The identity of Tamils is intricately woven with their language, culture, and heritage, passed down through centuries. As Tamil scholar Kamil Zvelebil notes, “The Tamil people are among the oldest continuous populations in the world with a distinct language and a tradition of literature, music, and art.”
This is echoed in the ancient Tamil poem from Purananuru:
"யாதும் ஊரே, யாவரும் கேளிர்
தீதும் நன்றும் பிறர் தர வாரா."
("Every place is my home, and everyone is my kin;
Good and bad do not come from others, but from within.")
This poem reflects the inclusive and resilient spirit of Tamil identity, rooted in a profound sense of belonging to humanity.