Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024. at the age of 100 years. A figure whose influence extended far beyond America, Carter left a deep legacy in various countries, including India. His visit to India in 1978, though a small part of his international travels, became iconic in the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, Haryana, where a lasting tribute to the former president lives. Here are some lesser-known details about Carter’s historic visit and the lasting bond he forged with the people of India.
A village was born in his honor
On January 3, 1978, Jimmy Carter, accompanied by his wife Rosaleen, visited Daulatpur Nasirabad, a rural village in Haryana. The visit was a symbol of Carter’s commitment to promoting peace, development and human rights around the world. The villagers were so touched by his presence and the attention he gave them that they decided to rename their village “Carterpur” after him. In fact, the gesture of renaming the village was so significant that they kept in touch with the White House throughout his tenure.
Cultural moments
During his visit, Carter experienced the warm hospitality and rich traditions of Haryana. A traditional Harian pagdi (turban) was draped over Carter’s head in a village chaupala. Rosaleen Carter was also seen wearing traditional Haryanvi clothing, including a dupatta used to cover her face, a custom followed by local women. In a light-hearted exchange, President Carter playfully lifted her dupatta whenever she lowered it to see his wife.
Carter wanted to “adopt” the village
One of the most poignant aspects of Carter’s visit was his proposal to “adopt” the village. However, then Prime Minister Marardi Desai rejected the idea, preferring to provide aid without formal adoption. This decision, according to some villagers, represented a missed opportunity. Despite this, many villagers treasured their correspondence with the White House, keeping photos and letters from Carter and his family as treasured keepsakes.
Carter’s gifts to the village
Carter’s visit left a tangible mark on the village. He gave the villagers a television set and laboratory equipment for the local school. For the people of Daulatpur Nasirabad, television has become a symbol of progress — the first in the village. Even school equipment contributed to the education of local children. The television set was placed in the Panchayat Bhavan where it remained a valuable resource for many years. The women of the village, in turn, presented Rosaleen Carter with traditional Haryanvi dresses.
The unique festivals of Karterpuri
The connection between Carter and the village of Carterpuri did not end with the visit. The villagers, in recognition of Carter’s contribution to their community, declared January 3 a local holiday. This tradition has continued each year, honoring not only the visit of the President of the United States, but also his later achievements. When Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, the villagers celebrated with a long party.
Carter’s personal connection to India
Carter’s ties to India went beyond this historic visit. His mother, Lillian Carter, worked as a nurse in Bombay (now Mumbai) in the 1960s as a Peace Corps health volunteer. Her experience in India is believed to have had a profound effect on her son, prompting him to connect with the country on a personal level during his presidency.
Read more about the death of the ex-president
When Carter’s death was announced, the world’s ears perked up. His son Chip Carter called him a “hero” who embodied the values of peace, human rights and selfless love. Current US President Joe Biden also expressed condolences and declared January 9 a day of national mourning in honor of the former president. Others who have paid tribute to Carter include incoming POTUS Donald Trump, current Vice President Kamala Harris and King Charles.
