The grandmother of Kamala Harris, United States Vice President, was Rajam Gopalan. She was a determined, compassionate, and courageous lady. She supported women and wanted to help other people. Through her work, countless lives changed in India as well as around the world.
Quick Facts About Rajam Gopalan
| Full Name | Rajam Gopalan |
| Birthdate | 1915 |
| Age | Died (age not known) |
| Birthplace | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupation | Social worker, women’s rights advocate |
| Husband/Wife | P. V. Gopalan (Indian civil servant) |
| Education | N/A |
| Parents | Names not known |
| Grandchildren | Kamala Harris, Maya Harris, Balachandran, Sarala, Mahalakshmi |
| Children | Shyamala Gopalan Harris (mother of Kamala Harris) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life in India
Rajam Gopalan was born in 1915 in Tamil Nadu, India. She lived at a time when most girls did not attend school. Rajam never had the opportunity to go to high school. At age 16, she married P. V. Gopalan. He was a prominent Indian civil servant. He was employed by the government and assisted people during significant changes in India.
Although Rajam did not receive much formal education, she was extremely wise. She learned from experience and had a large heart for people.
Assisting Women in India
Rajam was deeply concerned about women’s health and rights. She noticed how many women didn’t know much about their own health or decisions. So, she began speaking with women about birth control and reproductive health.
She went to villages and towns quite frequently to talk to them. She used a bullhorn at times so that everyone could hear her. That was not typical back then. Openly discussing women’s health was considered being forward. But Rajam didn’t let that hold her back.
She also assisted women who were experiencing abuse in their homes. If a woman did not have a place to go, Rajam provided her with a refuge. She even confronted abusers and asked them to cease harming people. She thought all women deserved to be treated with respect.
Life Abroad in Zambia
Later, Rajam went to Zambia with her husband. He worked there for the Indian government. Even in a foreign land, Rajam did not stop working. She assisted local people and aided women. She never failed to make a difference, wherever she was.
Her strength and kindness were realized by many. She gained the reputation of being a people’s person and having the guts to speak out.
A Family of Change-Makers
Rajam and her husband taught their children to love the world. One of their daughters was Shyamala Gopalan Harris, the mother of Kamala Harris. Shyamala came to the United States and became a scientist. She researched cancer as well as the fight for civil rights.
Shyamala carried these same values on to her daughters, Kamala and Maya Harris. Kamala frequently speaks about her grandmother Rajam. She recalls how Rajam struggled for women and assisted those who needed help. Kamala states that Rajam encouraged her to work for others and fight for what was right.
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A Lasting Legacy
Rajam Gopalan’s work still matters today. She may not be in history books, but her actions changed many lives. She taught her family the power of kindness, courage, and service.
Her story shows that you don’t need fame to make a big difference. Rajam’s life reminds us that one person can help many—just by caring and taking action.
