Kamala Harris shares childhood memories of India with her grandfather on social media - "my grandfather took me on his morning walks, where he would discuss..."

On the occasion of National Grandparents Day, Kamala Harris took the opportunity to reflect on the deep impact her grandparents had on her life and values. Recalling her childhood visits to India, Harris shared personal anecdotes about the time spent with her grandparents, PV Gopalan and Rajam Gopalan, highlighting their influence in shaping her commitment to public service and justice.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's US Vice Presidential candidate, fondly recalled how her maternal grandfather, PV Gopalan, played a central role in her upbringing.During her visits to India, he would take her on morning walks where they would discuss significant issues, such as fighting for equality and battling corruption. In one of her statements, Harris remarked:
"As a young girl visiting my grandparents in India, my grandfather took me on his morning walks, where he would discuss the importance of fighting for equality and fighting corruption."

PV Gopalan had a distinguished career as a civil servant in India. He joined the Imperial Secretariat Service during British colonial rule, which later became the Central Secretariat Service after India gained independence. His life experiences and values greatly influenced Kamala Harris, instilling a sense of justice and civic responsibility in her from an early age.

Kamala Harris also spoke of her grandmother, Rajam Gopalan, whose activism left a lasting impression. Rajam was deeply involved in women’s empowerment and travelled across India to speak with women about accessing birth control, among other issues. Kamala Harris credits her grandmother’s dedication to social causes as another cornerstone of her upbringing:
"My grandmother traveled across India—bullhorn in hand—to speak with women about accessing birth control."
Rajam Gopalan's work focused on improving the lives of women, particularly in rural areas, and providing them with access to crucial healthcare resources. This example of public service has played a significant role in shaping Harris' own values and career path.

Kamala Harris traces her roots to Tamil Nadu, India, through her mother’s side of the family. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in Thulasendrapuram, a village in Tamil Nadu. Shyamala moved to the United States at the age of 19 to pursue her Master's degree and eventually became a cancer researcher and civil rights activist.
In 2021, when Kamala Harris was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States, the village of Thulasendrapuram erupted in celebration. The villagers set off firecrackers, displayed posters and calendars with Harris’ image, and distributed free chocolates in honour of her achievement.

As a prominent political figure, Kamala Harris is currently running for the US Presidency in the upcoming election, with Republican Donald Trump as her primary opponent. Her campaign has emphasised her commitment to fighting for equality, justice, and public service — values that were ingrained in her from her early childhood and familial experiences.
Also read | Blinkit order mishap that went viral: Man orders men's underwear, receives women's bikini briefs