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The U.S. census reports that Indians, the second-largest Asian ethnicity in the U.S., now number around 4.8 million, growing by 50% from 2010 to 2020
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This journey from small Indian villages to successful lives abroad is a source of national pride and hope, exemplified by figures like Usha Vance
In the quiet village of Vadluru, Andhra Pradesh, thousands of miles from the bustling celebrations of the recent U.S. election, residents gathered in excitement, hoping for the success of one of their own, reported AFP.
The village proudly celebrated the news that Usha Vance, a successful lawyer and academic of Indian descent, is the wife of JD Vance, running mate of Donald Trump. They see her success as a potential bridge to foster improvements in their homeland.
Usha Vance, born and raised in suburban San Diego, has deep ancestral ties to Vadluru. Her great-grandfather hailed from this village, and although she has never visited, her father, Chilukuri Radhakrishnan, reportedly returned about three years ago to check on the village’s temple. Radhakrishnan, a PhD holder, initially moved to Chennai before furthering his studies in the United States, where he built a successful life.
Villagers held special prayers for the Trump-Vance victory. Srinivasa Raju, a Vadluru resident, expressed joy, saying, “We feel happy. We support Trump.” The village priest, Appaji, dressed in traditional saffron robes, offered prayers to the Hindu deity Ganesh for Trump’s success. “If she can recognize her roots and do something good for this village, that would be wonderful,” he said, lighting a candle in hopes that Usha Vance might uplift their community.
Vadluru villagers aren’t alone in hoping for the influence of their famous descendants abroad. Across India, in Thulasendrapuram, residents take pride in U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother hailed from their village. T.S. Anbarasu, a community member, noted Harris’s impact, stating, “She is inspiring girls in this village to stay in school.” He added that if Harris ever visited, “we’ll treat her like the president of the United States.”
Like Harris, Usha Vance’s success resonates deeply with the villagers of Vadluru. Venkata Ramanayy, a senior resident, voiced pride for Usha’s achievements, saying, “Every Indian, not just myself, feels proud of Usha, because she is of Indian origin. We hope she will develop our village.”
For Vadluru, Usha Vance represents the aspirations of countless Indian families who have ventured abroad.
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