In a historic moment at the Republican National Convention, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, soon-to-be Republican National Committeewoman from California, led the opening prayer on the second night, captivating the audience with a traditional Sikh ‘Ardaas.’
Ms. Dhillon took the stage just minutes before Senator Jeff Sessions officially nominated Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for the US Presidential election. She delivered the ‘Ardaas’ in Punjabi, explaining its profound meaning to the delegates. This marked a significant cultural moment as she highlighted the Sikh custom of wearing a headscarf for the prayer.
Following the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem, Ms. Dhillon emphasized the importance of faith and tradition, bridging cultural gaps with her prayer. Her performance resonated deeply with the convention crowd and has been widely discussed on social media. Ms. Dhillon, who describes herself as a ‘serious knitter, sailor, hiker, yarntrepreneur, and trial lawyer,’ has become a focal point of conversation for her unique contribution to the event.
This groundbreaking moment underscores the diversity within the Republican Party and highlights the inclusive spirit of the convention. The Republican National Convention continues to demonstrate a commitment to embracing different cultural and religious backgrounds, setting a precedent for future political events.
