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.