As the U.S. presidential election unfolds, a small village in southern India is watching the developments with great anticipation. Thulasendrapuram, located in Tamil Nadu, holds a unique connection to Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States. This village, which gained international attention in 2020 when Harris assumed her historic role, is once again in the spotlight as it awaits the results of the U.S. election.
A Village with Historic Ties to Kamala Harris
Thulasendrapuram has become a symbol of pride for the locals since Kamala Harris’s ascent in U.S. politics. The connection dates back decades, as it is the ancestral village of Harris’s maternal family. Her grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, lived here more than seventy years ago before relocating to Chennai, about 200 kilometers away.
Harris’s mother was born in Chennai and moved to the United States at the age of 19 to pursue her education. Although Kamala Harris herself has never visited Thulasendrapuram, the villagers feel a profound connection to her achievements and status.
Prayers for Victory and a Cautious Celebration
This year, however, the villagers are exercising caution. In contrast to the grand celebrations that marked Harris’s 2020 victory, they are holding back their excitement until the results are announced.
Local councilor Arulmozhi Sudhakar explains, “Today, we are holding a small prayer ceremony for her victory. If she wins, we will hold a larger celebration.” In keeping with this subdued approach, the villagers gathered to offer prayers for Harris at the local temple, hoping that their ancestral link to her success brings her good fortune.
Symbols of Pride: Posters and Plaques
Outside the village temple, a large poster of Kamala Harris has been displayed to honor her and showcase her connection to Thulasendrapuram. The temple itself holds a special significance for the locals, as it received a donation of 5,000 rupees (approximately $60) from Harris in 2014 for reconstruction efforts. Her name is etched on a plaque within the temple grounds, forever marking her as one of the donors.
According to Sudhakar, many villagers were unaware of Harris and the U.S. elections back in 2020. “At that time, many people didn’t fully understand what was happening,” he says. “This time, however, they are more informed. The poster outside the temple helps visitors know that she has roots here.” Sudhakar adds that since Harris’s rise to prominence, Thulasendrapuram has become a popular stop for tourists in the region, boosting the local economy even though Kamala Harris herself has never set foot there.
Hopes for a Visit and Strengthened Ties with the U.S.
The people of Thulasendrapuram not only take pride in Harris’s achievements but also see her as a potential bridge between India and the United States. They believe her position could lead to strengthened relations between the two countries. A few years ago, a villager who visited Washington, D.C., even had the opportunity to meet her with minimal formalities, an experience that further deepened the village’s bond with her.
Despite their optimism, the villagers acknowledge that Harris’s success is due to her hard work and not solely her Indian heritage. However, they hope that one day she might visit her ancestral village. “The whole village is ready to welcome her,” says Sudhakar, who is certain that Harris’s influence will continue to inspire the community and add to their sense of identity and pride.
Looking Ahead
For now, the villagers wait with cautious optimism, looking forward to the election results. They are hopeful that Harris’s continued role in American politics will not only bring honor to their village but also deepen the bond between her heritage and her achievements. As they await the outcome, Thulasendrapuram stands ready to celebrate in a way befitting the accomplishments of a woman who has made history both in the U.S. and in the hearts of this small Indian village.
No comments:
Post a Comment