Swarnavel Eswaran, Professor in the Department of English and the School of Journalism at Michigan State University, is the recipient of the 2025 Tamil American Pioneer (TAP) Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment. Presented by the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA), the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields while advancing Tamil culture and heritage.

FeTNA, the umbrella organization representing 80 Tamil cultural associations across North America, established the TAP Awards in 2014 to celebrate passionate trailblazers in their careers who are paving the way for the next generation. This marks the first time the award has been given to someone who is both teaching and making films.

“Swarnavel Eswaran’s stature as an academic of distinction is evident in his seminal study Madras Studios, where he persuasively demonstrates the significance of Tamil cinema and its studios, positioning them just behind classical Hollywood in terms of private entrepreneurship, labor, and cinematic output,” said Vijay Manivel, FeTNA President. “We are proud to honor him with the prestigious Tamil American Pioneer Award, recognizing his equally remarkable contributions as a public intellectual.”