With over 80 million speakers, Tamil is the 20th most commonly spoken language in the world. And yet, the word itself — “Tamil” — connotes so much more than a language. It’s a rich tapestry, comprising a dynamic culture, a vast history, and storied traditions. The Tamil Chair Initiative is our way of placing a microscope on  this experience so we can preserve it, in its entirety, for generations to come. It’s an experience we want everyone to have: Our neighbours, our friends, and our families  By installing a Tamil Chair to oversee dedicated research and scholarship for Tamil studies at the University of Toronto —one of Canada’s most prestigious academic institutions — we will preserve the legacy of the Tamil identity for generations to come. The Tamil Chair will be the point of connection between the academic work that’s preceded us and the work that’s still to come. It will give this work a home, making it accessible for anyone interested in Tamil scholarship across the globe.