London, the English capital and the host of Olympic 2012, begins with 'Vanakkam'! In an advertisement to represent and celebrate London's diverse ethnicity, it has touched the hearts of over a million Tamils most of whom are of Eezham origin. On the contrary, India insists on 'Namaste'. Ilayaraja's music and the performance of a British Tamil M.I.A in the opening ceremony is considered as a great honour by the Tamil community world over. The world criticises the UK for asserting the English and British identity, but one fails to notice the subtle gestures by the same society that recognises, values and celebrates the presence of numerous languages and cultures in the UK particularly in England. It is estimated that over 300 languages are spoken in London. On this august occasion, the British society chose to begin with the Tamil word 'Vanakkam' which indeed is an honour and proves that it distinctly recognises the Tamil identity because the next word uttered by a young girl is 'Namaste'!
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