Daijiworld Media Network - US

US, Oct 10: Indian-American entrepreneur and Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy made headlines during a Turning Point USA event when he addressed questions about his Hindu faith, underscoring the principle of religious liberty in the United States.

During the Q&A at Montana’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Ramaswamy engaged with an attendee questioning whether a Hindu could hold public office. Drawing on Article 6 of the US Constitution, which prohibits religious tests for office, Ramaswamy clarified his position as a practicing Hindu. He stated, “I believe there’s one true God – from the Vedanta tradition of Advaita philosophy…He resides in all of us and appears in different forms.”

Ramaswamy, identifying as an “ethical monotheist,” also highlighted the universality of spiritual principles, asking, “Do you believe in the Holy Trinity?” and illustrating that monotheism exists across different religions. He emphasized, “I’m not running to be a pastor, I’m running to be governor of Ohio. I didn’t run to be pastor of America.”

The candidate’s remarks came amid recurring scrutiny over his Hindu identity, particularly in right-leaning circles where a majority identify as Christian. At previous events in Iowa and New Hampshire, he has consistently defended his faith while highlighting America’s tradition of religious freedom.

Addressing criticisms that Hinduism is incompatible with American values, Ramaswamy quipped to the audience, “It’s okay. I’ve had a lot of harsher challenges than this one,” drawing applause. He stressed that he would not feign conversion to gain political advantage, stating, “I would speak the truth and lose an election rather than winning by playing some political snakes and ladders… I would never fake convert.”

Ramaswamy’s candid responses have reinforced his image as a first-time candidate committed to principled leadership, religious tolerance, and the constitutional rights of all Americans, while navigating questions on faith in the public sphere.