Who Was Shyamala Gopalan? Kamala Harris Remembers Her Indian Mother In Her Biggest Speech
Harris highlighted the profound influence her mother had on her life and career, reflecting on her journey from India to the United States and her remarkable accomplishments in the field of biomedical science.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris paid an emotional tribute to her late mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris, at the Democratic National Convention. Harris highlighted the profound influence her mother had on her life and career, reflecting on her journey from India to the United States and her remarkable accomplishments in the field of biomedical science.
Journey from India to the US
Accepting the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nomination, Harris began by expressing how much she misses her mother every day, especially at this pivotal moment in her life. She shared the inspiring story of her mother, who arrived in California at the age of 19 with a dream of becoming a scientist. Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris pursued a groundbreaking career in cancer research, particularly in breast cancer.
A Story of Love and Determination
Harris recounted the personal side of her mother’s journey, revealing how Gopalan was initially expected to return to India for an arranged marriage. However, her life took a different path when she met Donald J. Harris, an economist from Jamaica, with whom she fell in love and eventually married. This union led to the birth of Kamala and her sister Maya. Harris emphasized how this act of self-determination shaped their lives.
Maya Harris Reflects on Their Mother’s Legacy
Kamala’s sister, Maya Harris, also spoke at the convention, emphasizing that their mother’s journey embodied the American dream. She expressed how proud their mother would be of Kamala’s achievements while reminding her to continue working hard. Maya noted that their mother’s story is a reflection of the opportunities that America offers.
Contribution to Science
Dr. Shyamala Gopalan made significant contributions as a breast cancer researcher, with her work having a lasting impact on the field. Despite her demanding career, she managed to balance her professional and personal life, even as the family’s move to Wisconsin contributed to the eventual separation of Kamala’s parents.
Remembering a Legacy: Death and Reflection
Dr. Gopalan passed away in 2009 from colon cancer at the age of 70. At that time, Kamala Harris was serving as San Francisco's district attorney. To honor her mother’s memory, Harris traveled to Chennai, India, to scatter her ashes. She often reflects on her mother’s influence, describing her as the cornerstone of her achievements in her memoir, "The Truths We Hold."
A Guiding Force for the Future
As Harris stands on the brink of making history as the first female US president, her mother’s legacy continues to guide her. Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris’s spirit remains a source of inspiration and strength, shaping the course of her daughter’s career and life. Harris carries forward her mother’s legacy of ambition, resilience, and dedication to public service.