The residents of Thulasendrapuram, a small village in southern India, are gearing up to celebrate if and when Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, wins the presidential election. Harris, who has ancestral ties to the village, has become a source of immense pride for the people of Thulasendrapuram since she assumed the role of U.S. vice president.

Displaying banners and billboards featuring Harris's beaming smile, the village of Thulasendrapuram is embracing their connection to the Vice President. The maternal grandparents of Harris were born in this village, and the locals consider her a "daughter of this land."

Already having jubilantly celebrated in 2021 when she became the first woman, first Black American, and first Asian American to hold the position of vice president, Harris' run for the presidency is generating even more excitement within the village and the Indian American community. It's a testament to the deep sense of national pride that India and its diaspora feel as their economic and geopolitical influence continues to surge.

Chintan Patel, the executive director of Indian American Impact, a voter engagement organization, recognizes this as a pivotal moment. He states, "This is really a moment where in just about every sector of American life, we have found success. Now we are waking up to this idea that when it comes to the governmental space, our values are important too, and that they're American values."

Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born and raised in what was formerly known as Madras (now Chennai), the capital of Tamil Nadu. Her connection to India remained strong, and she instilled in her daughters the importance of understanding their heritage. Harris often mentions the influence of her mother's family and their visits to India, highlighting her deep connection to the country.

The villagers of Thulasendrapuram have shown unwavering support for Harris throughout her political journey. Celebrating her achievements during and after the 2020 election, they proudly held up portraits of her and set off fireworks when she was sworn in as vice president. Now, as she sets her sights on the presidency, the villagers continue to rally behind her.

N. Krishnamurthy, a retired bank manager and resident of Thulasendrapuram, expresses his gratitude for the attention their village has garnered, stating, "We are very grateful because this small dot nobody knew about has now become worldwide famous." Krishnamurthy has become a local expert on all matters related to Harris since her election as vice president.

Although Harris has not made an official visit to India as vice president, the support from her ancestral village is unsurprising. Her name is etched on a stone tablet at the village's main temple, commemorating a 2014 donation made in her name by a relative.

While Harris is the first Indian American to appear on a major presidential ticket, her candidacy reflects a broader shift in American politics. Several Indian Americans, including representatives Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, have risen to positions of political prominence in recent years.

The growing influence of the Indian diaspora in the United States, which comprises almost 5 million people, or over 1% of the total population, has the potential to sway elections, particularly in battleground states. With a significant number of Indian Americans residing in Georgia, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, their collective support could make a difference in Harris' bid to defeat former President Donald Trump.

Despite Trump's attempt to question Harris' racial identity, which mixed-race voters find all too familiar, the residents of Thulasendrapuram focus on their desire for Harris to fully support India. They recognize the importance of her South Asian heritage and hope that she will navigate U.S.-India relations with an understanding of the nuances involved.

While there is little indication that Harris, who has had limited involvement in India policy, would significantly alter the U.S.-India relationship as president, her ancestral village and the Indian American community remain steadfast in their support. As the campaign for the presidency intensifies, the people of Thulasendrapuram eagerly await the potential historic milestone that could further cement Harris' legacy as a global figure with roots in their small village.