The people of Thulasendrapuram, a village in southern India, are filled with pride for Kamala Harris, the U.S. vice president whose maternal grandparents hailed from their village. They have celebrated her achievements, from becoming the first woman, first Black American, and first Asian American to hold the position of vice president to now running for the presidency. This excitement reflects the pride that India, as well as its vast diaspora, feels over its growing economic and geopolitical power. Chintan Patel, executive director of Indian American Impact, noted that success and representation in various sectors of American life are being achieved by Indian Americans, highlighting that their values also matter in the governmental space.
Harris’ connection to India is strong, with her mother being born and raised in what was then known as Madras and her family maintaining ties to the country. Her mother frequently took Harris and her sister to India to visit their grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, who inspired her interest in politics. Harris has spoken fondly of her Indian heritage, mentioning the important role it has played in her life. Her mother’s insistence on understanding ancestry and context has left a lasting impact on Harris, one that is often shared through stories that connect back to India. Despite not visiting India officially as vice president, Harris has garnered immense support from the villagers in Thulasendrapuram, who have set off fireworks and displayed portraits to show their pride in her.
The rise of Indian Americans in American politics is also evident, with Harris being the first Indian American to appear on a major presidential ticket. Notable figures such as Rep. Ami Bera and Reps. Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, among others, have made significant strides in representing the Indian American community. The Indian diaspora in the U.S., numbering almost 5 million people, tends to vote Democratic and is showing strong support for Harris. The increasing participation of Indian Americans in various levels of political office indicates a growing presence and influence in American politics.
As Harris continues her presidential run, challenges arise, including questions raised about her racial identity by former President Donald Trump. However, both Indian American and Black communities show unwavering support for Harris, emphasizing the importance of understanding and valuing her heritage. While some hope Harris will use her South Asian heritage to bring insights and nuance to India-related policies, her lack of foreign policy experience raises doubts about major changes to U.S.-India relations during her presidency. Villagers in Thulasendrapuram eagerly await the election results, offering prayers for Harris’ success and planning celebrations should she be elected.
The story of Kamala Harris and her connection to her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram highlights the global impact of her candidacy and representation. From the pride felt by the villagers in India to the support from the Indian American community in the U.S., Harris’ journey resonates with many. As she navigates the challenges and opportunities of her presidential run, the significance of her heritage, values, and contributions to American politics remains a source of inspiration and hope for many around the world.
