The family of Usha Vance, wife of Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance, is a testament to the power of education and the strength of Indian heritage.

From her 96-year-old great-aunt, Shanthamma Chilukuri, a celebrated professor in Visakhapatnam, to her parents, who hold doctorate degrees and teach in San Diego, academic achievement runs deep within the Chilukuri lineage.

Usha Vance herself studied at prestigious institutions like Yale and Cambridge, embodying the family's dedication to education. Her father and grandfather both studied or taught at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), India's top engineering institution. Her sister is a mechanical engineer, and her aunt a medical professional, demonstrating a consistent commitment to academic pursuits.

Family's Deep Connection to India:

While the family has made its home in the United States, their Indian roots remain strong. The family hails from Vadduru village in Andhra Pradesh and moved to Chennai when Usha Vance's grandfather, Ramasastry Chilukuri, began teaching at the IIT there. The IIT now honors Ramasastry's legacy with a student award in his name.

The Chilukuri family is deeply religious, with many members well-versed in ancient Hindu texts like the Upanishads and Vedas. Shanthamma Chilukuri has even authored a book on the Bhagavad Gita.

Usha Vance's Role in JD Vance's Life:

JD Vance, in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, describes Usha as a supersmart daughter of Indian immigrants he met at Yale Law School. She has been a source of support and guidance for him, including helping him reconnect with his Christian faith.

Usha Vance has a distinguished legal career, having served as a law clerk to Chief Justice John Roberts and later as an attorney at a prominent law firm. She recently resigned from her position to support her husband's political aspirations.

A Reflection of Indian Success Stories:

Usha Vance's story adds to the growing list of Americans with Indian roots who have achieved success in various fields, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and former Republican presidential hopefuls Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy.

The Chilukuri family stands as a testament to the values of hard work, education, and cultural heritage, a story that resonates with many Indians and Americans alike.