Long Live Tamil!

When it came to identity, DS somehow was very clear, that he had Indian heritage. He wanted to learn everything about India, - the language, the dances, songs.  The only exception to this was food - it was ok to avoid food that wasn't bland and idli shaped.

He wanted to learn Hindi. What more could a  parent ask for - a willing child who wants to learn more about his culture and his native language. So all that we had to do, was speak to him in Hindi. But of course we didn't. We were so used to speaking in English, that Hindi really, was an effort. Yes, please get judgmental.

But we had ourselves a persistent kid. He saw me learn Spanish on Duolingo, so he insisted I set him up for Hindi. He religiously did his Hindi lessons everyday, so much so that he was able to understand what we were speaking, and he responded in comprehensible words. 

We were really impressed that the kid, inspite of his lax parents was able to learn a foreign language. A little part of me was having the FOMO reaction because the kid wasn't learning Tamil. But I clearly couldn't ask for more. 

Fast forward to a few months, and PS-II had released. There is one song in particular, which literally praises Tamil culture and the Chola empire. I kept listening to it over and over. The pride for the language and the Cholan accomplishments was something my dad displayed a lot. He was a proud Tamilian. He, loved the language, the culture, and it's rich history. The song reminded me of him, and how he'd be beaming with pride. I kept listening, so I could hear him sing along. 

I must have heard  the song on repeat so many times, that as I was putting DS to bed one night, he asked me - "Mamma, why do you keep listening to the Veera Veera song?"

"Well, babe, it reminds me of Thatha a lot. The song is about the Tamil language, and I don't have anyone to talk to in Tamil, so I keep listening to it. It makes me very emotional. It makes me feel closer to Thatha and closer to Tamil."

There was a long pause, and then he said. "I feel sad that you can't talk to us in Tamil Mamma", I could hear him sniffle. "Does Duolingo have Tamil?  I want to learn it because it will make you happy."

I think my allergy has relapsed, my eyes are getting moist again. 

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