Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a global humanitarian, passed away at 100 in his home state of Georgia. Renowned as a transformative diplomat and advocate for human rights, Carter's legacy includes a unique bond with India that began long before his presidency.

Carter’s connection to India was deeply personal—his mother, Lillian Carter, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the late 1960s, bringing healthcare to underserved communities. This bond deepened in 1978 when Carter became the third U.S. president to visit India, cementing a friendship that extended beyond diplomacy.

During his visit to Haryana, the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad was renamed “Carterpuri” in his honor. This act symbolized the warmth of India’s people toward Carter, a sentiment that persisted even decades later.

Carterpuri celebrates January 3 as a local holiday to mark Carter’s visit. The village erupted in festivities when Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, reflecting his enduring influence. As president, Carter emphasized shared democratic values and cooperation, laying a foundation for stronger U.S.-India ties.

His leadership initiated collaborations in energy, technology, and counterterrorism, which later evolved into landmark agreements like the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Deal.

Carter’s vision for a world guided by moral principles resonated globally. His statement at the 1978 Delhi Declaration—“the moral values of the people must guide the actions of governments”—remains a testament to his ideals.