HR25: HR25 Tamil Thai Pongal Day; January 14, 2025; recognize

25 LC 129 0013 House Resolution 25 By: Representatives Reeves of the 99th, Hilton of the 48th, Donatucci of the 105th, Barrett of the 24th, and Cox of the 28th A RESOLUTION Recognizing January 14, 2025, as Tamil Thai Pongal Day; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Tamil Thai Pongal is the most important festival celeb rated on January 14,2 2025, by millions of Tamil ethnic people in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom,3 India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and many other countries around the world; and4 WHEREAS, Tamil is the longest surviving classical language in the world, with a traceable5 history exceeding 3,200 years and about 100 million native speakers across the globe; and6 WHEREAS, Tamil people refer to Pongal as "Thamizhar Thiruvizha," the festival of Tamils,7 and in the Tamil language, the word Pongal means "overflowing," signifying abundance and8 prosperity; and9 WHEREAS, similar to Thanksgiving Day in the United States, Tamils celebrate Pongal as10 a festival of thanksgiving to mother nature, the earth, farm an imals, and the Lord Suryan11 (Sun) for the resources necessary for a bountiful yield of crops; and12 WHEREAS, the peace loving Tamil American Community of Georgia m akes many13 important contributions to education, healthcare, the economy, and homeland security with14 H. R. 25 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0013 exceptionally educated professionals and successful entrepreneurs in a variety of fields, all15 while continuing to observe and celebrate their rich Tamil cultural heritage; and16 WHEREAS, Georgia Tamils are committed to sharing their vibrant culture, rich traditions,17 and longstanding history with the people of Georgia by celebrat ing January 14, 2025, as18 Tamil Thai Pongal.19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that20 the members of this body recognize January 14, 2025, as Tamil Thai Pongal Day in the State21 of Georgia as well as commend the Georgia Tamil community for t heir ongoing22 contributions to our state.23 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized24 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the25 public and the press.26 H. R. 25 - 2 -