shaggyyTamilCulture.ca Launch
As an avid music listener, I was one of the millions around the world counting down the days to the release of Watch the Throne. To each their own but I will say that this album was nothing short of the hype surrounding it. My favourite track? Lift Off. Not only does that song make you want to get up and do something with your life but it brings together three of the biggest names in the music industry: Kanye, Jay Z, and Beyonce. Three powerhouses if you will.
Now as I have been listening to this song on repeat for the last half hour, three other names, powerhouses in their own right, come to mind: Ara, Maat, and Shiv. Now I can’t vouch for their musical abilities, although I can immediately rule out Ara’s, but I have seen first hand their dedication and their drive to coordinate efforts of a very talented team to put together this online publication and even more, bring to the community the highly anticipated launch of TamilCulture.ca. To each their own but I will say that this launch was nothing short of the hype surrounding it.
The official launch party at the Twist Art Gallery was an exclusive event. If you were one of the lucky 100 that were extended an invite, you would have found yourself in a small yet spacious venue where you could find tables filled with swag bags and scrumptious cupcakes, a station where you can strike your Vogue ready pose and everyone’s safety net- the bar. The itinerary included the expected: short video presentations, speeches, musical performances to buffer etc. but it also included the unexpected: an interactive salsa performance. I said I couldn’t vouch for their musical abilities but I can definitely vouch for their dancing and let me tell you, those hips don’t lie!
I know there are still a handful of you scratching your heads thinking, “Wait, what the heck is this all about again? What is TamilCulture?” And that’s just it. Through our publication, we attempt to re-define what our culture is about and what it means to be Tamil in this day and age, especially in a city like Toronto with a culture of its own. I’ll be frank when saying there wasn’t even the slightest spasm of enthusiasm upon initially being asked to join this venture. In retrospect, I had a jaded view of our culture, incorporating all the stereotypical elements and letting that be the voice of the culture. I don’t listen to Tamil music, guess that means I’m not Tamil, right? Even on a Tuesday, I wouldn’t spend any of my tax return cheque on a Tamil movie, so guess that means I’m not Tamil right? More defiantly, I’m learning that the answer to all this is no. Whether it is laughing endearingly over the length of our names or sharing notes on how we were parented, there is always some common ground for Tamils in our community.
With that being said, TamilCulture.ca was officially given life at 9p.m. on August 25th. The response to this newborn was massive. Within the first few hours, the site was already experiencing heavy traffic – and that’s the only type of traffic that can put a smile on my face. As TamilCulture aims to create a balance between western and eastern culture for the young Tamil community, excuse the cliché, this launch is just the start of something big. If the feedback for the material thus far is this great, I can’t wait for you guys to see the many more items we have in store for you.
So there you go folks, we have a liftoff. Let the song say it all: We gonna take it to the moon, take it to the stars. How many people you know can take it this far?
Event Highlights Video:
By: Shagana Ehamparam – Tweet me @shaGGyy01
Check out pictures from the event:
Event Sponsors
TamilCulture.ca would like to recognize the following companies for their support at our launch event:
Kauvsegan Legal Associates
Kauvsegan Legal Associates specialize in Accident Benefit Claims, Slip & Fall, and Tort Claims. You can find out more information by visiting their website at www.klapc.ca.
VOS Massage Therapy
The experienced therapists at VOS will help you find out about your unique needs and preferences to make specific recommendations so that you will receive a customized massage experience. The focus at VOS Massage Therapy goes beyond their high quality massage therapy services. They provide a unique healing experience from the moment you enter to the time you leave. You are never rushed because ample time is scheduled between bookings. Visit http://vosmt.com/ for more details.
Sarees Galore
Sarees Galore Inc., a Toronto based online fashion company, offering a wide range of designer and trendy sarees, lehengas, salwars, kurtas and more! Find new collections, trends, deals and promotions on their facebook page. They have attires perfect for weddings, bridal parties, cultural events, and even for gifting with well over 1500 styles to choose from! Visit them on Facebook or follow them on twitter @sareesgalore.
Vasanti
Made in Canada, and founded by three Canadian women, Vasanti recognizes that women have different needs when it comes to their makeup and have embraced an attitude of inclusivity in developing light-weight, easy-to-use products for all women. From highly pigmented shades to sheer washes of colour, from porcelain foundation to rich warm hues, our colours and formulas beautifully suit all skin types and tones. Vasanti Cosmetics aims to encourage women to celebrate and enhance their natural beauty. Available at select Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall stores across Canada and online at vasanticosmetics.com.
Speaking in Chocolate
Owner Natasha Hajj always knew that she had a passion for chocolate but at the age of 17 it blossomed into a business when she became a certified chocolatier from Ecole Chocolat. Her artisan chocolates and truffles are handmade with great care and love. Only fresh ingredients are used – no preservatives or added chemicals! She even creates her own unique fillings and all of these beautiful flavours are encased in the finest Belgian chocolate, resulting in rich tastes and textures. Visit www.speakinginchocolate.com for more details.
TorontoNetwork.ca
Toronto Network is a one-stop consumer website geared to providing frequently updated feeds from a collection of individual businesses in the GTA. Each feed originates from the company’s uniquely designed website, also created by us. Users will be aware of news and updates from all businesses in the GTA and have the option of looking into a specific business’s website at their discretion. Think of it as a gallery or library for commerce, an exhibit of businesses that will cater to your every need. Go to TorontoNetwork.ca today to get more information!
Illusions Media
Committed to offering the most compelling high-concept Photography and Modern Cinematic Video Production at the best value in the city, Illusions Media takes pride in being a top choice of young couples for Wedding Photo & Cinema. With a team that possesses all the necessary skills to create feature films, Illusions Media also offers photo and video services for Commercial, Corporate and Music Video Production. Visit www.illusionsmedia.com for more details.
Einthusan.com
Check out www.Einthusan.com for high quality Tamil & Hindi movies and music video. They support iPod, iPad, iPhone, Android & Playstation 3.
Mathew & Erminia
Mathew & Erminia is a new social enterprise dedicated to innovative, healthy and natural bodycare for men and women. They offer exclusive and effective products that are the highest rated and reviewed by customers all over the world. Their store is designed with you in mind for their brands are chosen based on in-depth research and customer reviews. They truly believe in the concept of consumer power.
LIKE THEM FOR DISCOUNTS, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND MORE!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mathew-Erminia/201467919899149
Stilettolicious Dance and Fitness
Stilettolicious Dance and Fitness is a company that is a one stop for all. They provide everything from entertainment, including shows and performances, to a great variety of private and group classes that combine main components of dance and fitness. Stilettolicious is comprised of 2 main streams:
1. Dance and Fitness for ladies (classes: chair fitness, pole dancing, hip hop, bollywood/bellydance, etc), led by the creator of the company, Olga Lastovetska
2. Latin Dance (classes: bachata, salsa, merengue, etc), led by Steven Lopez, the #1 dancer in Toronto.
Visit www.stilettolicious.ca for more details.
Nostalgia Creations
Nostalgia Creations is a student run company that specializes in gourmet cupcakes. They believe that a cupcake isn’t just a dessert, but should carry you back to a special moment, a special memory in your life, and to remember and reminisce about that moment. Their delicacies are created using all organic ingredients and are uniquely designed to appeal to all your senses. Whether it be a simple chocolate cupcake topped with a swirl of icing, or an exotically flavoured, intricately designed, divinely decadent creation, they can do it. Visit http://nostalgiacupcakes.blogspot.com/ for more details.
