In the small rural community of Thulasendrapuram, Tamil Nadu, villagers are offering prayers for Kamala Harris, the U.S. vice president, whom they see as a daughter of their ancestral land. Harris has never visited the village, but her maternal grandfather’s birthplace has created a deep connection. Temple priest M. Natarajan believes that if their prayers reach God, Harris will triumph, and her victory will be a victory for the whole village. Villagers have tied banners and billboards featuring Harris outside temples, showing their support and excitement for her rise to prominence.
Kamala Harris has roots in India, with her maternal grandfather, Gopalan Gopalan, moving from Thulasendrapuram to Chennai, where he worked as a senior government official. His daughter, Shyamala Gopalan, left for the U.S. to pursue higher education and later gave birth to Harris. The vice president’s image can be seen on billboards and banners throughout the village, garnering tangible benefits such as funding for a water storage tank at the temple from Harris’ relatives. The tank will carry a plaque bearing her name, paying tribute to her and her family’s roots. Harris often speaks fondly of her Indian heritage, highlighting the values instilled in her by her mother and grandfather, making her an inspiration for many in the village.
For the women in Thulasendrapuram, Kamala Harris is a symbol of empowerment. The village, like much of rural India, struggles with entrenched gender inequality. Harris’ ascent to the White House has resonated deeply with local women, who see her as a symbol of possibility. Local politician Arulmozhi Sudhakar notes that Harris’ candidacy marks a significant moment for women in villages like Thulasendrapuram, inspiring the younger generation by serving as a role model. Harris’ 2020 victory as vice president was celebrated in the village with firecrackers, and her success has drawn international visitors who pay homage to the village’s connection to her.
The village has seen a surge in international visitors following Harris’ success, with tourists from the U.S. and U.K. wearing shirts emblazoned with “Kamala Freakin’ Harris” visiting the temple. For small-business owner Manikandan Ganesan, Harris’ presidential campaign has brought Thulasendrapuram into the global spotlight. Ganesan expresses hope that Harris will one day visit the village, as her success brings joy and pride to the community. Harris’ connection to India and her rise to prominence have had a significant impact on Thulasendrapuram, where villagers are inspired by her achievements and view her as a source of empowerment and pride.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’ ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu holds a deep connection to the U.S. vice president, whom they see as a daughter of their ancestral land. Harris’ rise to prominence has garnered excitement and support from villagers, who pray for her success and view her victory as their own. Her Indian roots, ties to the village, and support for women’s empowerment have made her an inspiration and source of pride in Thulasendrapuram. Harris’ success has brought tangible benefits to the village and drawn international visitors, who pay homage to her connection to the village. Her impact on Thulasendrapuram serves as a symbol of possibility and empowerment for local women, inspiring the younger generation and marking a significant moment for women in rural India.
