Kamala Harris Honors Her Mother, Shyamala Gopalan, in Emotional DNC Tribute

In a poignant moment during Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris paid heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris. In her emotional keynote address, Harris described her mother as a “brilliant woman” whose journey and values deeply influenced her own path.

Shyamala Gopalan, born and raised in Chennai, India, made a remarkable transition to the United States at the age of 19. With an unyielding determination, she crossed the globe to pursue her dreams. Earning her doctorate by the age of 25, Gopalan became a prominent breast cancer researcher, making significant contributions to her field.

Gopalan’s move to the U.S. led her to the University of California, Berkeley, where she met and married Donald Harris, Kamala’s father, in 1963. The couple had two daughters, Kamala and Maya, before divorcing in 1971. Gopalan raised her daughters as a single mother, instilling in them the values of resilience and self-determination.

In her speech, Kamala Harris recalled her mother’s trials with racism and the challenges she faced as a person of color. Despite these difficulties, Gopalan remained composed and unwavering. Harris highlighted her mother’s teachings: “She taught us to never complain about injustice but to do something about it.”

Kamala Harris reflected on her mother’s impact, noting that Gopalan’s decision to defy expectations and follow her own path profoundly shaped her and her sister Maya. Harris’s tribute was a powerful reminder of Gopalan’s legacy and her role in shaping the future Vice President’s commitment to justice and equity.