Indian-origin lawmakers introduce resolution to designate january as tamil heritage month in US congress
A group of 15 lawmakers, spearheaded by Indian-American congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, has introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month. This move coincided with the celebration of Pongal, a significant festival in Tamil culture.
Expressing his pride, Krishnamoorthi stated, “As a Tamil-American, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution honouring the Tamil language, heritage, and culture in the US and around the world.” He was joined by five fellow Indian-American lawmakers—Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Suhas Subramanyam—who acted as co-sponsors. Other co-sponsors included Nicole Malliotakis, Ilhan Omar, Yvette Clarke, Sara Jacobs, Deborah Ross, Danny Davis, Dina Titus, Don Davis, and Summer Lee.
The resolution aims to shine a spotlight on the contributions and cultural significance of Tamil-Americans, a community of more than 3.5 lakh (350,000) individuals in the United States. Highlighting the resolution’s significance, Krishnamoorthi remarked, “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 3,50,000 Tamil-Americans today.” He further urged his colleagues in Congress to swiftly adopt the resolution, recognising the substantial impact Tamil-Americans have had on their communities.
Globally, Tamil is spoken by over eight crore (80 million) people and is considered one of the world’s oldest languages. The initiative has been met with widespread support from Tamil organisations and advocacy groups across North America.
Tamil-Americans United PAC praised the resolution, describing it as an acknowledgment of the ancient history and invaluable contributions of Tamil culture to the modern world. In a statement, the organisation encouraged Tamil-Americans to engage actively in ensuring the resolution’s passage through Congress.
Similarly, the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America voiced its strong support for the resolution. “As proud Tamil-Americans, we strongly support Rep Krishnamoorthi’s resolution to create a Tamil Language and Heritage Month,” the federation stated. “Tamils have much to contribute to this dear country we call our home, and showcasing our history, language, and culture will allow us to meaningfully share what we have with our fellow citizens.”
The US Tamil Action Group also expressed gratitude towards Krishnamoorthi and urged Congress to expedite the resolution’s approval. In a statement, the group noted, “Tamil-Americans cherish our rich and ancient language, traditions, and culture and know that we have much to contribute to America’s own unique and vibrant patchwork of traditions.”
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People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL), a group dedicated to highlighting the Tamil cause, commended the resolution for shedding light on the extensive history and cultural richness of the Tamil people.
The introduction of this resolution not only celebrates Tamil heritage but also highlights the broader role of diverse communities in shaping the cultural fabric of the United States. If passed, January’s designation as Tamil Language and Heritage Month will serve as a meaningful tribute to the enduring legacy and contributions of Tamil culture, enriching America’s multicultural identity.
With growing advocacy and community support, the resolution underscores the importance of preserving and promoting the ancient Tamil language and traditions while fostering greater appreciation for its heritage within the United States. As discussions continue in Congress, Tamil-Americans remain hopeful that their unique culture will soon receive national recognition through this historic designation.
