Raja Krishnamoorthi leads move to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month
House resolution celebrates one of the world’s oldest languages spoken by more than 80 million people worldwide, including 360,000 Americans
By Arun Kumar
Fifteen US lawmakers led by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) have introduced a bipartisan resolution in the US House of Representatives designating January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month.
Introduced Jan 14 coinciding with Pongal, a major Tamil festival, the resolution celebrates one of the world’s oldest languages spoken by more than 80 million people worldwide, including 360,000 Americans. Celebrated as a time of gratitude and prosperity, Tamil community members come together to observe Pongal with family, friends, and loved ones.
Krishnamoorthi was joined in introducing the resolution by all five other Indian American lawmakers — Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Ami Bera (D-CA) — besides Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Yevette Clark (D-NY), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Debroah Ross (D-NC), Danny Davis (D-IL), Dina Titus (D-NV), Don Davis (D-NC), and Summer Lee (D-PA).
“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,” Krishnamoorhi said. “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. I encourage my colleagues in Congress to swiftly take up this resolution to recognize the impact Tamil Americans have in our communities.”
The resolution has received strong support from various Tamil-American organizations.
Tamil Americans United PAC welcomed and thanked Krishnamoorthi and other members of Congress “for introducing this significant legislation, which highlights the rich history of the ancient Tamil people and their invaluable contributions to the modern world” and urged “Tamil Americans to actively and effectively engage in efforts to ensure the successful passage of this legislation in the United States Congress.”
“As proud Tamil Americans, we strongly support Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s resolution to create a Tamil Language and Heritage Month,” Federation of Tamil Sangams of North American (FeTNA) 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.”
“We thank Rep. Krishnamoorthi for spearheading the effort to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month and urge the U.S. Congress to pass this resolution with all due speed,” US Tamil Action Group (USTAG) stated. “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.”
Welcoming the resolution celebrating “the invaluable contributions of the Tamil community to the United States across generations,” People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL) said it “highlights the extensive history and cultural richness of the Tamil people. Recognizing Tamil Heritage Month reinforces the incredible diversity that defines and strengthens American society.”
A copy of the resolution is available here.