Know all about Kamala Harris’ Indian side of the family

Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, has often been celebrated for her diverse background and the richness it brings to her public persona.

While her career and accomplishments as a politician have been well-documented, a significant aspect of her identity is her Indian heritage, which comes through her maternal lineage. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, played a pivotal role in shaping Kamala’s connection to her Indian roots.

Here, we delve into the influence of Kamala’s Indian side of the family and the legacy of her maternal ancestors, as Harris places her bid for one of the highest offices in the world.

Who was Kamala Harris’ mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris?

Kamala Harris, right, with her mother Dr Shyamala Gopalan holding a copy of The Bill of Rights, receives the oath of office during inauguration ceremonies  (AP Photo/George Nikitin, File)

Kamala’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was a remarkable woman in her own right. Born in Chennai, India, Shyamala came to the United States in the early 1960s for higher education. She pursued a Ph.D. in endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley, where she would eventually meet and marry Donald Harris, a fellow student from Jamaica. Their daughter, Kamala, was born in 1964.

Shyamala was not only a dedicated scientist but also an activist who advocated for civil rights and social justice. Her commitment to these causes and her work in breast cancer research were deeply influential and reflected the values she passed on to Kamala. Shyamala’s dedication to her profession and her activism significantly shaped Kamala Harris’s worldview and career, the VP has often said in interviews.

When speaking at event ‘South Asians for Biden’ in 2020, Kamala had revealed how her mom had instilled a love of idli in both her and her sister, Maya.

Who were Kamala’s grandparents?

In an image provided by the Joe Biden campaign, Kamala Harris, front center, with, from left, her grandfather, P.V., sister, Maya, mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and grandmother, Rajam Gopalan, in 1972. (file)

At the same event, Kamala mentioned going on “long walks” with her grandfather in Chennai.

Her maternal grandparents, P. V. Gopalan and Rajam Gopalan, were significant figures in Indian society. P. V. Gopalan was a civil servant and an advocate for social justice, and Rajam was a homemaker who played a crucial role in raising Kamala’s mom, Shyamala and her siblings.

Despite living in the United States, Harris has said that her mom ensured that she and her sister Maya had a strong connection to their Indian heritage. Her family celebrated various Indian festivals, including Diwali, and she grew up with Indian cuisine and customs that formed a significant part of her identity.

Harris’s story is a reflection of the American dream and the ways in which diverse backgrounds can shape and enrich public life.

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