TLDR:
• Village prays for Harris’s success
• Connection to Harris felt deeply
• Ceremonial prayers for election victory
THULASENDRAPURAM (The Thursday Times) — Nestled in the lush landscape of Tamil Nadu, the village of Thulasendrapuram is resonating with fervent prayers and the hopes of an entire community. As Kamala Harris awaits the results of the US elections, her ancestral village is offering its support in a way that is deeply spiritual and rooted in tradition. The sound of rhythmic Sanskrit and Tamil hymns echoed through the village temple, where a Hindu priest conducted ceremonies before the deity Ayyanar, invoking blessings for Harris’s success.
The village, although small and unassuming, holds a profound and symbolic connection to Harris, who could make history as the first US leader of South Asian descent. Her maternal grandfather was born here, more than a century ago, and that connection has left an indelible mark. Throughout Thulasendrapuram, Harris’s image is displayed on banners and billboards, and conversations about her permeate local tea shops. The community’s support is not just political but deeply personal, tied to a shared sense of identity and pride.
A legacy intertwined with history
The roots of Harris’s family run deep in this Tamil Nadu village. More than a hundred years ago, her maternal grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, was born here before embarking on a career as a civil servant. As Harris rose to political prominence, Thulasendrapuram’s residents embraced this familial link, turning it into a narrative of hope and inspiration. Her journey from this remote village to the world stage has become a source of pride, reflecting the possibilities available to those who embrace education and service.
The election has reignited these bonds, with villagers following every twist and turn of the campaign with palpable excitement. Shops display images of Harris, and children have learned her name, repeating it with pride. Even in a place far removed from the American political landscape, her influence has inspired aspirations for greater recognition and equality for the Indian diaspora.
Ceremonies infused with cultural meaning
The temple rituals in Thulasendrapuram are as vibrant as they are solemn. The village’s main deity, Ayyanar—a fierce guardian form of Lord Shiva—is believed to hold the power to grant victory to those who earnestly seek it. M. Natarajan, the temple priest, expressed his faith in the divine intervention they sought for Harris. “Our deity is a very powerful God. If we pray well to him, he will make her victorious,” he declared with confidence.
Harris’s ancestral connection has transformed these prayers into a celebration of her roots. Reporters flocked to the village to capture the rituals, while locals, dressed in traditional attire, gathered to lend their voices to the chorus of hymns. These prayers reflect the spiritual traditions of Tamil Nadu, blending a fervent hope for success with a profound sense of continuity across generations.
Cultural pride and global identity
The celebrations in Thulasendrapuram highlight the duality of cultural pride and the desire for global representation. The village has seen a surge in media attention, with journalists documenting every aspect of Harris’s heritage. Villagers see her potential victory as a bridge between cultures and a symbol of recognition for the contributions of the Indian diaspora.
Though rural and modest, Thulasendrapuram now stands as a focal point in a global narrative. Harris’s success is seen as a reflection of progress, not only for one family but for millions who share a South Asian heritage. The prayers, hymns, and hope in this small Tamil Nadu village encapsulate a universal desire for acceptance, respect, and meaningful change.