SIDDAARTH  SHANMUGAM

Siddaarth Shanmugam is a passionate Tamil language advocate, writer, and teacher residing in Santa Clara, California. He wears two hats with expertise in both the artistic and technical realms. By day, he is a software engineer at Google, but his true passion lies in the rich tapestry of human languages, particularly his native Tamil.

As an Author

Siddaarth's love for Tamil began at a young age, blossoming into poetry writing at just 14. Over the years, he has become a master of classical Tamil poetic meters, some dating back two millennia. His book, Elimaiyaai Paakkal Ezhudhalaam (The Complete Grammar of Traditional Tamil Poetry), reflects his deep understanding of this ancient art form.

Beyond the technical aspects of language, Siddaarth is also a gifted writer. His collection of poems, Nenjaththaimbadhu (The fifty from the Heart), delves into the depths of human emotions, offering a glimpse into the beauty of the Tamil language's expressive power.

As a Teacher

Siddaarth's fluency in English and proficiency in Kannada, Sanskrit, and French showcase his lifelong fascination with languages. He believes that languages are powerful bridges between cultures, fostering communication, creativity, and understanding. His hope is to continue utilizing his skills to promote cross-cultural harmony.

Siddaarth's dedication extends beyond personal expression. He is a dedicated educator, fostering a love for Tamil in students of all ages. For the past three years, he has been a pillar of the California Tamil Academy, nurturing the Tamil language and heritage in American children of Tamil descent. Since 2020, he has also been actively teaching his knowledge of Tamil grammar through online platforms.