As Kamala Harris intensifies her bid for the U.S. presidency, her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram in southern India is preparing to celebrate her potential victory.
Known for embracing Harris as one of their own, the villagers are once again rallying behind her campaign, just as they did when she made history as the first female, Black, and South Asian U.S. vice president in 2021.
Thulasendrapuram, located in Tamil Nadu, is where Harris’ maternal grandparents were born. Before Harris rose to political prominence, few in the village knew much about her.
Today, they proudly display banners depicting Harris and refer to her as the “daughter of this land.” Plans are already underway to celebrate with fireworks and sweets should she win the upcoming presidential election.
“We are very proud of her,” said Kadir Kathiravan, a local printing press owner.
The village features a billboard displaying a smiling Harris, underscoring the deep pride they feel for her connection to their community.
Harris’ mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in what was then known as Madras (now Chennai). She moved to the United States to pursue higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she met Harris’ Jamaican father, Donald Harris.
Despite growing up in the U.S., Kamala Harris has maintained strong ties with her Indian heritage, frequently mentioning the influence of her Indian grandparents in her life and political journey.
During a state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, Harris noted the significance of her Indian roots, stating, “India is a very important part of my life.”
She recounted how her mother would bring her and her sister to India regularly to visit their grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, a retired public servant whom Harris credits with inspiring her commitment to public service.
The villagers of Thulasendrapuram have supported Harris since the 2020 election, holding up portraits and setting off fireworks when she was sworn in as vice president.
For many residents, her rise represents a powerful symbol of India’s growing influence on the global stage, further strengthened by the success of Indian Americans across various sectors in the U.S.
The pride felt by the Indian diaspora extends beyond Thulasendrapuram. Indian American communities nationwide are mobilizing to support Harris, recognizing her candidacy as a reflection of their shared values. Chintan Patel, executive director of Indian American Impact, highlighted the significance of Harris’ candidacy:
“This is a moment where we see our values integrated into the highest levels of American life.”
As the first Indian American to appear on a major presidential ticket, Harris is part of a broader political shift. Indian Americans have become increasingly active in U.S. politics, with prominent figures like Representatives Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Raja Krishnamoorthi forming what has been dubbed the “samosa caucus.”
The Indian American voter base, which numbers nearly 5 million, could play a critical role in key battleground states like Georgia and Pennsylvania.
The village of Thulasendrapuram, however, remains focused on the symbolic connection they share with Harris. N. Krishnamurthy, a retired bank manager and local expert on Harris’ family history, shared his hopes for the upcoming election.
“We are offering our prayers, and if she is elected, we will celebrate by setting off firecrackers and giving away sweets,” he said.
While Harris’ campaign has yet to issue an official statement regarding the support from her ancestral village, the enthusiasm in Thulasendrapuram highlights the global significance of her candidacy.
As villagers and Indian Americans await the election results, their celebrations may once again shine a spotlight on the deep cultural ties between India and the United States.
