Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100 after a prolonged illness. Known for his humility and dedication to human rights, Carter shared a unique and enduring bond with India. He was the third US President to visit India, and his visit left a lasting impression, as a village in Haryana was renamed "Carterpuri" in his honor.
Carter was widely regarded as a friend of India. He visited the country shortly after the end of the Emergency and the victory of the Janata Party in 1977. On January 2, 1978, he addressed the Indian Parliament, where he spoke out against authoritarian regimes and advocated for democracy and human rights. The following day, January 3, 1978, Carter, along with First Lady Rosalynn Carter, visited the twin villages of Daulatpur and Nasirabad in Haryana, located about an hour's drive from New Delhi.
The visit was so warmly received that the villagers decided to rename the area "Carterpuri" in his honor. During his presidency, the residents of Carterpuri maintained correspondence with the White House, symbolizing the strong bond between the village and the Carter administration. When Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in advancing peace and human rights, the village celebrated the achievement as if it were their own.
Carter’s legacy in India goes beyond mere diplomatic ties; it reflects his personal commitment to fostering goodwill and understanding between nations. His visit and the subsequent renaming of the village stand as a testament to his impact on the hearts and minds of the Indian people.
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