JD Vance and Usha Vance (AP photo)

A Telugu Bond, Rooted in Family

From Atheism to Faith: A Journey Through Hinduism

A Marriage of Worlds

A Soft Power Moment

A Broader Symbol

The Damaad Returns

Vice President JD Vance's upcoming trip to India is being positioned in Washington as another crucial diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering economic relations, identifying strategic partnerships, and reinforcing the enduring bond between the United States and India during a time of global uncertainty. However, for many Indians, particularly within the Telugu-speaking community, this visit carries a profound emotional weight. JD Vance is not just the Vice President of the United States; he is also a Telugu 'damaad', which translates to son-in-law in English. In Indian culture, this title is not merely a familial connection but denotes a significant cultural status.

JD Vance is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, a Yale Law graduate and a prominent attorney whose roots trace back to Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India. Usha is fluent in Telugu and deeply intertwined with her cultural heritage, marking her as one of the leading Indian-American women in conservative legal circles. Not only has Usha influenced JD's life on a personal level, but she has also played a pivotal role in his spiritual journey. For many Telugu families across India and the diaspora, Vance's visit feels intimate and personal; he is regarded as family, both by marriage and by sentiment. In a society where familial bonds often take precedence over formal titles, the fact that the second-most powerful official in America is connected to a Telugu family fosters a unique warmth and a profound sense of pride.

When JD Vance first arrived at Yale Law School, he described himself as an atheist. Having grown up in a working-class Christian household in Middletown, Ohio, his past was marked by challenges that often overshadowed any hope for faith. However, meeting Usha introduced him to a spiritual dimension he had not previously explored. Her upbringing in a devout Hindu family brought forth daily rituals, a focus on introspection, and a profound respect for dharma (moral duty), which began reshaping his worldview. The principles of Hinduism, emphasizing inner discipline, service, and balance, resonated with JD, who had spent much of his youth searching for meaning amid a chaotic existence.

Over time, Usha's gentle and quiet influence guided JD back toward faithnot as a rigid doctrine but as a personal voyage toward resilience and purpose. This transformation was not instantaneous; however, by 2018, JD Vance officially returned to Christianity, converting to Catholicism. He has spoken about his renewed faith as a foundational aspect of both his identity and his political philosophy. This spiritual renaissance took root in a home where Diwali festivals were celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps and where Sanskrit shlokas were chanted during prayer sessions. Remarkably, it was his engagement with Hinduism that facilitated his reconnection with Christianity.

When JD and Usha exchanged vows in 2014, their wedding seamlessly blended both Hindu and Christian traditions, representing not just cultural amalgamation but also spiritual openness. This union was a quiet yet powerful assertion: interfaith and intercultural marriages can embody deep respect and foster transformation. For JD, this marriage marked more than the beginning of a family; it represented a new moral compass. Ushas influence has anchored his public persona with a sense of service, community, and humility. Values inherent within Hinduism, such as seva (selfless service) and karma yoga (performing duty without attachment to outcomes), have subtly shaped his political approach, particularly concerning issues affecting rural America, working-class dignity, and economic justice.

As Vance embarks on this visit to India, accompanied by Usha and their children, the itinerary will be filled with state meetings, bilateral declarations, and meticulously arranged photo opportunities. Yet, the underlying essence of this trip will be distinctly human. In cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, the cultural interactionssuch as visiting historic landmarks, participating in traditional ceremonies, and engaging with local familieswill allow the Second Family to connect on a personal level, transcending the confines of political roles.

In Indian culture, the son-in-law holds a revered positionhe is celebrated, cherished, and presented with the best the family has to offer. Hence, many will perceive Vance's trip not merely as an official engagement but as a form of homecoming. His participation in Hindu festivals, involvement in pujas, and honoring Telugu customs in his own family life lend an air of authenticity to this perception. This visit transcends political theater; it reflects a lived reality.

Beyond the symbolism, Vances journey exemplifies a transforming Americaone where the Vice President can embrace Catholicism, was raised by a single mother in a working-class environment, and yet maintains a deep connection to Indian culture through marriage. This narrative serves as a quiet yet compelling testament to pluralism in the United States: a nation defined not by uniformity but by the ability to appreciate and honor differences.

Ushas presence in this story is paramount. She has not only influenced JDs spiritual pathway but has also intricately woven her Telugu heritage into the fabric of American political life. Her role within the White House, anchored in both Hindu values and legal acumen, adds a rich texture to the discourse of global diplomacy. Fluent in the cultural nuances of two distinct worlds, Usha is more than just a prospective First Lady; she is, in many respects, a bridge connecting diverse communities.

As the days unfold, Indian media will likely revel in covering every aspect of the Second Familys expedition: the visits to temples, the outfits they don, the bilingual exchanges, and the joyful interactions with local children. Yet, beneath this surface-level coverage lies a more profound narrativea recognition that this visit transcends mere statecraft and speaks to a shared spirit. Because when JD Vance sets foot on Indian soil, he will be welcomed not only as the Vice President of the United States but as a Telugu damaada man who, through love, education, and faith, has found a second home in a culture that is both foreign and familiar. In a world often fragmented by differences, this subtle intimacy may well convey the most powerful diplomatic message of all.