[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 215 (Wednesday, January 3, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 HONORING THE TAMIL SANGAM OF MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANN WAGNER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 3, 2024

  Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the Tamil Sangam 
of Missouri organization and their mission to preserve and nurture the 
Tamil language and culture. The Tamil people have a long and beautiful 
history, and I am delighted that so many Tamil families call Missouri's 
second congressional district home. The community contributes much to 
the St. Louis region as leaders in business, medicine, education, and 
other fields generating economic growth and prosperity.
  The Tamil Sangam of Missouri has worked to preserve and teach the 
Tamil language--one of the world's oldest surviving languages, with a 
history and traditions stretching more than 2,900 years. Tamil is 
widely spoken in South India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and many other 
countries globally. The Tamils embrace the great responsibility of 
passing their culture and language to the next generation and I am 
eager to see that my district is playing a role in this ongoing 
commitment to preserving and celebrating their culture.
  The Tamil community has also made significant contributions to the 
bilingual literacy in our great state. Missouri Tamil School students 
have acquired the ``Missouri Seal of Biliteracy'' for the Tamil 
language. Additionally, the school has displayed remarkable enthusiasm 
in charity and volunteer efforts globally. These efforts have made the 
Missouri Tamil School one of the certifying organizations for the U.S. 
President's ``Volunteer Service Award'' to recognize the most 
exceptional volunteers.
  The Tamil community is worthy of recognition from the State and 
Federal government as they have played a vital role in the preservation 
and advancement of the vibrant Tamil culture and heritage in our state. 
It is a privilege to represent the many Tamil families who live and 
work in Missouri's second congressional district and I send my wishes 
for a happy Pongal to all who celebrate.

                          ____________________