In Tamil Nadu, Kamala Harris’s village awaits results — but not with bated breath

On Monday, she said in a post on X: “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.”

Earlier, recalling her parents’ involvement in the civil rights marches of the 1960s, Harris wrote in her biography, The Truths We Hold, “I have young memories of a sea of legs moving about, of the energy and shouts and chants.”

Harris, known primarily for embracing her Black identity, also occasionally reflects on her Indian roots, particularly the influence of her mother and grandmother. “My mother inherited my grandmother’s strength and courage,” she wrote, attributing her grounding in social justice to her family’s legacy.

Though Shyamala embraced her South Asian roots, her family’s involvement with India has been distant. In August 2020, her aunt, Dr Sarala, spoke to The Indian Express about Kamala’s connection with Indian culture, saying, “Kamala may know very few Tamil words, such as ‘Chitti’ as she calls her aunt. But she is aware of India, especially Hindu mythology, South Indian culture, and dishes. They used to come to India once every three or four years in their childhood.”

When Harris was announced as Joe Biden’s vice-presidential candidate in 2020, excitement swept through Thulasendrapuram. But today, the village is quieter, perhaps tempered by years of media attention or the distance from the actual campaign. Speaking to The Indian Express on Monday, Dr Sarala said, “I am not able to give an interview… there are no preparations in the village ahead of the poll results.”

N Krishnamurthy, an 80-year-old retired State Bank of India manager from the village, said they will celebrate if she wins, but they’re not sure about prayers before the results. “Kamala’s grandfather lived here briefly, before leaving for Madras and then Africa. Even her mother may have limited ties here. She might have visited, but Kamala certainly hasn’t,” he said.

Krishnamurthy, one of the few residents proficient in English and Hindi, said he only learned of Kamala’s connection when she was picked as the V-P candidate. “After the media started asking us for comments, we read about her. Personally, both Trump and Kamala are equal for me. However, I’m happy if she wins due to this distant link to our village. Everyone here is proud, and supports her for that small link,” he said, adding, “I’d be happy if she wins and strengthens relations with India.”

He recalled how this connection was revived about 15 years ago when Dr Sarala visited the village and donated Rs 5,000 in Kamala’s name, which led to her name being etched on a temple stone. When Harris was chosen as Biden’s running mate, a villager noticed her name, sparking local interest in her lineage. “It’s a story that’s nearly 100 years old. Thulasendrapuram once had around 40 Brahmin families; now, it’s down to 10 or 15. If she wins, there might be some crackers going off — many still have leftover stock from Diwali,” Krishnamurthy said.