GURGAON: A brief stopover at the most unexpected of locales has left a lasting mark on the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, which is now affectionately known as Carterpuri. This connection is shared through the memory of former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 30 at the age of 100 in Georgia, USA. His visit on January 3, 1978, during a three-day trip to India, would forever intertwine his legacy with that of this humble village.

Not long after Carter assumed the presidency, he made a significant detour from his scheduled visits, choosing to honor his mother, Bessie Lillian Gordy, who had previously volunteered in India as part of the Peace Corps. Thus, he included this village in his itinerary, marking an emotional return for him while symbolizing the enduring ties between the two nations (source: Indiatimes).

The day began with much fanfare as village residents prepared to greet the American leader. As he arrived alongside prominent figures, including then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, there was palpable excitement. Carter's program, originally scheduled to last only 30 minutes, extended well beyond an hour as he interacted affectionately with villagers, even sampling traditional dishes like ‘bajre ki roti’ (millet bread) and ‘chana saag’ (chickpea greens) (source: Indiatimes).

A special moment unfolded when a Haryanvi pagdi was placed on Carter's head while First Lady Rosalynn Carter donned a traditional ghunghat and chunri. Their playful exchange, with Carter lifting the veil, captivated the local audience, illustrating a moment of cross-cultural camaraderie. The villagers were overwhelmed by the visit, which they regarded as a historic highlight in the community’s memory (source: Indiatimes).

In a heartfelt tribute to the warm reception he received from villagers, President Carter later expressed gratitude in a letter from the US, stating: “Each of you helped to create a warm hospitality that I shall not soon forget” (source: Indiatimes). Following this visit, the Prime Minister proposed renaming Daulatpur Nasirabad to Carterpuri in honor of the president, a decision that was heartily agreed upon by the village panchayat.

The nostalgic narrative, though cherished, reflects the villagers' continued struggles, as they express that their challenges with water supply, sanitation, and security remain unaddressed, even after the fame brought by Carter's visit. Villager Attar Singh lamented, “Nothing has changed. We struggle when it comes to water supply, cleanliness, and security,” hinting at a profound disconnect between the past's momentous occasion and the present-day conditions (source: Indiatimes).

In sum, the legacy of Carterpuri has carved a unique identity for this village. Through a brief encounter with a significant global leader, Daulatpur Nasirabad etched itself into history, yet the village remains caught between the historical moment and current realities, prompting reflections on how it could thrive with continued support and development.