New York Tamil Sangam is a registered non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, started on November 16, 1970, by Dr. P. Kumaresan at the residence of Mr. Chellappa Shanmugam, in Queens, New York. Dr. P. Kumaresan served as its first president, Mr. Chellappa Shanmugam served as first Secretary, and Mr. S.G. ShanmugaSundaram served as its first treasurer.

New York Tamil Sangam is the first ever Tamil Association started in the whole of North America.

New York Tamil Sangam today exists for promoting Culture, Art and Literature of Tamil ethnic community and for charitable causes impacting lives of people in need around the world.