India (Commonwealth Union)_ Thulasendrapuram, a small village in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in India, has once again garnered attention with its fervent support for Kamala Harris, the US Vice President and now a prominent contender in the US presidential election. The village, which garnered global attention in 2020 when it was discovered to be the ancestral home of Harris’ maternal family, celebrated her race for the highest office in the United States with great enthusiasm.
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Accordingly, the residents of Thulasendrapuram have been actively celebrating Kamala Harris’ nomination as the Democratic candidate for the US presidential election. This week, a large billboard featuring a smiling image of Harris was prominently placed near the local Dharma Sastha – Ayyanar temple. The billboard’s Tamil inscription read, “We wish for your victory,” and referred to Harris as the “Daughter born as a result of penance” and a “Daughter of this land.”
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The temple holds a special place in the hearts of Harris’ Indian relatives. The names of Kamala Harris and her maternal grandfather, Gopalan Iyer, are listed among the temple’s donors, a testament to the family’s ongoing connection with their ancestral roots. Accordingly, Harris’ Chennai-based aunt, Dr. Sarala Gopalan, has contributed to the temple’s annual rituals, reinforcing the family’s bond with the village.
Kamala Harris’ background is a blend of diverse cultural influences, with her maternal roots in India and paternal roots in Jamaica. Although Harris has predominantly emphasized her African-American identity in her public life, her Indian heritage remains a significant part of her story. During her 2020 campaign, she spoke fondly of her visits to her grandfather’s home in Chennai and referenced her Indian heritage, which resonated deeply with her supporters in Thulasendrapuram.
Interestingly, the political landscape adds an additional layer of complexity to the celebrations. The billboard in Thulasendrapuram also featured the images of Mr. Suthakar and Mrs. Arulmozhi Suthakar, members of Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The DMK, known for its rationalist and anti-Brahmin stance, also joined in celebrating Harris’ achievements, showcasing the village’s pride and the broader regional support for her.
The residents of Thulasendrapuram have not only displayed their support through the billboard but have also conducted special pujas and prayers at the temple. On July 23, the villagers prayed for Harris’ success and distributed sweets to devotees, echoing their joy and optimism. Mr. Suthakar, a local businessman and a functionary of the DMK, mentioned that the village celebrated Harris’ 2020 victory with great enthusiasm, likening it to an early Diwali celebration with sweets and firecrackers.
Looking ahead, the residents hope that Harris, if elected US President, will visit their village. They believe that such a visit could enhance India-US relations and bring more opportunities for investment and development to their region. Suthakar also expressed a desire for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who is expected to visit the US in August, to meet with Harris to discuss potential investments and collaborations.
Kamala Harris’ visits to India have been infrequent, with her last known visit occurring in 2009 for her mother’s funeral. Her childhood visits to Chennai, as mentioned in her campaign speeches, are among the few connections she has maintained with her ancestral village. Despite her limited visits, the people of Thulasendrapuram have maintained a strong emotional connection to her, celebrating her achievements and rooting for her success in the US presidential race.
As Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in India celebrates her presidential run, the Indian American leader continues her campaign for the presidency with high spirit, with the ongoing support from her ancestral village highlighting the deep cultural and familial ties that transcend borders. As India celebrates Kamala Harris’ presidential run, the residents of Thulasendrapuram, through their celebrations and prayers, highlight a shared sense of pride and hope for her success on the global stage, reflecting a unique blend of local devotion and international ambition.
