10.69°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

CanadaOct 08, 2026

Canada Weighs Next Steps as Foreign Homebuyer Ban Nears Expiry

Canada’s ban on foreign homebuyers is nearing its expiry, with the federal government considering various options for what comes next. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the government is looking at all aspects of the issue, including the current state of the housing market and how it has changed over the past few years. The ban was first introduced in 2023 as part of efforts to curb housing prices and was later extended for another two years. It is currently set to remain in effect until January 1, 2027. Reports suggest that higher interest rates following the COVID-19 pande
elon-musk-backs-independence-for-quebec-alberta-and-saskatchewan
CanadaOct 08, 2026

Elon Musk Backs Independence for Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan

Elon Musk has made his latest comments on Canadian sovereignty, appearing to encourage separatist movements in three provinces. Musk, who studied at Queen’s University in Ontario and has described himself as half Canadian, wrote on his social media platform X that Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate from Canada. He said he supports people who want to make their provinces independent. Musk’s comments came after the separatist Parti Québécois formed a minority government in Quebec following elections, with a promise to hold a third referendum on independence. In Alberta, resid
grain-laden-semi-truck-overturns-on-highway-1-in-abbotsford-causing-major-traffic-delays
BCOct 08, 2026

Grain-Laden Semi-Truck Overturns on Highway 1 in Abbotsford, Causing Major Traffic Delays

A major traffic incident has been reported on Highway 1 near Sumas Way in Abbotsford, where a grain-loaded semi-truck overturned. The crash forced the closure of several highway lanes, causing significant traffic disruptions. No injuries have been reported in the incident. Abbotsford Police and emergency crews attended the scene to manage the situation. Highway 1 was reduced to a single lane in both directions, while the westbound on-ramp from Sumas Way was also closed. Police urged morning commuters to exercise extreme caution while travelling through the area, use alternate routes where poss
CanadaOct 08, 2026

Conservative Motion Seeking Additional Diesel Tax Relief Defeated in Commons

A Conservative motion calling for additional federal tax relief on diesel has been defeated in the House of Commons. The motion called for all federal taxes on diesel to be fully suspended until July 1, 2027. It also sought tax incentives to increase domestic diesel production in Canada. The federal government has already extended a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on diesel until Jan. 31, 2027. The Conservatives argued that further reducing diesel costs could help Canadians save at gas stations and grocery stores because diesel is an important part of the transportation and
man-accused-of-threatening-pm-mark-carney-faces-lengthy-prison-sentence
CanadaOct 07, 2026

Man Accused of Threatening PM Mark Carney Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence

A man facing charges for allegedly threatening the life of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and making threats against him could face a lengthy prison sentence. Prosecutors say that beyond the threats against the prime minister, the accused is also facing serious charges including extortion, which could result in an even longer prison term. Thirty-one-year-old Jamie Da Costa appeared in court by CCTV on Wednesday, while his lawyer was present in person. His lawyer requested until October 13 to review the case. Da Costa is currently being held at the Calgary Remand Centre. He is accused of t

Related News