About Us

FOR FAMILY'S SAKE 

குடும்பம்  + காக
(koo-doom-bum + kah-guh)
"family" + "for its sake" 

As a kid growing up un the United States, far away from my family's homeland in Tamil Nadu, India, I missed out on learning traditions and the beautiful Tamil language from grandparents, from temples, and from everyday life the way my parents did. For years, I never felt really Indian or really American. The cultural imposter syndrome was isolating and shameful. 

But thankfully, in my twenties, I began to realize there were TONS of people like all over the world. So many other young Tamil folks were ending up in new countries and struggling with the same feelings of confusion, inadequacy, and disconnect that I felt. I eventually found amazing friends who slowly helped me learn my family's language without shame and encouraged me to embrace my diasporic identity. Those friendships and rudimentary language lessons changed my life. 

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." -Nelson Mandela

As I expanded my language skills, I found myself feeling more curious about the diasporic experience. I traveled across the world, putting my newfound language skills to the test,  and learned about the Tamil diaspora and other diasporic communities from California to Kyoto. I learned that "second culture" communities around the world have had many different and motivations for migration, but we also have SO much in common. 

With each adventure, I made unexpected connections and deepened friendships. Looking back, I realized that learning my family's language was the spark that allowed it all to happen. 

"The Indian diaspora is a wonderful place to write from and I am lucky to be a part of it." -Kiran Desai

Now with each year, I find more reasons to love my culture and more people I want to share it with. I have embraced being a lifelong student of my heritage, and I love helping other people feel excited about their own history! 

Kudumbam Kaaga is a brand that aims to lift up and celebrate diasporic families by offering products that commemorate family events, honor tradition, and make learning languages fun.

Although Tamil culture remains our primary focus, you definitely do NOT have to identify as Tamil to peruse, use, and enjoy the products we carry. We want to encourage cultural exchange, not gatekeep the good stuff. 

Whenever possible, we offer personalization to spread the joy of celebrating culture to as many people as we can. Drop a note on our Contact page and let us know how we can expand our product offerings to celebrate you! Or reach out if you would like to collaborate on a custom project.

Thanks for visiting, and welcome to our Kudumbam <3