WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Usha Vance, wife of Vice President J.D. Vance, is raising her three children in a unique interfaith household. While her husband is a devout Catholic, Usha remains deeply connected to her Hindu heritage. Together, they are raising their children to understand and appreciate both religious traditions.
In a recent appearance on Meghan McCain’s Citizen McCain podcast, Usha opened up about the joys and challenges of blending faiths at home. She discussed how her family navigates Catholic school, Hindu traditions, and the freedom to choose a spiritual path.
Usha and J.D. Vance have three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—who attend Catholic school. The children take part in Catholic teachings and rituals, but Usha made clear that baptism and full participation in the Church remain personal decisions.
“Our eldest, Ewan, has already chosen to be baptized,” Usha said. “Vivek is still considering it. We want them to be thoughtful about their choice.”
J.D. Vance converted to Catholicism after their marriage and the birth of their first child. Usha recalled the conversations they had about faith and parenting.
“When you convert to Catholicism, it comes with several important obligations, like raising your child in the faith,” she said. “We had to have a lot of real conversations about how you do that when I’m not Catholic, and I’m not intending to convert.”
Although Catholicism plays a visible role in their children’s education, Usha makes sure Hindu traditions are not forgotten. She introduces her children to Hindu stories, spiritual values, and cultural practices.
“I’ve never intended to convert,” she said. “When JD became Catholic, we had long, serious conversations about what that means.”
The family does not currently celebrate major Hindu holidays like Diwali or Holi in a formal way, but Usha wants that to change. “We’re actually hoping to have a Holi party and we’re looking forward to that next year,” she said.
Her children stay connected to their Hindu roots through family time. Usha’s grandmother plays a key role in this, as she is a practicing Hindu who performs daily pujas and visits the temple regularly.
“Their main point of access is through spending time with my parents and my grandmother,” Usha said. A recent family trip to India further deepened the children’s exposure to Hindu culture.
As the first Indian American second lady, Usha Vance feels a special connection to the South Asian community. She acknowledges that some older Indian Americans have expectations, but she views it as a source of motivation.
“I am pretty well attuned to feeling pressure when I meet with older Indian people,” she said. “That does give me a little bit of a sense of purpose.”
She also touched on the values of kindness and service that guide her approach to her role.
“Every interaction is an opportunity to show something about our country and to be a kind person to other people,” she said. “It makes it feel like an opportunity to sort of give something.”
Usha also offered practical advice for families interested in vegetarianism. Raised in a vegetarian household, she recommends a simple, balanced approach.
“I was raised vegetarian in a cuisine that already accommodates all of the dietary needs of vegetarians,” she said, encouraging meals based on beans, legumes, eggs, and variety. “The better way to do it is to have several smaller things on your plate… and to think about a meal in a more holistic way.”
Usha Vance is helping her children grow up in a home that respects both Hindu and Catholic values. She wants them to learn, reflect, and ultimately choose their spiritual journey. By doing so, she is not only honoring her family’s heritage but also setting an example for how faith, culture, and love can come together under one roof.
