In a nation that prides itself on diversity and inclusion, it is deeply troubling to witness the ongoing racial insensitivity and discrimination towards Sikh Americans. The recent incident involving Republican National Committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon’s recital of the Sikh prayer ‘ardas’ at the Republican National Convention highlights a disturbing trend that has persisted for far too long.
Incredible moment at the Republican National Convention as Harmeet Dhillon @pnjaban offered Ardas in the presence of @DonaldTrump . Proud to see the Sikh community's strength and representation! #SikhPower #HarmeetDhillon #RepublicanNationalConvention pic.twitter.com/nEV1GzjQGv
— Amandeep Singh ਅਮਨਦੀਪ ਮਿਂਘ (@singhaman1904) July 16, 2024
Harmeet Dhillon, a prominent Republican leader and Civil Rights Attorney, courageously shared her faith by reciting the ‘ardas’ in front of delegates and officials, including former President Donald Trump. This act of devotion, intended to bring solace and unity in a time of turmoil, was met with a wave of racist trolling on social media, primarily from her own party’s support base. This reaction underscores a pervasive ignorance and lack of acceptance that continues to plague our society.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi rightly condemned this racist response as “completely unacceptable.” As a Democrat and a four-term Congressman from Illinois, Krishnamoorthi has consistently spoken out against discrimination, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in America. His call for bipartisan condemnation of racial and religious discrimination is not just a plea for political decorum but a demand for the fundamental respect that every American deserves.
This is a translation of the ardaas prayer I offered last night at the RNC Convention. Sikhism is a monotheistic faith—we believe in one God, the same God other monotheistic faiths worship. I am deeply touched & grateful for the thousands of positive messages I have received. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/bn9vSisNU4
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) July 17, 2024
At times accused of siding with Khalistan extremists, Dhillon’s political and social stances have been polarizing. However, it is both shocking and revealing to see that the Khalistan bot army has not come to her defense on social media during this incident. This silence speaks volumes about the true intent of such self-serving, extremist movements.
The Sikh community in the United States has long been subjected to prejudice and misunderstanding. Sikh children, distinguishable by their turbans and traditional attire, have faced relentless bullying in schools. This harassment extends beyond the classroom, manifesting in public spaces and, as seen recently, even in political arenas. The ignorance surrounding Sikhism—a religion with a rich history of promoting values such as humility, truth, courage, service, and justice—fosters an environment where Sikhs are unjustly targeted.
Dhillon’s prayer, which invoked blessings for America and its people, should have been celebrated as a beautiful expression of faith and patriotism. Instead, it exposed a fissure in the fabric of American society, where racial and religious intolerance still festers. The backlash Dhillon faced is a stark reminder that the journey towards true equality and acceptance is far from over.
It is imperative for leaders across the political spectrum to unite in condemning these acts of racism and to educate their constituents about the rich diversity of faiths that contribute to the American heritage. As many pointed out, discrimination based on race or religion must be actively opposed by both Democrats and Republicans.
Moreover, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate the public about Sikhism and the contributions of Sikh Americans. Schools, community organizations, and media outlets play a crucial role in dispelling myths and promoting understanding. By fostering an environment of learning and acceptance, we can hope to eradicate the prejudices that lead to incidents like the one experienced by Dhillon.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
