How Shyamala Harris’s spirituality shaped Kamala Harris’s conviction for public service and equality
Dr. Gopalan balanced a hectic work life while raising two daughters with deep cultural roots and a sense of purpose, despite juggling motherhood and a career as a single parent. Harris's commitment to activism and public service is influenced by her mother's ability to balance these responsibilities. Photograph:( Reuters )
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As a woman of the 1960s, breaking down boundaries was hard. As a young immigrant, she stood as a symbol of resilience and ambition, became a vocal supporter of equality and gained respect in a field which was dominated by men
As a woman of the 1960s, breaking down boundaries was hard. As a young immigrant, she stood as a symbol of resilience and ambition, became a vocal supporter of equality and gained respect in a field which was dominated by men
Kamala Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was a biomedical scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, whose efforts to isolate and characterise the progesterone receptor gene sparked advancements in oncology and breast biology.
Shyamala was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and was a pioneering cancer researcher and civil rights activist whose work still serves as motivation today.
Shyamala Harris' cultural beliefs
Shyamala was born into a Tamil Brahmin family and was brought up in Hindu customs. But, after moving to USA, she adopted a more spiritual rather than ceremonial approach
Bringing up her two daughters, Kamala and Maya, she imposed common moral values on them, such as kindness, justice, and empathy, without the strict rigidity of any ceremonial traditions as to the kinds of celebrations each rite warranted.
Thanks to her upbringing, Kamala Harris embraced the combination of diverse identities, with importantly honouring inclusivity and her cultural background.
Kamala's quest for equality and public service was shaped by the crossover between her mother's life as an activist, a believer, and a fervent devotee of the sciences.
Breaking barriers
As a woman of the 1960s, breaking down boundaries was hard. As a young immigrant, Shyamala stood as a symbol of resilience and ambition, became a vocal supporter of equality, and gained respect in a field that was dominated by men. Her professional and personal lives demonstrated her basic values of determination, commitment, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
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Values passed down to Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris has often credited much of her success to her mother. The Senator once called Shyamala Gopalan Harris "the reason for everything" and a powerful influence in shaping her views. Dr. Gopalan instilled in Harris the values of hard work and empathy, encouraging her to serve the community and champion justice.
Work-life balance
Dr. Gopalan balanced a hectic work life while raising two daughters with deep cultural roots and a sense of purpose, despite juggling motherhood and a career as a single parent. Harris's commitment to activism and public service is influenced by her mother's ability to balance these responsibilities.
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Beyond her immediate family, Dr. Gopalan left a lasting impact on society by paving the way for women in science and civil rights advocacy.
Kamala Harris is proud to continue her mother's tale, which continues to serve as a testimony to the strength of conviction and bravery.
