What's happened
As Kamala Harris campaigns for the presidency, her ancestral village in Tamil Nadu, India, holds prayers for her success. Residents express pride in her achievements, despite her never visiting the village. Billboards and banners support her candidacy, reflecting the community's connection to their 'daughter of the land.'
What's behind the headline?
Community Pride
- Thulasendrapuram residents feel a deep connection to Harris, despite her limited ties to the village.
- The village's support reflects a broader sentiment of pride in South Asian representation in U.S. politics.
Economic Impact
- Increased attention has led to local development, including a new water storage tank funded by donations.
- Harris's candidacy has brought financial support and visibility to the village.
Cultural Significance
- Harris's campaign highlights the importance of heritage and identity in politics.
- Her story resonates with many in the diaspora, reinforcing cultural ties and pride.
Future Implications
- If elected, Harris's presidency could inspire further political engagement among South Asians in the U.S.
- The village's support may lead to increased tourism and interest in its cultural heritage.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the village of Thulasendrapuram has become a focal point for prayers and support for Kamala Harris, with local priest M. Natarajan stating, "If we pray well to him, he will make her victorious." The Independent notes that life-size billboards wishing Harris luck adorn the village, reflecting the pride residents feel in her candidacy. The Guardian highlights that while Harris has never visited the village, her grandfather's legacy continues to inspire local pride, with villagers expressing that her candidacy is historic and significant. This sentiment is echoed by local shop owner G Manikandan, who stated, "Celebrations will follow if she wins."
How we got here
Kamala Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, is running for president. Her maternal grandfather was born in Thulasendrapuram, a village that has embraced her candidacy, holding prayers and erecting banners in her honor.
Go deeper
- What is the significance of Harris's Indian heritage?
- How has the village changed since Harris's candidacy?
- What are the local reactions to the election results?
More on these topics
-
Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
-
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by the union territory of Puducherry and the South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Shyamala Gopalan was an American biologist born in India whose work in isolating and characterizing the progesterone receptor gene stimulated advances in breast biology and cancer.
-
Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the largest cultural, economic and educational centres of south India.