre reflection” as justice and accountability for the Tamil genocide have been “denied for too long.”

"We [the APPGT] stand firm in our dedication to ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard, and we are actively working towards creating awareness and advocating for justice on both national and international platforms," Colburn wrote in his Thai Pongal message included in the event programme. 

"Your resilience, hard work, and cultural vibrancy are integral to the diverse tapestry of our society," he added. 

Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: 

"Looking around I can see we have a living impression of the remarkable contribution of our Tamil community, in the NHS, to the British industry and politics."

"We Tamil people enrich this country in so many ways," she added. 

"I've been proud to be possibly the first person of Tamil origin in Parliament," Debbonaire said. 

"I am also really aware of the ongoing struggles of Tamil people. I remember just down this road in 2009, when Tamils held one of the longest recorded protests outside Parliament - calling for action to stop the massacres committed by Sri Lanka against the Tamil people."

Debbonaire went on to reaffirm the Labour Party's position:

"Labour in Opposition will continue to push this government to act on their responsibility to ensure that the Sri Lankan government no long delays justice, accountability and reconcilation. If Labour becomes the government after the general election, then we will with work with you and with our international partners, Tamils for Labour, with Tamil communities everywhere to bring that peace and political stability." 

Richard Holden MP for North West Durham and Conservative Party Chairman said Tamil Heritage Month is "a time to honour and celebrate the richness of Tamil cultural heritage, one that has flourished over centuries and transcended geographical boundaries."

"Pongal embodies – unity, gratitude, and resilience. These are the very qualities that have seen us through challenging times, reminding us that we are stronger together.

These values also resonate profoundly within the British Tamil community, especially in the context of seeking justice for historical injustices. The Tamil community's unwavering commitment to pursuing justice is a testament to the indomitable spirit that Pongal embodies," Holden said.