Jimmy Carter’s Legacy Lives On In Haryana’s Carterpuri Village

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – India’s deep admiration for Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. President who passed away at 100 on December 29, is reflected in the special connection he shared with the country. In 1978, Carter’s visit to a village in Haryana led to it being renamed ‘Carterpuri’ in his honor, a tribute to his impact on the region. This gesture symbolized the bond between the U.S. and India, which continues to thrive today.

Carter’s visit, accompanied by First Lady Rosalynn Carter, was part of a broader diplomatic engagement. During his trip, which took place just after the removal of the Emergency in India, Jimmy Carter addressed the Indian Parliament, speaking out against authoritarianism and emphasizing the importance of democratic values. He said, “The democratic countries of the world will increasingly turn to each other for answers to our most pressing, common challenge: how our political and spiritual values can provide the basis for dealing with social and economic strains.”

The village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, located an hour from Delhi, was renamed Carterpuri in recognition of the warmth and lasting impact of the visit. According to the Jimmy Carter Center, the residents of Carterpuri maintained close ties with the White House throughout Carter’s presidency. In fact, January 3, the day of his visit, has been observed as a local holiday since then.

Poignantly, Carter’s bond with India also had personal roots. His mother, Lillian Carter, had worked as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps in India during the late 1960s, and her influence helped guide the visit. The former Panch (village head) of Carterpuri, Atar Singh, recalled the significance of the visit, stating that Jimmy Carter was insistent on visiting the village despite suggestions to visit others. “We feel as if a member of the family has passed away,” Singh said. He also mentioned that Carter’s mother, Lillian, had worked as a nurse in Mumbai, and the family had visited the village several times to propagate their religion.

The ties between the U.S. and India have only strengthened since Carter’s administration. Under his leadership, the two countries began collaborating on key areas such as energy, humanitarian aid, technology, space cooperation, and counterterrorism. In the mid-2000s, the two nations struck a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which solidified their growing partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences following Carter’s passing, calling him a “statesman of great vision” who played a pivotal role in fostering strong India-U.S. relations. “His contributions to fostering strong India-U.S. ties leave a lasting legacy,” PM Modi posted on X.

Also Read: Former President Jimmy Carter Celebrates 100th Birthday