The Swiss Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) hosted the “Manavar Eluchi Naal" (Tamil Students Uprising Day) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pon Sivakumaran's sacrifice in Kollinken, Switzerland on Sunday.
Pon Sivakumaran, who gave his life 50 years ago in 1974 at the age of 24, is remembered as the first martyr in the Tamil resistance. On June 5, 1974, surrounded by the Sri Lankan police and fearing torture, he swallowed cyanide and took his own life.
The event began with a moment of silence and the laying of flowers to pay respects to Pon Sivakumaran. Members of TYO Swiss then opened the event with two welcome songs dedicated to Maaveerar (Tamil martyrs). This was followed by a series of dances and performances of songs by various singers. A TYO member delivered a speech honoring Pon Sivakumaran and his sacrifice for future generations. The president of TYO Sitzerland also addressed the gathering, discussing the ongoing projects and initiatives of Swiss TYO.
The event concluded with an invitation to the youth to join TYO in raising their voices for justice, and encouraging collective action and solidarity.
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