In the quiet village of Thulasendrapuram, Tamil Nadu, locals are offering prayers and performing rituals for the success of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 election cycle approaches. Harris, whose maternal roots trace back to this village, holds a special place in the hearts of the residents, who have celebrated her political journey with pride.Kamala Harris’ maternal grandfather, PV Gopalan, was born in Thulasendrapuram over a century ago. Gopalan, a senior government official, later moved with his family to Chennai, where he served in a prominent administrative role. Eventually, he worked as a diplomat for India in Zambia, a post that solidified his family’s reputation for public service. His daughter, Shyamala Gopalan, who spent much of her youth away from the village, moved to the United States for higher studies and later became an influential cancer researcher. Shyamala’s spirit of determination and resilience has profoundly impacted Harris, who often credits her mother as a guiding force in her life.
A testament to Harris’ ancestral connection to Thulasendrapuram is a commemorative stone at the local temple, bearing her and her grandfather’s names, symbolizing her ties to the community. Outside, a large banner calling her “the daughter of the land” wishes her success in the upcoming election. Thulasendrapuram first drew global attention in 2020, when residents gathered to pray for Harris’ victory as Joe Biden’s running mate. When she was sworn in as Vice President, the village celebrated by lighting firecrackers and distributing sweets.
Though Harris spent her life in the U.S. and has minimal physical ties to her ancestral village, she has embraced her heritage. She has frequently mentioned the profound influence her mother and grandmother had on her values and life choices. “My mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris, came to the United States from India at 19. She taught me and my sister, Maya, about courage and determination. It is thanks to her that I am ready to lead us forward,” Harris wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
While much of Harris’ political narrative in the U.S. highlights her Black heritage, her Indian roots are a vital part of her identity, reminding her of the values of courage, compassion, and perseverance. As the U.S. political season intensifies, the people of Thulasendrapuram continue to offer their support and blessings, affirming the deep connection that spans across continents.