As Donald Trump secured a victory to become the 47th U.S. President, celebrations erupted in Andhra Pradesh’s Vadluru village, the ancestral home of Vice President-elect JD Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. Usha, who will now serve as the first Indian-origin Second Lady, has roots in Vadluru and Chilakaluripeta in the Krishna district, both known for their Vedic scholarship traditions.
The Telugu community in Vadluru marked the occasion with fireworks and sweet distribution, celebrating the historic achievement. Residents expressed pride in seeing a “Telugu girl” gain a prominent role in the U.S. administration, with one resident noting, “A Telugu girl now has official entry to the White House.” Usha’s family has a legacy of intellectual achievement, with ties to prestigious institutions like Andhra University and IIT Madras.
Usha’s journey to the White House holds cultural significance for many Telugu communities globally. Vijaya Oosuri from the Indo-American Association emphasized that her Telugu identity is a source of pride for the Indian-American community, which sees her success as a testament to Indian heritage. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages from Telugu associations worldwide, and many villagers expressed hope that “America Ammayi” (American girl) would soon visit her ancestral home.
Usha was born and raised in San Diego after her parents moved to the U.S. in 1980. Known for her accomplishments as a legal professional, she is also admired for her strong connection to her cultural roots. Her story resonates with the Telugu diaspora, who celebrate her as a symbol of Indian achievement on the global stage.
