How Kamala Harris’ Ancestral Tamil Nadu Village Is Preparing For US Polls

The tiny village of Thulasemthirapuram in Tamil Nadu is praying for US Presidential Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ victory, strengthening her household’s ancestral ties with the village relationship again a century. Initiated by the native elected councillor Arulmozhi, the priest of the temple of Kamala’s household deity carried out a particular ritual in her honour. 

“It is a highly effective God. We prayed final time and he or she had turn into the Vice President. This time we’re assured she’d turn into the President of the USA. She’s an indication of girls empowerment and an inspiration for girls to scale higher heights,” Arulmozhi advised NDTV.

Kamala’s maternal grandfather PV Gopalan, a bureaucrat, was born and introduced up right here earlier than he moved to the then-Madras the place he used to take Kamala for a stroll alongside Elliot’s Seashore. Kamala has stated her grandpa had made an amazing impression on her.

A few years in the past, Kamala donated Rs 5,000 for the renovation of the temple and her title stays engraved within the checklist of donors. 

“Kamala has to win to save lots of democracy,” stated Kamala’s good friend Sharon, now based mostly in Chennai. “She has to turn into the primary girl President of the US. Already we’re fairly late with many nations together with India have had girls Presidents and Prime Ministers.”

A number of posters put up within the village hail Kamala as “a daughter of the soil” and want her one of the best within the Presidential race. TS Anbarasan, one other man from the village who now lives within the close by Mannargudi city in contrast Kamala to Sunita Williams. “We’re all pleased with their Indian connection and their accomplishments. They’re position fashions,” he stated. 

Arulmozhi the councillor plans to serve a free meal on Wednesday if Kamala wins. “We’ll serve her favorite idly,” she says.

Nonetheless, some within the village are additionally oblivious to what’s occurring. A person on the native tea store close to the temple added “Kamala’s grandfather lived right here many many years in the past. None of us know him and therefore we aren’t following this.”