Cambridge Tamil Sangam (CTS) is a vibrant community-based organisation (Charity number: 1203354) dedicated to promoting the Tamil language, arts, and culture in Cambridge and across the UK. CTS seeks to unite individuals interested in Tamil language, society, and classical traditions through a diverse range of programmes and activities. Operating on a membership basis, CTS aims to better engage with, understand, and serve its community. In the 2023–24 financial year, CTS registered 55 family memberships and 19 individual memberships. Nevertheless, all CTS events and activities are open to the wider public and actively promoted through various channels to ensure broad community participation.
During 2023–24, CTS advanced its charitable objectives by organising major cultural celebrations including Deepavali, Karthigai Deepam, Pongal, and Tamil New Year festivals. These inclusive events were well attended and open to all. Additionally, CTS hosted members-only gatherings such as the annual general meeting, a summer barbecue, a Karthigai Deepam celebration, and an educational workshop for primary and secondary school students, offering guidance on schools, entrance tests, and related topics.
CTS is also committed to promoting health and fitness within the community. The organisation’s cricket club continues to grow, with participation in both the Saturday Junior League and the midweek league in Cambridgeshire. CTS also organised a badminton tournament during the year.
To further its mission of Tamil language promotion, CTS operates a Sunday school following the curriculum of the International Tamil Academy (formerly California Tamil Academy). In 2023–24, the school enrolled 48 students from kindergarten to grade 5, taught by a dedicated team of enhanced DBS-checked volunteers who receive regular safeguarding and behavioural training. The school’s progress has been noteworthy, earning recognition from the University of Cambridge’s Linguistics Department. CTS’s Tamil school is part of the Cambridge Research in Community Language Education (CiRCLE) network, hosted by the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education, and is represented in the Cambridge Bilingual Group. The school has also participated in the Cambridge Community Leadership Forum.
Cambridge Tamil Sangam (charity number 1203354) account statement 01/06/2023-30/06/2024
| Event organised | Total income | Total Expenditure |
|---|---|---|
| AGM/Barbeque/Karthigai | Deepam | 1101 01 |
| Deepavali | 6750 | 5889 78 |
| Pongal | 1052 | 1325 25 |
| Tamil New Year | 2927 | 3071 33 |
| Badminton Tournment | 1242 75 | 945 69 |
| Tamil School | 5541 | 6004 65 |
| Membership fee | 1290 | |
| Total | 18802 75 | 18337 71 |