HR0677 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Tamil community of Illinois has made significant contributions to our State's diverse culture and population, including preserving and promoting peace, togetherness, and the rich heritage of the Tamil language; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Illinois Tamil community have achieved immense success and developed instrumental partnerships with their fellow residents, while simultaneously honoring their heritage and sharing the Tamil language in the course of their daily lives; and

WHEREAS, The Tamil language is central to Tamil identity and is recognized as one of the world's longest surviving written and spoken languages, dating back more than 2,500 years; the Tamil language is widely spoken in southern India, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, as well as many other communities around the world; and

WHEREAS, The Tamil language is the 20th most common language, spoken by approximately 76 million people globally, including many Illinois residents; and

WHEREAS, Chicago Tamil Sangam, the oldest Tamil organization in North America, celebrated its golden jubilee from July 4-7, 2019 in conjunction with the 10th World Tamil Conference in Schaumburg; and

WHEREAS, During the month of January, members of the Tamil community celebrate Pongal, a harvest festival spanning four days; Tamil Language and Culture Week provides an opportunity to share the culture of the Tamil community with Illinois citizens and to recognize centuries of Tamil traditions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the week of January 13-17, 2020 as Tamil Language and Culture Week in Illinois.