An unusual and heartfelt event took place at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Indian American civil rights attorney Harmeet Kaur Dhillon offered a Sikh prayer, or 'ardas,' for GOP Presidential nominee Donald Trump. This came just days after Trump survived an assassination attempt during an election rally.
Key Details:
- Harmeet Kaur Dhillon performed a Sikh prayer for Donald Trump at the RNC.
- The prayer was held after Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.
- The video of the prayer has since gone viral.
Dhillon, a prominent civil rights attorney and former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party, performed the ardas in Trump’s presence. The former President had been targeted by a sniper at an election rally in Pennsylvania, with the bullet grazing his right ear, leaving him bloodied but alive.
In her prayer, Dhillon reflected on the recent attack and the intense atmosphere it created. "These last 48 hours have been some of the most intense, yet more prayerful of our lives," she said, emphasizing the need for comfort and guidance in the aftermath.
Dhillon shared her pride in her Sikh heritage and its values. "I come from a family of Sikh immigrants and I’m honoured to share with you, my fellow Republicans and guests tonight, a prayer from my faith and tradition practised by over 25 million worldwide," she stated.
She explained the significance of the ardas, a prayer said before new endeavours, asking for God’s protection and help to uphold values like humility, truth, courage, service, and justice.
During the prayer, Dhillon expressed gratitude for America as a land of religious freedom and asked for blessings and guidance for the country and its people as they approached the upcoming election.
"Dear Waheguru, our one true God, we thank you for creating America as a unique heaven on this Earth, where all people are free to worship according to their faith," she prayed, asking for wisdom for voters and integrity for those conducting the election.
In her closing remarks, Dhillon thanked God for protecting Trump’s life and called for continued blessings for the nation.
This heartfelt prayer by Harmeet Kaur Dhillon at the Republican National Convention highlights the unity and diversity within the party, bringing attention to the shared values and the strength of religious freedom in America.
For the Indian and South Asian communities in the US, this moment underscores the importance of representation and the role of faith in public life.
#WATCH | Civil Rights attorney and Republican Party leader Harmeet Dhillon offers 'Ardas' at Republican National Convention, in the presence of Donald Trump
— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2024
(Video source: Republican National Convention/ YouTube) pic.twitter.com/RGktivZAua