‘My chitthis’: The significance of Sen. Kamala Harris’ speaking Tamil on a national stage
In her vice presidential acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, Sen. Kamala Harris of California acknowledged her husband, her children, her sister, her nieces, her godchildren, her uncles and her "chitthis." It's her use of the Tamil word for "aunts" that created an emotional stir on social media.
Many praised Harris' use of "chitthi," a term of endearment for a mother's younger sister, a paternal uncle's wife or a stepmom in the Tamil language. Harris' use of it as the first Black woman and the first Asian American on a major-party ticket marks a more significant moment for the diaspora, who see themselves reflected on a national political platform in an especially divisive climate.
"In stark contrast to the last four years of anti-immigrant rhetoric coming from the White House, hearing our families' mother tongue spoken by a future vice president of the US is really a beautiful moment and symbol that Indian Americans are becoming a visible and recognised part of the fabric of America," said Neil Makhija, executive director of the Indian American Impact Fund.
Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan, grew up in Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state, where Tamil is spoken. More than 300,000 people in the US speak the language.
Sunil Sadasivan, deputy chief technology officer for Sen. Cory Booker, said he was impressed to hear Harris address her chitthis in her speech. As a second-generation Indian immigrant whose parents are from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, he has always straddled his hyphenated identities. "I've got two chitthis of my own, so it was incredible to hear it. It brought to light the importance of this intersectionality of identities," he said.
Tamilians, in general, are known to share close family bonds, and Harris reflected that in her speech. "I have two boys, and they get to see a part Indian VP nominee. It's barrier- breaking," Sadasivan said.
Tamil Americans have gained prominence in the last few years, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, actors Aziz Ansari and Mindy Kaling, Rep. Pramila Jayapal and author Padma Lakshmi. (NBC News)