Chennai There was dismay on Wednesday among the residents of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu, the ancestral village of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to her Republican rival Donald Trump.

“She championed women’s rights. Her victory would have made her a role model for women in high office,” said S Arulmozhi, a DMK councillor.

The village in Painganadu, Tiruvarur district, had conducted special prayers at the Dharmasastha temple on November 5. “We had planned elaborate celebrations,” said J Sudhakar, a resident. “The plans included bursting crackers, distributing sweets, putting up banners across the village, conducting another special prayer and organising a community feast.”

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Despite the loss, villagers said they were proud of Harris’s achievements. “Our village is proud of her role in US politics. We wish Trump well and hope he works for global good,” Sudhakar said.

The village first gained prominence when Joe Biden chose Harris as his running mate in 2020, making her the first African-American woman and person of Indian origin nominated to national office.

“We just want the American President to maintain friendly relations with India and promote peace,” said M Krishnamurthi, a retired bank employee.