Synopsis

Fifteen US lawmakers, led by Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, introduced a resolution to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month. The bipartisan resolution celebrates Tamil culture and its contributions, coinciding with the Tamil festival Pongal. With over 3.5 lakh Tamil-Americans in the US, the resolution highlights their significant achievements and heritage.

In a landmark recognition of Tamil heritage and culture, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate January as “Tamil Language and Heritage Month”. 

This historic initiative, coinciding with the Tamil festival of Pongal, celebrates the contributions of Tamil culture, language, and traditions to the United States and the world.

Tamil, one of the world’s oldest surviving classical languages with a history exceeding 2,600 years, is spoken by over 80 million people globally, including 360,000 Americans, said the resolution. It goes on to highlight Tamil’s rich linguistic heritage and its enduring influence. 

“As a Tamil American, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution honoring the Tamil language, heritage, and culture here at home in the United States and around the world,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi stated. “America is a mosaic of different languages, cultures, ideas, and traditions, and it is my sincere hope that this resolution will shine a light on the rich and distinct culture, as well as the incredible achievements, of the more than 350,000 Tamil Americans today.”

The resolution also acknowledges the significance of Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival that symbolises gratitude to nature.