Jayalalithaa inspired Hillary Clinton to break ceiling in '11

In the highly masculine world of Tamil Nadu politics, it was an iron ceiling that J Jayalalithaa prised open in 1991. It is not known whether that weighed in Hillary Clinton's mind when she met Jayalalithaa 20 years later in Chennai. The two met for an hour and are supposed to have discussed the Sri Lankan Tamils issue among other things, for the record.

But, for AIADMK MLA A Ramu, that meeting was the `pillaiyar suzhi' ­ the mark of Ganesha that is said to provide an auspicious starting point and adorns the top of the first page of important documents and school exam answer sheets in Tamil Nadu.

“The historical change in the US started in Tamil Nadu and it is a proud moment for all of us. Our Amma is the reason for a woman (Hillary Clinton) to contest for the first time in the US (for President),“ said Ramu, while speaking during the debate on grants for the forest, prison and law and court departments.

“Today , the world is celebrating this meeting for its historical importance.During the meeting, Hillary understood Amma's personality and was awestruck by her proficiency in English and her encouragement. Finally , accepting the assuring words of respected Amma, an overwhelmed US secretary of state went back to become the presidential candidate. I would like to record that the reason for this is respected Amma,“ Ramu said.

Apparently , Jayalalithaa is keen on forging a friendship with Hillary. She sent a letter to Hillary on June 17 congratulating her for winning the Democratic nomination.

“Kindly accept my heartiest congratulations on clinching the nomination as the Democratic party's candidate for the election of the president of the US. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for all the women in the world and in particular, women in democratic electoral politics, that you have become the first woman to be a candidate of one of the two major political parties in the United States for the presidency . In creating history , you have given voice and hope to the cause of women empowerment across the world,“ Jayalalithaa wrote in the letter.