VISAKHAPATNAM: For people of Andhra Pradesh, the visit of US Vice-President J D Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance to India was more than just a formal diplomatic engagement; it felt like a heartfelt homecoming.
As Usha was seen dressing her children in traditional Indian attire during their visit to landmarks such as the Akshardham temple Monday, many Telugu people felt an immediate, personal connection. Some even described JD Vance’s India visit as akin to visiting his in-laws’ place.
Meanwhile, amid the Vance family’s visit, revenue officials in AP started inquiries into Usha’s links to various parts of the state, including her 96-year-old grandmother, Professor Santhamma, who stays in Visakhapatnam. Santhamma said she was unaware of Usha’s visit till revenue officials from West Godavari arrived at her home to seek details about her relationship with the US Second Lady.
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“What is your connection to Usha Vance? Have you ever met her? Since JD Vance became Vice-President, have you or any of your relatives been informed about her visit?” the officials reportedly asked. According to sources, the inquiries were made to allow for any last-minute adjustments to Usha’s travel plans while she is in India. “Recently, some relatives told me that Usha enquired about my whereabouts. I was told she really liked the physics lessons I teach and the lectures I give (at Centurion University in Vizianagaram),” Prof Santhamma said.
“She praised my continued teaching even at this advanced age. Were AP part of her itinerary, Usha would certainly come to Visakhapatnam to meet me. I am proud to see our granddaughter in such a great position,” she added.
Residents of Vadluru village in West Godavari district, where Usha has some familial roots, also expressed their wish for her to visit the place. VS Raju, a local resident, said that the village is proud to see an Andhra girl rise to one of the highest positions in the world.
“Their family shares a deep connection with our village, so we humbly request that they visit us, especially now that they are in India,” said Raju. Satyanarayana, another resident of the village, recalled that “Usha’s family was into agriculture in the village about 70 years ago and donated land for the construction of Sai Baba temple”.
The Vance family will be in India till April 24, with plans to travel across various regions besides a meeting with PM Narendra Modi.
Usha Chilukuri hails from a scholarly lineage rooted in Saipuram village in Krishna district, with some later migrating to various parts of AP and the globe. Her family’s legacy dates back to the 18th century, beginning with the intellectual contributions of Chilukuri Buchipapayya Sastri. Her great grandfather, Veeravadhanlu, had five sons, all of whom were highly educated.
