Newsletter Issue 9 | Jan 2025 So apparently the Tamil art form, the Kolam  (கோலம்)  is just math?   Kolams are beautiful patterns drawn on the ground in the morning using natural materials such as rice flour or rock salt. These designs are often found at the entrance of homes and events.   The origins of Kolam are unclear, as most speculate that the oral tradition and teaching of this art form cannot be precisely dated. However, scholars agree that Kolams have evolved over at

The task of translating Tamil works is not simple. Tamil literature is poetry. This is because much of Tamil history, knowledge, and lived experience was preserved through oral traditions — carried in song, memory, and verse long before it was written down. Our written works today honour the poets of those times and the traditions they sustained. For storytellers and translators, this creates a unique challenge: how does one not only decode centuries-old Tamil, but also carry

There is a growing interest within the Tamil community to learn more about, and reconnect with, Tamil history, language, and heritage. I often hear a sense of defeat or regret: not having learned from elders, not paying attention in school, or feeling as though the opportunity has passed. Yet, as the great Tamil poets Avvaiyar and Thiruvalluvar remind us, learning is the greatest form of wealth, and it is never too late to begin. Perhaps some of the insights found in the boo

Discover why many diaspora Tamil learners struggle with Tamil, and how you can tackle this issue.

The biggest fear for diaspora Tamils is being laughed at or looked down on when speaking Tamil.

Tamil poetry is the guardian of Tamil history.

Discover practical strategies for Tamil-speaking adults looking learn how to read and write in Tamil