Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has put forth a bipartisan resolution aimed at designating January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month, thereby honoring the rich cultural and linguistic legacy of Tamil, one of the oldest languages in existence. With over 80 million speakers globally, including approximately 360,000 in the United States, Tamil boasts a remarkable history that extends beyond 2,600 years. The introduction of this resolution coincides with Pongal, a prominent Tamil festival celebrated in mid-January. Krishnamoorthi underscored the significance of this initiative, expressing pride in representing Tamil American heritage and aspirations. He articulated his hope that the resolution would bring attention to the unique culture and accomplishments of the Tamil American community, which numbers over 350,000.
The resolution also references the ancient roots of Tamil, noting archaeological findings in Keeladi, Tamil Nadu, that date back to the 3rd century BCE. Recognized as an official language in three nations, Tamil has played a vital role in shaping global cultural, social, and economic landscapes, with timeless literary masterpieces such as Thirukkural, Silappatikaram, and Manimegalai continuing to resonate worldwide. This resolution has received bipartisan backing from a diverse group of representatives, including Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Thanedar (D-MI), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and several others. Additionally, organizations such as Tamil Americans United PAC, FeTNA, and USTAG have voiced their support for this initiative. Various states, including Michigan, Georgia, and Massachusetts, have already acknowledged Tamil culture, while others like North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Minnesota have designated January as Tamil Heritage Month.If approved, the resolution would urge Congress to formally recognize January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month, acknowledging the significant contributions of Tamil Americans and commemorating their influence on the nation’s diversity.