THULASENDRAPURAM, India (AP) — In the serene surroundings of this quaint South Indian village, the air is filled with the melodic chants of Sanskrit and Tamil hymns as a Hindu priest raises a sacred flame before the deity Ayyanar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The local community has gathered to pray for their famous native daughter, Kamala Harris, as reporters from around the world scramble for a vantage point to capture the moment.
Thulasendrapuram may appear like any other rural village in Tamil Nadu, but its unique claim to fame is its ancestral ties to Harris, who stands on the brink of potentially becoming the first U.S. leader with South Asian Heritage. Residents here, surrounded by lush rice paddies and coconut trees, follow her campaign closely. Harris’s presence is felt everywhere, from conversations at the tea shop to vibrant banners featuring her likeness hanging around the community.
“We believe our powerful deity will bless her with victory if our prayers are sincere,” remarked M. Natarajan, the temple priest leading the prayers. Hailing from a lineage that takes pride in their connection to Harris, they express hope for her success.
Kamala Harris’ maternal grandfather was born in this very village about 350 kilometers (215 miles) from Chennai, where he eventually worked as a prominent government official. Although Harris has never set foot in Thulasendrapuram and has no immediate relatives residing here, the villagers hold her family in high esteem, recognizing the significance of her achievements in the U.S.
“The granddaughter of our ancestors is running for the U.S. presidency. If she wins, it would be joyous news for all of us,” Natarajan added, highlighting the village’s pride in her candidacy.
The unexpected attention surrounding Harris has also had positive consequences for the village’s development. Recently, a local bank has provided funds for a water storage tank, which will feature a plaque bearing Harris’s name as a testament to her influence on the community.
The story of Harris’s lineage in Thulasendrapuram is compelling. Her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in India and later moved to the U.S. for her studies, eventually marrying a Jamaican man. Their daughter Kamala carries a name that means “lotus flower” in Sanskrit.
Despite only visiting India during her childhood, Harris has cherished her connection to her mother’s homeland. Recently, she released a heartfelt campaign video dedicated to her mother, who came to the U.S. at the age of 19 and became a reputable cancer researcher. The narrative concludes with the stirring declaration, “This daughter of Shyamala, this daughter of the American story, is ready to lead us forward.”
At the temple, Harris’s contributions are commemorated as her name is inscribed on a donor plaque, recognizing both her and her grandfather’s legacy. A large banner wishing her well in the election serves as a visual reminder of her roots.
On the same day, the village welcomed curious visitors from abroad, including American and British tourists sporting t-shirts emblazoned with “Kamala Freakin Harris,” a clear indication of the excitement she brings to her village.
Local shopkeeper Manikandan Ganesan shared that Harris’s presidential ambitions have put Thulasendrapuram in the spotlight, and he expresses hope for an eventual visit from her. “Even a mention of our village from her would be a source of immense joy,” he said. “Her victory will resonate deeply with us.”
This sentiment is echoed throughout the village, as residents had also prayed for her success in the previous election cycle, celebrating joyously when she was named Vice President.
For many women in Thulasendrapuram, Harris’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Local politician Arulmozhi Sudhakar remarked, “Her candidacy signifies significant progress for women’s empowerment in our community, where many still face challenges with gender inequality.”
“From a time when our women were restricted to their homes, to now having a daughter of this soil contest for the presidency in the U.S. — this is a moment of great pride for us,” he continued. “Future generations will look up to her as a model for success.”
