Indian Village Honors Jimmy Carter’s Legacy After His Death

CARTERPURI, India — A small Indian village named after former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is paying tribute to his legacy following his death at the age of 100. Carterpuri, located about 20 miles outside Delhi, was renamed in honor of Carter after his historic visit in 1978, when he and his wife, Rosalynn, walked through the village and connected with its residents.

The village, formerly known as Daulatpur Nasirabad, holds a special place in Carter’s history. His mother, Lillian Carter, lived and worked there as a nurse and volunteer in the 1960s. During his visit, villagers dressed Rosalynn in traditional attire and welcomed the couple with open arms. “Villagers dressed his wife in traditional attire … He (Carter) also tried out a hookah,” recalled Moti Ram, a resident of Carterpuri.

Preparations for the visit began months in advance, with the village spruced up and welcome programs held in its main square. The Carters’ humility and warmth left a lasting impression on the community, prompting them to rename the village in his honor. This week, upon hearing of Carter’s passing, villagers garlanded a framed picture of him and offered flowers as a sign of respect.

U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti acknowledged the village’s connection to Carter in a social media post, calling it a “testament to the high regard in which he was held here in India.” Garcetti shared a photo from the 1978 visit, showing Rosalynn laughing in traditional attire while Carter stood beside her, surrounded by villagers.

Carterpuri still treasures a letter Carter sent after his visit, thanking residents for making the event “successful and so personally satisfying.” The letter, along with photographs from the visit, remains one of the village’s most prized possessions.

Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 19, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. His legacy extends beyond U.S. borders, with Carterpuri serving as a poignant reminder of his global impact and the enduring connections he forged during his lifetime.