Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in Southern India is nervously preparing for the US Elections 2024. The small green village named Thulasendrapuram is rooting for Harris to win on the big day. As Kamala Harris, the U.S. Democratic presidential candidate, was born into this close-knit community, its people eagerly await news of election results from around the world. And it is on Tuesday that they all plan to go to the local Hindu temple to pray for her success, hoping to see the daughter of their land take the White House.
Thulasendrapuram has a special connection with Harris, as her maternal grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, was born there more than a century ago. The names of both Harris and Gopalan are inscribed on a donation plaque in the village temple. Shop owner G. Manikandan said that on the day of special prayers for Harris’s victory early in the morning, in case she wins, festivities are going to be observed.
A huge banner with best wishes for “the daughter of the land” right in front of the temple stands to demonstrate the happiness of the villagers in expressing love and respect towards their daughter. Gopalan himself went to Chennai, a big city and the headquarters of Tamil Nadu state which used to house one senior-level post in the State administration. Still, these days he calls it an inherited place as Harris is competing and hopes to be elected in the U.S. presidency, as it stands for central ground for him today.
Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in Southern India celebrated when she became vice-president
This has certainly not been the first time that Thulasendrapuram has gotten behind Harris. Four years ago, it made news in the headlines when Harris was elected Vice President. Then, her victory over fireworks was celebrated and sweets were given away to mark the occasion. And now with Harris taking on Republican candidate Donald Trump in a high-stakes election, the village is again abuzz with excitement.
Though thousands of miles from Washington, the residents feel a strong bond with Harris and will be watching for any updates. As it is going to be a close election, the community well understands that it could take days for results. But come Tuesday, Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in southern India will be united in prayer, hoping their historic connection brings her—and them—a momentous victory.
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