Tue Nov 05 09:44:01 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Village Hopes for Kamala Harris Victory, Celebrates Ancestral Ties

**Thulasemthirapuram, Tamil Nadu:** A tiny village in Tamil Nadu is holding its breath as the US Presidential election unfolds, praying for the victory of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. The village, where Harris’ maternal grandfather was born and raised, is celebrating its ancestral ties with the candidate, hoping for her success.

Local councillor Arulmozhi, a fervent supporter, initiated a special ritual at the temple of Harris’ family deity. “This is a powerful God. We prayed last time and she became the Vice President. This time, we are confident she’d become the President of the USA,” he told NDTV. Arulmozhi views Harris as a symbol of women’s empowerment, inspiring women to achieve great heights.

Harris’ grandfather, PV Gopalan, a bureaucrat, spent his early life in the village before moving to Madras (now Chennai). He used to take a young Kamala for walks along Elliot’s Beach. Kamala has spoken fondly of her grandfather’s significant influence on her life. The village also remembers Harris’ generosity, as she donated Rs 5,000 for the temple renovation many years ago, her name still inscribed on the donor list.

Friends like Sharon, an American now residing in Chennai, believe a Harris victory is vital for saving democracy. “She has to become the first woman President of the US. We are already quite late, considering many countries, including India, have had women Presidents and Prime Ministers,” she expressed.

The village proudly displays posters hailing Kamala as a “daughter of the soil,” wishing her luck in the election. TS Anbarasan, another villager, compared Kamala to Sunita Williams, emphasizing their shared Indian roots and achievements as role models.

Arulmozhi has planned a celebratory feast of “idly,” Kamala’s favorite dish, if she wins. However, some villagers remain unaware of the significance of the election. A man at a local tea shop, while acknowledging Gopalan’s past residence, remarked that few remember him, explaining the lack of local interest.

Despite varying levels of awareness, the village of Thulasemthirapuram remains united in its hope for a historic victory for Kamala Harris, strengthening their ancestral bond with the candidate.

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