21 February 2025, Hounslow: The Tamil Institute for Leadership Excellence (TILE) has once again demonstrated its commitment to shaping future leaders and fostering cultural recognition through its instrumental role in organising Tamil Heritage Month in Hounslow. The TILE team’s leadership and strategic engagement with Hounslow Council have secured a long-term partnership and set a precedent for how communities can drive cultural preservation and civic collaboration. This initiative, which began 18 months ago with the support of Councillor Allan Joseph, is a testament to TILE’s philosophy of training leaders in action—individuals who can influence institutions, mobilise communities, and create lasting impact. The culmination of this hard work was realised on 21 February 2025 at Hounslow House, where a historic celebration took place, marking a new era of Tamil cultural recognition within the borough.
Tamil Heritage Month is now firmly rooted as an annual celebration in Hounslow, marking a significant milestone in recognising and honouring the contributions of the Tamil community. The event saw an inspiring gathering of community leaders, council representatives, educators, and young people, all united in celebrating the richness of Tamil heritage, language, and culture.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Archana Elangainathan, Coordinator of the Tamil Heritage Society UK, stated:
“Tamil Heritage Month is a celebration of unity, culture, and shared history. We are proud to see Hounslow embracing this important month, recognising the contributions of the Tamil community, and fostering a spirit of inclusivity and respect.”
The event was supported at the highest levels of local governance, with Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, reaffirming the borough’s commitment to diversity:
“Hounslow is a borough built on diversity and community spirit. Celebrating Tamil Heritage Month reflects our commitment to recognising and honouring the rich cultural backgrounds of our residents. This event is just the beginning of an annual tradition that will continue for years.”
The journey to this milestone was not without dedicated effort. From securing council support to ensuring the event’s seamless execution, the success of Tamil Heritage Month in Hounslow has set a new precedent for borough-led cultural celebrations. S.A.N Rajkumar, Co-founder of the Tamil Heritage Month Initiative, praised Hounslow’s leadership in championing the initiative:
“Hounslow has set the benchmark with the best Tamil Heritage Month celebration among all council-led events. From passing the resolution to flawless execution, everything was handled professionally. Special thanks to Tim Durrant and the council team for their phenomenal support. Looking forward to other councils across the UK celebrating Tamil Heritage Month in their way.”
A key focus of Tamil Heritage Month has been the engagement of younger generations in exploring and appreciating their heritage. Dr Deepthi Param, Executive Director of TILE, highlighted the importance of this initiative in shaping young minds:
“Tamil Heritage Month allows younger generations to embrace and celebrate their roots while feeling proud of their identity. It offers a valuable platform for learning, reflection, and cultural appreciation. We look forward to expanding these celebrations in years to come.”
The event also featured a vibrant showcase of Tamil cultural traditions, including Pongal displays, traditional decorations, and Tamil literature exhibits. Recognising the importance of education in cultural preservation, Lauren McCarthy, Head Teacher at St Richard’s CE Primary School, shared her reflections via a recorded video message:
“Celebrating Tamil Heritage Month within our schools gives children a chance to connect with diverse histories and cultures and gives them the representation they need. It’s an opportunity for them to feel seen, represented, and valued within their community.”
Adding to the significance of the event, Mayor of Hounslow, Karen Smith, received a copy of Tamil Values for Young Minds by S.A.N Rajkumar and shared her wishes with the participants.
The resounding success of the Tamil Heritage House initiative at Hounslow House is a testament to the dedication of TILE, the Tamil Heritage Society, and the unwavering support of Hounslow Council. Councillor Allan Joseph, who played a crucial role in making this vision a reality, expressed his pride in seeing this initiative flourish:
“I am proud to have played a part in bringing Tamil Heritage Month to Hounslow. The event on the 21st reflected our borough’s commitment to celebrating diversity, featuring the vibrant Tamil Harvest Festival and Pongal celebrations.”
As the Tamil Heritage Month celebrations in Hounslow continue to grow, they serve as a model for other councils across the UK. The success of this initiative ensures that Tamil culture, identity, and values will be recognised, celebrated, and passed down to future generations in one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
With the establishment of Tamil Heritage House, Hounslow has taken a significant step in preserving and promoting Tamil history, ensuring that this cultural celebration remains a permanent fixture in the borough’s calendar. Through initiatives like this, TILE continues to showcase its commitment to leadership development—empowering individuals to take ownership of their heritage, shape institutional partnerships, and champion cultural representation at the highest levels.
All photographs captured by @shotbyozzy.
