In the small village of Thulasendrapuram, located over 14,000 kilometers from Washington, DC, residents are closely monitoring the upcoming presidential election, hoping for the success of US Vice President Kamala Harris. This village, about 300 kilometers from Chennai, holds significance as the birthplace of Harris’ maternal grandfather, PV Gopalan.
The village is adorned with banners featuring Harris, while locals engage in special prayers for her success, distributing sweets to mark the occasion. Local politician M. Murukanandan expressed pride in Harris’ candidacy, stating, “Whether she wins or not is irrelevant to us. The fact that she is contesting is historic and makes us proud.”
Harris has frequently acknowledged the impact of her Indian heritage, with her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, being born and raised in Chennai. Shyamala left India at 19 to pursue a medical education in the United States, where Kamala and her sister Maya were born. Harris visited Thulasendrapuram as a child and has fond memories of her time in Chennai. Although she has not returned since becoming vice president, her presence is celebrated in the village with posters and banners proclaiming her as “the great daughter of the village.”
Elder villager N. Krishnamurthy shared, “She has brought such glory to this village. No one has ever done so much for us… Our village is world famous because of her.” Other residents, including 19-year-old student Madhumita, expressed pride in Harris’ achievements, noting she has inspired many women in the community.
While Harris’ family ties to the village have faded, with no living relatives remaining, her name is etched in history at the local temple, where a stone tablet commemorates a donation made by a relative in her honor. In recognition of her campaign, the village is undergoing development, including the construction of a new water tank and a bus stop named after Harris.
Local leaders emphasize that if she wins the election, they will continue to enhance public amenities in her honor. “She is a source of pride and a lasting identity for us,” said N. Kamakodi, chairman of a local bank supporting these initiatives. As the world awaits the election results, the residents of Thulasendrapuram remain hopeful for their “daughter’s” success.