Small Indian Village Joins Kamala Harris and the Possibility of Her Running for President

A small Indian village, Thulasendrapuram, celebrates Kamala Harris' potential presidential run. As her maternal grandparents' hometown, residents express pride, offer prayers, and hope for her success. The village feels deeply connected to Harris' political journey.

The village of Thulasendrapuram itself is located in the southern part of India and is approximately 14000 kilometers away from Washington D. C. , but this did not stop the residents of the village from expressing joy over the possibility of Kamala Harris running for president. This tiny village of several hundred people can pinpoint a direct link to the 59-year old American politician – she has maternal roots here.

With each passing day and with increasing rumors that Harris is poised to replace Joe Biden who has withdrawn, the villagers are boasting of her and are praying for her success. The effigy of Harris has been erected at the central village, and a temple has been performing some special prayers. As stated earlier her name and her grandfather’s name are found on the list of donors that supported the construction of the temple.

Still, it is not an easy achievement to be where she has got in the most powerful nation in the world and the scenario has been unfolded by Krishnamurthi, a retired bank manager. “Oh, we are really proud of her. ”

Such excitement can be compared to the one that people of the village showed when Harris was elected as vice president. People came out in the roads with fire crackers and banners and there was a communal dinner which was served with food prepared by some reputed South Indian dishes which are believed to be Harris’s favorite.

With his mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who emigrated from Tamil Nadu in 1958, Harris has remained connected to India. She went to Chennai with her sister to pay the last rites, the Hindu customs, when their mother died.

Although the distances between Thulasendrapuram and the headquarters of political power in Washington, D. C. , is thousands of miles, villagers have embraced Harris’ success story. They expect her to come and address them in the community one day or even mention the community’s name in a speech.

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‘Everyone knows her, even children,’ Arulmozhi Sudhakar, local representative, said, reflecting the familial feeling that many residents of the village have toward the politician.