WASHINGTON, D.C. — Usha Vance, wife of Vice President J.D. Vance is Hindu—and she’s making sure her children grow up understanding that part of their heritage, even as they navigate life in a Catholic household.

In a recent interview with Meghan McCain, Usha opened up about raising her three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—in a home shaped by two distinct religious traditions. While her husband converted to Catholicism after their marriage, Usha has remained Hindu. Their children attend Catholic school and participate in the rites of the Church, but Usha stresses that baptism and full participation in Catholicism will be their decision to make.

“Our eldest, Ewan, has already chosen to be baptized,” she shared. “Vivek is still considering it. We want them to be thoughtful about their choice.”

Though the children are exposed to Catholic practice, Usha has made it a priority to pass down Hindu influences as well. “I’ve never intended to convert,” she said. “When JD became Catholic, we had long, serious conversations about what that means.”

While the Vances don’t formally celebrate Hindu holidays like Diwali or Holi at home, Usha says her children are connected to their Indian heritage in other ways. They read Hindu stories, watch culturally rooted videos, and most importantly, spend time with Usha’s family.

“My grandmother is a devout Hindu—she prays daily, does puja, and visits the temple regularly. That’s the exposure my children get,” Usha said. “We may not mark the festivals ourselves just yet, but my hope is to start—maybe even host a Holi party next year.”
@ India-West News Desk