UNESCO affirms the legacy of Tamil language

TAMIL is widely regarded as the world’s oldest living language with a continuous literary tradition dating back to at least 500 BCE.

- RAJENDRAN GOVENDER

In 2004, it was officially recognised by the Government of India as the first Classical Language of India, acknowledging its deep historical and cultural roots.

This recognition, endorsed by UNESCO in 2008, is a moment of profound significance — not only for Tamil-speaking communities across the globe, but for all who value cultural diversity, intellectual heritage, and the enduring power of language. Spoken by over 80 million people and with a literary tradition dating back more than 2,500 years, Tamil is a language that has not merely survived — it has flourished, evolving continuously without losing its classical soul.

The ancient Sangam literature, with its themes of love, war, ethics, and nature, showcases a civilisation that was deeply reflective, socially organised, and intellectually rich.

Texts like the Thirukkural, composed by the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, remain timeless in their ethical and philosophical resonance, influencing thinkers across generations and cultures.