The Tamu (Gurung) community is an indigenous community with a long and rich history, its own language, culture, traditions, customs, heritage, and distinct identity. While the historical roots of the Tamu people are in Nepal, Tamu communities have now spread across many parts of the world, including India, Bhutan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Malaysia, Myanmar, and many other countries.

As Tamu people have settled in different parts of the world, they have formed associations, organizations, and community groups to preserve their identity, maintain their cultural traditions, support one another, and contribute to the welfare and development of their communities. These organizations have played an important role in keeping Tamu culture and relationships alive, even across national borders.

The idea of bringing these communities together on a broader platform grew from the need for stronger communication, cooperation, and unity among Tamu organizations worldwide.

A significant step in this journey was the Historic First Tamu SAARC Conference, held in Dharan, Sunsari, on 23–24 October 2016 (7–8 Kartik 2073 B.S.). The conference was conceptualized and envisioned by Mr. Resham Gurung, former Chairperson of the National House of Tamu (Gurung). The success of the conference encouraged Tamu organizations to strengthen their relationships beyond national boundaries and created a foundation for a wider international initiative.

Building on this momentum, the First International Tamu Conference was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 11–12 October 2019 (24–25 Ashwin 2076 B.S.). The conference was coordinated by Mr. Resham Gurung, former Chairperson of Tamu Hyula Chhoj Dhin Gurung Rastriya Parishad, with the support of a 251-member Main Organizing Committee and various subcommittees.

The conference was an important milestone in Tamu history. It adopted the By-Laws (Constitution) of the International Tamu (Gurung) Council and the Kathmandu Declaration 2019, providing a formal foundation for an international network of Tamu organizations and communities under the guiding theme:

“Unity, Identity and Prosperity”

The journey continued with the Second International Tamu (Gurung) Conference, successfully organized in association with the Gurung Association of Sikkim (GURAS) from 11–13 October 2022 in Dentam, West Sikkim, INDIA. The conference concluded with the Dentam Declaration 2022, further strengthening the shared commitment to Tamu unity, identity, culture, and cooperation.

The establishment of the International Tamu (Gurung) Council (ITC) reflects a shared aspiration: to create a common international platform where Tamu organizations and communities can communicate, cooperate, learn from one another, and work together for the benefit of present and future generations.

ITC therefore seeks to strengthen global Tamu unity while preserving and promoting our language, script, history, culture, traditions, literature, heritage, indigenous knowledge, and identity. At the same time, it aims to contribute to education, social development, economic empowerment, community welfare, and the long-term prosperity of the Tamu people.