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[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 41 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 41

  Expressing support for the designation of the month of January, as 
                 ``Tamil Language and Heritage Month''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 14, 2025

Mr. Krishnamoorthi (for himself, Ms. Malliotakis, Mr. Subramanyam, Ms. 
    Jayapal, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Thanedar, and Mr. Bera) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight 
                         and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Expressing support for the designation of the month of January, as 
                 ``Tamil Language and Heritage Month''.

Whereas Tamil is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world, 
        with a traceable history exceeding 2,600 years;
Whereas the recent archaeological excavations at Keeladi in Tamil Nadu, India, 
        have uncovered evidence of a well-developed urban civilization dating 
        back to the 3d century BCE;
Whereas Tamil is an official language in 3 countries and spoken by over 
        80,000,000 people worldwide, with approximately 360,000 Tamil speakers 
        in the United States as of 2023;
Whereas the Tamil community celebrates the Pongal Festival each year in mid-
        January, marking the Tamil month of ``Thai'' and celebrating the 
        harvest, cattle, and Tamil arts, contributing to the vibrant cultural 
        diversity of the United States;
Whereas Tamil people, culture, tradition, and language have impacted many 
        aspects of the economic, social, and cultural history of the United 
        States;
Whereas esteemed Tamil literary works, including the ``Thirukkural'', 
        ``Tholkappiyam'', ``Aganaanuru'', ``Puranaanuru'', ``Silappatikaram'', 
        and ``Manimegalai'', embody enduring values that inspire Tamil culture 
        and enrich global heritage;
Whereas these literary works can be read and interpreted by modern-day Tamil 
        people, have been translated into more than 100 languages, and their 
        values remain relevant to contemporary life;
Whereas recognizing January as ``Tamil Language and Heritage Month'' allows the 
        people of the United States to celebrate the rich history, language, and 
        culture of the Tamil people and encourages all Americans to learn about 
        the contributions of Tamil Americans to the cultural fabric of the 
        Nation;
Whereas States such as Michigan, Georgia, and Massachusetts have made 
        proclamations to celebrate the cultural contributions of the Tamil 
        people; and
Whereas States such as North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Minnesota have 
        recognized January as Tamil Heritage Month, reflecting the growing 
        appreciation of Tamil culture across the United States: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``Tamil Language and 
        Heritage Month'';
            (2) recognizes that Tamil Americans enhance the rich 
        diversity of and strengthens the United States; and
            (3) acknowledges the significance of Pongal, a festive 
        celebration of harvest, for the Tamil people.
                                 <all>
```