The village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu, known as the ancestral home of US Vice President Kamala Harris, is feeling a wave of disappointment as the 47th US presidential election draws to a close.&nbsp;

The village had been filled with hope, as many believed Kamala Harris might secure a win in the election. However, Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, leaving a sense of disappointment among the villagers. Many had been preparing for celebrations, including lighting crackers and offering special prayers at the local temple if Harris had won.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-star-is-born-donald-trump-next-us-president-praises-x-owner-elon-musk-in-victory-speech-773992">'A star is born,' Donald Trump, next US President, praises X owner Elon Musk in victory speech</a>

Earlier in the day, residents of Usha Vance's ancestral Indian village&nbsp;held prayers on Tuesday (Nov. 5), hoping the Republicans would win the elections. Usha is&nbsp;the wife of Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate JD Vance.

Usha's family is originally from a village called Vadluru in the Andhra Pradesh state.

<h2>Mixed emotions among villagers</h2>

"Just now I watched the result of the US elections. It is a little disappointing for us. Anyway, I hope that Donald Trump will change (his ways) and will not govern like he did earlier. Last time, when Kamala won as the Vice Presidential candidate, we celebrated. This time we had planned to celebrate more. But we have to accept the mandate," said a resident of the village.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-at-the-white-house-signals-a-strong-president-but-may-also-mean-a-weak-presidency-773990">Trump 2.0 at the White House signals a strong president but may also mean a weak presidency</a>

<h2>Hope&nbsp;for unity in the future</h2>

"If Donald Trump wins, I hope he is given the wisdom to lead us with unity. My hope is that he changes his ways and becomes the one who unites and not a divider. My expectations are different though. I think our country will be in chaos for the next four years," said Joy, a local villager.

(With inputs from agencies)

The village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu, known as the ancestral home of US Vice President Kamala Harris, is feeling a wave of disappointment as the 47th US presidential election draws to a close.

The village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu, known as the ancestral home of US Vice President Kamala Harris, is feeling a wave of disappointment as the 47th US presidential election draws to a close. The village had been filled with hope, as many believed Kamala Harris might secure a win in the election. However, Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, leaving a sense of disappointment among the villagers. Many had been preparing for celebrations, including lighting crackers and offering special prayers at the local temple if Harris had won. Also read | 'A star is born,' Donald Trump, next US President, praises X owner Elon Musk in victory speech Earlier in the day, residents of Usha Vance's ancestral Indian village held prayers on Tuesday (Nov. 5), hoping the Republicans would win the elections. Usha is the wife of Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate JD Vance. Usha's family is originally from a village called Vadluru in the Andhra Pradesh state. Mixed emotions among villagers "Just now I watched the result of the US elections. It is a little disappointing for us. Anyway, I hope that Donald Trump will change (his ways) and will not govern like he did earlier. Last time, when Kamala won as the Vice Presidential candidate, we celebrated. This time we had planned to celebrate more. But we have to accept the mandate," said a resident of the village. Also read | Trump 2.0 at the White House signals a strong president but may also mean a weak presidency Hope for unity in the future "If Donald Trump wins, I hope he is given the wisdom to lead us with unity. My hope is that he changes his ways and becomes the one who unites and not a divider. My expectations are different though. I think our country will be in chaos for the next four years," said Joy, a local villager. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's victory leaves Kamala Harris's ancestral village in India disheartened

Behind the smiles, as Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders at the UN General Assembly this week, will be one goal -- shoring up his legacy against a possible White House comeback by Donald Trump.

Countries around the world are nervously watching November's US presidential election amid fears that a Trump victory over Kamala Harris would bring back his hardline, isolationist foreign policy.

And as Biden makes his final appearance at the UN General Assembly in New York, after dropping out of the race in July and endorsing his vice president as the Democratic nominee, the 81-year-old is not taking any chances.

Viewing his presidency as a return from the brink after Republican Trump's four years in the Oval Office, Biden will be trying to make sure his achievements are, in the words of one advisor, "irreversible.”

From his keynote address to the United Nations and a major climate speech on Tuesday, to talks on the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, Biden will be trying to lay the groundwork for US alliances and leadership that could outlast Trump.

"When President Biden came to office nearly four years ago, he pledged to restore American leadership on the world stage," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with him to New York.

Biden would now use his UN address to outline his "vision" for how that should continue -- and to "reaffirm how this approach has produced results for the American people and for the world," she added.

His UN swan song is part of a wider attempt to burnish his legacy at home and abroad after a one-term presidency cut short when a disastrous debate against Trump fuelled concerns about his age.&nbsp;

In an emotional moment Sunday, on the eve of the assembly, former president Bill Clinton presented Biden with the "Clinton Global Citizen Award" at a surprise ceremony in New York.

<h2>- 'Irreversible momentum' -</h2>

Biden held a cabinet meeting last week to urge a "sprint to the finish" to promote his policies -- and to give any reflected glory to Harris in an agonizingly close election.

His director of communications, Ben LaBolt, said in a memo to White House staff that the administration should "put a stake in the ground for the future" -- and, in a clear swipe at Trump, spoke of how Biden had restored "decency and dignity to the White House."&nbsp;

With an eye on the history books, Biden is seeking to put his stamp on policy across the board.

On international alliances -- where Trump threatened to drop Western allies if they did not spend more money on defence and held summits with Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un -- Biden hosted the leaders of Japan, India, and Australia for a farewell summit in his hometown on Saturday.

On climate -- where Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris accords -- Biden wanted to build an "irreversible momentum behind climate action," his National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said Monday.

And on Ukraine -- where Trump praised Putin and has been distinctly cool in supporting Kyiv -- Biden is hosting a farewell meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Thursday to discuss more US support.&nbsp;

"The fact that we do have Gaza, the fact that we do have Ukraine and Sudan issues in our world, just underscores the need for that kind of cooperation," a senior US official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Yet the greatest prize of all -- the Gaza ceasefire that Biden set his sights on before he leaves office in January 2025 -- seems further away than ever.

Instead, the situation in the Middle East is becoming ever more dangerous, with the UN General Assembly likely to be dominated by recent Israeli attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, which have killed at least 500 people.

Biden "will address the Middle East, especially this very difficult year that we have all gone through" in his speech, the senior US official said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Behind the smiles, as Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders at the UN General Assembly this week, will be one goal -- shoring up his legacy against a possible White House comeback by Donald Trump.

Behind the smiles, as Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders at the UN General Assembly this week, will be one goal -- shoring up his legacy against a possible White House comeback by Donald Trump. Countries around the world are nervously watching November's US presidential election amid fears that a Trump victory over Kamala Harris would bring back his hardline, isolationist foreign policy. And as Biden makes his final appearance at the UN General Assembly in New York, after dropping out of the race in July and endorsing his vice president as the Democratic nominee, the 81-year-old is not taking any chances. Viewing his presidency as a return from the brink after Republican Trump's four years in the Oval Office, Biden will be trying to make sure his achievements are, in the words of one advisor, "irreversible.” From his keynote address to the United Nations and a major climate speech on Tuesday, to talks on the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, Biden will be trying to lay the groundwork for US alliances and leadership that could outlast Trump. "When President Biden came to office nearly four years ago, he pledged to restore American leadership on the world stage," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with him to New York. Biden would now use his UN address to outline his "vision" for how that should continue -- and to "reaffirm how this approach has produced results for the American people and for the world," she added. His UN swan song is part of a wider attempt to burnish his legacy at home and abroad after a one-term presidency cut short when a disastrous debate against Trump fuelled concerns about his age. In an emotional moment Sunday, on the eve of the assembly, former president Bill Clinton presented Biden with the "Clinton Global Citizen Award" at a surprise ceremony in New York. - 'Irreversible momentum' - Biden held a cabinet meeting last week to urge a "sprint to the finish" to promote his policies -- and to give any reflected glory to Harris in an agonizingly close election. His director of communications, Ben LaBolt, said in a memo to White House staff that the administration should "put a stake in the ground for the future" -- and, in a clear swipe at Trump, spoke of how Biden had restored "decency and dignity to the White House." With an eye on the history books, Biden is seeking to put his stamp on policy across the board. On international alliances -- where Trump threatened to drop Western allies if they did not spend more money on defence and held summits with Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un -- Biden hosted the leaders of Japan, India, and Australia for a farewell summit in his hometown on Saturday. On climate -- where Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris accords -- Biden wanted to build an "irreversible momentum behind climate action," his National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said Monday. And on Ukraine -- where Trump praised Putin and has been distinctly cool in supporting Kyiv -- Biden is hosting a farewell meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Thursday to discuss more US support. "The fact that we do have Gaza, the fact that we do have Ukraine and Sudan issues in our world, just underscores the need for that kind of cooperation," a senior US official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity. Yet the greatest prize of all -- the Gaza ceasefire that Biden set his sights on before he leaves office in January 2025 -- seems further away than ever. Instead, the situation in the Middle East is becoming ever more dangerous, with the UN General Assembly likely to be dominated by recent Israeli attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, which have killed at least 500 people. Biden "will address the Middle East, especially this very difficult year that we have all gone through" in his speech, the senior US official said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders as he makes his final appearance at UN

According to three people with knowledge of the situation, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has reduced the number of candidates she is considering for vice president to two: governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

US elections: Kamala Harris readies Philadelphia rally to introduce her running mate

This week, Vice President Kamala Harris will spearhead President Joe Biden's reelection campaign's official push to Asian American voters, which will include rallies in Nevada and Pennsylvania.

VP Kamala Harris to lead Joe Biden's new outreach campaign to Asian American voters

President Joe Biden's reelection campaign is launching its formal outreach campaign to Asian American voters, putting Vice President Kamala Harris at the forefront of the effort with events in Nevada and Pennsylvania this week.

VP Kamala Harris leads Biden's new campaign to reach out to Asian American voters

In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India. The room burst into an applause&nbsp;when PM Modi specifically highlighted the momentous accomplishment of Kamala Harris, who was elected as the Vice President of the United States.

“There are millions in the US who have roots in India and some of them sit in this chamber. One of them is siiting behind, who has made history (pointing to Kamala Harris). I am told that Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings full diversity of Indian cuisine here,” PM Modi said. 
 
Samosa Caucus, named after the popular snack, refers to a group of elected members of the US Congress having&nbsp;Indian ancestry.

<h2>What's the 'Samosa Caucus'?</h2>

Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the representative for Illinois's 8th Congressional district in the United States, had popularised the term 'Samosa Caucus' to describe the growing community of Indian-American lawmakers, commonly referred to as "desi."

This caucus includes notable individuals such as Ro Khanna, Pramila Jaipal, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera, all of whom belong to the Democratic Party. While the 'Samosa Caucus' is not an official caucus, the shared cultural identity fosters closer ties and facilitates engagement with the US Congress.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-at-us-congress-momentous-developments-in-another-al-america-and-india-607562">PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India</a>

Ro Khanna emphasised the importance of representation in serving Indian-American communities and working to strengthen the defence and strategic partnership between the United States and India. Similarly, Krishnamoorthi pledged to address crucial issues affecting the community, such as high-skilled immigration reform and reinforcing the US-India partnership.

Currently composed entirely of Democrats, the 'Samosa Caucus' aligns with the presidency of Joe Biden.

The 'Samosa Caucus' is just beginning its journey within the Indian-American community's political landscape.

<h2>Modi on democracy and free speech</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced inquiries during a press conference regarding the topics of free speech and religious freedom in India. A reporter from the United States specifically questioned the prime minister about instances of discrimination against minority communities and inquired about the government's efforts to enhance the rights of these marginalized groups within the country.

Also watch |&nbsp;First lady Jill Biden plans the state dinner menu with guest chef Nina Curtis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-us-first-lady-jill-biden-plans-the-state-dinner-menu-with-guest-chef-nina-curtis-607566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

PM Modi in his reply said that both India and America have "democracy in their DNA".&nbsp;

"We are a democracy...India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit and we live it and it's written in our Constitution," he said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India.

In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India. The room burst into an applause when PM Modi specifically highlighted the momentous accomplishment of Kamala Harris, who was elected as the Vice President of the United States. “There are millions in the US who have roots in India and some of them sit in this chamber. One of them is siiting behind, who has made history (pointing to Kamala Harris). I am told that Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings full diversity of Indian cuisine here,” PM Modi said. Samosa Caucus, named after the popular snack, refers to a group of elected members of the US Congress having Indian ancestry. What's the 'Samosa Caucus'? Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the representative for Illinois's 8th Congressional district in the United States, had popularised the term 'Samosa Caucus' to describe the growing community of Indian-American lawmakers, commonly referred to as "desi." This caucus includes notable individuals such as Ro Khanna, Pramila Jaipal, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera, all of whom belong to the Democratic Party. While the 'Samosa Caucus' is not an official caucus, the shared cultural identity fosters closer ties and facilitates engagement with the US Congress. Also read | PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India Ro Khanna emphasised the importance of representation in serving Indian-American communities and working to strengthen the defence and strategic partnership between the United States and India. Similarly, Krishnamoorthi pledged to address crucial issues affecting the community, such as high-skilled immigration reform and reinforcing the US-India partnership. Currently composed entirely of Democrats, the 'Samosa Caucus' aligns with the presidency of Joe Biden. The 'Samosa Caucus' is just beginning its journey within the Indian-American community's political landscape. Modi on democracy and free speech Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced inquiries during a press conference regarding the topics of free speech and religious freedom in India. A reporter from the United States specifically questioned the prime minister about instances of discrimination against minority communities and inquired about the government's efforts to enhance the rights of these marginalized groups within the country. Also watch | First lady Jill Biden plans the state dinner menu with guest chef Nina Curtis PM Modi in his reply said that both India and America have "democracy in their DNA". "We are a democracy...India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit and we live it and it's written in our Constitution," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PM Modi lauds VP Kamala Harris, talks about 'Samosa Caucus' flavour of US Congress

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States.

Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 4,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India ">US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India&nbsp;</a>

"At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. And today, we are determined to help India in its hour of need", Harris said in her remarks at the State Department's Diaspora outreach event on US COVID Relief for India.

"We do this as friends of India, as members of the Asian Quad, and as part of the global community. I believe that if we continue to work together across nations and sectors we will all get through this",&nbsp;Harris said.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $100 million assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In about a week's time, as many as six plane loads of COVID-19 assistance have landed in India.

The entire administration has been galvanized to help India in this hour of crisis. The White House and the State Department is coordinating with the corporate sector, which has mounted an unprecedented private sector relief for any country ever.

Indian-Americans have been raising millions of dollars and have been sending life-saving health care equipment and medicines to India.

Sewa International USA has raised more than USD 10 million, American Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin or AAPI have raised $3.5 million and Indiaspora more than $2 million, to name some of them.

In her remarks, Harris recognised the contribution of Indian-Americans on the issue.

"For years, diaspora groups like Indiaspora and the American India Foundation have built bridges between the United States and India. And this past year, you have provided vital contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you for your work," said the vice president.

"As many of you know, generations of my family come from India. My mother was born and raised in India. And I have family members who live in India today. The welfare of India is critically important to the United States,&nbsp;Harris said.

"The surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India is nothing short of heartbreaking. To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. As soon as the dire nature of the situation became apparent, our Administration took action", she said, referring to the steps that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to help India in this hour of crisis.

On April 26, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer America's support.

By April 30, US military members and civilians were delivering relief on the ground, she said, referring to the whole-of-government approach that the administration has taken to help India.&nbsp;

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States.

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States. Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 4,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. Also read | US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India "At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. And today, we are determined to help India in its hour of need", Harris said in her remarks at the State Department's Diaspora outreach event on US COVID Relief for India. "We do this as friends of India, as members of the Asian Quad, and as part of the global community. I believe that if we continue to work together across nations and sectors we will all get through this", Harris said. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $100 million assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In about a week's time, as many as six plane loads of COVID-19 assistance have landed in India. The entire administration has been galvanized to help India in this hour of crisis. The White House and the State Department is coordinating with the corporate sector, which has mounted an unprecedented private sector relief for any country ever. Indian-Americans have been raising millions of dollars and have been sending life-saving health care equipment and medicines to India. Sewa International USA has raised more than USD 10 million, American Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin or AAPI have raised $3.5 million and Indiaspora more than $2 million, to name some of them. In her remarks, Harris recognised the contribution of Indian-Americans on the issue. "For years, diaspora groups like Indiaspora and the American India Foundation have built bridges between the United States and India. And this past year, you have provided vital contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you for your work," said the vice president. "As many of you know, generations of my family come from India. My mother was born and raised in India. And I have family members who live in India today. The welfare of India is critically important to the United States, Harris said. "The surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India is nothing short of heartbreaking. To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. As soon as the dire nature of the situation became apparent, our Administration took action", she said, referring to the steps that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to help India in this hour of crisis. On April 26, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer America's support. By April 30, US military members and civilians were delivering relief on the ground, she said, referring to the whole-of-government approach that the administration has taken to help India.

COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris

The daughter of an Indian immigrant Kamala Harris has already created history. Kamala recently spoke about her childhood memories of her mother and her Indian roots. Watch report.

Kamala Harris's Indian roots: Immigrant's daughter to V.P candidate

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