Racist Response to Sikh Prayer at RNC Condemned by Rep.Raja Krishnamoorthi

July 20 :
Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian American congressman, has spoken out against the racist backlash that followed Republican National Committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon's performance of the Sikh prayer ardas during the recent Milwaukee Republican National Convention.
In the presence of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump—who was making his first public appearance since a shooter struck him at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, just missing his ear—Dhillon, a civil rights attorney and party leader, read the ardas. Following her performance, Dhillon was subjected to online harassment, mostly from members of her own political party.

Rep. Gurbir S. Singh of Illinois condemned the racist attacks on Dhillon as "totally unacceptable" and emphasized that racial and religious discrimination are unacceptable in the United States.

Regardless of her party's stance, the Democrat has long denounced bigotry against Indian Americans. The racist comments sent at Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who was a Hindu, were already denounced by him.

Dhillon defined the ardas and discussed its significance to Sikhs before commencing the recital at the convention. "I come from a family of Sikh immigrants, and I'm honored to share with you, my fellow Republicans and guests tonight, a prayer from my faith and tradition practiced by over 25 million worldwide." Before beginning a new venture, Sikhs recite the Ardas, a prayer that includes thanksgiving to God and an appeal for his protection and guidance in maintaining the values of service, justice, humility, and truth.