On March 18 President Biden signed an executive order aimed at expanding the federal government's commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in health research. The announcement, made alongside First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, marks a significant commitment towards addressing the underrepresentation of women in health research, encompassing vital areas such as midlife conditions, military-related health issues, and diseases that disproportionately affect women.
Kamala Harris, reflecting on the historic moment of signing the Executive Order to revolutionize women's health research, fondly remembered her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, "My mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a scientist who had two goals in life: to cure breast cancer and to raise her two daughters. As @potus signs a new Executive Order to expand and improve research on women’s health, I am thinking of her."
Today, Kamala Harris is a household name as an inspiration for many—the first woman, the first black American, and the first Indian American vice-president of the United States. But the real inspiration behind her thoughts, personality, values, and the person she is today is her mother, Shyamala Gopalan.
Shyamala Gopalan: Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Shyamala Gopalan is a woman of beliefs, a scientific researcher, and an activist. Kamala Harris, in her every campaign trail, often discussed how important this background was in shaping her personality. Once Kamala Harris conversed about what her mother told her about being 'first'—"Kamala, well, you may be the first to do many things—make sure you're not the last."
Shyamala Gopalan Harris was born in Madras, India, and embarked on a transformative journey to the United States at the tender age of 19. Armed with a fierce determination and a thirst for knowledge, she pursued her academic ambitions at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her doctorate in nutrition and endocrinology. Initially, when she entered the US, most Indian households didn't have phones. She used to stay in touch with her family through aerograms (handwritten letters), which took about two weeks to reach, but still, the family remained close. Gopalan's pioneering research in breast cancer would later revolutionise the field, sparking numerous advancements in understanding the role of progesterone and its cellular receptor in breast biology and cancer.
Strong Women Uplift Other Women
After receiving her Ph.D., she became a breast cancer researcher. From the University of Illinois to McGill University in Montreal, her work goes beyond boundaries, earning her international acclaim and recognition. Gopalan's tireless dedication to scientific inquiry not only advanced our understanding of breast cancer but also inspired countless students who were fortunate enough to benefit from her mentorship and guidance.
Beyond the laboratory, Shyamala Gopalan Harris was a passionate advocate for racial equality, a commitment she shared with her husband, Donald J. Harris. Their shared dedication to social justice brought them together during the civil rights movement, where they marched side by side, raising their voices in solidarity with marginalised communities. Gopalan's advocacy extended far beyond protests; she mentored students of color, counseled African-American women battling breast cancer, and instilled in her daughters a profound sense of civic duty and compassion for others.
She was known and admired for her work ethic and dedication. She led her life on the mantra, “Service to others gives life purpose and meaning.” Also, belonging to a family where political activism and civic leadership were running in veins, directed Gopalan to lead such an inspirational life.
Shyamala Gopalan passed away at the age of 70, but her legacy continues, and her values, leadership qualities, and ethics are very well portrayed by her daughters. In her political career and personal endeavors, Vice President Harris draws strength and inspiration from her mother's belief in justice and service to others. Whether speaking about healthcare accessibility or the ongoing fight against structural racism, Harris honors her mother's memory with every word and action, ensuring that her legacy endures.
As US Vice President Kamala Harris celebrates the signing of an executive order aimed at expanding the federal government's research into various facets of women's health, she takes a moment to honor the remarkable life of her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris—a woman whose remarkable achievements continue to inspire and uplift us all.
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