Kamala Harris: How a small village in India’s Tamil Nadu celebrates its ‘daughter’

Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States. Her journey resonates deeply with many, especially in her ancestral village, Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu, India. This tiny village in the Tiruvarur district of the southern Indian state serves as a reminder of her extraordinary ancestry, connecting her ascent to international fame with her family's modest beginnings.

Kamala's family roots

Kamala Harris' maternal grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, was born in Thulasendrapuram, a small village in Tamil Nadu. Eventually, he relocated to Chennai, where he raised his daughter, Shyamala Gopalan, the mother of Kamala Harris. Through her mother's unwavering support and dedication to their Indian heritage as well as her grandfather's teachings, Harris developed a deep sense of her cultural roots in her childhood. 

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Thulasendrapuram celebrated news of Kamala's selection as VP

When news broke of Harris’s selection as Vice President in 2020, Thulasendrapuram was overflowing with pride and excitement, and there were celebrations all around. Villagers assembled at the nearby temple, lit diyas, distributed sweets, and offered prayers for her successful career. The temple was adorned with banners and posters of her, transforming the temple into a place where people filled with joy gathered to commemorate her success. To the villagers, she is not just a US-based politician, but she’s their “daughter” and a beacon of hope and dreams of the youth and people who see a part of themselves in her remarkable journey.

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The people of Thulasendrapuram hold Harris close to their hearts and she is very dear to them. They are extremely proud of her journey from a humble background to one of the most prestigious and powerful positions in the world. To many, her success is not distant—it feels personal, reflecting the values instilled by her grandfather and mother. Her life is a testimony for the younger generation that with resilience, perseverance, and strong willpower, the smallest actions can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Washington D.C. may be thousands of miles away from Thulasendrapuram, but it has a  connect with Indian customs and heritage due to Kamala Harris, her achievements and meteoric rise.

With her strong ties to the town demonstrating a spirit of tenacity, pride, and a rich tradition across continents, Kamala is an inspiration to countless generations, both in India and across the world.

(With inputs from agencies)