In the small village of Thulasendrapuram, located in Tamil Nadu, South India, residents gathered at a temple to offer prayers for Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President and Democratic candidate for the 2020 presidential election. The village, known for its ancestral ties to Harris' maternal grandfather, has been abuzz with support for the historic possibility of Harris becoming the first leader with South Asian roots in America.
Despite Harris never having visited Thulasendrapuram and having no living relatives there, the villagers hold a deep reverence for her family's success in the U.S. The temple priest led prayers invoking the Hindu deity Ayyanar for Harris' victory, expressing faith in the power of their deity to influence the election outcome.
Harris' late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in India and later moved to the U.S., where she pursued a career in cancer research. Harris has often spoken about her Indian heritage and the influence of her maternal family on her values and aspirations.
The village's newfound fame has brought economic benefits, with donations funding local projects like a water storage tank that will bear Harris' name on a plaque. The villagers see Harris' candidacy as a symbol of hope and inspiration, particularly for women in a community where gender discrimination persists.
While Harris' visits to India have been limited, her connection to Thulasendrapuram has sparked pride and excitement among the residents. They hope for her victory in the election and dream of a potential future visit from the woman they see as a role model for success and empowerment.
