25.91°C Vancouver

Jan 21, 2021 1:11 AM -

Indian village cheers for Harris before swearing-in as US Vice President

Share On
indian-village-cheers-for-harris-before-swearing-in-as-us-vice-president
Vice President Kamala Harris, husband Douglas Emhoff, former Vice President Mike Pence and Wife Karen Pence walk down the east side steps of the U.S. Capitol after the Presidential Inauguration in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (David Tulis/Pool Photo via AP)

People in a tiny Indian village surrounded by rice paddies have flocked to a Hindu temple, burst crackers and uttered prayers in celebration.

Locals lit diyas at native village of Kamala Harris' mother in Thulasendrapuram on the day of her swearing-in ceremony for US Vice Presidential post.

They watched on television as village descendant Kamala Harris took the oath to become US vice president.

Harris' maternal grandfather was born in the village near the southern coastal city of Chennai.

Harris, who is also Black, has often talked about her South Asian roots.

Harris entered her new office building for the first time in her new role

Vice-President Kamala Harris has entered her new office building for the first time in her new role.

Harris was joined Wednesday by her husband, Doug Emhoff, as she entered the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which houses the vice-president's office and is located near the White House.

The marching band of her alma mater, Howard University, helped lead Harris' procession.

She was joined by her extended family and held hands with one of her young grandnieces, who was beaming and wearing a fur coat meant to mimic one Harris wore as a child.

Shouts of "We love you!" greeted her as she walked along the procession route.

She waved at White House staffers gathered to watch and gave one final wave to the crowd before entering the building.

Latest news

AlbertaJul 14, 2026

Truck crashes into Edmonton apartment building, explosion kills one and injures several

One person was killed and several others were injured after a truck crashed into a three-storey apartment building and struck a gas line in north Edmonton Tuesday night, triggering an explosion and a large fire. According to preliminary information from emergency responders, the crash occurred at about 9:20 p.m. The truck collided with the building and a gas line, leading to an explosion and fire. Authorities said the truck driver died at the scene. Several people were taken to hospital with injuries. Officials have not confirmed the full cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoin
IndiaJul 14, 2026

Congress leadership discusses Punjab unit as speculation grows over state president's future

Senior Congress leaders held a high-level meeting on Tuesday to discuss organisational matters, including the party's Punjab unit, following Rahul Gandhi's return from an overseas visit. Gandhi met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge amid continuing reports of internal differences within the Punjab Congress. Speculation has intensified over the future of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. However, the Congress has not made any official announcement regarding a change in the state leadership. According to party sources, feedback submitted by Punjab Congress in-charge Bhup
death-toll-rises-to-30-after-bangkok-music-bar-fire-investigation-committee-formed
WorldJul 14, 2026

Death toll rises to 30 after Bangkok music bar fire; investigation committee formed

The death toll from a fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao music bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district has risen to 30, according to Thai authorities. Officials said Tuesday that 24 people remain in critical condition in hospital, while several other injured victims have been discharged following treatment. The fire broke out late Sunday night at the entertainment venue. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about 30 minutes. Police are investigating the cause of the fire and whether any negligence contributed to the incident. According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest the
CanadaJul 14, 2026

Two men killed in Toronto festival shooting were allegedly armed

Toronto Police say two men killed during a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival on Saturday night have been identified as 20-year-old and 25-year-old victims. Police also confirmed that two firearms were recovered from the scene as the investigation continues. According to a Toronto Sun report citing an anonymous law enforcement source, both deceased men were allegedly armed and were involved in the exchange of gunfire. The source further claimed that no innocent bystanders were killed in the incident. Connect Newsroom has not independently verified those claims, and Toronto Police have
BCJul 13, 2026

45-year-old man feared drowned in Okanagan Lake after falling from inflatable tube

A 45-year-old man is feared drowned after falling into Okanagan Lake while riding an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat, according to West Kelowna RCMP. Police said the incident happened Saturday afternoon when the man lost his balance and fell into the water. Investigators said he was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay afloat after entering the lake. According to RCMP, the boat operator jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the man but was unable to reach him. The operator was later rescued by another boater who was passing through the area. A dive team has been de

Related News