'Millions of Americans' are googling 'chithi' after Kamala Harris uses Tamil word at Democratic convention

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, August 20

Senator Kamala Harris, who has made history by becoming the first Indian-American to be nominated by a major party for the US Vice-President's office, has created a buzz on Twitter by using Tamil word 'chithi' at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

Harris, 55, used the word 'chithi'--Tamil reference for aunt--while expressing gratitude to those who mattered in her life, especially her mother Shyamala Gopalan.

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Gopalan passed away a decade ago. She found repeated mention in the Senator's most-important speech.

While accepting the nomination for the post, she invoked the powerful memories of her mother whom she described the most important person in her life.

"How I wish she was here tonight, but I know she's looking down on me tonight," said Harris.

She next expressed gratitude to her aunt, using the Tamil word 'chithi'. The word also refers to the wife of the younger brother of one’s father or one’s father’s second wife.

The video was widely shared on Twitter by Indian-Americans, particularly those of Tamil origin, making it a rage on the micro-blogging site.