Orientation - Our 2024 Orientation Event introduced over 50 new and returning students to the UTSG Tamil Students’ Association through a vibrant showcase of our mission, past initiatives, and upcoming plans. Held during the first two weeks of classes, this event helped build a strong sense of community early in the year. We featured testimonials from alumni members, highlighted upcoming cultural and professional events, and successfully recruited over 45 new general members. Feedback gathered indicated that students appreciated the welcoming environment and the clarity around how to get involved in meaningful ways.
Thai Pongal - In January 2025, we hosted our annual Thai Pongal celebration, welcoming over 50 attendees to mark the Tamil harvest festival through food, tradition, and cultural performance. This event included kolam (rice flour art), a traditional Pongal preparation demonstration, and student-led dance and music performances. For many, it was a chance to connect with cultural roots while introducing the wider U of T community to Tamil heritage. This was our most well-attended Pongal event to date and drew positive feedback from both Tamil and non-Tamil students for its inclusivity and educational value.
Professional Networking Night - In March 2025, the Tamil Students' Association hosted a Professional Networking Night aimed at fostering meaningful connections between Tamil-identifying students and industry professionals. he event featured a panel of 10 guest speakers from fields such as healthcare, technology, law, and finance. Over 70 students attended the evening, which included structured networking sessions, breakout discussions, and resume feedback opportunities. Many students expressed appreciation for the chance to hear personal career journeys and advice rooted in shared cultural experiences. As a result, several attendees initiated ongoing mentorships, and interest in future career-focused programming saw a notable increase.
Thanks to CPSIF funding, we were able to host our events at accessible venues and offer them free of charge to all students, significantly increasing participation across our Orientation, Thai Pongal, and Professional Networking events. The funding also allowed us to invest in quality materials for cultural displays and promotional efforts, helping us better celebrate Tamil heritage and connect with a broader audience. We are deeply grateful for this support—it directly contributed to building community, preserving cultural traditions, and empowering students through meaningful programming.