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Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, often reflects on the profound influence her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, had on her life and career. In her 2019 memoir, The Truths We Hold, Harris wrote, “Mommy, you are the star of this book because you are the reason for everything. There is no title or honor on earth I’ll treasure more than to say I am Shyamala Gopalan Harris’ daughter.”
Gopalan, a prominent breast cancer researcher, passed away in 2009 at the age of 70. As per the report by the USA Today, despite her absence during Harris' rise to the vice presidency, her presence continues to be felt. “I think of her all the time,” Harris wrote. “Sometimes I look up and talk to her.”
Born in 1938 in India, Gopalan was ahead of her time. At just 19, she defied cultural norms by pursuing a PhD in nutrition and endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley. Her decision to move to the US was a bold one, especially for a young woman from a conservative Tamil Brahmin community. Gopalan’s determination to excel academically and professionally set a powerful example for her daughters.
In a memorable anecdote from her memoir, Harris recounted a conversation with her mother during her campaign for California Attorney General. Despite being seriously ill with cancer, Gopalan’s response to Harris’ concerns was filled with unwavering support. “Mommy, these guys are saying they’re gonna kick my ass,” Harris told her. Gopalan, lying on her side, rolled over, smiled, and said nothing—knowing her daughter’s fighting spirit would prevail. “She knew who she had raised,” Harris reflected. “She knew her fighting spirit was alive and well inside me.”
Gopalan’s legacy of resilience and social justice profoundly shaped Harris’ worldview. Harris often recalls her mother’s lessons, including the importance of not letting any situation get the better of you and the need to mentor others. Harris also highlighted her mother's advice on self-determination: “Don’t you let anyone tell you who you are. You tell them who you are.”
Shyamala Gopalan’s impact extended beyond her daughters. Earlier this year, Indian American Impact, a voting rights and advocacy group, created the Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris Award for Ally ship and Civil Rights in her honor. “Her legacy is a reminder that the immigrant experience is not just about personal achievement. It’s also about public service. It’s about giving back to the community, and building a path for future generations,” said Deepak Raj, co-founder of the organization.
As Harris prepares for the Democratic Party’s nomination for President, she carries her mother’s memory with her. “Kamala brought Shyamala’s ashes with her,” Gopalan Balachandran, Harris’ uncle, as quoted by USA Today. “We went to Elliot’s Beach in the Bay of Bengal to immerse her ashes.”
Harris' journey, deeply intertwined with her mother's legacy, continues to inspire many as she navigates her path in American politics
