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Stories from the Diaspora
Where tales of heritage, culture, and experiences come alive through the voices of Tamil youth. Share with us your stories on culture, heritage and rituals.
Let's celebrate our rich Tamil heritage together!
Kaarthini
27 years old, Model, Malaysia
Growing up, I often overlooked my Tamil heritage, eager to blend in rather than stand out. But as I delved into modelling and stepped into the vibrant world of fashion, I found a renewed connection to my roots. Embracing my identity as a Tamil became a source of pride rather than hesitation. In Malaysia, where the Tamil culture is sometimes reduced to a mere costume, I decided to reclaim its richness and depth. Accessories became my canvas for expression; adorning my modern outfits with traditional Jimkis, pottus, and bangles, I've woven a tapestry that marries my heritage with contemporary style, making a statement that's both personal and powerful.
Dhiiren
23 years old, Law Student, Australia
For over, 10 years of my childhood, I spent 4 hours each Saturday attending Tamil school. This was never how I wanted to spend my weekends.
Growing up in Australia, I struggled to see the value of attending Tamil School as I never excelled in the Language. At the age of 15, I enrolled in the subject at school, still fighting my mother over what felt like a useless endeavour. Despite this, Tamil surprisingly became my favourite subject. I give credit to my teachers and parents for their persistent encouragement, as they not only taught me the language, but also the valuable lesson that Tamil is a part of my identity and makes me who I am. My class consisted students who all shared a common identity and worked incredibly hard to learn Tamil as a second language in a foreign country.
I am indebted to my community of peers who have come along the journey of reconciling two parts of our identity – being both Australian and Tamil – through language.
Sarmila
23 years old, Artist, Singapore
In the beginning, everything felt heavy. The pottus, red strings that tied my wrists, my course and rough hair. The part of me that felt the heaviest was my skin. My brown skin has gotten me picked on, set aside and ostracized for years. I didn't like what I saw in the mirror every day until my 2 by 4 box TV screen played the most beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes on, brown women with kohl-covered eyes and pottus adorning their foreheads. Brown women with beautiful coarse hair filled with flowers and sarees of every colour and texture. Brown women who loved being brown.
It's true what they say about representation, if you don't see yourself on the TV, change the channel.
Pranavanesh
23 years old, Animal Science Student, Australia
When I was younger I used to dread waking up in the morning of Deepavali, when my grandmother would prepare for our family's cherished tradition: the oil bath. As a child, I did not understand the significance nor the benefits. Now looking back I do not regret having that tradition in my life at all. The warm oil, infused with fragrant herbs, was applied to my scalp and body with gentle, loving hands. With each pour, tension melted away, leaving me feeling light and refreshed. As my grandmother chanted prayers, I felt a deep sense of connection to our culture and ancestors.
Emerging from the shower, I felt renewed and alive again, ready to face any endeavours ahead of me. Even now, the aroma of warm oil transports me back to those cherished moments, filled with love and tradition.
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