Usha Vance's ancestral village

In the village of Vadluru, India, Hindu priest Subhramanya Sharma prays daily for JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, and his wife Usha, who could become the first non-white Second Lady of the United States if Donald Trump is re-elected. The priest seeks blessings from a silver idol of Sai Baba, emphasizing the villagers' hopes for Usha's success. Usha's family, respected for their academic achievements, has roots in Vadluru, though she herself has never visited. Her father, Chilukuri Radhakrishnan, immigrated to the U.S. for education and has been a source of inspiration, reflected in Vance's memoirs and their film adaptation, Hillbilly Elegy. The local community expresses pride and support for Usha and JD Vance, hoping for a brighter future for their daughter. This story highlights the connections between Indian heritage and American politics, reflecting a broader narrative of immigrant success.