Supporters of US presidential candidate Kamala Harris participate in a special puja at the Dharma Sanstha Temple in Thulasendrapuram, Tamil Nadu, Ms Harris’s native village, on November 5, 2024. Photo Courtesy: SR Raghunathan
,Vetri Pera Vajathugiroam Thirumathi Kamala Harris” – read a caption in Tamil on a colorful vinyl sheet Thulasendrapuram – Native village of US Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris – I wish him a strong victory on the day of voting.
The village in Tiruvarur district in central Tamil Nadu, thousands of miles away from the United States, came alive on Tuesday (November 5) as Americans were all set to elect a new President.
Kamala Harris is a household name in Thulasendrapuram Exactly four years ago, she jumped with joy when she was elected America’s first female Vice President. And is the first South Asian American to be elected to this position. This time the expectations and hopes are even higher among the residents of the village who want to see Ms. Harris take the top position in the United States.
To fulfill their wish, the villagers offered fervent prayers at the Sri Dharma Sanstha temple in Thulasendrapuram, where special worship was performed to Sri Dharma Sanstha – said to be the family deity of Ms Harris’s ancestors. ,abhishekam‘ was performed and ‘Meetha Pongal’ was offered to the deity.Neevedyam,
Ms Harris’s maternal grandfather PV Gopalan lived inAgraharamTemple chief priest M. Natarajan (61) said, ‘In the village before migrating more than 65 years ago.
“Kamala Harris has her roots in Thulasendrapuram and victory in this election will be a victory for all of us,” said G, who runs a grocery shop in the village. Manikandan commented. A daily sheet calendar featuring Ms. Harris’s photo hangs in the front of her shop welcoming shoppers.
A calendar featuring images of US President Joe Biden and Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris, hangs inside a shop in Thulasendrapuram village in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where Harris’ maternal grandfather was born. Photo courtesy: Reuters
It’s not just locals in the village who are praying for Ms Harris on Tuesday (November 5, 2024). Sharon Sivalenka, an American citizen from Las Vegas and a staunch supporter of Ms Harris, along with two of her friends, who were visiting India, had come to attend the special puja after hearing about it. “We really want him to win, and he has a really good chance,” Ms Sharon said.
“We feel really proud of Kamala Harris because her ancestors were from the Tamil land. Their hard work will bring them victory,” said J from neighboring Pinganadu. was the response of Suthgar, who took the initiative to arrange a special puja this time too.
Thulasendrapuram local body representative Ms Arulmozhi Suthagar said, “Kamala Harris is a role model for all women and her victory will be a great moment for us.” Ms Arulmozhi drew a colorful Kolam in front of her house in Pinganadu, titled “Vanakkam America” and wished Harris victory.
During the event which lasted for about an hour, one of the locals outside the temple sang a song in praise of Ms Harris. ,
published – November 05, 2024 12:48 PM IST