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It was Thulasendrapuram village that Harris developed an early interest in democracy and public service, walking with her grandfather along the beaches.
Though Kamala Harris may never have directly mentioned Thulasendrapuram in her speeches, the village has adopted her as its own. (AP Photo)
As the world eagerly anticipates the outcome of the 2024 US Presidential Election, a small village in Tamil Nadu is offering daily prayers for one of the most high-profile candidates – Kamala Harris. This village, Thulasendrapuram, about 300 kilometres from Chennai, has become a focal point for admiration and support for Harris, who is vying for re-election as Vice President of the United States.
Kamala Harris and Her Indian Roots
Kamala Harris’ connection to India is both personal and cultural. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in Chennai and spent her early years in India before moving to the US in 1958. Shyamala was a distinguished cancer researcher who earned her master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Harris frequently credits her mother as the greatest influence on her life, and the bond to India remains integral to her identity. In her memoir, The Truths We HoldHarris reflects on growing up in a household where Indian culture was central.
Harris’ connection to Tamil Nadu is particularly significant, as her maternal grandparents hailed from Thulasendrapuram. It was in this village, during childhood visits, that Harris developed an early interest in democracy and public service, walking with her grandfather along the beaches and absorbing lessons about society and justice.
The Village of Thulasendrapuram: A Place of Pride
Thulasendrapuram, a village surrounded by paddy fields deep in Tamil Nadu, was once home to Harris’ maternal grandfather. Harris’ maternal grandfather PV Gopalan left the village decades ago, but residents say the family has maintained close links and has regularly donated to the temple’s upkeep. Harris, 59, was born in California, but was often taken to India by her mother and has spoken about the influence of her maternal grandfather.
She has a diverse religious background — she is a Baptist, while her husband is Jewish. Local residents insist that the village has benefitted from Harris’ high profile. A local commercial bank donated Rs 10 million to rejuvenate a long-dead reservoir in the area a few months ago.
A huge picture of the smiling Democrat has been standing at the village entrance near its main temple, a sprawling structure with a towering, decorated gate since incumbent Joe Biden withdrew from the race. Another enormous image of Harris has been standing outside the temple’s gates, adorned by intricate artwork. Harris’ name appears on a list of donors on one of the temple walls, but she has not visited the village since being sworn in as vice president in 2021.
Though Kamala Harris may never have directly mentioned Thulasendrapuram in her speeches, the village has adopted her as its own, and the people are closely following her political journey. The village, where her maternal family roots remain strong, has become a symbol of pride for the local community. Banners and posters of Harris are prominently displayed throughout Thulasendrapuram, with messages of support for her victory in the upcoming election.
The villagers have been organising daily prayers and pujas, seeking her success. Local leader Arulmozhi Sudhakar said, “Kamala Harris is the daughter of this land. We respect her ability to face political challenges and wish her the best,” For the people of Thulasendrapuram, Harris’ candidacy is not just a political event, but a historic moment that connects their village to the global stage.
In recognition of Kamala Harris’ achievements and her connection to the village, several initiatives have been taken. One notable project is a rainwater storage tank being built in her honour, with her name to be inscribed on it. This initiative symbolises the community’s respect for Harris’ global influence and their desire to contribute positively to the environment.
Additionally, the Dharmasasta Temple in the village, which was renovated by Harris’ aunt, Sarla, a decade ago, has inscribed Harris’ name on its walls. In another tribute, a new bus stop near the temple is being constructed, and it will be named after the US Vice President. The local community continues to celebrate her, having previously marked her election as Vice President in 2020 with music, fireworks, and mass celebrations.
A Boost for the Village’s Global Visibility
Kamala Harris’ rise to prominence brought international attention to Thulasendrapuram, and the village has benefitted from this newfound recognition. In 2020, when news outlets reported on the village’s connection to Harris, it led to a series of positive developments for the community. One such outcome was the adoption of the village by a local bank, which initiated welfare programmes aimed at improving the living standards in the area. N Krishnamurthy, an 80-year-old retired bank manager, shared with Sky News, “Harris has brought glory to this village. Made our village world-famous. We express our gratitude to her again and again, and our best wishes are with her.”
A Source of Inspiration for Women
Kamala Harris has become an emblem of inspiration, particularly for the women of Thulasendrapuram. Bala Ambika, a local woman, expressed the pride that Harris’ accomplishments have instilled in the female population of the village: “Harris has increased the respect of women. All the women here feel proud of her achievements.”
A Deep Connection Despite the Absence of Family
While no immediate family of Kamala Harris currently resides in Thulasendrapuram, the villagers feel an undeniable connection to her. Local leader Murukandan shared that even though Harris has not visited the village in recent years, the villagers continue to maintain close ties with her relatives, including her aunt Sarla, who has assured the villagers that she will pass along their best wishes to Harris. The villagers are hopeful that if Harris secures another term as Vice President, she will return to her ancestral home in Tamil Nadu to visit the village that has supported her throughout her journey.
Thulasendrapuram’s Global Legacy
Kamala Harris’ candidacy is more than just an election for the people of Thulasendrapuram. It is a source of pride and joy, a recognition of their cultural heritage, and a powerful testament to the global impact that one of their own has had. As the 2024 US presidential election reaches its final stretch, the village continues to pray, celebrate, and stand with Harris – who, no matter the outcome, has already brought them closer to the world stage than they ever imagined.
With AFP inputs
- Location :
Tamil Nadu, India
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