Shyamala Gopalan: Trailblazing Mother of Kamala Harris

Early Life and Education

Shyamala Gopalan was born on April 7, 1938, in Chennai, India, to P. V. Gopalan and Rajam Gopalan. She grew up in a highly educated family and excelled in her studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Delhi in 1959.

Immigration to the United States

In 1960, Shyamala Gopalan moved to the United States to pursue her doctoral studies in endocrinology and reproductive biology at the University of California, Berkeley. She met her future husband, Donald Harris, a Jamaican economist, while they were both students at Berkeley.

Civil Rights Activism

Shyamala Gopalan was actively involved in the civil rights movement in both the United States and India. She participated in protests against racial discrimination and advocated for women's rights.

Scientific Career

After earning her doctorate in 1964, Shyamala Gopalan worked as a research scientist at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focused on the development of birth control methods and cancer therapies.

Motherhood and Later Life

In 1964, Shyamala Gopalan gave birth to her daughter, Kamala Devi Harris, who later became the first female Vice President of the United States. She was also the mother of Maya Harris, a lawyer and political commentator.

Inspiration and Legacy

Shyamala Gopalan was a pioneering woman of color who made significant contributions to science and civil rights. She was a role model for her daughters and an inspiration to countless others. Her legacy continues to inspire women and girls to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.