By Sophie Bernstein ‘22, Keystone Foundation Fellow

The people I’ve come to know and love in India have broadened my perspective on the meaning of family. In Tamil, we refer to someone slightly older than us as “akka” (older sister) or “anna” (older brother) as a sign of respect and familiarity. Before I knew it, I, an only child, had gained countless brothers and sisters!

By Sophie Bernstein ‘22, Keystone Foundation Fellow

A common saying in Tamil is “Saptacha,” meaning “Have you eaten?”. It’s often used as a greeting, similar to how we say “How are you doing?” in the United States. I find this expression to be thoughtful, as it reflects concern for someone’s well-being and health. This exchange is reflective of the warmth and care that define the culture in South India, where people are invested in each other.