On January 14, 2025, coinciding with Pongal, a major Tamil harvest festival celebrated in mid-January, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month.

Pongal, a festival symbolizing gratitude and prosperity, serves as a unifying occasion for the Tamil community to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. Tamil, one of the world’s oldest languages, is spoken by over 80 million people globally, including approximately 360,000 in the United States.

“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 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.”

“Tamil Americans United PAC wholeheartedly welcomes and deeply appreciates Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and the 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,” Tamil Americans United PAC said. 

The PAC urged Tamil Americans to actively engage in their efforts for the successful passage of this legislation in the Congress.

Federation of Tamil Sangams of North American (FeTNA) said “As proud Tamil Americans, we strongly support Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s resolution to create a Tamil Language and Heritage Month,” adding “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,” U.S. Tamil Action Group (USTAG). “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.”

“PEARL appreciates the leadership of Congressman Krishnamoorthi on this resolution, which celebrates the invaluable contributions of the Tamil community to the United States across generations,” People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL) said. “The resolution 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.”

Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ami Bera (D-CA) , 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), joined Congressman Krishnamoorthi in introducing the resolution.

A copy of the resolution is available here. 

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