THULASENDRAPURAM, INDIA — Amidst the serene coconut trees, bungalows, and rice paddies of Thulasendrapuram, a remote village in southern Tamil Nadu, a striking sight stands out: giant blue posters featuring US Vice President Kamala Harris. The posters, adorned with local Tamil messages wishing her luck for the upcoming US presidential election, reflect the deep pride and support this village holds for one of their own.
Kamala Harris’s connection to this village dates back over a century to her grandfather, PV Gopalan, who was born here in the early 1900s. After moving to Chennai and later Delhi, Gopalan’s achievements set the stage for his granddaughter’s extraordinary journey from Thulasendrapuram to the heights of American politics. Although the family home no longer exists, their legacy remains deeply ingrained in the community.
A Lasting Connection
Despite the physical absence of the Gopalan family, the bond between them and Thulasendrapuram endures. In 2014, a donation of Rs 5000 was made to the Sri Dharma Sastha Temple in Harris’s name. Local residents recall with pride how Harris’s relatives, including her uncle Balachandran and aunt Sarala, make regular visits to the temple, maintaining their connection to their roots.
The temple is bustling with activity early each morning, and local shopkeeper N Maheshwari emphasizes the significance of this continued support. “Even though her family has moved away, they still sponsor prayers here,” she says. “That connection is a source of great pride for us.”
A Legacy Remembered
The village’s main road leads to a neighborhood where Harris’s grandparents likely lived. Retired banker N Krishnamurthy, who has become an expert on Harris’s family history, describes the area where their home once stood. “The house is no longer here,” he explains. “But the legacy of Gopalan and his family remains in our hearts.”
Harris is said to have visited Thulasendrapuram as a young child, and although she has not returned since becoming vice president, her visits and the family’s ongoing support are cherished by the villagers. Her ascent to prominence, particularly her nomination as vice president in 2020, sparked renewed interest in her family’s origins.
Celebrations Await
The village is abuzz with anticipation for the possibility of Harris becoming the next US president. Maheshwari, the shopkeeper, proudly displays a calendar featuring President Biden and Harris. The villagers, who have followed her journey closely, are eager to celebrate another milestone in her career. “When she became vice president, we held special prayers and distributed sweets,” Maheshwari recalls. “We’ll do the same if she wins the presidency.”
A Hopeful Future
Residents hope that Harris’s potential presidency might strengthen ties between the US and India, though they acknowledge that any direct benefits for their village might be limited. “There was significant news coverage when she became vice president, and some officials visited,” says a local resident. “But we still hope she wins. Her success is our pride.”
As Harris is expected to be the Democratic nominee in the upcoming election, she will face off against Donald Trump, with some villagers expressing that their interest in the election is solely because of her. “Trump is an American,” says Maniyan S, a villager. “But Harris has Indian roots, and her ancestry is from our land. It would be a great source of pride for us if she wins.”
In Thulasendrapuram, Kamala Harris is more than just a political figure; she is a symbol of pride and connection to a distant land, and her success continues to inspire hope and celebration in her ancestral village.
